NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program Pays Tennesseans More Than $15 Million

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program Pays Tennesseans More Than $15 Million

    FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid $15.1 million to Tennessee policyholders to repair flood damage from Tropical Storm Helene. More than 83% of these claims came from areas at high risk for flooding.National Flood Insurance Program policyholders with flood damage from the storm can submit a claim even if they do not live in one of the eight Tennessee counties eligible for federal disaster assistance. While tropical storms like Helene can bring significant flooding far inland, anywhere it rains can experience overflowing rivers, flash flooding and dam or levee failures. Just an inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage and most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage.The National Flood Insurance Program was created to provide financial protection from flood damage to property owners, renters and businesses through government-backed flood insurance policies. Federal assistance can only provide a small amount of funding, so having flood insurance can help you recover more quickly after a flood.In Tennessee, to buy a flood insurance policy, your community must participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Visit FEMA’s Community Status page for a list of participating communities. If your community is on the list, you can call the National Flood Insurance Program Direct Helpline at 877-336-2627, visit FloodSmart.gov and follow the prompt to get a quote or call your insurance agent to find out how much coverage may cost.
    kwei.nwaogu
    Wed, 05/14/2025 – 18:44

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Understanding Your FEMA Determination Letter

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Understanding Your FEMA Determination Letter

    Understanding Your FEMA Determination Letter

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    – If you applied for FEMA assistance after the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides, you’ll receive a letter from FEMA in the mail or by email

    This is your determination letter

    The letter will explain your application status and how to respond

    It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds

     If your letter says you are not currently eligible for assistance, this is not a denial

    There are things you can do that may change that decision

    Eligibility and Missing InformationYou may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance

    Examples of missing documentation may include: Proof of insurance coverage

    Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider

    Proof of identity

    Proof of occupancy

    Proof of ownership

    Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster

    How Can I Appeal FEMA’s Decision? The letter from FEMA will provide information on the types of documents or information that FEMA needs

    It will also include an optional appeal form that you can use

     Every applicant has the right to appeal a FEMA determination

    If you feel the amount or type of assistance is incorrect, you may submit an appeal letter and any documents supporting your claim

     You have 60 days from the date on your FEMA determination letter to send your appeal

    You can submit your appeal and supporting documentation:Online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, where you can create an account and upload documents

    In-person at a Disaster Recovery Center

    By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P

    O

    Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055

    If you have questions about your letter, or disagree with the initial decision, call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs

     You can also get help at a Disaster Recovery Center

    Find the center nearest you: fema

    gov/DRCRead more about your FEMA letter here

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Wed, 05/14/2025 – 13:12

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Company Charged with Aiding and Abetting Fraudulent Transactions Related to False Ethanol Sales

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –Today, Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the filing of a bill of information charging Plano, Texas-based MUREX MANAGEMENT, INC. (“MMI”), with aiding and abetting transactions that defrauded financial institutions, including the failed New Orleans-based First NBC Bank.

    According to the bill of information, MMI was the management company of an affiliate that engaged in ethanol marketing and logistics services. Additionally, Company A was the U.S.-based subsidiary of a foreign, publicly traded, company that operated ethanol production plants.

    According to the bill of information, beginning in 2013, Company A and its parent companies began to experience financial stress. In order to ameliorate cash flow issues and to manufacture additional financing for its debts, Company A initiated a strategy called “buy/sells” and targeted MMI to assist in this strategy. Company A’s plan called for both companies to create fictitious invoices purporting to be sales of ethanol between the two companies, which could then be sold as accounts receivable to unwitting buyers via a New Orleans-based online marketplace. This would provide cash flow for Company A and a profit to MMI. The unwitting buyers of these accounts receivable included financial institutions like First NBC Bank.

    The bill of information alleges that, between October 28, 2013 and September 18, 2015, Company A and MMI conducted approximately $1.2 billion in fraudulent “buy/sell” transactions, with MMI making a profit of approximately $6,073,049. Company A eventually defaulted on paying financial institutions for the accounts receivable that had been posted for auction by MMI. The defaulted auctions caused a loss of approximately $73,073,683.05 to First NBC Bank, and a loss of approximately $8,330,427.02 to a North Carolina bank.

    If convicted, MMI faces a maximum fine of $1,000,000.00, or twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss to any victim. It also will be required to pay restitution and a mandatory special assessment fee of $400.00.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the FDIC Office of Inspector General, Dallas Field Office, and the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, Houston Resident Office, that investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne of the Financial Crimes Unit and Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator, handled this prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA to Participate in Next Private Astronaut Mission Teleconference

    Source: NASA

    NASA will join a media teleconference hosted by Axiom Space at 10:30 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, May 20, to discuss the launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.
    Briefing participants include:

    Dana Weigel, manager, International Space Station Program, NASA
    Allen Flynt, chief of mission services, Axiom Space
    Sarah Walker, director, Dragon mission management, SpaceX
    Sergio Palumberi, mission manager, ESA (European Space Agency)
    Aleksandra Bukała, project manager, head of strategy and international cooperation, POLSA (Polish Space Agency)
    Orsolya Ferencz, ministerial commissioner of space research, HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit)

    To join the call, media must register with Axiom Space by 12 p.m., Monday, May 19, at:
    https://bit.ly/437SAAh
    The Ax-4 launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket is targeted no earlier than 9:11 a.m., Sunday, June 8, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    During the mission aboard the space station, a four-person multi-national crew will complete about 60 research experiments developed for microgravity in collaboration with organizations across the globe.
    Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission, while ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are ESA project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
    The first private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 1, lifted off in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. The second private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 2, also was commanded by Whitson and launched in May 2023 for eight days in orbit. The most recent private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 3, launched in January 2024; the crew spent 18 days docked to the space station.
    The International Space Station is a springboard for developing a low Earth economy. NASA’s goal is to achieve a strong economy off the Earth where the agency can purchase services as one of many customers to meet its science and research objectives in microgravity. NASA’s commercial strategy for low Earth orbit provides the government with reliable and safe services at a lower cost, enabling the agency to focus on Artemis missions to the Moon in preparation for Mars while also continuing to use low Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions.
    Learn more about NASA’s commercial space strategy at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-space
    -end-
    Claire O’SheaHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100claire.a.o’shea@nasa.gov
    Anna SchneiderJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov
    Alexis DeJarnetteAxiom Space, Houstonalexis@axiomspace.com

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chicago Woman Pleaded Guilty in Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Targeting United States Service Men & Women

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Chicago, Il., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today for her role in a wire fraud conspiracy that targeted United States Service men and women who had recently joined the military.

    Jetauwn T. Griffin, 31, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to a federal information charging her with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    Griffin conspired with others that sought to defraud United States military service men and women through the use of social media.

    According to the plea agreement, Griffin conspired with others that employed a scheme to defraud United States military service men and women. Service members who had recently joined the United States military were contacted through various social media platforms.  Upon communicating with each military member, a person within the conspiracy would use the information obtained from the social media platform and then contact the service member claiming to be a senior military official.  As a senior military member, they would tell each service member that they were receiving the wrong salary, and they were owed more money than they were being paid.  The perpetrators of the scheme who advise the service member that they needed to return their prior pay using a cash application and then they would receive the higher pay once the other money was returned.  If a service member followed these instructions, the members of this scheme would take the monies transferred and would never return any monies to the victim.  Griffin conspired with others in this scheme by taking the cash application transfers and conducted financial transactions that transferred the victim’s money to accounts that were accessed by all members of the scheme.

    Under federal statutes, Griffin is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: CPPCC National Committee Chairman Meets Zimbabwe National Assembly Speaker

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) — Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Jacob Mudenda, speaker of the National Assembly (lower house) of Zimbabwe, in Beijing on Wednesday.

    Wang Huning, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said the in-depth and friendly communication between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Beijing last year provided strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations.

    The CPPCC National Committee chairman said China is willing to work with Zimbabwe to strengthen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation and build a high-level China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future, guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.

    The CPPCC National Committee intends to make its contribution to the development of bilateral relations, he added.

    J. Mudenda, for his part, stressed that Zimbabwe firmly adheres to the one-China principle and hopes that the two sides will continuously strengthen exchanges at all levels, including government and non-governmental exchanges, and deepen cooperation in areas such as energy, culture and the digital economy.

    The Zimbabwe National Assembly is ready to strengthen friendly ties with the CPPCC, promoting the socio-economic development of both countries, said J. Mudenda. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Leaders of Belarus and Zimbabwe sign roadmap for strategic cooperation and partnership for 2026-2030

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    MINSK, May 14 (Xinhua) — Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed a roadmap for strategic cooperation and partnership for 2026-2030 following talks in Minsk on Wednesday, the press service of the Belarusian head of state reported.

    A. Lukashenko stated that the signed package of bilateral documents, based on the roadmap, takes into account all key joint projects in various areas. According to the Belarusian leader, the parties held very intensive and productive negotiations.

    “We discussed a wide range of issues, reviewed how the agreements already reached are being implemented, including during the visit to Zimbabwe two years ago. We identified new joint projects. At the same time, we paid special attention to the development of promising areas, including interregional interaction and industrial cooperation,” A. Lukashenko said and added that thanks to the support of the Zimbabwean leader, the two countries will more actively increase trade turnover, create joint promising production, and open new markets both in Africa and Eurasia.

    A. Lukashenko noted that Belarus is ready to assist Zimbabwe in creating a comprehensive healthcare system, supplying medical products and special equipment from Belarus. The Belarusian leader drew attention to the fact that his country can also become a reliable partner of Zimbabwe in the implementation of modern waste processing technologies, digitalization, peaceful use of nuclear energy, and cooperation in space exploration.

    In turn, E. Mnangagwa emphasized that the two countries have achieved success in bilateral cooperation. “The progress and growth that we are seeing in bilateral relations brings us satisfaction. We have indeed achieved success. However, there is a need to use these successes to move forward,” the President of Zimbabwe said.

    He stressed that Belarus had made a huge contribution to Zimbabwe’s agricultural mechanization program and food security. “We are ready to continue to mechanize and modernize our dairy industry with the support of our Belarusian partners. Zimbabwe is keen to make progress in cooperation on machinery production, as we will benefit greatly from this. At the same time, I believe the Belarusian economy can also benefit from this, because it will be present in Africa,” the Zimbabwean leader added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In Belarus, the profitability of sold products and services for the three months since the beginning of 2025 amounted to 7.6 percent.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    MINSK, May 14 (Xinhua) — In Belarus, for the period from January to March 2025, the profitability of sold products, goods, works and services amounted to 7.6 percent, and the profitability of sales was 6.2 percent. The relevant information was published on Wednesday by the Belarusian National Statistical Committee.

    Accounts receivable as of April 1 amounted to 92.5 billion Belarusian rubles /1 US dollar equals 3.01 Belarusian rubles/, including overdue accounts – 10.4 billion Belarusian rubles, or 11.2 percent of the total accounts receivable.

    Accounts payable as of April 1 amounted to 111.8 billion Belarusian rubles, including overdue accounts of 11.9 billion Belarusian rubles, or 10.7 percent of the total accounts payable.

    The data are presented without banks, non-bank credit and financial institutions, insurance organizations, budgetary organizations, organizations without departmental subordination with an average number of employees for the previous year of less than 50 people /with the exception of organizations that are members of holdings/. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary-General/Peacekeeping, Yemen & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Secretary-General/peacekeeping
    Peacekeeping ministerial meeting
    Yemen
    Security Council
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Lebanon
    Syria
    Syria returnees
    Deputy Secretary-General/trip announcement
    Somalia
    Haiti
    José “Pepe” Mujica
    Noon briefing guests – tomorrow
    Noon briefing guest – Andrew Saberton

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/PEACEKEEPING
    The Secretary-General is continuing his meetings in Berlin. As you know, he is in Berlin to attend the Ministerial Meeting on Peacekeeping. Right now, he is meeting with Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of Germany and they are just starting a press stakeout.
    Earlier today, he said that he is heartened by the exceptional turn-out of Ministers from across the globe, representing the full range of peacekeeping partners. Just to let you know that we have an update that more than 130 Member States were present and 74 Member States made pledges to support peace operations.
    The Secretary-General added that this meeting comes at a time when unfortunately, peacekeeping operations are facing serious liquidity problems. He called on all Member States to respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time.
    These remarks were made during a joint press conference with the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, and Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius. He noted that he is especially pleased to be in Berlin so soon after the new Government took office, and he looks forward to building on our partnership in the time ahead.
    Mr. Guterres also met today with Ms. Reem Alabali-Radovan, Minister for Development and Economic Cooperation of Germany. Tomorrow, he is scheduled to hold discussions with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of Germany, before he departs to Iraq to attend the League of Arab States Summit.  

    PEACEKEEPING MINISTERIAL MEETING 
    During the Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, the United Nations unveiled a new multi-year initiative funded by the Federal Republic of Germany to provide women troops deployed in Peace Operations with gender-specific protective gear, including ballistic vests and helmets. During an award ceremony held earlier today during the Member States’ gathering, Nils Hilmer, State Secretary at the German Ministry of Defense and Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, announced the selection of Fiji, Guatemala, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mongolia and Tanzania, to receive the equipment – in recognition of their commitment to the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy and the deployment of women in operational roles. The project, worth one million Euros in total, aims to enhance the performance, safety and security of women peacekeepers in complex and volatile mission environments and ultimately promote their participation in peacekeeping efforts.

    YEMEN
    Hans Grundberg, the Special Envoy for Yemen, briefed the Security Council this morning and welcomed the announcement on 6 May of a cessation of hostilities between the USA and Ansar Allah. He said that this step represents an important and necessary de-escalation in the Red Sea and in Yemen following the resumption, on 15 March, of US airstrikes against targets in Ansar Allah-controlled areas.
    He said that events in recent weeks, however, have also served as stark reminders that Yemen is ensnared in the wider regional tensions. The attack carried out by Ansar Allah on Ben Gurion Airport on 4 May, and the subsequent strikes by Israel on Hudaydah Port, Sana’a Airport, and other locations in response, represent a dangerous escalation, and the threats and attacks, regrettably, continue.
    Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, told Council members that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, and those most in peril are the country’s children. Half of Yemen’s children – or 2.3 million – are malnourished, he said, and 600,000 of them are severely so.
    Mr. Fletcher warned that Yemen’s 2025 humanitarian response plan is barely 9 per cent funded – less than half of what we received at the same time last year. These shortfalls have very real consequences. He said that we expect pipeline gaps as early as June or July – right when malnutrition numbers will peak.  
    Mr. Grundberg will speak at the stakeout once he is done in the Council and we will let you know when that happens.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=14%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoV4ApxYiYE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Peacekeeping: UN Chief urges stronger global support |Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    “Blue helmets can mean the difference between life and death,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged renewed global commitment to peacekeeping during the opening of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, warning that operations are facing unprecedented financial and political pressure.

    “My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment,” Guterres said. “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one United’s human family. That is what our peace operations are about.”

    Highlighting the symbolic and operational importance of the United Nations peacekeeping forces, the Secretary-General stated, “The UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.”

    Guterres pointed to several countries that transitioned from war to stability with the help of UN missions. “There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN peacekeeping, including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste. Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops,” he said.

    However, he also emphasized the human cost of these missions. “Through the decades, 4400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said, inviting participants to join him in a moment of silence.

    As part of a broader reform process initiated by Member States, Guterres referenced the “Pact for the Future,” which calls for a comprehensive review of peace operations. “The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep,” he said.

    He acknowledged the difficulties of operating in increasingly polarized geopolitical contexts. “We see increasing differences of views around our peacekeeping operations work, and then what circumstances with what mandates they should be deploys. And for how long,” he noted.

    Guterres also addressed the challenge of shrinking financial resources. “Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical,” he stated. “It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have and use them well.”

    Concluding his address, the Secretary-General called for continued Member State engagement. “Supported at every step by Member States, we look forward to your government’s support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together,” he said.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6sqSjouK68

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins The Daily Signal to Discuss Justice for Angel Families Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington, – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Tony Kinnett with The Daily Signal yesterday to discuss the Justice for Angel Families Act, legislation that would amend the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) to expand financial coverage for Angel Families – the immediate relatives of victims killed by illegal aliens, including in drunk driving accidents. This legislation would allow federal funds to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs, easing the financial burden on grieving families.
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview with Tony Kinnett
    Highlights from the interview include:
    On why we need to support Angel Families:
    Senator Marshall: “You know, for every Laken Riley, there’s dozens of other people that have been murdered by violent, illegal criminal aliens. A lot of them, again, is the DUI issue as well.
    “Those loved ones are often left with… funeral bills, with large hospital bills, as well. And this just helps a little bit of a bridge for that family. And to your point, to take responsibility that we didn’t keep our families safe.”
    On what’s next for immigration reform:
    Senator Marshall: “I think that the emphasis, to me, right now is ‘Promises made, promises kept.’ If President Trump was in this conversation today, right now, he would say, and he has looked at me more than once, said, ‘Roger, I campaigned – No. 1 – more than anything else, more than the economy, was securing the border and making your family safe.’
    “Now, we need legislation, and I have confidence in President Donald Trump. Maybe in the third or fourth year we could go back and fix our broken immigration system. But in the meantime, part of this big, ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ is $50 billion to finish the wall. And then beyond that there’s another $50 billion for raises for our Border Patrol and bonuses… as well.”
    On codifying President Donald Trump’s executive orders:
    Senator Marshall: “We rescinded… major orders, regulatory orders of Joe Biden, rolling back regulations, helping set American energy free, help setting American business free as well.
    “So, that’s one thing that we have done. Rescission packages are the other opportunity…. What the Department of Government Efficiency work has done here, to turn that into law, it takes a rescission package. The White House has to initiate it. It only takes 50 votes as well. And then beyond that, let’s see.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: $190M Raised: Canada’s Top 20 Moonshot Ventures™ of 2025 Unveiled After Closed-Door NACO Showcase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Canada’s most promising early-stage companies officially unveiled today following a closed-door showcase at the NACO Summit, with ventures spanning AI, cleantech, healthtech, and space.

    OTTAWA, Ontario, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) today unveiled Canada’s Top 20 Moonshot Ventures™ of 2025—emerging companies led by bold entrepreneurs building transformative solutions across sectors.

    These ventures were selected through a rigorous, member-driven process. NACO invited its 100 member organizations—Canada’s leading angel groups, incubators, accelerators and early-stage venture capital funds—to each nominate one high-potential company. From this curated pool, 23 ventures were selected by NACO’s investment committee to take the Moonshots Stage™ at a closed-door NACO showcase held at the National Arts Centre during NACO Summit 2025. The audience featured top-tier angel investors, venture capitalists, and senior corporate leaders.

    “Ontario’s future depends on entrepreneurs, risk takers, and the investors who believe in them” said Premier Doug Ford, “That’s what makes events like this so important. As we face global economic uncertainty, Ontario’s innovators are leading the way, building new companies and creating jobs.”

    Collectively, the selected Moonshots companies have raised over $190 million to date. They represent the future of Canadian innovation—driving breakthroughs in AI, cleantech, healthtech, space, deeptech, consumer products, and more. Founders hailed from across the country, with companies based in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. The 2025 Moonshots cohort includes founders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and regions—reflecting the inclusive strength and geographic breadth of Canada’s innovation economy.

    “These founders represent the bold ideas, entrepreneurial drive, and global ambition within Canada’s innovation economy,” said Claudio Rojas, CEO of NACO. “The Moonshots Venture Showcase is designed to elevate the country’s most promising ventures by connecting them with the capital and networks they need to scale. We are proud to spotlight these exceptional companies as they take bold steps toward transformative growth and impact.”

    Top 20 Moonshots Stage™ Ventures of 2025

    Organized by sector and listed alphabetically

    AI & Next Gen Computing

    • Dreamwell AI — Co-Founder and CEO Kazzy Khazaal (Nominated by Panache Ventures)
    • Inner Logic — Co-Founder and CEO Bryce Tully (Nominated by Maple Leaf Angels)

    AI & Bioelectronics

    • Panaxium — Founder and CEO Brad Schmidt (Nominated by Brampton Angels / Altitude Accelerator)

    Cleantech

    • BluWave-ai — Founder and CEO Devashish Paul (Nominated by Capital Angel Network)
    • Evercloak — Co-Founder and CEO Evelyn Allen (Nominated by Capital Angel Network)

    Cleantech & Trade

    • PemPem — Founder and CEO Joann de Zegher (Nominated by Anges Quebec)

    Consumer Packaged Goods & Retail

    • The Little Cacao Co. — Founder and CEO Suzie Yorke (Nominated by Maple Leaf Angels)

    Enterprise, Software, & Deeptech

    • Cinareo — Co-Founder and CEO Karen Elliott (Nominated by SheBoot)
    • Depix AI — Founder and CEO Philip Lunn (Nominated by TandemLaunch)
    • H2 Analytics — Founder and CEO Hugo Hodgett (Nominated by Invest Ottawa)

    Healthtech & Biotech

    • Arbutus Medical — Founder and CEO Lawrence Buchan (Nominated by ThresholdImpact)
    • Hyivy Health — Founder and CEO Rachel Bartholomew (Nominated by Women’s Equity Lab)
    • JVP Labs — Founder and CEO Paul Weber (Nominated by Golden Triangle Angel Network)
    • mDetect — Founder and CDO Dr. Irsa Wiginton (Nominated by KNDL, Kingston Economic Development Corporation)
    • MedInclude — Founder and CEO Seun Adetunji (Nominated by Communitech)
    • Sparrow Bio — Founder and VP Rachel Collier (Nominated by The Firehood)
    • Zilia — Founder and CEO Dr. Patrick Sauvageau (Nominated by Anges Quebec)

    Insurtech, Femtech, & AI

    • Flora Fertility — Co-Founder and CEO Laura McDonald (Nominated by Highline Beta)

    Robotics, IoT, and Hardware

    • Solace Power — Founder, COO and CFO Colin Ryan

    Space, Mining, and Oceans

    • Mission Control Space Services — Founder and CEO Ewan Reid (Nominated by GreenSky President’s Club)
    • Open Ocean Robotics — Founder and CEO Julie Angus (Nominated by Spring Activator)

    Supply Chain / Inventory Management

    • Moselle — Founder and CEO Lakhveer Jajj (Nominated by Highline Beta, Angel One Investor Network)

    Travel & Media

    • The Hotel Communication Network — Founder and CEO Kevin Bidner (Nominated by Keiretsu Forum Canada)

    About the Nominating Organizations

    Canada’s Top 20 Moonshots Ventures™ of 2025 are shaped by the insight and leadership of NACO’s national member network. These organizations—spanning angel groups, accelerators, incubators, and innovation hubs—play a vital role in identifying Canada’s most promising early-stage ventures.

    Each year, members are invited to nominate one high-potential Seed or Series A company they believe is ready for scale. This peer-driven process creates a national filter rooted in trust, experience, and proximity to innovation on the ground. The result is a curated group of ventures with strong traction, compelling leadership, and global ambition—brought together to engage with the country’s most sophisticated investors at the Moonshots Venture Showcase.

    About the Moonshots Stage™

    Launched in 2022, the Moonshots Stage™ is Canada’s premier platform for investment-ready Seed and Series A ventures. Unlike traditional pitch events, this showcase puts storytelling front and center—each founder delivers a personal, TED-style presentation designed to spark connection and catalyze opportunity with one of the most curated investor audiences in the country.

    Selected companies join the Moonshots Alumni Network™, a national peer community of ventures recognized for innovation, ambition, and global potential. It is a key pillar of NACO Summit, Canada’s most exclusive gathering of early-stage investors and innovation leaders.

    Learn more at nacosummit.com

    Media Contact:

    media@nacocanada.com / www.nacocanada.com

    About National Angel Capital Organization (NACO)

    Established in 2002, NACO is Canada’s professional association representing over 4,000 angel investors, serving as the national umbrella for more than 100 member organizations—including angel groups, venture funds, incubators, and accelerators. Collectively, NACO members have invested more than CAD $1.8 billion into over 2,000 Canadian ventures.

    Angel investors are individuals and funds deploying capital at the earliest stages of growth. They include limited partners (LPs) investing in venture funds, family offices backing pre-seed and seed-stage ventures, and individuals investing directly or through angel groups.

    High-growth companies backed by angel investment that went on to achieve significant global scale include Slack (British Columbia), Verafin (Newfoundland and Labrador), Wealthsimple (Ontario), Hopper (Québec), and Jobber and Neo Financial (Alberta). Recent standouts include CoLab (NL) and 7shifts (Saskatchewan). These successes illustrate how angel investment drives Canada’s pipeline of innovative ventures, fueling future global success stories.

    Learn more at nacocanada.com

    For media inquiries, contact:
    Claudio Rojas, CEO, National Angel Capital Organization
    Email: media@nacocanada.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05dbaabe-343b-48f0-981f-6280c5881a57

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Trade and Gender Group discusses new work programme, potential MC14 outcomes

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Trade and Gender Group discusses new work programme, potential MC14 outcomes

    The co-Chairs of the Informal Working Group (IWG), Ambassador Clara Delgado of Cabo Verde, Ambassador Patricia Benedetti of El Salvador and Ambassador Simon Manley of the United Kingdom, reported on the consultations held with members to shape the Group’s priorities ahead of MC14. They highlighted the importance of agreeing on the Work Plan for 2025-26, which will help identify practical ways to move the substantive work of the IWG forward.
    Key themes raised by members included gender-disaggregated trade data, digitalization as a tool for women’s empowerment, support for women entrepreneurs, and mainstreaming gender issues across WTO bodies. Members also called for continued collaboration with other international organizations. A draft work plan will be finalized in the coming weeks.
    International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade
    The WTO launched the second edition of the International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade, which recognizes impactful gender-responsive trade policies. The deadline for applications has been extended to 15 May, with eight submissions received so far. Winners will be announced in June 2025, with further details on the award ceremony to follow. The Prize, first introduced to mark International Women’s Day in 2024, will now be awarded annually, following a decision made by the IWG in November 2024.
    WEIDE Fund
    The WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) provided an update on the implementation of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund. Launched at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in February 2024, the Fund has raised USD 22 million in donations and pledges, aiming to bridge resource and skills gaps for women-led businesses in the digital economy.
    The Fund targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and offers grants of up to USD 30,000, alongside technical support, to enhance digital competence and market access. The Fund aims to foster growth in digital skills and financial readiness, with a focus on empowering women entrepreneurs globally.
    With applications now open for women entrepreneurs, the initiative has already selected four business support organizations (BSOs), following a competitive call for proposals, to help administer grants in four countries: Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia and Nigeria. Over 2,000 applications have been received from all four countries following a call launched on 22 April 2025.
    Presentations
    The Dominican Republic presented progress and lessons learned from its gender-responsive programme ProDominicana, supporting women exporters since 2020. Key initiatives include a national plan for export promotion, gender equality policies, and the development of a platform to track women-led export businesses.
    ProDominicana organizes annual events, such as Women in Export meetings, fostering partnerships and expanding business-to-business (B2B) opportunities. It has also launched a comprehensive institutional strategy to strengthen women’s participation in exports, with collaboration from government bodies, women’s associations and international partners. Additionally, ProDominicana provides training programmes with a focus on export and trade development, which have benefitted hundreds of women.
    These initiatives reflect the Dominican Republic’s commitment to promoting gender equality and enhancing opportunities for women entrepreneurs. For this purpose, ProDominicana has been working with ITC on various projects including the SheTrades Hub and the WEIDE Fund.
    The Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) updated members about its work on data on women involved in trade in Central America, noting the importance of women’s participation in economic activities. Central America has made strides in integrating gender into trade agreements, with policies promoting gender equality and specific measures supporting women in e-commerce and access to financing.
    The region’s population is predominantly female, and efforts are focused on reducing gender gaps, particularly in leadership roles within businesses and political participation. The need for better gender-disaggregated data and more support for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields was underlined. The region’s gender equality policy emphasizes democratic security, economic integration, and the need for continued efforts to ensure women’s participation in decision-making processes.
    The WTO Secretariat informed the IWG that due to budgetary constraints, the length of the second edition of the World Trade Congress on Gender has been adjusted. In this regard, there will be a one-day symposium organized back-to-back with the next IWG meeting in July. A programme will be communicated in due course.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Looking for mental health or wellness advice in a book? Check the author’s credentials first

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Joanna Pozzulo, Chancellor’s Professor, Psychology, Carleton University

    Not all the suggestions provided in self-help books are evidence-based or written by professionals with advanced training in psychology or have a medical degree. (Shutterstock)

    Self-help books are a mainstay of the non-fiction market. According to a 2022 study by BookNet Canada, self-help titles account for 17 per cent of non-fiction book sales.

    Some of these books can go on to sell millions of copies, but popularity doesn’t always equal credibility. Achieving bestseller status can reflect effective marketing campaigns, a large social media following or the appeal of personal storytelling rather than academic or clinical credentials.

    To better understand the current self-help landscape, my graduate student and I are reviewing New York Times bestsellers under the “Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous” category, which includes self-help books.

    Our preliminary analysis for April 2025 identified 22 relevant books, with only three written by authors with advanced training in psychology or medicine:

    This isn’t a new issue. A 2008 study examining 50 top-selling books directed at anxiety, depression and trauma found that more than half contained strategies that were not supported by evidence.

    Can self-help books help? It depends

    The effectiveness of a self-help book depends largely on the quality of its content and how it is used by readers.

    Books that draw on peer-reviewed research are more likely to offer reliable, evidence-based strategies for improving well-being.

    Peer review is a process in academic publishing where experts in a given field vet a research study’s quality before it’s published. This process helps ensure the research is of high quality and adheres to the standards of the discipline.



    Read more:
    Explainer: what is peer review?

    Evidence-based books are ones that rely on peer-reviewed research to support their claims and suggestions for improved well-being. Having psychological science make its way to the general public via self-help books can provide a useful resource to support well-being and self-improvement.

    In contrast, books that are based on someone’s opinion or their lived experiences have not had their ideas tested or verified. Although these books can contain useful information that were helpful to the author, they can also be problematic, as the ideas have not been empirically examined.

    Risks of non-evidence-based self-help books

    Relying on untested self-help strategies can delay people from seeking appropriate support for the challenges they face. When they turn to self-help books instead of seeking professional care, it can lead to worsening symptoms and missed opportunities for effective treatment.

    This can have serious consequences, particularly for those dealing with complex mental health challenges like anxiety, depression or trauma.

    Relying on untested self-help strategies can delay individuals from seeking appropriate support for the challenges they face.
    (Shutterstock)

    In addition, exposure to misinformation or disinformation can make matters worse. When such content circulates widely, like through best-selling books, it can reinforce harmful stereotypes or downplay the seriousness of psychological distress.

    This can perpetuate stigma and make people feel ashamed or reluctant to seek therapy, medical treatment or other professional help.



    Read more:
    Why do we fall for wellness scams? Our cultural biases and myths are often to blame

    At the same time, the booming global wellness industry has created new risks for consumers. In 2023, the wellness industry was valued at an estimated US$6.3 trillion.

    The size and growth of the industry has created fertile ground for wellness grifters to financially exploit people’s desire for better health and happiness.

    Community for science-based self-help readers

    If you’re interested in more evidence-based books for well-being and self-improvement, consider joining my Reading for Well-Being Community Book Club.

    Each month, members receive a newsletter announcing “Professor Pozzulo’s Pick” — an evidence-based book chosen by me that is focused on some dimension of well-being or self-improvement.

    The newsletter also provides access to a digital platform where my review will be posted, along with a discussion board where club members can share their thoughts about the book.

    Membership is free and sign-up is located here. You can also hear directly from the authors of the selected books through the Reading for Well-Being Podcast, which provides deeper insight into the evidence and ideas behind each book.

    Summer reading recommendations

    For readers seeking self-help books supported by research, here are four accessible and evidence-based suggestions:

    The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity by Psychologist Catherine A. Sanderson (2019, Published by BenBella Books).

    ‘The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity’ by Catherine A. Sanderson.
    (BenBella Books)

    Sanderson explains that our level of happiness, physical health and even our longevity is connected to how “we think about ourselves and our world around us.” In other words, our mindset.

    By making small changes, Sanderson shows how we can improve our happiness and physical and mental health. The book is full of straightforward, science-backed strategies to “shift your mindset.”

    One study Sanderson highlights found that people who read for more than 3.5 hours per week tended to live longer.

    Chatter: The Voice in our Head, Why it Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross (2021, Published by Crown Publishing Group).

    ‘Chatter: The Voice in Our Head’ by Ethan Kross.
    (Crown Publishing Group)

    Anyone who has found themselves lying awake in the middle of the night with endless thoughts of potential doom can likely relate to this book. In Chatter, psychologist Ethan Kross examines this inner voice.

    According to Kross, by changing the dialogue we have with ourselves, we can potentially change our lives and ultimately improve our health and well-being.

    The last section of the book, titled “The Tools,” includes several evidence-based strategies to reduce the negative loops that can run in our minds.

    Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most by Cassie Holmes (2022, published by Gallery Books).

    ‘Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most’ by Cassie Holmes.
    (Gallery Books)

    Do you ever feel like you never have the time for the things you want or need to do? Management professor Cassie Holmes writes that people who are “time poor” can “feel less happy and less satisfied with life.”

    Several studies have found that when people make time to do the things they want, they feel they have more time to do the things they need.

    Holmes encourages readers to reflect on how they spend their time. Although we can’t change the amount of time we have, we can re-prioritize how we spend it, and by doing so, improve our sense of well-being and life satisfaction.

    How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Katy Milkman (2021, published by Portfolio).

    ‘How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be’ by Katy Milkman.
    (Portfolio)

    If you feel like you need a change or find it hard to make a change last, you might be using an ineffective strategy or approach.

    Economist Katy Milkman reviews the science of how to make behaviour change last with several evidence-based strategies to help you reach your goals.

    Each chapter examines an internal obstacle that stands between people and their goals. By the end of the book, you’ll learn how to recognize these obstacles and what you can do to overcome them.

    Joanna Pozzulo receives funding from the Social Sciences and Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Looking for mental health or wellness advice in a book? Check the author’s credentials first – https://theconversation.com/looking-for-mental-health-or-wellness-advice-in-a-book-check-the-authors-credentials-first-256082

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Reverend Warnock Takes Fight to Protect Georgia’s Clean Energy Jobs to Savannah

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    ICYMI: Senator Reverend Warnock Takes Fight to Protect Georgia’s Clean Energy Jobs to Savannah

    Senator Reverend Warnock returned to his hometown to continue his public pressure campaign urging Congressional Republicans to protect clean energy tax credits fueling an expected 42,000 Georgia clean energy jobs
    Senator Warnock released a comprehensive report on how Georgia risks losing up to 42,000 good-paying jobs if Washington Republicans repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Clean Energy Tax Credits

    Senator Warnock was instrumental in securing these clean energy tax credits which supercharged the clean energy economy and is expected to create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs in Georgia

    Since the tax credits were put into place, 51 clean energy projects worth over $28 billion have come to Georgia, largely centered in rural communities
    These jobs and investments are under threat from a Republican-controlled Washington

    Uncertainty over the IRA’s future and its incentives could lead to billions of lost investments and thousands of lost jobs, hurting Georgia’s workers, families, and economy

    ICYMI from Savannah Morning News: U.S. Senator Warnock takes fight for clean energy tax credits to Savannah

    Above: Senator Reverend Warnock uplifts his new report on Georgia’s clean energy economy during a press conference in Savannah
    Photo credit: Richard Burkhart, Savannah Morning News
    Savannah, GA – This week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) brought the fight to protect up to 42,000 good-paying Georgia jobs to his hometown of Savannah, Georgia. The Senator continued to speak out against Congressional Republicans’ attempts to claw back clean energy tax credits, which would put thousands of jobs and billions in investments at risk.
    Senator Warnock held a press conference at the Georgia Ports Authority headquarters to uplift his new report that details how Georgia risks losing up to 42,000 good-paying jobs if Washington Republicans repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Clean Energy Tax Credits. The report found Georgia’s clean energy economy has led the nation following the 2022 passage of these tax credits while also providing a stark warning on the risks posed to Georgia’s clean energy jobs and project investments amid the economic uncertainty being fueled by the reckless actions and threats of the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans.
    The report and Savannah press conference comes as House Republicans laid out plans on Monday to phase out clean energy tax credits, slash spending on electric vehicles and renewable energy, and claw back other climate-related funds as part of the Washington Republicans’ attempt to pass a broad tax bill that would cut federal investments in our nation’s clean energy economy, alongside other cuts across the federal government, in order to offset a tax cut for the wealthiest earners in America. 
    Senator Warnock’s leadership was critical in crafting and passing the landmark climate legislation in 2022. Since these tax credits were signed into law, clean energy jobs and investments exploded across the country, but nowhere was that growth more potent than in Georgia. In less than three years, clean energy businesses have announced 51 new projects worth over $28 billion in Georgia. Investment in clean energy manufacturing, including batteries, solar panels, and electric vehicles has increased by a factor of ten. All these gains are at risk if Washington Republicans repeal the Clean Energy Tax Credits.
    Coverage of Senator Warnock’s Savannah press conference can be found below:
    Savannah Morning News: U.S. Senator Warnock takes fight for clean energy tax credits to Savannah
    U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock took his fight to save clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act to Savannah on Monday, holding a press conference touting the impacts of IRA credits to Georgia’s economy.
    Warnock’s office released a report last week that claimed the state is at risk of losing as many as 42,000 jobs and nearly $28 billion in investment if IRA credits were cut. The senator’s push comes as the U.S. Congress works through its budget reconciliation process, where some tax credits may face repeal.
    During the press conference Monday, which was held at the Georgia Ports Authority headquarters, Warnock put the onus on Georgia’s federal Republicans to fight for the credits.
    “Now it’s up to Georgia’s congressional Republicans to protect these clean energy credits,” Warnock said. “Let’s choose the people over politics. Let’s choose jobs over the games that so often get played in Washington, D.C. Let’s protect these jobs and protect these investments.”
    Select House Republicans sent a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee leadership in early March advocating for “targeted and pragmatic” changes to energy-related tax code. Rep. Buddy Carter, who represents Georgia’s coast and recently announced a bid for the U.S. Senate, signed onto the letter.
    Warnock said Monday that he is fighting to retain all of the IRA’s credits, citing statistics from his office’s report that every $1 in federal investment from the IRA yields another $4.50 in private investment. “We ought to keep all of them,” Warnock said. “Who are we compromising with, ourselves?”
    Savannah Morning News: U.S. Senator Warnock’s report says manufacturing jobs at risk if IRA is repealed
    Sen. Raphael Warnock wants the entire U.S. to know that Georgia has shown that “the future is green, the future is clean.”
    Unless, that is, the U.S. republican-led Congress decides to cut clean energy tax credits created by the President Joe Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Congress is set to go through its budget reconciliation process in coming months and Warnock has sounded the alarm with a report issued last week stating Georgia could be at risk of losing as many as 42,000 jobs and nearly $28 billion in investment if IRA credits were cut.
    Warnock believes Georgia has shown his republican colleagues that the U.S. does not have to “decide between the economy and the environment, that you can work on both of those things.”
    Warnock feels that his office’s report clearly outlines the consequences if the tax credits were to go away, especially for Georgia, which he called “the big winner” from the IRA. 
    A statement from his office’s report reads, “Overall post-IRA business investment in Georgia clean energy manufacturing has totaled nearly $16.4 billion, which is over 10 times greater than clean energy manufacturing investment in the previous two years.”
    WTOC: Senator Warnock pushes back against proposed repeal of clean energy tax credit 
    Congressional Republicans are considering repealing Clean Energy tax credits as a part of their proposed budget package. According to a new report by Georgia Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock, nearly 42,000 jobs could be lost statewide if this happens.
    “I‘m here in my hometown of Savannah, Georgia to speak out about efforts to eliminate up to 42,000 good-paying jobs right here in Georgia. That includes 7,400 jobs right here…,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. The Senator said that without them, Georgia workers, families, and the economy would all take a hit.
    “It’s a job killer. It’s pure and simple. And, you know, I just hope we will center the people rather than the politics because the economics is clear,” said Senator Warnock. 
    Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. It was meant to create and expand clean energy programs statewide.
    According to the senator’s report, Georgia has been the top beneficiary of the IRA’s clean energy incentives. He’s calling out his republican colleagues in Congress, who are looking to repeal these tax credits.
    “Georgia Republicans have a choice to make. These credits have benefited their districts more than blue districts. And I think the people of Georgia are waiting to see if they are going to stand up for them,” said Senator Warnock. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Reverend Warnock Delivers Commencement Address to Paine College’s Class of 2025 in Augusta

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    ICYMI: Senator Reverend Warnock Delivers Commencement Address to Paine College’s Class of 2025 in Augusta

    On Sunday, Senator Reverend Warnock delivered the keynote commencement speech to Paine College’s Class of 2025 in Augusta, Georgia
    Senator Warnock encouraged the Class of 2025 to make their life’s project longer and larger than their lifespan, give themselves over to a mission that is larger than themselves
    Paine College is one of ten Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) in Georgia; Senator Reverend Warnock is a 1991 graduate of Morehouse College and is the only sitting U.S. Senators to graduate from an HBCU
    Senator Warnock has secured $664 million for Georgia’s HBCUs to date, part of $17 billion in federal investments championed by the Senator since 2021

    Above: Senator Warnock addresses the Class of 2025 at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia
    Photo credit: Rob Davis, Augusta Chronicle
    Augusta, Georgia – On Sunday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) delivered the commencement address for the Class of 2025 at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. Paine College is one of ten Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) across Georgia. The Senator commended Paine College for its rich history, academic excellence, and commitment to fostering Black leadership across industries. 
    During the college’s 143rd commencement ceremony, Senator Warnock, an alum of Atlanta’s Morehouse College and the only sitting U.S. Senator to graduate from an HBCU, urged the graduates to make their life’s project longer and larger than their lifespan and give themselves over to a mission that is larger than themselves. In a moment in which there are those in power trying to silence the voices of young people, Senator Warnock charged the graduates to not allow them to silence their voices or squash the activist spirit that fuels peaceful protest in pursuit of social change. 
    In recognition of his lifelong commitment to service, moral leadership, and the pursuit of social justice, Paine College awarded Senator Warnock the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony, as well as a plaque of appreciation for delivering the keynote address.

    Above: Senator Warnock and Paine College President Dr. Lester McCorn
    Photo credit: Rob Davis, Augusta Chronicle
    Additionally, the Senator highlighted the important role of HBCUs in helping shape the next generation of changemakers, as well as his work to successfully secure $664 million in federal funding for Georgia’s HBCUs, part of $17 billion in investments the federal government has delivered to HBCU campuses throughout the nation since the Senator came to the Senate. 
    Over the weekend, Senator Warnock also addressed the Class of 2025 at Virginia Union University, an HBCU in Richmond, Virginia. 
    Watch video of Senator Reverend Warnock’s address to Paine College’s Class of 2025 HERE.
    Key excerpts from media coverage of Senator Warnock’s commencement address can be found below:
    FOX 54: Sen. Warnock joins Paine College’s 2025 graduation ceremony
    The campus of Paine College was filled with cheers and tears Sunday as graduates turned over their tassels. […] The commencement had prominent speakers, from alumni Michael Thurmond to Senator Raphael Warnock.
    The senator was the lead commencement speaker, and emphasized the need for more funding in college education, specifically HBCUs.
    “Let’s face it, these kids are coming out of school at a difficult time in our nation, we’ve got to invest in higher education, invest in Technical and Community Schools. I’m an HBCU graduate, and what you get in these schools is a commitment to bringing head and heart to the work of community service, social change,” said Senator Warnock.
    The Augusta Press: Sen. Raphael Warnock speaks at Paine College convocation ceremony 
    Paine College’s HEAL Complex welcomed hundreds of visitors, Sunday morning, mostly the families of students, as it celebrated its 143rd Commencement Convocation.
    Sen. Warnock, a close friend of McCorn’s and a fellow Morehouse alumnus, would have normally been speaking from the pulpit in Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church on Sunday. His exhortations to graduating students during his address were delivered with comparable enthusiasm.
    “As an HBCU (historically Black college/university) graduate, I know the unique history of places like Paine College. I know what you represent, I know the sacrifice that it took to get you here,” Warnock said.
    The senator referred to his own personal history in encouraging grads to persevere amid what he called “a difficult time in our nation.”
    “I wanted to recognize that it is difficult. Many of them had to work really hard, had to push against financial and other restraints just to get this far,” he said, alluding to his own work in Washington, including his membership in the Senate’s Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. “But I hope that my own story might be an example, a model, of how you keep pushing even when you don’t have the answers, and when you’re working and doing the work very often, help comes in unexpected places, and I’m trying to do that work every single day in the United States Senate.”
    WRDW: Sen. Warnock gives keynote speech at Paine College graduation
    Despite the rainy day, Paine College still celebrated its graduates Sunday. Hundreds of students walked across the stage today to celebrate their academic achievements, and on Mother’s Day, nonetheless. Senator Raphael Warnock was the keynote speaker at commencement.
    “America is great because of its diversity, and here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to fight for that kid who was me growing up in public housing down in Savannah, GA. But I’m also going to fight for the poor, white rural kid who’s growing up in communities that have been too long forgotten about and overlooked,” said Warnock. 
    He also talked about what he has done to help schools like Paine College thrive.
    Interested media can view photos of Paine College’s commencement ceremony in the Augusta Chronicle HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $86M in Capital Funding for Non-profit Arts and Cultural

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced $86 million has been awarded through the New York State Council on the Arts’ Capital Projects Fund to support 134 projects in every region of the state. This investment in non-profit arts and cultural organizations across New York supports crucial building renovations, accessibility improvements and new spaces for creative and cultural work. Organizations outside of New York City received 75 percent of the awards, while 75 percent of the awards went to organizations with budgets under $3 million.

    “Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”

    NYSCA’s Capital Projects for Arts and Culture are strategic investments that empower organizations to better serve and engage their communities. They enable arts and cultural venues to become more physically accessible and sustainable, enhancing organizations’ abilities to connect with their audiences and become essential destinations for residents and visitors alike. Strong projects combine excellence in design with informed decisions that will serve and strengthen New York’s arts and cultural sector, stimulate local economies, catalyze investment in our communities, and help to ensure the vibrancy of our cultural organizations.

    NYSCA awards announced today include three grant categories: Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants, which range from $10,000-$2,000,000; Large Capital Improvement Grants, which range from $2 million-$10 million and focus on large-scale capital projects that prioritize community development and placemaking; and Capital Design Grants, a new opportunity that supports the development of mid-stage and advanced design documents to advance capital projects for arts and cultural nonprofits with awards of $50,000-$500,000. This year, NYSCA also increased the cap on no-match midsize grants to $99,000, greatly expanding access to these critical state dollars.

    NYSCA funding will support a variety of projects, including:

    Small Capital Improvement Grants

    Upper Jay Art Center (North Country)

    The Upper Jay Arts Center will replace its outdated and aging lighting system with a more energy efficient and flexible system, enabling the organization to improve safety and sustainability and better execute its artistic mission.

    New York State Old Tyme Fiddler’s Association, Inc. (Central New York)

    The project will replace the roof and make improvements to the door panels in the organization’s pavilion and drill a new well to provide a reliable source of potable water for the facility. The project will allow visitors and guests to enjoy an attractive, accessible, and safe venue to revel in the presentation of historical music.

    Stitch Buffalo (Western New York)

    This project will include essential site enhancements including soundproofing and improved security measures

    Mid-Sized Capital Improvement Grants

    Gateway Playhouse/Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County (Long Island)

    The Gateway Playhouse will add a 3,525 square-foot addition to its lobby, including a new grand entrance foyer with incorporated patron drop access, a large, multi-purpose gathering room with an updated bar and concession area, a box office and management office space, and a basement below the addition. A LULA elevator will improve access throughout the facility. The project also includes an expansion and renovation of Gateway’s parking facilities, and improvements to patron walkways.

    Klinkhart Hall Arts Center, Inc. (Mohawk Valley)

    This project will complete the first-floor theater, which will feature a stage extension, orchestra pit, restored original seating, new lighting and sound, floor stabilization, and mechanicals, as well as the completion of the basement classrooms.

    The Thomas Poole and Charles Scott Griesa Center Foundation – Veterans Repertory Theater (Mid-Hudson)

    The project will transform a historic bank building and former church into a professional mainstage theater specifically for performances that amplify the voices of military veterans in the American performing arts.

    Large Capital Improvement Grants

    Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance of NY (New York City)

    Inspired by the East Harlem Neighborhood Plan and the Community Visioning Report, the project will create an arts and cultural center that offers youth music education, celebrates local artists, and attracts tourists; provides workforce development opportunities to youth and community; supports small businesses and promotes the local economy; and activates Park Avenue with commercial and community facility uses that serve the neighborhood.

    Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (Finger Lakes)

    The GO Barn! Arts & Cultural Center is a new construction project designed to serve as a dynamic hub for arts, culture, and community engagement in Orleans County, including: a multipurpose arts and cultural center inspired by the historic Wells Barn design; a dedicated space for fiber arts, workshops, and artisan programming; and a greenhouse, designed to grow plants for fabric dyeing and art creation.

    Goodwill Theatre, Inc. (Southern Tier)

    The project will completely renovate the basement, 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors of the 1899 Firehouse to adapt the structure into a 2-stage performance facility, increasing occupancy by 400% and drawing an additional estimated 45,000 patrons annually to the Village Johnson City’s Central Business District.

    Capital Design Grants

    Prattsville Art Project (Capital Region)

    The grant will support the completion of the design process for the transformation of the flood-damaged, unused barn on the Prattsville Art Center property into an open-air studio for the arts.

    Roberson Museum and Science Center (Southern Tier)

    The grant will support the completion of the design process for the Roberson Museum’s future renovation project, which seeks to enhance sustainability, modernize facilities, and optimize the care of exhibits and collections.

    A complete list of grantees is available online.

    New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “These transformative projects will improve their communities, increase tourism, expand accessibility, create jobs and strengthen New York’s position as the global epicenter of arts and culture. Thanks to the Governor and the Legislature’s continued support of this critical program, we are building a thriving future for our renowned creative sector, as they continue to deliver the measurable benefits of arts and culture all across the state.”

    State Senator Jose Serrano said, “The arts and cultural sector is vitally important for the spirit and economy of New York State and contributes greatly to job creation, cultural enrichment, and economic development in communities. I am happy that Governor Hochul and my colleagues in government are making this critical investment, and I congratulate NYSCA on today’s announcement and its continued commitment to supporting the arts in New York State.”

    Assemblymember Ron Kim said, “Capital projects are critical investments in our health and prosperity: creating jobs, enriching our communities and creating a stronger New York for our residents and visitors. Congratulations to all the grantees: we look forward to seeing these projects grow and expand all over our great state.”

    Since the NYSCA Capital Projects Fund began in 2018, the agency has awarded 607 capital grants, totaling $300 million, across all 10 state regions through the support of the Governor and Legislature. These projects increase employment capacity and advance cultural venues as tourism destinations, strengthening New York’s hospitality, food and beverage, and retail sectors. In addition to the Capital Projects Fund, NYSCA has awarded $62 million in non-capital grants to nearly 1500 arts organizations and more than 500 individual artists for FY 2025.

    Governor Hochul continues to make record investments to grow New York’s national-leading arts and cultural sector. The FY 2026 Enacted Budget includes over $81 million for NYSCA general operating support to non-profit organizations and individual artists, and another $80 million in capital funding to allow NYSCA to offer an additional round of grants for projects of all sizes, ranging from $10,000 to $10 million.

    About the New York State Council on the Arts
    The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving hundreds of arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Despite Trump Slump, Governor Newsom’s revised budget delivers on housing, education, water, and jobs

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 14, 2025

    Tax cut for military retirees
    Universal pre-kindergarten for all 
    Expanded before school, after school, & summer school
    Free school meals for all kids 
    Boosting literacy & reading
    Building more housing, ASAP
    More water for Californians
    Lowering drug costs
    Expanding medication abortion access with CalRx
    Historic firefighting & public safety investments

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today released his May Revision proposal for the 2025–26 state budget, putting forward a balanced plan that strengthens California’s future — despite economic disruptions caused by federal instability. While adjusting for a projected $11.95 billion shortfall driven by a “Trump Slump” — tariffs disruption, market volatility, and a decline in international tourism that have directly resulted in a staggering $16 billion estimated hit to the state’s revenues — and health care cost pressures, the Governor’s proposal remains focused on forward-looking investments in housing, education, and infrastructure, while curtailing unsustainable spending.

    “California’s fundamental values don’t change just because the federal winds have shifted. Even as the Trump Slump slows the economy and hits our revenues, we’re delivering bold proposals to build more housing, lower costs for working families, and invest in our kids.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    More housing, faster

    As part of his revised budget, the Governor is proposing a sweeping legislative package to slash red tape, align permitting timelines, and unlock faster, smarter housing development. The proposal streamlines Coastal Commission approvals to match the timelines of other permitting agencies, prioritizes infill and transit-oriented development to reduce toxic pollution and vehicle miles traveled, and support for incorporating pending legislation that would reform CEQA for infill housing and other development projects, along with a housing and infrastructure bond to build more homes, faster.

    Lower drug costs and reproductive freedom

    California is shining a light on the middlemen who inflate prescription drug prices, while protecting access to essential medications, including abortion pills. The Governor’s revised budget leads efforts to license and regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) for the first time, increasing transparency and accountability in the pharmacy supply chain. It also expands CalRx’s authority to procure brand-name drugs and respond to politically motivated supply disruptions, helping shield access to critical medications like mifepristone.

    Securing water for all of California

    With climate extremes intensifying, the Governor is fast-tracking modernization of the State Water Project through the Delta Conveyance Project. His proposal streamlines permits and reduces litigation delays to accelerate construction, while protecting water access for 27 million Californians and preparing for a future marked by more severe droughts, floods, and climate volatility.

    Students and families

    The Governor’s revised budget continues transformational investments that make education more accessible. Universal transitional kindergarten is now fully funded for all four-year-olds. Free school meals remain available to every student, and expanded before school, after school, and summer programming will benefit children across the state. The budget also invests $545 million in literacy programs to boost reading outcomes, with a strong focus on supporting multilingual learners.

    Public safety and veterans

    The Governor’s revised budget also includes historic funding in firefighting and emergency response to match escalating wildfire risks, and a tax cut for military retirees, recognizing their service and supporting their financial security.

    Smart government, Cap-and-Invest

    The budget reflects the Governor’s push for a more effective government — including a new state agency to better coordinate housing and homelessness programs, and continued progress on California’s Cap-and-Invest program to fund major climate projects like high-speed rail and a utility credit that will put up to $60 billion back into the pockets of Californians through 2045. 

    Additional details on the May Revise proposal can be found at ebudget.ca.gov.  

    Para leer este comunicado en español, haga clic aquí.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 14, 2025

    News Reducción de impuestos para jubilados militaresPre-kinder universal para todosAmpliación de programas antes y después de clases y cursos de veranoAlimentación escolar gratuita para todos los niñosImpulso de la alfabetización y la lecturaConstruyendo más…

    May 14, 2025

    News “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”   What you need to know: Governor Newsom today, as part of the May Revise, is announcing a significant proposal to fast-track infrastructure improvements to the State Water Project — saving the state billions…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: The consolidation of the Tombstone water system location in California’s Central Valley will benefit residents who rely on domestic wells. Since Governor Newsom took office, the number of Californians who don’t have access to clean drinking…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom’s budget calls for fast-track of critical water infrastructure project

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 14, 2025

    “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today, as part of the May Revise, is announcing a significant proposal to fast-track infrastructure improvements to the State Water Project — saving the state billions of dollars and years of delay, and helping deliver critical water to users throughout the state.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Newsom today announced, as part of his May Revise, a significant proposal to streamline one of California’s most important water management and climate adaptation projects, the Delta Conveyance Project, advancing much-needed and long-overdue improvements to the State Water Project.

    “For too long, attempts to modernize our critical water infrastructure have stalled in endless red tape, burdened with unnecessary delay. We’re done with barriers  — our state needs to complete this project as soon as possible, so that we can better store and manage water to prepare for a hotter, drier future. Let’s get this built.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    A project Californians depend on

    No piece of infrastructure is more fundamental to California’s water supply and economic success than the State Water Project. It captures, moves, and stores water used by 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland. If the service area of the State Water Project were its own country, its economy would rank eighth largest in the world, generating $2.3 trillion in goods and services annually.  

    In other words, California depends upon State Water Project deliveries. Abandoning or neglecting investments in this vital water system would put extraordinary financial pressure on ratepayers, including nearly 8 million people living in disadvantaged communities, to replace this water with more expensive, less reliable options.

    Preparing California’s water infrastructure 

    Over the last few decades, the California climate has warmed, with the effects felt strongly in water resources. The state has already experienced a marked increase in the variability of precipitation, with wild swings from drought to flood. 

    Most major water systems — including the State Water Project  — were built for a more predictable bygone pattern of precipitation and are not equipped for the stronger storms, deeper droughts, and abrupt swings driven by climate change. The system simply cannot capture the type of big flows now becoming more common, and that must change.

    Without action, the ability of the State Water Project to reliably deliver water to homes, farms and businesses will decline.  

    Protecting California’s water supply 

    California is expected to lose 10% of its water supply due to hotter and drier conditions, threatening the water supply for millions of Californians — and the reliability of the State Water Project could be reduced as much as 23 percent.  Extreme weather whiplash will result in more intense swings between droughts and floods – California’s 60-year-old water infrastructure is not built for these climate impacts. 

    The Delta Conveyance Project will help offset and recover these future climate-driven water losses, and yet, it has been plagued by delays and red tape. 

    The Delta Conveyance Project would expand the state’s ability to improve water supply reliability, while also maintaining fishery and water quality protections. During atmospheric rivers last year, the Delta Conveyance Project could have captured enough water for 9.8 million people’s yearly usage.

    Removing unnecessary red tape

    Governor Newsom first announced his commitment to the project during his first State of the State, modernizing the previous administration’s plans to address seismic and reliability issues and ensure that this critical piece of infrastructure could be built quickly and without delay. The Governor has advanced efforts to move the DCP forward, including certifying a final environmental impact report in December 2023 and securing financial support from water agencies throughout the state serving a majority of Californians. And while the project has received some necessary permits, its path forward is burdened by complicated regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic delays. Today, the Governor is proposing to streamline and strengthen the project’s path forward, to protect the state’s water supply for future generations.

    The importance of protecting the reliability of the State Water Project is too great to allow the Delta Conveyance Project to be mired by unnecessary and extensive delays.  

    The Governor’s proposal would streamline the project by:

    • Simplifying permitting. The proposal would simplify permitting for the project by eliminating certain deadlines from existing State Water Project water rights permits — recognizing that the State Water Project should continue serving Californians’ water needs indefinitely. The proposal would also strengthen enforcement of the Water Board’s existing rules for permit protests.
    • Confirming funding authority. The proposal confirms that the Department of Water Resources has the authority to issue bonds for the cost of the DCP, to be repaid by participating public water agencies.
    • Preventing unnecessary litigation delays. The proposal narrows and streamlines judicial review of future challenges to the Delta Conveyance Project, building on models that have served other large public works projects. 
    • Supporting construction. The proposal streamlines the authority to acquire land, supporting ultimate construction of the Delta Conveyance Project.

    Building water infrastructure is a key part of the Governor’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and thousands of jobs across the state.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: The consolidation of the Tombstone water system location in California’s Central Valley will benefit residents who rely on domestic wells. Since Governor Newsom took office, the number of Californians who don’t have access to clean drinking…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom will take action tomorrow to lower drug prices, increase transparency for PBMs, and expand authority for the state to acquire medication abortion. Sacramento, California – As part of the 2025-26 May Revision, Governor Gavin…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: California today filed a request for a preliminary injunction to immediately stop President Trump’s unlawful tariffs while the state’s lawsuit proceeds. Tariffs are not only expected to impact trade, but the upcoming state revenues and…

    May 14, 2025

    “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today, as part of the May Revise, is announcing a significant proposal to fast-track infrastructure improvements to the State Water Project — saving the state billions of dollars and years of delay, and helping deliver critical water to users throughout the state.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Newsom today announced, as part of his May Revise, a significant proposal to streamline one of California’s most important water management and climate adaptation projects, the Delta Conveyance Project, advancing much-needed and long-overdue improvements to the State Water Project.

    “For too long, attempts to modernize our critical water infrastructure have stalled in endless red tape, burdened with unnecessary delay. We’re done with barriers  — our state needs to complete this project as soon as possible, so that we can better store and manage water to prepare for a hotter, drier future. Let’s get this built.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    A project Californians depend on

    No piece of infrastructure is more fundamental to California’s water supply and economic success than the State Water Project. It captures, moves, and stores water used by 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland. If the service area of the State Water Project were its own country, its economy would rank eighth largest in the world, generating $2.3 trillion in goods and services annually.

    In other words, California depends upon State Water Project deliveries. Abandoning or neglecting investments in this vital water system would put extraordinary financial pressure on ratepayers, including nearly 8 million people living in disadvantaged communities, to replace this water with more expensive, less reliable options.

    Preparing California’s water infrastructure 

    Over the last few decades, the California climate has warmed, with the effects felt strongly in water resources. The state has already experienced a marked increase in the variability of precipitation, with wild swings from drought to flood.

    Most major water systems — including the State Water Project  — were built for a more predictable bygone pattern of precipitation and are not equipped for the stronger storms, deeper droughts, and abrupt swings driven by climate change. The system simply cannot capture the type of big flows now becoming more common, and that must change.

    Without action, the ability of the State Water Project to reliably deliver water to homes, farms and businesses will decline.

    Protecting California’s water supply 

    California is expected to lose 10% of its water supply due to hotter and drier conditions, threatening the water supply for millions of Californians — and the reliability of the State Water Project could be reduced as much as 23 percent.  Extreme weather whiplash will result in more intense swings between droughts and floods – California’s 60-year-old water infrastructure is not built for these climate impacts.

    The Delta Conveyance Project will help offset and recover these future climate-driven water losses, and yet, it has been plagued by delays and red tape.

    The Delta Conveyance Project would expand the state’s ability to improve water supply reliability, while also maintaining fishery and water quality protections. During atmospheric rivers last year, the Delta Conveyance Project could have captured enough water for 9.8 million people’s yearly usage.

    Removing unnecessary red tape

    Governor Newsom first announced his commitment to the project during his first State of the State, modernizing the previous administration’s plans to address seismic and reliability issues and ensure that this critical piece of infrastructure could be built quickly and without delay. The Governor has advanced efforts to move the DCP forward, including certifying a final environmental impact report in December 2023 and securing financial support from water agencies throughout the state serving a majority of Californians. And while the project has received some necessary permits, its path forward is burdened by complicated regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic delays. Today, the Governor is proposing to streamline and strengthen the project’s path forward, to protect the state’s water supply for future generations.

    The importance of protecting the reliability of the State Water Project is too great to allow the Delta Conveyance Project to be mired by unnecessary and extensive delays.

    The Governor’s proposal would streamline the project by:

    • Simplifying permitting. The proposal would simplify permitting for the project by eliminating certain deadlines from existing State Water Project water rights permits — recognizing that the State Water Project should continue serving Californians’ water needs indefinitely. The proposal would also strengthen enforcement of the Water Board’s existing rules for permit protests.
    • Confirming funding authority. The proposal confirms that the Department of Water Resources has the authority to issue bonds for the cost of the DCP, to be repaid by participating public water agencies.
    • Preventing unnecessary litigation delays. The proposal narrows and streamlines judicial review of future challenges to the Delta Conveyance Project, building on models that have served other large public works projects.
    • Supporting construction. The proposal streamlines the authority to acquire land, supporting ultimate construction of the Delta Conveyance Project.

    Building water infrastructure is a key part of the Governor’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and thousands of jobs across the state.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: The consolidation of the Tombstone water system location in California’s Central Valley will benefit residents who rely on domestic wells. Since Governor Newsom took office, the number of Californians who don’t have access to clean drinking…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom will take action tomorrow to lower drug prices, increase transparency for PBMs, and expand authority for the state to acquire medication abortion. Sacramento, California – As part of the 2025-26 May Revision, Governor Gavin…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: California today filed a request for a preliminary injunction to immediately stop President Trump’s unlawful tariffs while the state’s lawsuit proceeds. Tariffs are not only expected to impact trade, but the upcoming state revenues and…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strengthening support for renewable hydrogen to meet EU energy and climate targets – E-001831/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001831/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)

    The Commission has announced that the second auction of the European Hydrogen Bank attracted 61 project applications from 11 European Economic Area countries, requesting over EUR 4.8 billion in subsidies – four times the EUR 1.2 billion currently available under the EU’s Innovation Fund. The proposed projects represent an electrolyser capacity of 6.3 gigawatts and aim to produce 7.3 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over ten years, corresponding to 7 % of the EU’s REPowerEU target for 2030.

    This strong interest highlights the growing momentum in the clean hydrogen sector and the urgent need for increased funding to bridge the gap between production costs and market prices. Contributions from Spain, Lithuania and Austria under the ‘auctions-as-a-service’ model further demonstrate the potential for complementary national support.

    However, with demand for subsidies significantly exceeding the available budget, there is a risk that many viable projects essential for achieving the EU’s decarbonisation and energy security goals will not be supported.

    In this context, what additional measures does the Commission intend to propose to strengthen financial support for renewable hydrogen, scale up production capacities and ensure the achievement of the EU’s 2030 clean energy targets?

    Submitted: 6.5.2025

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fiera Capital Corporation announces increase to previously announced bought deal offering of 7.75% Senior Subordinated Unsecured Debentures to $70 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fiera Capital Corporation (“Fiera Capital” or the “Company”) (TSX: FSZ) is pleased to announce that, due to strong demand, it has entered into a revised agreement with Scotiabank, CIBC Capital Markets, Desjardins Capital Markets and RBC Capital Markets, as joint bookrunners, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters which also included National Bank Financial Inc., BMO Capital Markets, TD Securities Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., iA Private Wealth Inc. and Raymond James Ltd. (collectively, the “Underwriters”), to increase the size of its previously announced bought deal offering of senior subordinated unsecured debentures due June 30, 2030  (the “Debentures”) at a price of $1,000 per Debenture (the “Offering”) to $70 million. Fiera Capital has also granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional $10.5 million aggregate principal amount of Debentures, on the same terms and conditions, exercisable in whole or in part, for a period of 30 days following closing of the Offering. The Offering is expected to close on or about June 3, 2025.

    The Debentures will bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 of each year, with the first interest payment on December 31, 2025. The December 31, 2025 interest payment will represent accrued interest from the closing of the Offering, to but excluding December 31, 2025. The Debentures will mature on June 30, 2030 (the “Maturity Date”).

    The Debentures will not be redeemable prior to June 30, 2028 (the “First Call Date”), except upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Company in accordance with the terms of the indenture (the “Indenture”) governing the Debentures. On and after the First Call Date and prior to June 30, 2029, the Debentures will be redeemable in whole or in part from time to time at the Company’s option at a redemption price equal to 103.875% of the principal amount of the Debentures redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to but excluding the date set for redemption. On and after June 30, 2029 and prior to the Maturity Date, the Debentures will be redeemable, in whole or in part, from time to time at the Company’s option at par plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to but excluding the date set for redemption. The Company shall provide not more than 60 nor less than 30 days’ prior notice of redemption of the Debentures.

    The Company will have the option to satisfy its obligation to repay the principal amount of the Debentures due at redemption or maturity by issuing and delivering that number of freely tradeable Class A subordinate voting shares (the “Class A Shares”) in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

    The Debentures will not be convertible into Class A Shares at the option of the holders at any time.

    The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund the redemption of the Company’s 8.25% Senior Subordinated Unsecured Debentures due December 31, 2026 (the “2026 Debentures”) that the Company intends to effect on the first call-date, December 31, 2025, and for general corporate purposes. Pending such use, the net proceeds from the Offering will temporarily be used by the Company to reduce indebtedness under the Company’s unsecured revolving credit facility. The foregoing is not a redemption notice with respect to the 2026 Debentures. Any redemption of the 2026 Debentures will be made pursuant to a notice of redemption under the indenture governing those securities.

    The Debentures will be direct, senior subordinated unsecured obligations of the Company which will rank pari passu with one another and will rank (a) effectively subordinate to any existing and future secured indebtedness of the Company but only (other than with respect to the Senior Credit Facilities (as defined in the Indenture)) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such secured indebtedness, (b) subordinate to the obligations under the current and future Senior Credit Facilities (as defined in the Indenture), (c) pari passu with the Company’s existing 2026 Debentures and 6.00% Senior Subordinated Unsecured Debentures due June 30, 2027 and, except as prescribed by law, all existing and future unsecured indebtedness (other than the Senior Credit Facilities) that by its terms is not subordinated in right of payment to the Debentures, including indebtedness to trade creditors, and (d) senior to all existing and future unsecured indebtedness that by its terms is subordinated in right of payment to the Debentures, including any convertible unsecured subordinated debentures which may be issued by the Company in the future. In addition, the Debentures will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries.

    A preliminary short form prospectus will be filed with securities regulatory authorities in all provinces of Canada. The Offering is subject to customary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

    The securities to be offered have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of such Act. This news 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 jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    Legal advisors

    Legal advice is being provided to Fiera Capital by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP. Legal advice is being provided to the Underwriters by Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This document may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to future events or, future performance reflecting management’s expectations or beliefs regarding future events, including, without limitation, business and economic conditions, outlook and trends, Fiera Capital’s growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, objectives, plans and strategic priorities, new initiatives, such as those related to sustainability and other statements that do not refer to historical facts. In particular, this press release includes forward-looking statements relating to the proposed timing of completion of the Offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds of the Offering. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. These forward-looking statements may typically be identified by words and expressions such as “assumption, “continue”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “goal”, “guidance”, “likely”, “plan”, “objective”, “outlook”, “potential”, “foresee”, “project”, “strategy”, “target”, and other similar words or expressions or future or conditional verbs (including in their negative form), such as “aim”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “expect”, “foresee”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “seek”, “should”, “strive” and “would”.

    Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions, which make it possible for actual results or events to differ materially from management’s expectations and that predictions, forecasts, projections, expectations, conclusions or statements will not prove to be accurate. As a result, Fiera Capital does not guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, the failure or delay in satisfying any of the conditions to the completion of the Offering. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, market and general economic conditions, the nature of the financial services industry, and the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Fiera Capital’s interim condensed and annual consolidated financial statements, and its latest Annual Report and Annual Information Form filed on www.sedarplus.ca. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document, and Fiera Capital assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

    About Fiera Capital Corporation

    Fiera Capital is a leading independent asset management firm with a growing global presence. The Company delivers customized and multi-asset solutions across public and private market asset classes to institutional, financial intermediary and private wealth clients across North America, Europe and key markets in Asia and the Middle East. Fiera Capital’s depth of expertise, diversified investment platform and commitment to delivering outstanding service are core to our mission of being at the forefront of investment management science to create sustainable wealth for clients. Fiera Capital trades under the ticker FSZ on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

    Headquartered in Montreal, Fiera Capital, with its affiliates in various jurisdictions, has offices in over a dozen cities around the world, including New York (U.S.), London (UK), Hong Kong (SAR) and Abu Dhabi (ADGM).

    Each affiliated entity (each an “Affiliate”) of Fiera Capital only provides investment advisory or investment management services or offers investment funds in the jurisdictions where the Affiliate is authorized to provide services pursuant to the relevant registrations, an exemption from such registrations and/or the relevant product is registered or exempt from registration.

    Fiera Capital does not provide investment advice to U.S. clients or offer investment advisory services in the U.S. In the U.S., asset management services are provided by Fiera Capital’s Affiliates who are investment advisers that are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or exempt from registration. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For details on the particular registration of, or exemptions therefrom relied upon by, any Fiera Capital entity, please consult https://www.fieracapital.com/en/registrations-and-exemptions

    Additional information about Fiera Capital, including its Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca

    SOURCE Fiera Capital Corporation

    The information contained in press releases and company news is valid as of the date indicated. You should not assume that statements remain accurate or valid after the date.

    For more information: Analysts and investors, Marie-France Guay, Senior Vice President, Treasury and Investor Relations, Fiera Capital Corporation, 514 294-5878, mguay@fieracapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Applauds Signing of Senate Bill 29, Strengthening Texas’ Standing as a National Leader in Corporate Governance and Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Nasdaq issued a statement in support of Texas Senate Bill 29 after Governor Abbott signed the bill into law. This legislation, which codifies the Business Judgment Rule and promotes predictability in corporate governance litigation, enhances Texas’ competitiveness as a jurisdiction for incorporation and business growth. Nasdaq’s Executive Vice Chairman Ed Knight joined Governor Abbott, leadership from the Texas legislature, and other Texas business community leaders for the signing ceremony.

    “Senate Bill 29 is a milestone for corporate governance in Texas. By embracing smart, innovation-focused regulation like SB 29, Texas is showing the world what it means to lead on economic growth and modern, clear governance principles,” said Ed Knight, Executive Vice Chairman of Nasdaq. “We commend Senator Bryan Hughes, Representative Morgan Meyer, and Governor Greg Abbott for advancing legislation that strengthens Texas’ position as a global center for capital formation.”

    Texas has become a national model for innovation-driven policy that balances economic growth with investor confidence. The passage of SB 29 aligns with Nasdaq’s mission to promote fair, efficient, and accessible capital markets, and reinforces Texas as a destination for corporate formation and public company investment. Nasdaq has a longstanding history of advocating for clients by minimizing the complexity associated with navigating the public markets. Its efforts for corporate issuers encompass addressing issues such as the SEC’s proposed climate disclosure rules, cyber disclosure rules, proxy advisory reform, AI regulation, PCAOB reforms, and emerging growth company timelines.

    “At Nasdaq, we are honored to have been part of the Texas community for nearly two decades” said Rachel Racz, Senior Vice President, Head of Listings for Texas, Southern U.S. and Latin America at Nasdaq. “We remain committed to advocating for our clients on both a federal and local level and supporting the bold Texas leadership that continues to power our state’s dynamic economy.”

    Nasdaq’s presence in Texas continues to expand. The company recently announced the opening of a new regional headquarters in Dallas, serving as a Southeast hub and convening space for its Texas-based clients. Nasdaq currently is home to over 200 listed companies headquartered in the state and generates over $750 million in revenues in Texas and the Southeast region of the U.S., partnering with over 2,000 clients, approximately 800 of which are based in Texas.

    About Nasdaq

    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

    Nasdaq Media Contact

    Michelle Mendiola
    (646) 634-8350
    michelle.mendiola@nasdaq.com

    Chris Hayden
    (301) 523-5829
    christopher.hayden@nasdaq.com 

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, information regarding our regional presence. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, Nasdaq’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, and other factors detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The Commission’s position on potential money laundering by some Commission staff and their associates – E-002798/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission takes allegations of money laundering or any other financial misconduct seriously. It has a zero-tolerance policy for fraud and corruption and is committed to ensuring the highest standards of integrity among its staff. As regards measures against money laundering, the Commission refers to the applicable EU and national legislation in this area, to which staff of EU institutions are also subject. Inside the institution, the Commission already relies on a comprehensive framework of compliance and awareness raising mechanisms on ethics and fraud prevention, while continuously strengthening its procedures and internal controls. In case of violations of staff obligations, disciplinary measures may be applied.

    2. At this stage and pending possible further information from the Belgian judicial authorities, the allegations about the former European Commissioner for Justice do not concern the EU budget or the management of EU funds. Thus, based on the information available to the Commission so far, there is no need to revise the rules and procedures regarding the prevention and the fight against fraud currently in place, as they are solid and comprehensive.

    3. The Commission did not receive such information. However, the Commission can confirm that any information, tip-offs, or notices received, be it from internal or external sources, are systematically assessed and, where necessary, referred to the competent investigative authorities (such as the European Anti-Fraud Office, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the national authorities) for examination.

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of the Green Deal on European competitiveness and industry – E-001067/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Green Deal[1] aims at putting Europe on a pathway to a climate-neutral continent. The Commission remains committed to the EU’s decarbonisation objectives, which will also allow the economy to become more resilient, while boosting industrial competitiveness.

    The Clean Industrial Deal[2] presents concrete initiatives to strengthen the business case for competitiveness, decarbonisation and circularity in Europe. It responds to clear demands of EU industry[3] for an industrial deal based on energy and materials security, and an effective market for net zero, low carbon and circular products. It therefore includes actions to improve access to affordable energy, lead markets, materials and circularity, funding and skills, as well as to an international level playing field. The Commission is also simplifying EU rules and their implementation to reduce burdens for businesses, including when it comes to sustainability reporting[4].

    The Commission notes that high energy costs have recently been caused by high fossil fuel prices. The Commission adopted the Affordable Energy Action Plan[5], aimed at lowering energy bills while promoting decarbonisation. It will also propose an Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, with measures to ease permitting for industrial access to energy and decarbonisation.

    The EU is committed to implementing critical raw materials policies[6] by diversifying supply chains, improving access to funding for strategic projects as well as boosting circular business models. Moreover, a Critical Raw Materials Centre will coordinate joint raw material purchases on behalf of interested companies. Regarding energy supply, the Commission calls for swift adoption of the extension of the gas storage rules[7].

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en .
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/clean-industrial-deal_en .
    • [3] The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal: https://antwerp-declaration.eu/ .
    • [4] Sustainability Omnibus: https://finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/commission-simplifies-rules-sustainability-and-eu-investments-delivering-over-eu6-billion_en .
    • [5] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en .
    • [6] See namely the Critical Raw Materials Act: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401252 .
    • [7] An update to the Security of Supply Framework is foreseen for 2026.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Massive brain drain from EU universities is an existential threat to Europe’s future – E-001033/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Establishing measures to attract and retain talents and counter brain drain is a priority for the Commission, as human capital is fundamental for the competitiveness of research and innovation and of the European economy.

    The new European framework for research careers and the new European Charter for Researchers[1] support attractive careers and working conditions in universities and beyond, contributing to a balanced mobility of research talents between EU countries and sectors, to retaining European talents, and to attracting international ones.

    Horizon Europe[2] supports the implementation of the new framework, for example via the Human Resources Excellence in Research award[3], a Mutual Learning Exercise[4] supporting the exchange of good practices by Member States[5], and a Talent Ecosystems pilot call supporting attractive careers for early-career researchers[6]. Additional measures to ensure attractive careers are expected in the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2025-2027[7] with Horizon Europe funding. A proposal for a legislative ERA Act is due in 2026, including measures to further strengthen researchers’ careers and mobility.

    The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)[8] play a pivotal role in retaining European researchers, bringing European talents back to Europe and attracting foreign ones[9]. A new Choose Europe MSCA action is foreseen to be launched in 2025 to provide excellent researchers coming to Europe with pathways to more stable and attractive employment.

    The European Universities alliances funded by Erasmus+ continue to support the European academic community, as they offer enhanced global visibility and attractive career development within the institutions of the alliances and across diverse ecosystems[10].

    • [1]  OJ C, C/2023/1640, 29.12.2023.
    • [2]  https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en .
    • [3]  https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/hrexcellenceaward.
    • [4] Under the Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility.
    • [5] https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/statistics/policy-support-facility/psf-challenge/mutual-learning-exercise-research-careers .
    • [6] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-02-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094503,31094502&frameworkProgramme=43108390&callIdentifier=HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-02&order=ASC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=identifier .
    • [7] Proposal for a Council Recommendation on the European Research Area Policy Agenda 2025-2027, COM(2025)0062 final.
    • [8] https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/ .
    • [9] See European Commission: AIT, CSES, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, PPMI, Dėlkutė, R. et al., Study on mobility flows of researchers in the context of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions — Analysis and recommendations towards a more balanced brain circulation across the European Research Area — Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2022, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/401134.
    • [10] European Commission: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, PPMI, Grumbinaitė, I., Colus, F. and Buitrago Carvajal, H., Report on the outcomes and transformational potential of the European Universities initiative, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/32313.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU action and leadership on global health in view of the US withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) – P-000773/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Through contributions to the World Health Organisation and health initiatives, the EU and its Member States are leading contributors to global health financing. The EU remains committed to global health, including by supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and the fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and is taking a wide range of actions such as the Team Europe Initiative on SRHR in Africa and financial contributions to the United Nations Population Fund and the Global Fund to Fight HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria[1]. The EU will continue supporting global health in line with its commitments and available resources.

    The fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a Commission priority[2]. The 2022 Global Health Strategy sets out EU’s international actions. The 2023 Council Recommendation sets recommendations to address AMR. The Commission has played an active role in reaching a preliminary agreement in recent negotiations on a Global Pandemic Agreement. This agreement includes AMR and is expected to be formally adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025. The Commission also supports the Quadripartite Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform and the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund[3] and engages with international partners (G7, G20).

    Moreover, the Commission’s proposed reform of the EU’s general pharmaceutical legislation[4] provides for incentives for the development of novel antimicrobials and contains measures for the prudent use of antimicrobials.

    Building upon the Preparedness Union Strategy, the Commission will present a medical countermeasures (MCM) strategy to enhance the EU’s preparedness for health threats such as AMR by improving innovation and access to MCM, including antibiotics and AMR products. This will complement the Commission work with Member States to develop a financial incentive pilot in the form of a revenue guarantee.

    • [1] https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/.
    • [2] The 2024 United Nations General Assembly declaration marks a milestone of international commitments: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/world-leaders-commit-decisive-action-antimicrobial-resistance.
    • [3] https://www.qjsamr.org/.
    • [4] https://health.ec.europa.eu/medicinal-products/legal-framework-governing-medicinal-products-human-use-eu/reform-eu-pharmaceutical-legislation_en.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – US tariffs threaten Galician competitiveness and industry – E-000652/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission regrets the decision by the United States (US) to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminium exports to the US as of 12 March 2025 and its decision to extend tariffs also to a list of downstream products[1].

    The Commission publicly stated that any unjustified tariffs will trigger firm and proportionate EU countermeasures. On 12 March 2025, the Commission launched the process to adequately respond, foreseeing the adoption on 14 April. However, given recent developments, the application of these EU countermeasures will be delayed for 90 days to leave space for bilateral negotiations.

    The transatlantic trade and investment relationship is the most important in the world. As the EU and US economies and businesses are so closely intertwined, it is in their mutual interest to engage in positive cooperation. When it comes to steel and aluminium, EU exports to the US are not the problem. Rather, the EU and the US have an interest to cooperate on facing the common challenge of overcapacity in the world.

    The President of the Commission announced that an ‘Import Surveillance Task Force’ will be set up to monitor trade flows and protect against the indirect effects of tariffs, notably those stemming from trade diversion.

    Finally, on 19 March the Commission presented a Steel and Metal Action Plan[2] to increase competitiveness, strengthen and decarbonise the European steel and metals industries.

    • [1] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02832.pdf and https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02833.pdf.
    • [2] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/7807ca8b-10ce-4ee2-9c11-357afe163190_en?filename=Communication%20-%20Steel%20and%20Metals%20Action%20Plan.pdf.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU electricity grids – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The modernisation and expansion of electricity grids lies at the heart of the EU’s energy transition and decarbonisation efforts. In the context of the rising share of electricity in final energy consumption, there is increasing demand for grid upgrades to accommodate the new generation capacity and to adapt, in particular, to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. Key concerns include ageing infrastructure, investment shortfalls, and regulatory complexities that hinder rapid modernisation of grids and efficient integration of decentralised energy production. Interconnectivity between EU Member States is important to ensure energy security and reliability: the integration of European electricity markets benefits consumers by up to €34 billion every year. To meet the challenge posed by electricity infrastructure modernisation, various innovative solutions, including the adoption of smart grids, digitalisation, and grid enhancement technologies, should be considered. In addition, ways of increasing private and public sector financing should be explored to meet the challenge of the massive investments that are needed in this sector in the coming decades; methodologies and scenarios for anticipating future needs constitute an essential element in ensuring a cost-effective approach to the development of grids. Globally, electricity grids will need to increase by more than 20 % in length by 2030 to meet energy and climate pledges in time and in full, which requires annual average investment in grids to rise to US$600 billion from around US$300 billion today, according to the International Energy Agency. Concerning supply chain risks, the need for resilient and effective grid manufacturing supply chains is recognised by the Net-Zero Industry Act, which designates grid technologies as strategic net-zero technologies. Recognising the critical importance of grids for the EU energy union and economy as a whole, the European Commission came forward with an EU action plan for grids in November 2023, while a new European grids package is expected in the coming months. Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted an own-initiative report on the subject on 13 May 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Romania’s climate action strategy – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In 2023, Romania accounted for around 2 % of the EU’s net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and had achieved a net emissions reduction of 50.8 % compared with 2005 (Figure 1). The country’s total emissions decreased by 30.1 % between 2005 and 2023, while its net carbon removals in the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector increased by 50 %. Emissions from sectors covered by the effort-sharing legislation had risen by 8.4 % since 2005. In 2023, they were more than three times higher than those from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS), which fell by 68.2 % over the same period. Romania has committed to the EU’s target of climate neutrality by 2050 (see the trajectory in Figure 1). However, to meet its energy needs, the country still relies mainly on fossil fuels; the deployment of various renewable energy sources for the shift towards a sustainable economy requires further efforts. Romania’s recovery and resilience plan dedicates 44 % of investments to the green transition, with a focus on industry decarbonisation, sustainable transport, and building renovation. Romania submitted its final updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in October 2024. In a 2023 survey, 23 % of Romanians, compared with a 46 % EU average, identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (40 %), the EU (37 %), and/or business and industry (33 %) to tackle climate change; 18 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a “Super Connector” and “Super Value-adder” High-level Business Luncheon in Kuwait (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a “Super Connector” and “Super Value-adder” High-level Business Luncheon in Kuwait today (May 14):

    Your Excellency Khalifa Abdullah Dhahi Al-Ajeel Al-Askar (Minister of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait), Excellency Ambassador Zhang Jianwei (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Kuwait), Excellency Mr Rabah Al-Rabah (Director General of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

    As-salamu alaykum. Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to be with you today in Kuwait, home to one of the world’s largest oil reserves, and a country as committed to talent development as it is to economic diversification. 

    This is our second day in your resplendent capital, Kuwait City, where past, present and future – in design, culture, lifestyle and so much more – come together like no other city in the world.

    Yesterday, I was honoured to have met with His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait; His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait; His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister of Kuwait, and other senior government officials. I thanked them sincerely for the time, interest and hospitality they have shown us, from the moment we arrived in Kuwait. Kuwait has generously arranged for our government delegates to stay at Bayan Palace, a majestic landmark in Kuwait City. I reaffirmed to them the commitment, and sincerity, of Hong Kong and Mainland China in strengthening relations with Kuwait.  

    Yes, I am delighted to be here. So too, are the business and professional leaders with me, a delegation counting some 30 Hong Kong business and institutional heads, together with high-profile representatives of over 20 Chinese Mainland companies from seven provinces and municipalities across the country.

    The delegation brings with them wide-ranging expertise, and invaluable experience, from both Hong Kong and Mainland China, in green development, and innovation and technology, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, new energy and materials, health and smart city evolution. They also offer Hong Kong’s wealth of experience in finance, infrastructure, transport and logistics, as well as global business operations and deal-making.

    We are here to better understand the opportunities of Kuwaiti business and investment. To explore how Hong Kong, Mainland China and Kuwait, working together, can create long-term mutual opportunities.

    We’re also here to explore closer ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, GCC), which, as all of you know, includes Kuwait. Kuwait currently holds the presidency of the GCC, wielding significant influence in the region’s development.

    Our ties run deep and far. China, our country, and Kuwait established diplomatic ties in 1971 – making Kuwait the first GCC country to do so. Last year, trade between China and Kuwait reached well over US$16 billion. 

    Kuwait, I’m pleased to note, was the first country in the Middle East to sign a Belt and Road co-operation document with China. From of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s headquarters building and housing projects, to telecommunications and smart city developments, Chinese enterprises have participated in numerous infrastructure and business projects here.

    Hong Kong treasures its trade ties with Kuwait, too. Last year, our bilateral merchandise trade totalled US$200 million, up more than 21 per cent over the year before. 

    Hong Kong’s trade with the GCC last year reached nearly US$20 billion, up 53 per cent over the past four years. And that robust growth is underpinned by our mutual will to advance trade ties.

    Thanks to our internationally recognised professional services sector, Hong Kong is a pivotal player in the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2023, we included a Middle East Forum, for the first time, at our annual Belt and Road Summit. And we continue to feature Middle East speakers and guests at the Summit. 

    Hong Kong’s Belt and Road Summit will take place in September this year. As earlier the Chairman of the Trade Development Council (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) said, it’s our 10th anniversary Summit, and I invite you all to join us, to take part in a world of Belt and Road opportunities – in business, investment and more.

    And the Asian Financial Forum, Hong Kong’s flagship event bringing together prominent leaders in finance and business sectors, hosted its first GCC Chapter this January. 

    Yes, the ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East continue to grow and diversify. 

    They include the launching of the Middle East’s first two exchange-traded funds tracking Hong Kong stocks. Hong Kong is partnering with a Middle East sovereign wealth fund, too. Together, we are committed to jointly establishing a US$1 billion fund, investing in companies connected to Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.  

    The Greater Bay Area, let me add, is a cluster city development that brings together Hong Kong, Macao and nine southern cities in China. The fast-integrating regional economic powerhouse presents a collective GDP (Gross Domestic Product) that closely rivals the world’s 10th largest economy.

    Hong Kong has much to offer Kuwait. Asia’s financial hub and one of the world’s three biggest financial centres, Hong Kong is also the world’s largest offshore Renminbi business centre. Coupled with our Islamic finance experience, Hong Kong is a trusted partner in your project financing – today and long down the road. 

    Free trade is among our great competitive advantages, fuelling our success for the past two centuries. Hong Kong is a free port, and we will continue to be a free port. Like our country, we are a vocal advocate of a multilateral, rules-based global economy, in spite of mounting protectionism and geopolitical tensions.

    And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a testament to our “one country, two systems” governing principle at work. 

    Under the principle, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has its own legal, legislative and judicial systems. Our legal system is a common law system, similar to that in many major financial hubs around the globe. We maintain our own currency, with no capital or foreign exchange controls. Information, capital, goods and people flow freely in Hong Kong. 

    The principle of “one country, two systems” also gives Hong Kong unparalleled access to our country’s markets and wide-ranging opportunities. It allows us, as well, to pursue our longstanding ties with the world at large, the Middle East very much included. 

    As today’s luncheon title, Partnering for Success: Hong Kong as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” emphasises, we do more than connecting companies and people. We also add value to their businesses, their services and their future.

    With companies and investors from Mainland China, and all over the world, looking for a financial haven in this time of global economic uncertainty, Hong Kong is flourishing, and keen to work with you, our partners. 

         An international financial newspaper, spotlighting the Hong Kong Exchange and its record quarterly profits, recently noted that Hong Kong has, and I quote, “benefited from a spate of initial public offerings and rising interest from Mainland Chinese and global investors in Hong Kong-listed shares, especially of technological-related companies, driven by optimism over China’s progress in artificial intelligence”. 

    That speaks of Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” advantages working for you – linking a world of investors to the secure and rapidly growing Chinese market.

    It helps, and greatly, that Hong Kong’s economy is inextricably tied to our common law system and a judiciary that exercises its powers independently, a legal regime that resembles many of the world’s leading financial hubs. They give international companies and investors – Kuwait certainly included – all the confidence and the certainty they need to do business, in Hong Kong and throughout China. Kuwait certainly included.

    Ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to note that during our visit, Hong Kong and Kuwait have reached consensus on 24 concrete deliverables, through MOUs and related agreements. A ceremony will take place in just a moment.  

    The agreements cover a broad range of collaboration, from trade and the economy, to investment promotion, financial services, aviation and the maritime industries, post-secondary education, the legal profession, sports and more. 

    And our customs authorities will commence negotiations on the mutual recognition of respective Authorized Economic Operator Programmes. This will create smoother, more convenient international links for our respective companies, making it much easier to do business together.  

    Our Airport Authority Hong Kong will soon sign a new MOU with Kuwait Airways, aimed at enhancing air connectivity between the two regions, fostering operational excellence, supporting sustainability, and advancing talent development in the aviation sector.  

    They will lay a solid foundation for long-term collaboration between our two economies and our two peoples. 

    That just touches on our growing co-operation. Indeed, we are now looking into opening a second Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the GCC region, to manage our many ongoing Middle East projects and prospects in the offering.

    One key area is boosting merchandise trade between our economies. Hong Kong, I’m pleased to say, has signed Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreements (IPPA) with five of the six GCC states. We have also entered into Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements with three of the states, with Kuwait being the first. We have also substantially concluded negotiations on an IPPA with Qatar, our previous stop on this trip, and commenced negotiations with another state. 

    Indeed, our burgeoning trade and investment co-operation, I believe, could well add momentum to the possibility of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the GCC. I look forward to our continuing discussions with the Council.

    Beyond business and investment connectivity, there is boundless promise, too, in co-operating in sectors such as arts and culture. 

    Yesterday, we had the pleasure of visiting the dazzling Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, one of the world’s largest museum complexes. Seeing, firsthand, Kuwait’s compelling commitment to arts, culture and science. I must add that Kuwait is this year’s Arab Culture Capital, presenting nearly 100 activities as part of the country’s cultural celebration.

    Like Kuwait, Hong Kong believes in the primacy of arts and culture. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District is rising as one of the world’s largest cultural developments. And we are committed to becoming the world’s East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. That very much includes Kuwait and the Middle East in general.

    My thanks to our Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the Middle East and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for organising today’s welcome gathering. And to the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry for kindly supporting us on this memorable occasion.

    Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy today’s luncheon. Including, let me add, a musical performance by TroVessional, a Hong Kong group dedicated to Cantonese and Chinese ethnic music, brought to engaging life with classic Chinese instruments.

    Enjoy it and thank you!

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –