Category: Farming

MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon to speak at Cowen TMT Conference May 27

Source: Verizon

Headline: Verizon to speak at Cowen TMT Conference May 27

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Frank Boulben, senior vice president and chief revenue officer for the Consumer Group of Verizon (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), is scheduled to speak at the Cowen Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on Wednesday, May 28, at 10:15 a.m. ET. His remarks will be webcast, with access instructions available on Verizon’s Investor Relations website, www.verizon.com/about/investors.

For details on Verizon’s most recent financial results, view the company’s 1Q25 earnings results here.

MIL OSI Economics –

May 27, 2025
India now exports trains to the world: PM Modi in Dahod

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasized the transformative growth of India’s railway sector over the past decade, underscoring the expansion of metro services and the introduction of semi-high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat Express.

Addressing a public event in Dahod, PM Modi announced the launch of a new Vande Bharat Express connecting Ahmedabad to Veraval, further strengthening connectivity in the state. He noted that Vande Bharat trains now run on nearly 70 routes across India, reflecting the country’s rapid strides in modern transport infrastructure.

“The progress of India’s railways is directly linked to our technological advancements. Today, coaches and locomotives are manufactured domestically, reducing our dependence on imports,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi stated that India has emerged as a global exporter of railway equipment, exporting metro coaches to Australia and train coaches to England, Saudi Arabia, and France. He also added that Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Italy are among the countries importing railway-related components from India.

“Passenger coaches made in India are being used in Mozambique and Sri Lanka. Our locomotives are now reaching multiple countries, a testament to the growing strength of the ‘Make in India’ initiative,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that a strong railway network not only enhances passenger convenience but also accelerates industrial and agricultural growth. Highlighting Gujarat’s development, he said that several parts of the state, which earlier had only narrow-gauge and slow-moving trains, have now been brought into the mainstream with expanded connectivity.

PM Modi announced the inauguration of new railway routes, including a key express service between Dahod and Valsad, which he said would greatly benefit the tribal regions of the state.

Focusing on local development, the Prime Minister said the newly set-up rail factory in Dahod will manufacture 9,000-horsepower locomotives, some of the most powerful engines in India. He informed that each locomotive produced will carry the name ‘Dahod’, turning the city into a key manufacturing hub.

“Hundreds of locomotives will be built here in the coming years, creating large-scale employment opportunities for local youth,” he said.

He added that this development would also boost small-scale industries and MSMEs that supply railway components, paving the way for economic growth in surrounding regions.

“This transformation will benefit not just factory workers but also farmers, livestock owners, shopkeepers, and laborers, ensuring inclusive economic progress,” the Prime Minister added.

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Banking: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Murshidabad District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., West Bengal

Source: Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 22, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.10 lakh (Rupees Two lakh ten thousand only) on Murshidabad District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., West Bengal (the bank) for non-compliance with the directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’ and ‘Membership of Credit Information Companies (CICs) by Co-operative Banks’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and Section 25(1)(iii) read with Section 23(4) of the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005.

The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

The bank had failed to:

carry out periodic review of risk categorisation of accounts, with such periodicity being at least once in six months;
conduct periodic updation of KYC of its customers; and
furnish credit information of its borrowers to three Credit Information Companies.

This action is based on deficiency in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

(Puneet Pancholy)
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2025-2026/411

MIL OSI Global Banks –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Murshidabad District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., West Bengal

Source: Reserve Bank of India

The bank had failed to:

carry out periodic review of risk categorisation of accounts, with such periodicity being at least once in six months;
conduct periodic updation of KYC of its customers; and
furnish credit information of its borrowers to three Credit Information Companies.

(Puneet Pancholy)
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2025-2026/411

MIL OSI Economics –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: Report on the unaudited financial performance of the bank during the first quarter of 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Urbo bankas UAB, company code 112027077, address: Konstitucijos pr.18B, Vilnius.

Urbo Bankas earned a net profit of EUR 1.2 million in the first quarter of 2025.

At the end of the first quarter of this year, the loan portfolio of Urbo Bankas reached EUR 438.9 million, an increase of 34.7% compared to a year ago. The bank’s net interest income increased by 7.3% to EUR 5.8 million. Deposit volumes grew by 17.9% over the same period to EUR 576.4 million.

“The favourable economic situation – low inflation, a steadily declining Euribor interest rate and still positive business and consumer expectations – has also led to an increase in borrowing volumes. The growth trends in consumer and mortgage lending in the retail segment continue to be stable, while the number of investment projects carried out by farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises is also growing consistently,” says Marius Arlauskas, Head of Administration of Urbo Bankas.

According to him, the lower profit was due to the varying dynamics of interest income and expenses, increased investments in the development of electronic payment systems and new premises in some of the bank’s branches, as well as a decline in the volume of non-core activities.

In the first quarter of 2025, the bank’s net fee and commission income decreased by 22.2% to EUR 0.7 million compared to the same period last year. Net profit on foreign currency transactions decreased by EUR 100 thousand to EUR 0.4 million in the comparable period due to the contraction of the foreign exchange market in Lithuania.

“The performance indicators for the first quarter clearly point to both the overall financial trends and the bank’s priority areas of activity. For example, the declining number of foreign currency transactions indicates that the need to conduct foreign exchange transactions in cash is declining in the market, the shrinking of premium collection revenues signals that these activities are moving to the electronic space, and the growth of loan and deposit portfolios shows the potential of businesses and individuals to both borrow and accumulate funds,” says Mr. Arlauskas.

The total assets of Urbo Bankas at the end of Q1 2025 amounted to EUR 668.5 million, or 15.9% more than a year ago (EUR 576.5 million). The bank’s shareholders’ equity increased by 9.2% year-on-year to EUR 63.8 million.

At the end of March this year, Urbo Bankas had 279 employees, and its customer service network consisted of 25 territorial branches.

For more information please contact: Julius Ivaška, Head of Business Division, tel. +370 601 04 453, e-mail media@urbo.lt

Attachment
- Unaudited Financial Statements_2025-03-31
The MIL Network –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: AI Meets XRPL: Nimanode’s $NMA Presale Gains Momentum as AI Agents Set to Transform Web3 Automation
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LEEDS, United Kingdom, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nimanode, the trailblazing AI-powered platform built on the XRP Ledger, has officially launched its $NMA token presale, which started on May 22, 2025 and will remain live for a 30-day window.

As XRP continues to gain momentum, boosted by renewed institutional inflows and its recent recognition as a cornerstone asset in the U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve — projects like Nimanode are emerging at the forefront of XRPL’s next evolution, combining zero-code AI automation with real on-chain utility.

JOIN $NMA PRESALE

Nimanode is positioning itself at the intersection of artificial intelligence and decentralized technology. While much of the Web3 space remains focused on static smart contracts, Nimanode introduces something radically different: autonomous AI agents that users can build, deploy, and monetize — with zero coding required.

What’s so Special about Nimanode?

They boast of a suite of AI agents that can be deployed all from a no-code interface

Web3 Customer Support Agents – Deployment AI agents 24/7 Web3-based customer support

DeFi Autopilot Agent – AI Agents that not only trade but research, analyse and present optimal APY for its users

Risk Assessment Agent – Designed to safeguard users by analyzing every dApp or token address a user interacts with.

Why Whale’s are Scooping $NMA

With a deliberately limited supply of just 200 million tokens, $NMA’s tokenomics are designed to reward early adopters and its ecosystem participants. Positioned at the core of Nimanode’s decentralized infrastructure, the token offers holders access to staking rewards, governance participation, and revenue-sharing opportunities.

Holding the $NMA Token unlocks the full potential of the ecosystem, including:

Agent Deployment – Reduced fees for launching agents when holding a minimum $NMA balance

Agent Marketplace – Use $NMA to access premium agents or receive exclusive discounts

Staking Benefits – Stake $NMA to earn passive income through the platform’s reward pool

Governance Access – Participate in protocol decisions and vote on proposals that shape Nimanode’s future

Buy $NMA Token

How To Join The Nimanode Presale

Here’s how you can participate:
1. Buy XRP from reputable exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Bybit
2. Send them to an XRP Compatible Wallet (Xaman recommended) to hold your purchased XRP.
3. Go to Nimanode’s presale page, copy the deposit address, and send your XRP to it.
4. Receive your tokens via airdrop 24 hours after the presale concludes.
Act Now, Don’t Miss Out

The market is heating up. BTC is hitting new highs. But the smartest investors aren’t just riding waves, they’re positioning for what powers the next one.

AI isn’t coming — it’s already here, and Nimanode gives you the keys to deploy it.

Get your $NMA while it’s still early.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | TELEGRAM | WHITEPAPER

Contact:
Nick Lambert
contact@nimanode.com

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2837a177-584e-4fbb-a555-a2b391b80284

The MIL Network –
May 27, 2025
PM Modi inaugurates development projects worth over Rs 53,400 crore in Bhuj

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs 53,400 crore to the nation in Bhuj, Gujarat. Addressing the gathering, he extended greetings to the people of Kutch and paid respects to revolutionaries and martyrs, especially freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma, while acknowledging the resilience and contributions of Kutch’s sons and daughters.

PM Modi also paid homage to Ashapura Mata, recognizing her divine presence and blessings on Kutch. Reflecting on his strong bond with the region, he recalled his frequent visits and how Kutch shaped his life, including the transformative moment when Narmada River waters reached the area. The PM praised the unwavering determination of farmers and highlighted that his experience in the region helped drive its development.

Recalling the devastating earthquake that once cast doubts on Kutch’s future, PM Modi expressed faith in its revival, which the people achieved. “Today, Kutch is a major hub for trade, commerce, and tourism,” he said, announcing projects worth over ₹50,000 crore aimed at infrastructure and economic growth, contributing to India’s emergence as a global blue economy and green energy leader.

Highlighting Kutch as the world’s largest green energy hub, the prime minister stressed the future role of green hydrogen as a fuel powering vehicles and streetlights. He announced a new green hydrogen plant at Kandla—one of India’s three designated green hydrogen hubs—using entirely “Made in India” technology. PM Modi also pointed to Kutch’s solar revolution, with one of the world’s largest solar projects underway at the Khavda complex.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to affordable electricity, PM Modi cited the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, benefiting lakhs in Gujarat. He emphasized coastal economic significance, citing Dhola Vira and Lothal’s heritage, and detailed the government’s port-led development vision. Ports in Kutch handle nearly one-third of India’s maritime trade, with Kandla and Mundra ports expanding capacity and connectivity. PM Modi inaugurated shipping facilities and announced a special maritime development fund, stressing shipbuilding’s role in employment generation.

The prime minister praised Kutch’s heritage as a growth driver, noting industries like textiles, food processing, ceramics, and salt production. He celebrated traditional crafts such as Kutch embroidery and Ajrakh printing, which now has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, supporting tribal artisans. He also mentioned Union Budget provisions supporting leather and textile sectors.

Paying tribute to farmers, the PM recalled past groundwater crises and how the canal from Kevadiya to Modkuba transformed agriculture. Produce like mangoes, dates, pomegranates, cumin, and dragon fruit now reach global markets. Once a region of forced migration, Kutch today offers local youth employment, reflecting growing prosperity.
PM Modi emphasized youth employment and tourism’s potential, citing the growing popularity of Rann Utsav, the UNESCO-recognized Smriti Van memorial, and Dhordo village’s international tourism recognition. He encouraged a Beach Festival in Mandvi during Rann Utsav and mentioned the upcoming Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Ahmedabad and Bhuj to boost tourism.

Marking May 26 as the anniversary of his oath in 2014, the PM noted India’s rise from the 11th to the 4th largest economy. Contrasting India’s tourism-driven outlook with Pakistan’s support for terrorism, he reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. PM Modi highlighted Operation Sindoor, describing it as a mission to eradicate terrorism and protect humanity, and recounted the Indian Armed Forces’ precise strikes on terrorist hideouts after the Pahalgam attacks, stunning the world.

The prime minister also praised the bravery of Bhuj women who rebuilt the airbase within 72 hours during the 1971 war under Pakistani attack. He emphasized India’s fight against terrorism sponsors, not people, and urged Pakistan’s citizens to reconsider their government’s support of terrorism, warning of the dangerous consequences.

Reaffirming India’s path toward development, peace, and prosperity, PM Modi expressed confidence that Kutch’s spirit will inspire India’s progress as a developed nation. He extended wishes for Ashadhi Beej, the Kutchi New Year, and congratulated Kutch for its remarkable growth.

Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and Union Minister Manohar Lal were among the dignitaries present.

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bluetongue virus restricted zone to be extended to all of England on 1 July 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Press release

Bluetongue virus restricted zone to be extended to all of England on 1 July 2025

The bluetongue virus (BTV) restricted zone is being extended to cover the whole of England, ending movement restrictions for animals.
The Bluetongue Virus restricted zone will be extended from 1 July 2025 to cover the whole of England, ending movement restrictions for animals and allowing farmers to move cattle, sheep, all ruminants, camelids, throughout England without movement tests.

Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats, sheep, goats, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas. The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – but in most cases seen since September 2024 clinical signs have been mild and animals have recovered.

The decision to extend the zone follows consultation between industry and scientists recognising that the area of England where disease has been found is now too large for movement restrictions to remain an effective and proportionate way of controlling the disease.

Many areas of England are now affected by BTV and safe and effective vaccines are available. Bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines are now available and farmers are strongly encouraged to discuss their use with their private vet as vaccination is the most effective way to protect livestock from bluetongue.

This new approach is in alignment with the approach taken throughout the EU. This will also allow a renewed focus on resources on higher priority disease risks, which now presents a greater risk to industry, such as Foot and Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

Through movement controls we have slowed the westerly spread of bluetongue until vaccines are available. We are now moving away from government imposed movement controls which are costly and disruptive to farming particularly those within the zones. An all-England restriction zone will allow livestock farmers currently impacted by burdensome restrictions to be on equal footing with rest of England.

We encourage all farmers and keepers to discuss the use of BTV-3 vaccines to protect their herds and flocks with their private vet as this is the most effective way of protecting susceptible species.

I urge all livestock keepers to report suspect disease. It is especially important to remember that foot and mouth disease and bluetongue can have similar clinical presentation.

BTV is a notifiable disease. Farmers should continue to monitor their animals frequently for clinical signs and report suspicion of disease immediately, they should also make sure their animals and land are registered with APHA so keepers can be kept informed and animals easily located

Suspicion of BTV in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.

In Wales, suspected disease should be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03003 038 268.

In Scotland, you should contact your local Field Services Office if you suspect bluetongue. In Northern Ireland please report to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

Restrictions on the freezing of germinal products within the restricted zone will remain

Guidance for livestock owners on how to spot and report the disease can be found here: Bluetongue: news, information and guidance for livestock keepers – GOV.UK

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Published 23 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: SA, Tanzania research funders sign landmark MoU to deepen bilateral scientific cooperation

Source: South Africa News Agency

The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening and expanding their scientific partnership.

This agreement was signed during the 13th Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC), which was hosted by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in collaboration with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) this week.

According to the NRF, this new MoU establishes a strategic framework for enhanced cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, including the social sciences and humanities.

Rooted in principles of equality, reciprocity, and mutual benefit, it marks a significant milestone in a long-standing relationship that has fostered impactful collaboration between the two institutions.

This move recognises the importance of science, technology, and innovation (STI) and its strong systems in promoting the growth and competitiveness of national economies and thereby improving the socio-economic standards of life in both countries.

Both the research funders have agreed that the MoU will serve as a reflection of their mutual intention to cooperate, coordinate, and combine their resources, experience, and expertise to effectively execute their mandates.

CEO of the NRF, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, said this partnership reaffirms the NRF’s commitment to advancing scientific excellence and innovation through strategic continental partnerships.

“With COSTECH, we are not only strengthening bilateral research cooperation but building shared capabilities that will benefit both our societies in areas critical to sustainable development,” said Nelwamondo.

The bilateral partnership between the NRF and COSTECH began following an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2011.

In 2012, the two organisations jointly launched a call for collaborative research proposals, resulting in the co-funding of 15 projects across priority areas such as health, information and communication technology (ICT), palaeontology, nanomaterials, and agricultural value addition.

This programme facilitated collaboration among 54 research institutions, including four outside Africa and led to the training of 11 doctoral and seven postdoctoral students, alongside 27 peer-reviewed publications.

It also enabled mobility exchanges for over 30 researchers and academics.

“This MoU reflects the spirit of mutual respect and shared purpose that defines the relationship between COSTECH and the NRF.

“Together, we are co-creating knowledge, advancing innovation, and jointly addressing the development challenges and opportunities that our countries and the broader region face,” said Director General of COSTECH, Dr Amos Nungu.

In addition to bilateral efforts, both the NRF and COSTECH are active partners in regional and multilateral initiatives.

COSTECH hosts two OR Tambo Africa Research Chairs at Sokoine University of Agriculture and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology.

It has also participated in joint initiatives under programmes such as the African–Japanese Collaboration (AJ-CORE), the Long-term Europe–Africa Water-Energy-Food Nexus (LEAWEF), and the COVID-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund.

Tanzania also participates in the u’GOOD Research Programme, coordinated by the NRF and implemented in partnership with Foundation Botnar and the Human Sciences Research Council.

In addition, both NRF and COSTECH play an active role in the Global Research Council through participation in its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Pilot Initiative and contributing to its governance structures.

The MoU provides a platform to co-develop programmes that enhance research excellence, support innovation ecosystems, and contribute to sustainable development across Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Matt Brass Joins British Consul General for Workforce Development Tour in Newnan

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA (May 23, 2025) — On Tuesday, May 20, Sen. Matt Brass (R–Newnan) joined British Consul General Rachel Galloway for a workforce development tour and roundtable discussion at the Central Educational Center (CEC) in Newnan. The visit, hosted by CEC CEO Mark Whitlock, highlighted the center’s nationally recognized model for preparing students for in-demand careers through academic and technical training. The tour offered an inside look at the center’s innovative programs–from dual enrollment to industry certification pathways–that have become a blueprint for workforce development across the state.

Consul General Galloway, who represents the United Kingdom in the Southeastern United States, visited CEC to learn more about Georgia’s workforce education strategies and explore potential opportunities for collaboration between the UK and Georgia. Her visit underscored the global relevance of the CEC model and the value of cross-cultural dialogue on education and economic growth.

Sen. Brass emphasized the importance of institutions like CEC in building a strong, skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of Georgia employers: “It was an honor to host British Consul General Rachel Galloway in Newnan and show her firsthand the workforce development happening in Senate District 6,” said Sen. Brass. “The Central Educational Center is a blueprint for how we train the next generation of Georgia’s workforce. From manufacturing to healthcare to film production, the CEC prepares students to compete and succeed in a global economy. I’m grateful to Consul General Galloway for visiting and recognizing the value of CEC’s programming. I also want to thank Mark Whitlock and his team for their continued leadership. The impact of CEC isn’t limited to Coweta County. It’s setting a standard that can benefit communities across Georgia and inspire ideas beyond our borders.”

Consul General Galloway added, “Workforce development is a key part of economic growth, which is why CEC’s work in partnering with local industry and building workforce programmes is essential in preparing students to enter the job market. The UK can learn from this expertise to support businesses and drive growth. As our new landmark economic deal with the US demonstrates, the UK and US can go further and faster together and that will happen through partnerships and knowledge sharing at all levels.”

The Central Educational Center continues to serve as a cornerstone of Georgia’s workforce development efforts, bridging the gap between classroom learning and career readiness. Attached is a full itinerary.

# # # #

Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 6^th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Carroll County. He can be reached at (404) 656-0057 or by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Registered Sex Offender from Minnesota Charged with Production of Child Pornography, Coercion and Enticement of a Minor

Source: US FBI

MINNEAPOLIS – Robert James Levi, 22, a registered sex offender from Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been charged by indictment with production and attempted production of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, and offense by a registered sex offender announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

According to court documents and court hearings, for a three-year period—from February 2022 through February 2025, defendant Robert Levi coerced and enticed a 12-year-old girl in another state into producing child sexual abuse material and sending it to him over the internet. Levi “catfished” the victim, posing as a 16-year-old boy, exchanging tens of thousands of messages with the victim, and convincing the victim she was in a “relationship” with Levi. In fact, Levi was an adult man and, later, a convicted sex offender. In February 2024, Levi was convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree in Stearns County, Minnesota, and was required to register as a sex offender. The conviction did not stop Levi—he continued to exploit the victim during the pendency of that case and after he was placed on probation. If convicted in this case, Levi faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

“Our country is enduring a sextortion epidemic,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “My heart goes out to the many victims—vulnerable children—who are sexually exploited by online predators. The Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office is full of federal prosecutors who have zero tolerance for Levi and other repeat sexual offenders who will only stop when they are stopped. Levi faces decades in federal prison. We will prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This case is a stark reminder of the depravity that exists online and the relentless threat posed by predators who target children,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The fact that a registered sex offender manipulated and coerced minors into producing explicit material is both horrific and intolerable. The FBI and our partners will use every available resource to find and stop those who exploit children, and we will not rest until they are held fully accountable.”

Levi was charged via indictment in U.S. District Court. He had his detention hearing on May 5, 2025, before Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright and was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian C. Weir is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Funding improves access to food in northern B.C.
Source: Government of Canada regional news

People in northern B.C. will have more reliable access to healthy food, thanks to an investment from the Province.

This support for local projects will address unique food-access challenges in rural, remote and First Nations communities. It will also increase the capacity of food-access organizations to meet increased demand for their services due to global inflation. It is made possible by a $2-million investment administered by Food Banks BC (FBBC) and the Public Health Association of BC (PHABC).

“In many northern rural and remote communities, getting affordable fresh food can be challenging,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Working together with our partners, we are helping local groups meet the increasing demand for nutritious food.”

This funding, part of $5 million announced in 2023, is distributed through two streams to support better food access in northern B.C. The Large Scale Innovations for Food System Transformation Pilot stream provides approximately $1.7 million for five partnerships to develop advanced models for food security. The Ideas Lab for Food Systems Transformation stream provides $300,000 across 13 projects, aiming to improve regional food security.

“This investment underscores the power of collaboration to advance our key project priorities: strengthening food systems, empowering communities and creating lasting change,” said Dan Huang-Taylor, executive director, Food Banks BC. “As demand for food banks reaches unprecedented levels, we are proud to partner with the B.C. government and the Public Health Association of BC to expand access to local, healthy and culturally appropriate food for northern B.C. communities.”

These projects are creating partnerships of non-profits, businesses, governments and other partners to work together and expand food access. Projects include:
- using existing transportation networks to improve food delivery;
- building the first school farm in northern B.C., which will provide fresh fruits and vegetables for school meals;
- constructing greenhouses in school communities; and
- partnering with Indigenous groups to support sustainable and culturally relevant food infrastructure.
“Community partners have worked to build local solutions that strengthen regional food security and support dignified food access,” said Shannon Turner, executive director, PHABC. “This funding supports communities to make vital changes to food systems. Through this project, legacies of co-operation and effective policy are addressing food insecurity with new skills and models designed to reduce hunger and grow local capacity to address inequities and feed those in need.”

Funding also supported new research to understand the unique barriers and opportunities to improve food access throughout B.C., informed by the experiences of local organizations and people experiencing food insecurity.

This investment is part of the historic $200 million in funding announced in March 2023 to strengthen the food supply chain throughout B.C., increase the availability of fresh food, encourage more food production in remote areas, strengthen food infrastructure and create more regional community food hubs.

Quotes:

Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food –

“One of the best ways we can boost our province’s food security is by directly partnering with farming communities and organizations who are on the ground in remote areas. The projects funded by these investments will put more food in the cupboards of people in northern British Columbia and beyond, and they will pay off in our long-term goal of a sustainable, healthy food system, with a thriving agricultural sector grown by and for the people of the region.”

Dianne Villesèche, quality management system program manager, and Community Food Systems Innovation program manager, Ecotrust Canada –

“We’re deeply grateful for the Large Scale Innovation for Food Systems Transformation Pilot grant, a giant step forward for the Prince Rupert area. With this opportunity, we’re creating school-based infrastructure that connects students to land, food, and culture, while supporting a more resilient, connected and just food economy rooted in local knowledge and community priorities.”

Velma Sutherland, band administrator, Sik-E-Dakh (Glen Vowell) First Nations –

“This facility is more than a place to cut and wrap meat — it’s a commitment to our sovereignty, resilience and cultural integrity. By investing in local food processing through the Large Scale Innovation for Food Systems Transformation Pilot program, we are strengthening our ability to provide affordable, high-quality food while creating jobs and training rooted in our Gitxsan values. This is a step toward revitalizing Gitxsan Food Ways — honouring the knowledge of our ancestors, respecting the animals that sustain us and building a stronger, self-reliant future for our people.”

Nicholas Fricke, operations manager, BC Bus North (operated by Pacific Western) –

“We are proud to be a partner with the Northern Food Distribution Network for northern B.C. Being able to have stable access to food is paramount for all. If we can assist with helping those in need gain access to food, especially fresh produce, that is such an amazing thing to be a part of.”

Learn More:

For a full list of grant recipients, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/FoodGrantsNew.pdf

To learn more about the $5 million in funding to support food access in northern B.C., visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023SDPR0061-001580

To learn more about FBBC, visit: https://www.foodbanksbc.com/

For more information about PHABC, visit: https://phabc.org/

MIL OSI Canada News –
May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Texas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Adverse Weather Conditions

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas of the deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by adverse weather conditions.

The disaster declarations cover the counties listed below:

Declaration Number	Primary Counties	Neighboring Counties	Incident Type	Incident Date	Deadline
20823	Willacy	Cameron, Hidalgo and Kenedy in Texas	Drought, Excessive Heat and High Winds	Jan. 1-June 30, 2024	6/23/25
20825	Coryell, Delta, Grayson and Hill	Bell, Bosque, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Franklin, Hamilton, Hopkins, Hunt, Johnson, Lamar, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Navarro and Red River in Texas; Bryan, Love and Marshall in Oklahoma	Excessive Moisture, Flash Flood, High Winds and Hail	April 26-Sept. 10, 2024	6/23/25
20826	Coleman and Lamar	Brown, Callahan, Concho, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, McCulloch, Red River, Runnels and Taylor in Texas; Bryan and Choctaw in Oklahoma	Hail and High Winds	May 9-11, 2024	6/23/25

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

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

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than June 23.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Texas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Excessive Heat

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas counties of the June 23, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by excessive heat occurring June 1–Dec. 31, 2023.

The disaster declaration covers the Texas counties of Atascosa, Bee, Duval, Frio, Goliad, Jim Wells, Karnes, La Salle, Live Oak, McMullen, Refugio, San Patricio and Webb.

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

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

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

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 2.37% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 23.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Colleagues to Introduce Beef Month Resolution

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced a resolution to designate May 2025 as Beef Month in America.
“Thanks to the work of America’s cattle producers, nothing compares to our nation’s beef,” Senator Marshall said. “From gate to plate, beef plays a crucial role in our economy and our diets. As the third-largest red meat-producing state in the nation, hundreds of Kansas communities are built on the cattle industry, and I’m proud to partner with Senators Ricketts and Fischer to recognize May as National Beef Month.”
“Nebraska is the beef state. Last year, we led the nation with over $2 billion in beef exports. We lead the nation in commercial cattle slaughter, with 6.8 million head. We have the top three beef-producing counties in the nation,” Senator Ricketts said. “Nebraska’s ranchers feed the world. Cattle and beef production delivers billions of dollars to our economy every year. This month, we honor hard-working cattlewomen and men.”
“Nebraska is the beef state – and we’re proud of it,”Senator Fischer said. “I want to thank Senator Ricketts for leading this resolution to officially designate May as National Beef Month and recognize the important role Nebraska’s ranchers play in raising cattle and producing high quality beef.”
“Texas ranchers are the backbone of America’s beef supply, and their hard work is often done in dark hours and without thanks. I’m proud to join Senator Ricketts and my colleagues on a resolution to recognize May as National Beef Month,” Senator Cornyn said.
The text of the resolution can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Freeze branding: the new body modification technique causes serious and irreversible harm

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Taylor, Professor of Anatomy, Lancaster University

If you’re a fan of the TV show Yellowstone, you’ll know the deal – you earn your place on the ranch by being branded. On the show, this means having a red-hot iron pressed into your flesh, leaving a permanent scar of loyalty to Yellowstone Dutton Ranch and its patriarch, John Dutton.

In life imitating art, people are getting themselves branded, but instead of using heat, they are using freeze branding. The branding iron is cooled using dry ice, isopropyl alcohol or liquid nitrogen, and then pressed against the skin to leave a permanent mark.

In 1966, Dr R. Keith Farrell at Washington State University developed freeze branding (also known as CryoBranding) as a less painful way to mark animals for identification. Aside from being less painful, it also produces less scarring than hot branding.

Cattle skin is much thicker than human skin and can take more punishment. Scratches that would cause pain and bleeding in humans would barely mark the surface of cattle. Horse and cattle skin is anywhere between two and four times thicker than human skin.

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When a person is freeze branded, the super cold causes ice crystals to form inside skin cells. As the water inside the cells freezes, it expands and breaks the cells’ walls. This kills the cells and stops them from making melanin, the pigment that gives your skin and hair colour.

Because of the relative thinness of human skin (2mm), it’s more likely to get badly burned from extreme cold. It can take as little as 20 seconds for liquid nitrogen to cause second, third and even fourth degree burns.

These burns can lead to serious problems, such as infection, frostbite or even loss of fingers or limbs.

Second, third and fourth degree burns can go deep enough to damage muscles, tendons and even bones. As these deeper tissues heal, scarring can form and cause long-term problems called contractures – a medical condition in which muscles, tendons or other soft tissues permanently tighten or shorten, causing restricted movement.

This is a bigger risk if the branding is done near the arms or legs, and it might need physiotherapy or even surgery to fix.

Like any serious burn, freeze-branding also increases the risk of dehydration. That’s because burns damage the skin’s protective barrier, and your body loses fluid while trying to heal from the trauma.

As mentioned above, freeze branding destroys melanocytes, special skin cells that give your skin its colour.

When you are exposed to sunlight – or the UV rays from a tanning bed – these cells produce more melanin to protect your skin. They pass this melanin to nearby skin cells, where it forms a kind of shield around the cell’s DNA to help prevent damage from UV rays. That’s why your skin tans after time in the sun. It’s your body’s way of protecting itself.

If you permanently damage your melanocytes, this protective shield is lost. People with albinism, who don’t produce melanin, have a much higher risk of skin cancer for this reason. We don’t yet know all the long-term risks of losing melanocytes – but they could be serious.

You’re not a cow

There are strict safety protocols for branding animals. There are zero for humans. And in the UK, it’s illegal to brand people – whether with heat or cold.

So if you’re looking for a statement piece, stick with tattoos or body art that has been tested and regulated and won’t put you at risk of burns, nerve damage or some types of cancer.

Your skin is your largest organ with many important roles, including protecting your internal structures from germs and helping synthesise key vitamins. Don’t treat it like livestock.

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

– ref. Freeze branding: the new body modification technique causes serious and irreversible harm – https://theconversation.com/freeze-branding-the-new-body-modification-technique-causes-serious-and-irreversible-harm-255786

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: What does it take to be the Army’s BEST combat engineer? | Behind the Scenes

Source: US Army (video statements)

This year the Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers Best Sapper Competition was held at Fort Leonard Wood and the Army’s top combat engineers assembled to prove they have the expertise, stamina and fortitude to earn the title of Best Sapper.

About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force. Interested in joining the U.S. Army? Visit:
spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online: Web:
https://www.army.mil
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X:
Tweets by USArmy
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #Army

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z33aXTIsFNQ

MIL OSI Video –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine: Under GOP Tax Plan, Virginia Children will Go Hungry to Pay for Tax Cuts for Billionaires

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Republicans in Congress continue to push forward on a partisan tax plan that cuts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by more than 20 percent, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (D-VA) issued the following statement condemning GOP efforts to make drastic cuts to a vital nutrition lifeline in order to pay for tax cuts for the richest Americans:
“Gutting nutrition assistance in order to pay for tax breaks for billionaires is both morally wrong and economically shortsighted. At a time when families are grappling with the rising cost of living, Donald Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ rips food off the tables of working parents, children, seniors, and veterans. In Virginia alone, more than 200,000 people, including many children, could go hungry if President Trump and Republicans ram this partisan proposal through Congress. We strongly urge our Republican colleagues in the Senate to reject this cruel legislation and stand with the American families who will bear the brunt of its consequences.”
Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to approve Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” in the dawn hours of Thursday morning, and the Senate is expected to take up the bill for consideration after the Memorial Day state work period. Warner and Kaine have been sounding the alarm about the effects of the GOP plan on Virginia if Republicans in Congress continue to insist on gutting vital programs in order to pay for tax breaks for the richest Americans, noting that the GOP bill would strip health insurance from more than 262,000 Virginians, raise energy costs for Virginia households, jeopardize more than 20,000 Virginia jobs, and raise taxes on minimum wage workers while giving the richest 0.1% a $188,000 tax cut.
Nationwide, the harsh cuts in the House-passed bill would take food assistance away from nearly 11 million people – about 1 in 4 SNAP participants – including more than 4 million children and more than half a million adults aged 65 or older and adults with disabilities nationwide. In Virginia, at least 204,000 people – including children – are in danger of losing some SNAP benefits under the Republican proposal, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).
Additionally, the bill includes a cost-share proposal that would shift tens of billions in SNAP costs onto states – creating an unfunded mandate that would almost certainly require states to cut benefits and eligibility. Under that proposal, Virginia would be expected to come up with as much as $439 million in state funds in order to fill the hole or be forced to make further cuts to food benefits by 2028, according to CBPP.
In 2024, 827,800 Virginia residents received assistance from SNAP, with an average benefit of $5.83 per day. More than 2/3 of SNAP participants in Virginia are in families with children, and SNAP benefits help keep them fed when their families would otherwise struggle to put food on the table.
Beyond the immediate impact cuts will have on SNAP recipients, cuts to SNAP benefits will also create downstream economic harms. The National Grocers Association, which represents America’s independent grocers, recently released a report that found SNAP funding supports approximately 16,173 Virginia jobs and $546,478,800 in direct wages, creating $470,672,400 in direct tax revenue for Virginia. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that in a weak economy, $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity. Households receive SNAP benefits on electronic benefit transfer cards, which can be used only to purchase food at one of about 6,400 authorized retail locations in Virginia.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Whales Turn to XRP-Based Nimanode as They Launch $NMA Token Presale
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LEEDS, United Kingdom, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With growing demand for decentralized AI solutions, users have turned their attention towards Nimanode, the first full-scale platform that allows users—even non-technical ones—to build, deploy, and monetize AI agents on the XRP Ledger.

XRP futures trading on Nasdaq has ignited fresh momentum across the Ripple ecosystem accelerating institutional adoption, compliance upgrades, and smart contract innovations like hooks gaining traction., Nimanode’s Launch is positioned to capture the wave of demand for AI-powered automation on the XRP Ledger.

The XRP-powered Nimanode platform is officially kicking off its presale, with strong momentum already building across the XRP community. As interest surges, early participants are positioning $NMA as one of XRPL’s most promising utility tokens with many believing it could emerge as the network’s next breakout altcoin of 2025.

Buy $NMA Token Now

The $NMA Token Presale Live now, which commenced on 22nd May 2025, has given early adopters exclusive access to one of the most ambitious AI-powered platforms.

$NMA serves as both the utility and governance token across the entire Nimanode ecosystem, unlocking features ranging from agent deployment and marketplace access to staking rewards and protocol voting.

Key Features of Nimanode

Zero-Code Agent Builder – Launch sophisticated AI agents without writing a line of code

DeFi Autopilot Agent – Maximize returns as agents autonomously rebalance across XRPL yield pools.

Risk & Compliance Agents – Monitor wallet safety, dApp risks, and jurisdictional compliance in real-time.

Agent Marketplace – Buy, license, or monetize AI agents in a decentralized marketplace for digital work.

Tokenomics Snapshot
- Token Ticker: $NMA
- Total Supply: 200,000,000
- Presale Allocation: 90,000,000
- Utilities: Agent deployment, licensing, staking rewards, governance, marketplace incentives
Join $NMA Presale

Don’t Miss Out

The last cycle gave us DeFi protocols and NFTs. This cycle is shaping up to be about autonomous infrastructure and Nimanode is at the heart of it.

Nimanode isn’t just another presale, but bridging a gap in the rising demand for infrastructure that blends automation, AI, and blockchain. As the first AI agent platform on XRPL, the response from the market has been overwhelmingly bullish.

Secure your $NMA allocation now — this could be your best chance to get in early on the next major leap in XRP-powered infrastructure.

Join Presale Now

Connect with Nimanode

Website: https://nimanode.com

Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai

Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI

Whitepaper: https://docs.nimanode.com

Contact:
Nick Lambert
contact@nimanode.com

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/30c526ca-a909-4c2f-acd4-261497280fd9

The MIL Network –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to South Dakota Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in South Dakota of the June 23 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Oct. 15, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the South Dakota counties of Bennett, Jackson, Jones, Lyman, Mellette, Todd and Tripp.

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

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

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 23.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Montana Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Montana of the June 23 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Oct. 15, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the Montana counties of Big Horn, Custer, Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Treasure, Wibaux and Yellowstone.

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

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

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 23.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Kansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Kansas of the June 23 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Oct. 15, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the Kansas counties of Bourbon, Butler, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cowley, Crawford, Elk, Labette, Neosho, Sedgwick and Sumner as well as the Missouri counties of Barton, Jasper and Vernon and the Oklahoma counties of Kay and Osage.

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

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

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 23.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Colorado Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Colorado of the June 23 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Oct. 15, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the Colorado counties of Boulder, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Larimer, Routt and Summit.

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

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

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 23.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Cut Red Tape in the Livestock Feed Sector

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is introducing bipartisan legislation to increase the efficiency and efficacy of livestock feed — leading to higher produce yields and harvests. Under current law, farmers and ranchers do not have access to the most up-to-date additives to help improve the quality and quantity of their meat and dairy products. The Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act would help cut bureaucratic red tape at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to spur innovation in the livestock feed sector and equip farmers with the supplies they need.
“Everyone benefits when healthy livestock produce safe, high-quality meat and dairy products — and that begins with how they eat,” said Senator King. “Unfortunately, manufacturers of supplemental additives to livestock feed face needless, burdensome hurdles and bureaucratic red tape which prevents farmers and ranchers from getting their hands on new, innovative products. The bipartisan Innovative FEED Act will expedite the period between the early stages of development and regulatory approval — creating a level playing ground for the agricultural industry and ensuring healthier, sustainable options for consumers.”
The Innovative FEED Act would:
Amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act establishing a new category in the animal food additive petition process to cover ingredients that address animal health, food safety, or environmental benefits in an animal’s diet.
Help American livestock producers cut regulatory red tape while adding value to their products and remaining competitive on a global scale.
Ensures farmers are rewarded for participating in voluntary, producer-led sustainability efforts, and market their products to companies and nations that have set climate reduction goals.
Modernize the approval process by establishing a new pathway for manufacturers to receive approval for feed additives that improve efficiency in meat and dairy production while also reducing byproducts.
Establish strict guardrails to ensure only qualifying products are eligible for this pathway while also ensuring products are safe to use.
In addition to Senator King, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
The full text of the legislation can be found here.
Senator King is a staunch advocate for the Maine agriculture industry. This session of Congress, Senator King cosponsored the Honor Farmer Contracts Act which released withheld federal funding and allocated it back to farmers as Congress had intended. He is an original sponsor of the bipartisan Dairy PRIDE Act which combats the mislabeling of non-dairy products and requires accurate labeling of dairy and non-dairy products as mislabeling is harmful to dairy farmers selling their products in a crowded marketplace. Senator King also cosponsored the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give milk producers a greater voice in dairy pricing. Additionally, Senator King is an annual cosponsor of the federal ‘National Dairy Month’ resolution.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ricketts Celebrates National Beef Month

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) celebrated Beef Month in America during his weekly press call. Ricketts highlighted his work supporting ranchers and producers. He spoke with members of Nebraska press about National Beef Month:
“Nebraska’s ranchers feed the world,” said Ricketts. “This month, we honor hard-working cattlemen and women that promote this great industry. Overall, agriculture accounts for $31.6 billion of cash receipts for Nebraska’s economy. Our livestock bring in $18 billion in cash receipts, that’s 7.2% of the U.S.’s total. Nebraska beef production is key to our state’s success.”
Watch the video here.
TRANSCRIPT
Senator Ricketts: “Thank you for joining our press call today.
“Nebraska is the Beef State.
“In May, we celebrate National Beef Month.
“Agriculture is the heart and soul of our state, and beef is a cornerstone.
“Nebraska’s ranchers feed the world.
“This month, we honor the hard-working cattlemen and women that promote this great industry.
“Overall, agriculture accounts for $31.6 billion of cash receipts for Nebraska’s economy.
“Our livestock bring in $18 billion in cash receipts, that’s 7.2% of the U.S.’s total.
“Nebraska beef production is key to our state’s success.
“Last year, we led the nation with over $2 billion in beef exports.
“Nebraska also led the nation in commercial cattle slaughter, with 6.8 million head.
“We have the top three beef-producing counties in the nation in Cherry, Custer, and Holt Counties.
“Much of the land used for livestock production couldn’t be used for anything else.
“Agricultural land is divided into two categories: arable land and marginal land.
“Arable land, which represents one-third of agricultural land, can be plowed.
“That means it’s suitable for growing food.
“Marginal land, representing two-thirds of agricultural land, is not suitable for growing food.
“Marginal land receives little or no water, has lower quality soils, or is rocky.
“Cattle production keeps marginal lands thriving.
“Beef production is critical to our state economy and our nation.
“Food security is national security.
“When I was Governor, I led trade missions to Japan and Vietnam to promote Nebraska beef.
“On those trips, I traveled with Nebraska cattle producers and discussed the challenges they faced.
“At that time, cow-calf operators shared concerns about market prices.
“I told them the answer was premium, diversified trade markets.
“Under Joe Biden, the U.S. had an agricultural trade deficit of $32 billion dollars last year.
“But with President Trump’s recent trade negotiations, our way of life looks to be growing stronger.
“The May 8th trade deal announcement with the U.K. creates $5 billion for new exports of U.S. products.
“That includes more than $700 million in ethanol exports and $250 million in other agricultural products like beef.
“The U.K. also increased their tariff-free quotas on beef from 1,000 metric tons to 13,000 metric tons.
“Meanwhile, the E.U. only imported 13,438 metric tons of beef in 2022, despite a total population over six times as large as the U.K.
“I would like to see the final deal more favorable for Nebraska ranchers, with an end to the ban on hormone-treated beef.
“But, alongside the other negotiations, the President’s trade strategy is already delivering wins for Nebraska beef.
“I’m fighting to ensure our ranchers have what they need to be successful.
“I support expanded funding in the farm bill to double trade-promotion.
“And I recently led a bicameral letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency, pushing back on radical environmentalists’ anti-ag agenda.
“We warned against their agenda advancing harmful health, economic, or food security policies under the guise of human health.
“We should be encouraging more beef consumption, not less.
“In addition to being tasty, beef is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat.
“One 6-ounce cooked serving of beef provides 25 grams of protein.
“Beef contains ten essential nutrients including iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
“It takes more calories of plant protein to equate to similar levels of protein from beef.
“And research has linked beef protein to a host of positive health outcomes such as weight loss, muscle retention, and diet satisfaction.
“Nebraska ranchers and farmers are the original conservationists.
“They understand the science and they know what’s good for the land, animals, and consumers.
“They want to preserve the land and animals for the next generation.
“But Nebraska beef is not just healthy.
“It is our culture and way of life.
“This month, and every month, we celebrate our state’s beef industry.
“Happy National Beef Month, Nebraska!”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: 5 years after George Floyd’s murder: How the media narrative has changed around the killing and the protests that followed

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Danielle K. Brown, Professor of Journalism, Michigan State University

Flowers, painted benches and handmade memorials surround a mural of George Floyd at George Floyd Square on May 18, 2025. Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images

On the evening of May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by police outside a grocery store in Minneapolis.

From the outset, the incident became a battle of narratives. The local police initially reported Floyd was experiencing “distress” and died from a medical incident. A day later, bystander Darnella Frazier uploaded a video that showed the graphic details, including the police’s excessive use of force leading up to Floyd’s death.

Floyd’s murder, and Frazier’s documentation of it, spawned what by some measures was the largest protest movement in American history.

And that, too, became a contest of narratives, this time in the media. A focus on the aftermath of the events in Minneapolis, and elsewhere, were quickly supplanted by stories of lawlessness and violence by protesters.

For almost a decade, I’ve researched the media’s coverage of protests, focusing extensively on the reporting of modern-day uprisings against police brutality.

Time and time again, colleagues and I have found that the bulk of news coverage of protests against police brutality tends to focus on protesters’ violence, disruption or sensational actions.

Protesters hold up their illuminated phones as they block a road beneath a highway in Missouri in June 2020.
AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Yet in reading some of the coverage ahead of the fifth anniversary of Floyd’s death, I have observed a different media trend. With the benefit of time, what was once a news media frenzy focusing on the violence after Floyd’s killing has yielded space for reflection and coverage that legitimizes those who took to the streets.

In so doing, these narrative changes provide essential opportunities to understand the complexity of journalism and social movements seen from different moments in time.

Following flames

Quickly after Floyd’s murder in 2020, it became clear that subjects such as the role of state violence, the sophistication of demands for change and community grief were less likely to make headlines than things such as rioting and lawlessness.

This pattern is part of what scholars call a “protest paradigm” that explores the relationship between protests, media and the public.

The paradigm holds that journalism often works against protest movements hoping to change the status quo. The news media’s tendency to emphasize the frivolous, violent or annoying actions of protests rather than the depth of protesters’ demands, grievances and agendas negatively shapes public opinion and affects the public’s willingness to support the movements behind them.

After Floyd’s death, those closely following the coverage of conservative media were more likely to be exposed to stories that depicted protests as “criminal mobs.”

But it wasn’t just conservative media. On May 31, 2020, the local paper, the Star Tribune, described the governor’s “show of strength” – a term used to describe the massive deployment of the Minnesota National Guard to help quell the “days of lawless rampage.”

Most coverage at the time fit a familiar pattern of delegitimizing the protest movement.

With time and space, the pattern breaks

Five years later, some delegitimizing news coverage continues to headline. The New York Post, for example, recently published a 13-minute documentary that suggests Minneapolis is still on fire.

But a good portion of today’s news also presents a different framing. In one five-year anniversary piece, The New York Times described George Floyd Square, the murder-site-turned-place-of-reverance for many activists and local residents, as a “site of protest, art, grief and remembrance.” Another article in The Minnesota Star Tribune describes preservation efforts of street art and murals made by activists after the murder. Other coverage described the complicated process of demanding change and the path that remains ahead.

A portrait of George Floyd painted on the pavement is at the center of a memorial surrounded by flowers, artwork and tributes outside a storefront at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 22, 2025.
Photo by Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images

Of course, these are selective snapshots of the coverage. And some media may shy away from covering the anniversary at all.

But from my standpoint as a media scholar, the coverage that does exist has gone from being dominated by an initial focus on the violent aspects of protest to, in the main, a more reflective look at the meaning — rather than the spectacle — of the unrest.

That legitimizing trend over time isn’t an isolated phenomenon. My colleagues Rachel Mourão and George Sylvie and I found something similar in previous research looking at the protests that followed the killings of Trayvon Martin in Florida in 2012 and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014.

In our analysis of the protests following Brown’s death, we observed that the first weeks of coverage focused more on protesters, delegitimizing frames and episodic news – that is, the disruption, destruction and arrests.

But we saw a dramatic change by the third and fourth weeks of coverage. With the passing of time, more legitimizing frames emerged, describing the protest’s substance and demands, and more thematic and in-depth reporting became apparent.

We observed a similar trend when we looked out even further from the triggering events. After the trial of George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch leader charged and then acquitted over the deaths of Martin, and the grand jury verdict not to indict police officer Darren Wilson over the death of Brown, news coverage of protests was more contextual and thematic. The coverage provided more space and voice to “nonofficial” sources such as protesters and family members.

A question of journalism

The protest paradigm’s persistence may be a function of journalistic bias − the adage of “if it bleeds, it leads” talks to the immediate reporting imperative of prioritizing violence and spectacle over issues and meaning. But it can also be a consequence of how journalism operates to inform the public.

George Floyd family attorney Ben Crump addresses media along with other attorneys and members of Floyd’s family outside the Hennepin County Government Center on March 29, 2021, in Minneapolis where the trial for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin began.
AP Photo/Jim Mone

When uprisings against police brutality first begin, everything is new to the journalist and the public. The initial coverage tends to reflect this newsness and emphasizes breaking news and official narratives − which are often easier to obtain than the statements of protest groups. Police departments, for example, have well-established media relations departments with preexisting relationships with journalists.

These initial reports also tend to feature information that would have the biggest impact on wider communities − such as blocked highways and potential property destruction − than just the aggrieved community.

This translates to more coverage generally in the aftermath of a big event − and that reporting is more likely to delegitimize protests.

These are the first drafts of history, and they are typically incomplete.

But five years later in the case of George Floyd and protests of his death, coverage looks more complete and complex. That complexity brings more balance, from my perspective.

What journalists write years later are no longer the first drafts of history reported with limited perspectives. In these subsequent drafts, journalists have a little more time to think, learn and breathe. Immediacy takes a back burner, and journalists have had more time to collect information.

And it is in these collections of subsequent drafts that the protesters and social movements get a fairer shake.

Danielle K. Brown receives funding from Lumina Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

– ref. 5 years after George Floyd’s murder: How the media narrative has changed around the killing and the protests that followed – https://theconversation.com/5-years-after-george-floyds-murder-how-the-media-narrative-has-changed-around-the-killing-and-the-protests-that-followed-257199

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Luján Reintroduces Legislation to Support Merit Staff and Protect SNAP Program Integrity

US Senate News:

Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
Legislation Would Invest in the Workers Who Work to Ensure SNAP is Run Efficiently;
Reintroduction Comes as Congressional Republicans Work to Cut SNAP Benefits and Other Nutrition Programs for Millions of Americans
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Nutrition and Specialty Crops, announced the reintroduction of the SNAP Administrator Retention Act, legislation that would support merit staff and protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) integrity. The SNAP Administrator Retention Act would provide states with federal resources to ensure state agencies can retain their experienced merit staff and help fill open SNAP administrator positions, allowing the program to operate at peak efficiency. U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House.
As Congressional Republicans continue to push for $290 billion in cuts to SNAP benefits, Senator Luján is working to protect and improve SNAP by investing in the merit staff who work to ensure the program is run efficiently. Specifically, the SNAP Administrator Retention Act gives states the ability to receive 100 percent of the administrative personnel costs associated with hiring and retaining the merit staff who carry out the SNAP program and aligns the wages of SNAP administrators with the federal wage standards.
“In New Mexico and across the country, the merit staff who administer SNAP help families access critical nutrition benefits and keep food on the table, all while ensuring the program operates efficiently and effectively,” said Senator Luján. “As Congressional Republicans work to rip away nutrition assistance from our nation’s most vulnerable, my SNAP Administrator Retention Act works to support the dedicated merit staff that help families access to nutrition support they rely on and make sure SNAP is administered effectively. I’m committed to defending and improving SNAP and look forward to working with my colleagues to move this important legislation forward.”
“Every month, SNAP helps millions of struggling families put food on the table, and well over 90 percent of participating households include children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “But chronic underinvestment in the program’s workforce causes staffing shortages and unacceptable delays that too often leave eligible families without food assistance for days or even weeks. The SNAP Administrator Retention Act, introduced by Sen. Ben Ray Luján and Rep. Jahana Hayes, will help states invest in hiring, training, and retaining staff. It will also help them better respond to families’ needs and ensure SNAP remains a powerful bulwark against hunger in our communities.”
“The effective administration of SNAP is critical to addressing our nation’s hunger crisis and preserving the program’s integrity,” said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center. “The SNAP Administrator Retention Act would provide state agencies with the resources needed to recruit, train, and retain skilled merit staff, which will help streamline administrative processes, reduce delays, and strengthen access to this essential program. It’s a win-win for families and for states.”
In New Mexico and across the country, SNAP is a lifeline for Americans facing hunger and poverty. In New Mexico, nearly 20 percent of the state’s population depends on SNAP to feed themselves and their families. Across the country, nearly 40 percent of SNAP recipients are children. Merit staff play an essential role in determining SNAP eligibility, walking recipients through the application process, and ensuring that applications are processed as quickly as possible.
The legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), and NAACP.
In Congress, Senator Luján has long fought to protect and improve SNAP. Last week, Senator Luján hosted a press call on Republicans’ efforts to gut SNAP. Additionally, Senator Luján has led legislation to protect local grocers from transaction fees that would make it harder for them to accept SNAP benefits and has fought toprotect access to SNAP in the Farm Bill.
Full text of the bill can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to SNAP Benefits Fraud

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Jackson, MS – A Texas man pleaded guilty today in federal court to stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Adrian Hill, 44, of Dallas, Texas unlawfully acquired and used more than $210,600 in SNAP benefits from approximately August 2022 through November 2023. Hill admitted to selling the benefits to others and using them for himself. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded, national benefit program to help qualifying low- and middle-income families buy food, thus reducing hunger.

Hill pleaded guilty to Food Stamp Fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 29, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Dax Roberson of United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General made the announcement.

The United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman David Scott Requests $40 Million in FY2026 Community Project Funding Priorities for Georgia’s 13th District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), a senior member of the House Agriculture and House Financial Services Committees, announced a list of fifteen Community Project Funding priorities in the 13^th Congressional District for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations cycle.

Each Fiscal Year, Members of Congress can request Federal funding from the House Committee on Appropriations for up to fifteen community projects in their home districts. As part of that process, Congressman David Scott solicited requests through stakeholder meetings and member level engagement and submitted the list of projects outlined below. These Federal dollars provide vital resources to improve transportation and water infrastructure, enhance public safety, and help veterans access lifesaving health care.

“In every vote I cast and every bill I fight for, my focus is simple: delivering results for the people I represent in the 13^th District,” said Congressman David Scott. The nearly $40 million in Federal funding I have requested are going directly back into our neighborhoods—to repair roads, modernize schools, expand access to clean water, and create good-paying jobs. These priorities represent crucial investments in infrastructure and services that will strengthen our communities and bolster local economies for Georgians. I look forward to working closely with officials from across the district on each request to ensure we address the needs of the hard-working families we serve.”

Congressman Scott’s project include:

Project Name: City of Jonesboro Pedestrian Improvements Project
Explanation of Request: The City of Jonesboro would use this funding to make pedestrian improvement in high-traffic areas, including the installment of sidewalks, adding pedestrian crosswalks, installment of ADA accessibility features, lighting, and turnup/turndown walls as required to tie with existing grades.

Project Name: Rockdale Veterans Transportation Assistance Project
Explanation of Request: Rockdale County would use this funding to purchase a new vehicle to supplement its Veteran Transportation Program, which assists honorably discharged Rockdale County veterans of any age with trips to the Veterans Hospital in Decatur and the VA clinics in Stockbridge and Covington.

Project Name: Newton County Sheriff Department Equipment Project
Explanation of Request: The Newton County Sheriff’s Office would use this funding to purchase ten FAP-30 FBI-certified LES fingerprint sensors that would be used for mobile applications such as roadside stops, crime scene investigations, and serving warrants. Together, this equipment would give the law enforcement agency the capability to fingerprint offenders and victims efficiently and quickly.

Project Name: Henry County Panola Road Resurfacing Project

Explanation of Request: Henry County would use this funding to resurface 3.5 miles of Panola Road from Fairview Road to State Route 155. Panola Road serves as a critical east-west connection in northern Henry County, providing access to commercial areas, the City of Stockbridge, and the nearby Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Project Name: Gwinnett County Walton Court Booster Station
Explanation of Request: The Gwinnett County Board of Supervisors would use this funding to upgrade the booster station facility, including installing a standby power source and updating the existing electrical system. This project with ensure that Gwinnett County residents will have adequate access to drinking water.

Project Name: Newton County Salem Road Utility Relocation Project
Explanation of Request: The Newton County Water and Sewage Authority would use this funding to relocate 15,640 feet of critical water main, 75 valves, 26 fire hydrants, and 1,050 feet of 10-inch sewer piping to accommodate proposed improvements to State Route 162 in Newton County.

Project Name: Clayton County Police Department Precinct Anti-Crime Taskforce Project
Explanation of Request: The Clayton County Police Department would use this funding to purchase and outfit fifteen police cruisers which will conduct gang enforcement operations, surveillance, and offender apprehension. The police cruisers would be outfitted with lighting and siren systems as well as hardware kits that support the Police Department’s in-car cameras.

Project Name: Lawrenceville Police Department Equipment and Technology Update Project
Explanation of Request: The Lawrenceville Police Department would use the funding to purchase four standard police cruisers which would conduct high-visibility enforcement, first-aid kits, trauma bags, mechanical breaching kits, a hydraulic breaching kit, a reusable training breach door, 16’ telescopic ladders, public safety camera trailers, Bluetooth communication equipment, safety barriers, ballistic shields, gas masks, and tactical camera kits.

Project Name: City of Conyers Technology and Equipment for Strategic Preparedness Project
Explanation of Request: The City of Conyers Police Department would use this funding to purchase a mobile command vehicle and LTE-enabled portable radios to improve officer preparedness during large-scale incidents, high-threat situations, hostage rescue, and disaster response while enhancing the safety of first responders and civilians.

Project Name: MARTA Securing Rail and Bus Facilities Project
Explanation of Request: MARTA would use this funding to install anti-climb, anti-cut fencing around at bus yards and rail yard facilities to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous and dangerous areas.

Project Name: Rockdale River Trail Connector Project
Explanation of Request: Rockdale County would use this funding to connect two disconnected portions of the Rockdale River Trail. Connection these two portions of the trail would provide greater access to centers of business, downtown Conyers, recreational opportunities, and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

Project Name: Oxford Haygood Avenue Water Main Replacement Project
Explanation of Request: The City of Oxford would use this funding to disconnect the existing iron water main, install a new resilient water main, and reconnect water services lines to ensure residents of the City of Oxford have necessary access to drinking water.

Project Name: Jonesboro Enhancing Law Enforcement and Public Safety Project
Explanation of Request: The City of Jonesboro Police Department would use this funding to purchase one portable message board trailer, three portable LED light tower trailers, one speed detection trailer, thirty stop sticks, four rapid ID devices, four alcohol detection services, eight police cruisers, ten laptops, thirty body cameras, and twenty-six in-car cameras. This equipment will improve officer reporting, access to real-time information, and public communication during public emergencies.

Project Name: Alcovy Road Transmission Main Replacement Project
Explanation of Request: Newton County would use this funding to install 4,200 linear feet of 36-inch water main to replace the existing transmission lines. This project would ensure potable water for nearly all residents of Newton County.

Project Name: Gwinnett County Harvest Gwinnett Mobile Kitchen Project
Explanation of Request: Gwinnett County would use this funding to purchase a 16-foot box truck with a lift for its “Live Healthy Gwinnett” initiative. The box truck with allow the county to more easily transport its mobile kitchens across cities and rural areas in the county.

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Enhancing Alberta’s veterinary diagnostic capacity
[. Livestock is also a significant driver of Alberta’s economy, with livestock market receipts totalling almost $12 billion in 2024. For this essential industry to keep growing and thriving, it needs quick, affordable diagnostics and robust disease preparedness.

Beginning with Budget 2025, Alberta’s government is providing the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) with a total of $9.5 million over three years to continue operating a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

“For almost 30 years, Alberta livestock producers and veterinarians had to send diagnostic samples to Saskatchewan or other provinces to get results. This funding will ensure they can get results much quicker, allowing for faster responses to potential animal health-related threats. In uncertain times, this ensures the safety and wellbeing of our livestock sector and reassures international markets that our animals are healthy and safe for import.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

UCVM supports local veterinary diagnostics, allowing veterinarians to make accurate diagnoses at competitive prices, which aids in treatment decisions that improve animal health and welfare outcomes. The stable, predictable funding provided in Budget 2025 allows for the UCVM’s Diagnostic Services Unit to plan for the long-term, retain highly skilled staff and continue to expand its services. This will give it an expanded ability to test for more types of infectious organisms and support disease investigations.

This funding will ensure Alberta’s livestock producers and veterinarians have access to in-province diagnostic testing, leading to quicker results at more affordable rates.

“This funding not only strengthens services essential to animal health, it’s also a strategic investment in Alberta’s economic future. Enhancing our diagnostic capacity means quicker results, improved disease response, and keeping expertise and resources right here in Alberta.”

Sandra Davidson, provost and vice-president (academic), University of Calgary

“We’re grateful to the Government of Alberta for recognizing the vital role of the Diagnostic Services Unit in protecting animal and public health and in strengthening the sustainability of our agricultural economy. This investment ensures we can continue to serve Alberta with timely, high-quality diagnostic services.”

Renate Weller, dean, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

“We’re grateful to the Government of Alberta for supporting UCVM’s Diagnostic Services, which enables rapid, local diagnostics and direct communication with the diagnostic team. This investment supports animal welfare, producer success, and food safety – strengthening Alberta’s leadership in livestock care.”

Teryn Girard, production animal veterinarian, Prairie Livestock Veterinarians

Quick facts
- Alberta is one of the largest livestock producing provinces:
  - Alberta has more cattle than any other province.
  - Alberta has the second-most sheep and lambs of any province.
  - Alberta has 10 per cent of the national pig herd.
- Funding breakdown:
  - 2025 – 26: $3.1 million
  - 2026 – 27: $3.1 million
  - 2027 – 28: $3.3 million
Related news
- Animal health research boost for University of Calgary (Oct. 14, 2020)
Multimedia
- Watch the news conference
MIL OSI Canada News –
May 27, 2025

Category: Farming

Bluetongue virus restricted zone to be extended to all of England on 1 July 2025

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

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Updates to this page

You’re not a cow

Following flames

With time and space, the pattern breaks

A question of journalism

Quick facts

Related news

Multimedia