NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: Ethereum (ETH) Whale Allocates $250K to Little Pepe (LILPEPE) Presale as Stage 3 Gains Momentum

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On-chain activity has revealed that a major Ethereum holder has allocated approximately $250,000 into the ongoing presale of Little Pepe ($LILPEPE), a Layer 2 meme-chain currently in its third fundraising stage. This strategic purchase follows the whale’s recent divestment of ETH into Shiba Inu (SHIB), further signaling renewed interest in Ethereum-native meme ecosystems.

    The wallet, known to hold over $17 million in ETH-based assets, moved 1,400 ETH to a centralized exchange earlier this month. Shortly after, a portion of the funds was directed into SHIB, while a separate tranche was allocated directly into Little Pepe’s presale wallet, according to blockchain explorers.

    The transaction coincides with a strong presale performance by Little Pepe, which has already raised over $1.7 million across its funding rounds and sold more than 1.5 billion tokens. The current token price stands at $0.0012, with the next increase scheduled for the upcoming stage. The investment by a high-value ETH holder has drawn attention to the project’s growing momentum ahead of its initial exchange listings.

    What Is Little Pepe?

    Little Pepe is building a dedicated Layer 2 blockchain optimized for meme coin creation, deployment, and trading. The network is designed to offer ultra-low transaction fees, EVM compatibility, bot-resistant mechanics, and an in-house launchpad called Pepe’s Pump Pad. These features aim to provide a seamless and secure environment for meme-based crypto innovation.

    According to the project’s roadmap, a testnet release is expected in Q3 2025, followed by validator onboarding and integrations with key decentralized applications. The $LILPEPE token will serve as the gas currency and governance asset of the chain.

    $777,000 Giveaway and Community Campaign

    To boost user engagement and support adoption, Little Pepe is also running a $777,000 giveaway campaign. Participants who contribute at least $100 to the presale and complete a set of simple social media tasks—such as following the project on X (formerly Twitter), joining the Telegram group, and tagging friends—will become eligible for prize pool entries. Ten winners will be awarded $77,000 worth of LILPEPE each.

    The campaign has been widely shared across crypto communities, helping drive awareness and attracting both retail investors and larger holders.

    A Strategic Shift Toward Infrastructure-Driven Meme Projects

    While meme coins have traditionally risen on the back of viral narratives, the emergence of Layer 2 chains like Little Pepe suggests a shift toward utility-backed meme ecosystems. With early adoption from notable Ethereum holders and continued presale growth, Little Pepe is positioning itself not just as a token, but as an infrastructure layer for meme finance.

    Learn More:

    Contact Details:
    James Stephen
    media@littlepepe.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Little Pepe. 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/3c68bf30-414e-4de7-acc6-54dd4496a1eb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pennsylvania gas plant to bring hundreds of jobs for Boilermakers

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    When the hiring process starts, we’ll be ready to go. We want to give them qualified men and women.

    Shawn Steffee, L-154 Business Agent

    On April 2, Homer City Redevelopment and Kiewit Power Constructors Co. announced plans to redevelop the former Homer City Generating Station site. Once the largest coal-fired power plant in Pennsylvania, the 3,200-acre property will be transformed into a natural-gas-powered data center campus. 

    The new facility will meet the growing demand for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Top technology companies are hungry for more computing power and this project aims to deliver. 

    Construction will generate hundreds of new jobs for the Boilermakers, according to L-154 (Pittsburgh) Business Agent and Homer City native Shawn Steffee. In addition to Boilermakers, the project will employ thousands of unionized skilled trade workers during the build.

    The closure of the coal plant in 2022 was a major blow to Homer City and the local workforce.

    “The shutting of coal-fired plants and refineries caused a noticeable drop in our membership and the loss of many skilled Boilermakers to other trades,” said L-154 Business Manager Michael Stanton. “However, we are encouraged by the natural gas industry and excited about signs of a coal resurgence in America.”

    Steffee remembers how damaging it was for friends when Homer City closed the coal plant.

    “I knew the people who worked here, and the closure was devastating,” said Steffee, who’s thrilled at the prospect of work for Boilermakers in his local. “The Homer City Energy Campus will be a series of natural-gas plants that will power a massive data center campus. What’s really interesting is that this is going to be 4.5 gigawatt, the largest in North America, when it’s done.”

    The power block build itself is a $10 billion investment. Another $10 to $15 billion is planned for investment in data centers.

    The build can’t be done with renewables. According to Steffee, it would take 75 million solar panels across 230 sq. miles to generate the kind of output the new power block will provide. For wind, the numbers are 5,000 wind turbines across 1,875 sq. miles of land. He said the American people need to understand where reliable power comes from when they switch on a light. And renewables aren’t reliable.

    The Homer City project brings security to the grid and eliminates reliability issues.

    “Natural gas, coal and nuclear, these are reliable power,” he said. “What’s really great for the state of Pennsylvania is using the Marcellus and Utica formation. The plant will take 530 million cubic feet of gas per day.”

    The local is up for the task of recruiting and training the needed number of Boilermakers for this job. Stanton said they indentured a new apprentice class in May and are actively recruiting through job fairs, school visits and community outreach.

    “To strengthen our recruitment efforts, we utilized the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund to partner with a media team to enhance our social media presence and outreach, showcasing the benefits of a Boilermaker career.”

    The local will need more Boilermakers because Steffee sees even more work coming. So, he’s keen on being the best craft on the project and fully manning it.

    “When the hiring process starts, we’ll be ready to go. We want to give them qualified men and women. We want to build more. We want to build our numbers back up. This project is just the beginning,” he said. “This is just the beginning for us. I couldn’t be happier for our local. We needed the good news.”

    To strengthen our recruitment efforts, we utilized the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund to partner with a media team to enhance our social media presence and outreach, showcasing the benefits of a Boilermaker career. 

    Michael Stanton, L-154 Business Manager

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tren de Aragua Leader Added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives

    Source: US FBI

    FBI Houston Field Office Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Douglas Williams announced the addition of Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Mosquera Serrano, 37, is the first Tren de Aragua (TdA) member featured on the notorious list. SAC Williams was joined by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Nicholas Ganjei, who provided remarks on the federal charges Mosquera Serrano faces.

    Fugitive Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, an alleged senior leader of Tren de Aragua, is wanted for numerous federal charges. He is the 536th addition to the FBI’s list of notorious fugitives and the first TdA member to appear on the list. TdA is a violent transnational gang and designated foreign terrorist organization that originated in Venezuela and now operates throughout Latin America and the United States. Tren de Aragua is allegedly responsible for sending gang members to the U.S. who engage in drug trafficking, human trafficking, weapons trafficking, and violent crime. Mosquera Serrano should be considered armed and dangerous.

    “Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano’s leadership fuels an organization that thrives on brutal murders, forced prostitution, kidnappings, and the destruction of lives across continents,” said Douglas Williams, special agent in charge of FBI Houston. “Today’s announcement makes it clear: No border will shield him from justice. With the public’s help, we will eradicate TdA and end their transnational campaign of terror and crime.”

    A federal arrest warrant was issued for Mosquera Serrano in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas after he was charged with conspiring to provide and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, as well as conspiracy and distribution of cocaine in Colombia intended for distribution in the U.S. This case is being investigated as part of Joint Task Force Vulcan, a national task force created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 that now also targets TdA.

    If you have any information about Mosquera Serrano’s location, please contact the FBI via WhatsApp or Telegram (neither government-operated nor government-controlled platforms) at 281-787-9939. You may also contact your local FBI office or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can also submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

    The U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program is offering a reward of up to $3 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano. Investigators believe that Mosquera Serrano may be in Venezuela or Colombia. Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano’s description can be found at fbi.gov/wanted/topten/giovanni-vicente-mosquera-serrano.

    Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano is FBI Houston’s third Top Ten fugitive currently on the list. The two others are Wilver Villegas-Palomino, a ranking member of the Colombian National Liberation Army (ELN); and Yulan Adonay Archaga Carias, the alleged leader of MS-13 for Honduras.

    The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list was established in March 1950. Since its inception, 536 fugitives have been placed on the list, 497 of whom were apprehended or located; 163 were a direct result of citizen cooperation. You can visit our Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list FAQ page to learn more about the list.

    SAC Williams and U.S. Attorney Ganjei made the announcement alongside SAC Joseph Burnette of the Diplomatic Security Service’s Houston Field Office; Acting SAC William Kimbell of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Division; SAC Chad Plantz of Homeland Security Investigations’ Houston Office; Acting ASAC Derrick McCullar of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ Houston Field Division; Regional Director Gerald Brown of the Texas Department of Public Safety; Chief Deputy Tommy Diaz of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office; and Executive Assistant Chief Keith Seafous of the Houston Police Department.

    FBI Houston would like to thank our partners assisting with this investigation, especially the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas; the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Division and Bogotá Office; the U.S. Department of State; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Texas Department of Public Safety; the Houston Police Department; the Harris County Sheriff’s Office; the Colombian National Police; the Colombian Attorney General’s Office; and the FBI’s legal attaché office in Bogotá.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shelton Man Admits Defrauding Pandemic Relief Program

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

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, and Harry Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that TONY STERLIN CANTAVE, 45, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven for defrauding a COVID-19 pandemic relief program.

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the distribution of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”), through the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), which provided working capital to eligible small businesses to meet operating expenses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2020, Cantave applied for EIDL funding through the SBA.  The application contained a number of materially false statements, including that the business for which Cantave sought the loan, Arbitrage 1 Media, was an ongoing, legitimate business involved in the limousine and transportation business, and that he was not more than 60 days delinquent in his child support obligations.  After the SBA reviewed and approved the fraudulent EIDL application, Cantave received $96,200.  He then used the proceeds from the loan to pay for personal and non-business expenses, including $16,607.26 to pay off an automobile loan.

    Cantave pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money and one count of making an illegal monetary transaction.  Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

    Cantave has agreed to pay $104,176.21 in restitution.

    Cantave is released pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

    Cantave has two prior federal convictions.  In December 1999, he was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 18 months of imprisonment for a firearm offense, and in February 2015, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 13 months of imprisonment for his participation in a U.S. Postal Service money order fraud scheme.

    This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CIRI Announces 2025 Annual General Meeting Voting Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI) is pleased to report that, at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 19, 2025, 15 nominees were elected as Directors. Scott Parsons, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations, Alamos Gold Inc., was appointed Chair for a two-year term, and Adam Borgatti, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations, Aecon Group Inc., was appointed Past Chair for a one-year term.

    “Scott’s blend of capital markets, investor relations and corporate development experience will be beneficial as CIRI responds to the evolving needs of investor relations professionals. His expertise, coupled with his strong leadership skills, will serve CIRI well as we continue to advance the stature of the profession,” commented Adam Borgatti, Past Chair, CIRI Board of Directors.

    Scott Parsons, Chair, CIRI Board of Directors, commented: “I am very excited to be taking on the role of Chair. With the support of Nathalie and the rest of this talented and diverse Board, I look forward to contributing to CIRI’s strategic direction, continuing to raise the awareness of investor relations in Canada and further promoting CIRI’s mandate to contribute to the transparency and integrity of the Canadian capital market.”

    Scott Parsons is joined by four new Directors: Annemarie Brissenden, Director, Investor Relations, Refined Substance.; Brenda Dayton, Vice President, Investor Relations, Bunker Hill Mining Corporation; Stacey Pavlova, Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications, Faraday Copper Corp.; and Sarah Zapotichny, Vice President, Western Canada, Peterson Capital.

    “It gives me great pleasure to announce that four accomplished individuals – Brenda, Annemarie, Stacey and Sarah – will be joining the CIRI Board. They bring extensive investor relations and capital markets expertise that will be an asset to the organization as we work together to advance the investor relations profession,” commented Scott Parsons, Chair, CIRI Board.

    Annemarie Brissenden is an experienced investor relations professional and accomplished communicator who is passionate about empowering shareholders to make educated investment decisions. Over the past 25 years as an investor relations professional, she has played lead roles in several financings, an initial public offering and a spin-out. She has advised on shareholder activism, rebranded several public companies and worked on a transformative corporate merger. Annemarie is currently a member of CIRI’s Issues Committee, contributes to CIRI’s IR leader publication, and has served on two not-for-profit boards. She is a Certified Professional in Investor Relations (CPIR) and has a degree in English Literature (with Distinction) from McGill University.

    Brenda Dayton is an accomplished executive with experience in corporate governance, communications and investor relations within the mining sector. Currently, Brenda serves as Vice President, Investor Relations at Bunker Hill Mining Corp., where she develops and executes marketing strategies to enhance the company’s visibility and market recognition, and manages direct communications with shareholders, stakeholders and media organizations. Brenda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Calgary, where she received the Charles S. Noble Leadership Award and the Outstanding Graduate Award. She has completed advanced studies in negotiation, mining, capital markets and corporate governance, including the Canadian Securities Course and the Women Get on Board – Getting Board Ready Program.

    Stacey Pavlova is a finance professional with 15 years of experience in the mining industry, specializing in investor relations, corporate communications, finance, and metal sales. She is currently Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications at Faraday Copper Corp., a TSX-listed exploration company advancing its flagship Copper Creek Project in the United States. In this role, Stacey leads the company’s strategic communications and investor engagement, supporting capital markets initiatives and corporate growth. Stacey serves on the Board of Directors of NiCAN Ltd., a TSX-V listed nickel exploration company, and has held several leadership roles with the Canadian Investor Relations Institute, including Board Member, Audit Committee Member, and Chair of the British Columbia Chapter. She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and earned her Master’s in Finance from the University of Denver.

    Sarah Zapotichny has over 20 years of experience in investor relations and corporate communications. In her current role as VP of Western Canada at Peterson Capital, she provides capital markets retail advisory to public companies across a diverse range of industries. Sarah holds a BA (Hons) in Criminology and Psychology from Simon Fraser University and has specialized training in Mediation and Third-Party Intervention from the Justice Institute of British Columbia. She has also completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and the Certified Professional in Investor Relations (CPIR) program from the Rotman School of Management. Sarah serves as Chair of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI), Alberta Chapter, where she champions excellence in investor relations and is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of business leaders.

    The following 15 individuals will serve as Directors of CIRI:

    Adam Borgatti, CFA, CPIR, ICD.D Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations, Aecon Group Inc.
    Annemarie Brissenden, CPIR Director, Investor Relations, Refined Substance
    Brenda Dayton Vice President, Investor Relations, Bunker Hill Mining Corporation
    Bruno Di Genova, MBA Vice President, Sales, Digicast
    David Frost, LLB Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
    Kevin Hallahan, CPA, CMA Vice President, Marketing & Investor Relations, Linamar Corporation
    Claire Mahaney, CFA Vice President, Investor Relations & ESG, Primaris Real Estate Income Trust
    Jennifer McCaughey, F.CIRI Director, Investor Relations, Calian Group Ltd.
    Nathalie Megann, CPIR, ICD.D President & CEO, CIRI
    Scott Parsons, CFA Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development, Alamos Gold Inc.
    Stacey Pavlova, CFA Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications, Faraday Copper Corp.
    Mahsa Rejali, MBA Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations, Cineplex Inc.
    Quentin Weber, CPIR Senior Advisor, Investor Relations, WSP Global Inc.
    Ann Wilkinson Vice President, Investor Relations, Mineros SA
    Sarah Zapotichny Vice President, Western Canada, Peterson Capital
       

    The Board looks forward to engaging with fellow members and continuing to deliver value through professional development events, resources, networking opportunities and issues education and advocacy.

    Curtis Pelletier, Director, Investor Relations, Graham Corporation, is retiring from the Board. Curtis has dedicated his time volunteering for the organization and has made a tremendous contribution.

    “I want to thank our outgoing Board member – Curtis Pelletier – for his active involvement on the CIRI Board. He has been instrumental in advancing CIRI’s mandate, and his counsel will be missed,” said Scott Parsons, Chair, CIRI Board of Directors.

    About CIRI
    CIRI is a professional, not-for-profit association of executives responsible for communication between public corporations, investors and the financial community. CIRI contributes to the transparency and integrity of the Canadian capital markets by advancing the practice of investor relations, the professional competency of its members and the stature of the profession. With over 300 members and four Chapters across the country, CIRI is the voice of IR in Canada. For further information, please visit CIRI.org. 

    For further information, please contact:
    Nathalie Megann, CPIR, ICD.D
    President & CEO
    Canadian Investor Relations Institute
    (416) 364-8200 ext. 101
    nmegann@ciri.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Unprecedented fires fueled by climate change threaten iconic World Heritage forests

    Source: United Nations

    In an update to the joint UNESCO-WRI-IUCN report “World Heritage forests: carbon sinks under pressure”, new data reveals that fires have accounted for approximately 75% of tree cover loss in World Heritage sites. Steadily increasing tree cover loss due to fires, fueled by climate change, has led to record high emissions, and threatens the robust carbon sinks of forests in World Heritage sites.

    Fires are the primary cause of forest loss in World Heritage sites

    Since 2001, approximately 4.5 million hectares of forest—more than the area of Switzerland—have been lost across World Heritage sites, with fires responsible for around 75% of that loss. The vast majority — approximately 80% — of all fire-related tree cover loss occurred in high-latitude forests, primarily across North America and Siberia. Forests in Australia account for an additional 15% of the loss, while all other regions contributed approximately 5%.

    Solid lines show annual tree cover loss in World Heritage sites by cause, while dotted lines indicate long-term trends.
    Source: WRI Land & Carbon Lab

    While the number of World Heritage sites affected by fires annually has slightly declined in recent years — averaging around half of all forested sites per year — the severity of these events is escalating. Since 2020, fire-related tree cover loss has averaged approximately 240,000 hectares per year — more than twice the annual average recorded in the early 2000s.

    In contrast, non-fire-related tree cover loss has remained relatively stable, averaging around 45,000 hectares per year. This loss is primarily attributed to anthropogenic land-use pressures, such as illegal logging, wood harvesting, and agricultural encroachment related to livestock grazing and crop production, mainly in sites included in the List of World Heritage in Danger. Increases in non-fire-related forest loss were observed in 2016-2017 and 2020, linked to the impacts of hurricanes and storms in the Caribbean and Asia, and intensified agricultural expansion resulting from limited ability to monitor illegal activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. However, forest loss from non-fire causes has since gradually returned to pre-pandemic levels.

    “The data is clear: climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is here, now, and it is threatening the irreplaceable natural heritage of our world.”

    Climate change is intensifying fires in World Heritage sites

    The steady increase in fire-related tree cover loss highlights the growing influence of climate change on fire regimes in World Heritage sites. While fire plays a natural role in many ecosystems —particularly in temperate and boreal forests in higher latitudes— rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and changing weather patterns are creating conditions that fuel more intense fires. When forests burn, they release vast amounts of carbon stored in trees and soils into the atmosphere, primarily as carbon dioxide (CO₂). These emissions further exacerbate climate change and increase the likelihood of further fires in a self-reinforcing “fire-climate feedback loop.”

    Source: WRI Global Forest Watch

    Forest fires in World Heritage sites have resulted in an average of nearly 60 million tonnes CO2-equivalent (Mt CO2e) emissions per year, equivalent to Austria’s annual fossil fuel emissions[1]. Largely due to extreme fires, fire-related emissions in World Heritage forests have surged in recent years. In 2023, a record-breaking fire swept through over 300,000 hectares of forest in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park, releasing an estimated 190 Mt CO₂e—roughly equivalent to Argentina’s annual fossil fuel emissions. This more than doubled the previous record set in 2021 in Canada’s Pimachiowin Aki (86 Mt CO2e). Australia’s devastating 2019–2020 fires torched around 300,000 hectares in the Greater Blue Mountains Area, emitting over 45 Mt CO2e.

    Tree cover loss due to fires (brown) in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park after the 2023 fires (left), Pimachiowin Aki after the 2021-2022 fires (middle) and Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains Area after the 2019-2020 fires (right) 
    Source: WRI Global Forest Watch

    In the tropics—where fires have historically been rare—fire activity has surged, driven by intense outbreaks in sites such as Bolivia’s Noel Kempff Mercado National Park in the Amazon Basin, and Brazil’s Pantanal Conservation Area. Since 2020, fire has been responsible for approximately 35% of tree cover loss and associated emissions in World Heritage tropical forests—more than four times the annual average recorded in the early 2000s.

    Source: WRI Land & Carbon Lab

    “These intensifying fires are not just destroying tree cover and understory—they are unraveling ecological systems and pristine primary forests which underpin people’s livelihoods and provide several ecosystem services, such as climate regulation and human health maintenance.”

    Carbon sinks and biodiversity in World Heritage sites are under increasing risk

    Fires can have profound negative impacts on ecosystems, particularly by contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss. Covering more than 70 million hectares of forests—more than the area of Germany— World Heritage sites have traditionally played a crucial role in sequestering carbon. However, as fire intensity and frequency increases, this role is under threat. Fire-related emissions in World Heritage forests now account for about 40% of the carbon these forests absorb each year (80 vs. 200 Mt CO2/year), resulting in a net carbon sink of 120 Mt CO2e/year. High-latitude World Heritage forests have now collectively shifted from being carbon sinks to becoming net carbon sources, emitting around 5 Mt CO₂e/year. In contrast, lower latitude forests—mainly in the tropics—remain strong carbon sinks, absorbing roughly 130 Mt CO₂e/year. However, fires in tropical regions are especially damaging because their dense vegetation and high biomass cause them to release more carbon per unit of forest lost than fires in cooler regions. This makes tropical fires a growing threat to climate stability, accelerating the fire–climate feedback loop and pushing ecosystems closer to irreversible tipping points.

    Beyond carbon, fires are also placing fragile ecosystems at serious risk. In ecosystems not adapted to fire—such as tropical rainforests and wetlands—fires can permanently alter habitats, disrupt species interactions, and erase biodiversity that has taken millennia to evolve. Australia’s 2019–2020 fires, for example, are estimated to have affected the habitats of at least 293 threatened animal species and 680 threatened plant species. In the Greater Blue Mountains Area alone, over 140 million animals were impacted, including approximately 15 million mammals, 17.7 million birds, and 110.4 million reptiles. Similarly, in the Pantanal Biosphere Reserve—which includes the Pantanal Conservation Area World Heritage site—an estimated 17 million vertebrates may have perished during the 2020 fires. These fires also drastically worsened air quality, exposing surrounding communities to hazardous levels of smoke and particulate pollution, which can lead to serious respiratory and cardiovascular health problems and straining healthcare systems.

    © M & G Therin-Weise / Jaguar coming out of the forest, Pantanal Conservation Area, Brazil

    “The transformation of carbon sinks into carbon sources signals not just an ecological crisis, but a critical tipping point in our climate system — one that threatens both the natural world and the communities that rely on it. Investing in robust fire prevention and response systems is essential to combat wildfires, especially in carbon-rich forests.”

    Helping communities prepare and respond to fires

    As fire continues to threaten both ecological integrity and human livelihoods, proactive fire response and preparedness are more critical than ever. Communities living in and around World Heritage sites are often the first affected by these events—facing loss of land, water resources, cultural heritage, and biodiversity that their lives and traditions depend on.

    To support rapid and informed action, UNESCO has been leveraging real-time fire alert data through platforms like Global Forest Watch, developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI). These tools enable early detection of fire outbreaks and offer actionable insights that help local authorities and conservation managers respond quickly and effectively.

    Complementing this, Land & Carbon Lab – an applied geospatial research lab convened by WRI and the Bezos Earth Fund – provides critical data on carbon storage, emissions and sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems—enhancing global understanding of how fires and other human activities are imperiling carbon sinks and converting some forests to carbon sources. This data helps inform not only emergency response, but also long-term restoration and climate resilience strategies.

    A notable example of these data in action is their integration into the World Heritage Online Map Platform (WHOMP), which has supported the deployment of the Rapid Response Facility (RRF)— a joint initiative from UNESCO and Fauna and Flora. These tools have helped guide emergency response efforts at critical sites, including Brazil’s Pantanal Conservation Area and Bolivia’s Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. In these areas, satellite monitoring and fire alerts have enabled early fire detection, faster mobilization of resources, and timely support for both ecosystems and local communities.

    © Fundación para la Conservación del Bosque Chiquitano 

    “The grant from the Rapid Response Facility (RRF) was crucial in quickly mobilizing resources to keep the ranger corps, community brigade firefighters, and firefighting authorities active in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. Without this swift support, the damage to the park’s forests and the species that depend on them could have been far more severe.”

    © Panthera

    “The Rapid Response Facility (RRF) made it possible to train brigades, improve communication, support government institutions and, above all, strengthen integrated firefighting actions between the various stakeholders involved.”

    Beyond immediate response, these efforts also strengthen local capacity, foster community engagement, and promote sustainable land management practices. By combining cutting-edge technology, operational monitoring systems based on Earth observation data, and on-the-ground collaboration, UNESCO and its partners are helping vulnerable communities become more prepared and resilient in the face of escalating fire risks. Ultimately, these initiatives play a vital role in safeguarding the world’s natural heritage for future generations—preserving the ecological, cultural, and climate value of these irreplaceable landscapes.

    UNESCO thanks the support of the Government of Norway to the Rapid Response Facility (RRF) and the Government of Flanders (Belgium) to the World Heritage Online Map Platform (WHOMP). WRI thanks the Bezos Earth Fund and Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI).

    [1] All country emissions equivalencies are for CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in 2023, according to the Global Carbon Atlas produced by the Global Carbon Budget: https://globalcarbonatlas.org/emissions/carbon-emissions/

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE announces major update to global online child sexual exploitation operation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in coordination with our international partners, announced a major update to the results of Operation Renewed Hope III, a global crackdown led by the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Crimes Center to identify victims of online child sexual exploitation and abuse, June 24.

    HSI is a global leader in the fight against child exploitation. As technology evolves and more people have access to the internet, children are at a greater risk than ever. HSI’s special agents and analysts around the world are dedicated to countering this threat and partnering with international law enforcement agencies to protect children from exploitation and to investigate and arrest predators.

    Since the initial results were released in March of this year, ICE Homeland Security Investigations has positively identified more than 150 additional child victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse, bringing the total number of victims identified across all three phases of Operation Renewed Hope to more than 450 children worldwide; a staggering increase that highlights both the global scale of this crime and the unwavering commitment of investigators to protect children and bring predators to justice.

    ORH III, conducted from Feb. 24 through March 7, builds on the success of the first two phases of the initiative which previously led to the identification and rescue of over 300 exploited children. With this third iteration, the cumulative victim count now surpasses 450, a chilling yet vital reminder of the scope the ongoing threat of online sexual exploitation poses to children.

    Led by ICE HSI, in collaboration with global law enforcement partners, ORH III continues to generate actionable intelligence and lead driven investigations. To date, the operation has produced over 400 investigative leads, more than 230 domestic and over 165 foreign.

    During the operational window alone, analysts processed over 83,000 digital files, totaling 216 gigabytes of data which equates to more than 115 hours of streamed video content.

    “Each file is a potential indicator of abuse and each frame a critical clue in the fight to save children,” said ICE HSI Cyber and Operational Technology Assistant Director Sean Fitzgerald. “Every victim identified is reflective of a life that can begin to heal, which is why our agents and analysts remain essential to the rescue of victims and the global pursuit of predators.”

    Further investigations remain ongoing as law enforcement agencies continue to analyze materials and pursue the remaining leads developed through the operation.

    ICE HSI is the global leader in the investigation of online child sexual exploitation and abuse and in fiscal year 2024, its efforts resulted in the identification and/or rescue of 1,783 child victims in child exploitation investigations, supported 6,939 new child exploitation investigations and the arrest of 4,959 individuals for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.

    If you suspect a child has been abducted or faces imminent danger, dial 911 or contact your local police.

    Members of the public who suspect a child might be a victim of exploitation are urged to call the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE, the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669), or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Announces Appointments to the Homeland Security Advisory Council

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Trump Announces Appointments to the Homeland Security Advisory Council

    resident Donald J

    Trump and Secretary Noem appointed new members to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) and announced the date of the council’s first meeting

    Formed on March 19, 2002, the HSAC leverages the experience, expertise, and national and global connections of its membership to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with real-time, real-world and independent advice on homeland security operations

    This new-look, America First HSAC will draw upon a deep well of public and private sector experience from homeland security experts committed to fulfilling President Trump’s agenda

    The Homeland Security Advisory Council will hold its first meeting at DHS headquarters in Washington, D

    C

    on July 2nd, 2025

    Appointed Members:

    Henry McMaster, Governor, South Carolina, Chair
    Joseph Gruters, State Senator, Florida, Vice Chair
    Marc Andreessen, Co-Founder and General Partner, Andreessen Horowitz
    David Chesnoff, Attorney, Chesnoff and Schonfeld

    Christopher “Chris” Cox, Founder, Bikers for Trump
    Mark Dannels, Cochise County Sheriff, Arizona
    Richard “Bo” Dietl, CEO and Founder, Beau Dietl & Associates
    Matthew Flynn, Attorney, Steptoe

    Former Deputy Assistant to the President

    Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense

    Rudolph W

    Giuliani, Former Mayor, New York City
    Harvey C

    Jewett IV, Retired President of Super 8 Motels Inc

    , Retired President and Chief Operating Officer, Rivett Group LLC

    , President Great Plains Education Foundation, Inc

    Steve Kirby, Founding Partner, Bluestem Capital Company
    Mark Levin, Broadcast News Analyst, The Mark Levin Show
    Corey Lewandowski, Chief Advisor to the Secretary, Department of Homeland Security
    Nicholas Luna, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation, The White House
    George Lund, CEO and Chairman, Torch Hill Investment Partners
    Edward McMullen Jr, Senior Policy Advisor, Adams and Reese LLP

    Former Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein,
    Georgette Mosbacher, Co-Chair, Three Seas Programming, Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, Former Ambassador to Poland
    James “Jim” Pallotta, Managing Partner and Founder, The Raptor Group

    Omar Qudrat, CEO, Maden, Founder, Muslim Coalition for America, Major, U

    S

    Army Reserve
    Stephen Sloan, Global Head of Private Market Secondaries, Portfolio Advisors and Co-Founder, Cogent Partners
    Robert “Bob” Smith, Former U

    S

    Senator, New Hampshire
    Alexei Woltornist, Co-Founder and President, ATHOS

    Former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Homeland Security

    To learn more about the Homeland Security Advisory Council, including its previous taskings, reports, and recommendations, visit DHS

    gov/Homeland-Security-Advisory-Council

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Scott, Senator Sanders, Senator Welch, and Congresswoman Balint Announce $13.6 Million in Northern Border Regional Commission Grants for Vermont Communities

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Congresswoman Becca Balint, together with the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), today announced that 11 Vermont communities will be receiving a combined $13.6 million from NBRC’s Catalyst Program.

    “Investing in our communities and fixing aging infrastructure, is key to addressing many of the housing and affordability challenges we’re facing in the state,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I want to thank the congressional delegation for their advocacy for this funding as well as the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and NBRC for their work to support these important projects.”

    “The Northern Border Regional Commission plays a crucial role in supporting rural economies and communities in Vermont. These funds will be a catalyst for economic growth in rural communities across our state–from renewing vital drinking water infrastructure to renovating historic buildings and community gathering spaces,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “We’re pleased to see these projects receive funding to help communities in every corner of the Green Mountain State grow and thrive.” 

    When evaluating potential projects, the Catalyst Program considers project readiness, economic impacts, impacts on Vermont’s skilled workforce, project location, regional input and priorities, and the project’s transformational nature. Awarded projects in the 2025 Catalyst Spring Competition include renovating the historic Episcopal Church in Canaan into a community space, modernizing downtown Rutland’s wastewater system, and re-purposing the former Rochester High School into a multi-use community hub.

    The complete list of Spring 2025 awardees can be found below:

    Applicant Name: Bennington County Industrial Corporation
    Project Location: Bennington County

    Grant Amount: $3,000,000.00
    Total Project Amount: $7,714,822.00

    Project: Develop essential transportation and water/wastewater infrastructure, supporting long-term economic revitalization in the Putnam Block of downtown Bennington.  

    Applicant Name: Bolton Valley Water and Community Development Co.
    Project Location: Chittenden County

    Grant Amount: $3,000,000.00
    Total Project Amount: $9,179,190.00

    Project: Upgrade the community wastewater plant and construct a new road to support housing and economic growth.  

    Applicant Name: Canaan Naturally Connected, Inc.
    Project Location: Essex County

    Grant Amount: $449,044.00
    Total Project Amount: $738,055.00

    Project: Renovate a historic Episcopal Church into the Canaan Community Center, a vital hub for economic and social engagement in rural Essex County.

    Project Applicant: Town of Highgate
    Project Location: Franklin County

    Grant Amount: $1,000,000.00
    Total Project Amount: $6,839,130.00

    Project: Construct a community wastewater system, enhancing infrastructure for residents, businesses, and public spaces in Highgate Center.
     

    Applicant Name: Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary
    Project Location: Orange County

    Grant Amount: $100,000.00
    Total Project Amount: $294,000.00

    Project: Conduct a feasibility study for expanding childcare facilities and outdoor recreation infrastructure, addressing critical service gaps in rural Vermont.

    Applicant Name: Benson Village Trust, Inc.
    Project Location: Rutland County

    Grant Amount: $500,000.00
    Total Project Amount: $1,309,000.00

    Project: Rebuild the Benson Village Store, restoring a vital economic and social hub for the rural community of Benson.

    Applicant Name: Rutland City
    Project Location: Rutland County

    Grant Amount: $3,000,000.00
    Total Project Amount: $6,741,410.00

    Project: Modernizing Downtown Rutland’s wastewater infrastructure, enhancing economic growth and resilience.

     Applicant Name: Food Connects
    Applicant Location: Windham County

    Grant Amount: $499,385.50
    Total Project Amount: $998,771.00

    Project: Expand storage and distribution infrastructure, increasing market access for Vermont food producers and supporting rural economic development.

    Applicant Name: Town of Rochester 
    Applicant Location: Windsor County

    Grant Amount: $1,000,000.00
    Total Project Amount: $4,552,120.00

    Project: Re-purpose the former Rochester High School into a multi-use community hub, providing early childhood education, senior services, workforce development, arts programming, and business incubation.

     Applicant Name: Southeast Vermont Transit, Inc.

    Applicant Location: Windsor County
    Grant Amount: $282,078.00
    Total Project Amount: $812,822.00

    Project: Convert Springfield’s fixed-route bus system into a free, on-demand micro transit service.  

    Applicant Name: Town of Woodstock

    Applicant Location: Windsor County
    Grant Amount: $868,858.52
    Total Project Amount: $1,755,094.22

    Project: Upgrade municipal drinking water system, increasing pressure and capacity to support new housing and business development.

    About the Northern Border Regional Commission

    The Northern Border Regional Commission is a Federal-State partnership in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire collaboration to improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. NBRC encourages projects that take a creative approach to accomplishing those goals.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Draft agenda – Monday, 7 July 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    23 Financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2024
    Francisco Assis (A10-0112/2025) 
        – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00
    Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00
    Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00
    Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00
    Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – ECON – LIBE: Scrutiny of delegated acts and implementing measures – NEW – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

    On 30 June 2025 from 18:30-20:00, ECON and LIBE Members will exchange views with Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, on the amendment to the delegated regulation in relation to third countries which have strategic deficiencies in their AML/CTF regimes (High-Risk Third Countries).

    Under Article 9 of Directive (EU) 2015/849 (AMLD4), the Commission is mandated to adopt a list of high-risk third countries presenting strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes. The purpose is to protect the EU internal market from risks posed by third countries, by requiring financial institutions and other gatekeepers to apply enhanced vigilance with regard to transactions involving high-risk third countries. This is done through the adoption of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 which is regularly amended. In the context of their scrutiny powers, the co-legislators can object to such delegated acts adopted by the Commission during a one-month scrutiny period (extendable by another one-month period). The European Parliament rejected the last amending to the list of high-risk third countries by its resolution of 23 April 2024. The EU list of high-risk third countries was not amended since then.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Germany: EIB provides €30 million financing to OLEDWorks for automotive lighting

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB financing supports OLEDWorks in ramping up the manufacturing and R&D of their lighting technology.
    • The company’s products combine high brightness, longevity, energy-efficiency, and reduced waste. 
    • The loan is backed by the European Commission’s InvestEU programme, which aims to promote sustainable investment, innovation, and job creation in Europe.

    Luxembourg/Aachen, 26 June 2025. – The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted financing of €30 million to OLEDWorks, a provider of innovative lighting solutions for the automotive industry, microdisplays, and other specialty lighting applications. The loan aims to support the company’s expansion and product development within the European Union, with a primary focus on automotive clients. Most of the investment will be used at the borrower’s existing site in Aachen, Germany.

    OLEDWorks specialises in designing and developing lighting solutions based on organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Its technology offers a combination of high brightness, energy efficiency, and durability. Notably, the company has developed an innovative application for OLED panels in the automotive sector, which represents a first-of-its-kind use case at scale.

    The financing provided by the EIB will enable OLEDWorks to strengthen its position as a world leader in multi-stack OLED technology, and to expand its portfolio of automotive customers. It will also allow OLEDWorks to capitalise on the nascent trend of using OLED technologies in the automotive sector, which is expected to gain momentum in the coming years. Furthermore, the financing will help to keep key manufacturing sectors and innovation in Europe, as the lighting industry has largely been delocalised to Asia in recent decades.

    “OLEDWorks provides the type of cutting-edge technology that will secure a bright future for Europe and its people,” said EIB Vice President Nicola Beer, who oversees the Bank’s operations in Germany. “The financing provided by the EIB reflects our commitment to supporting innovative companies in strategic sectors. OLEDWorks’ lighting solutions align with our objective of fostering technological advancements on the continent—progress we need if we want Europe to be competitive and green.”

    David DeJoy, CEO of OLEDWorks, emphasizes the pivotal role this investment plays in meeting customer needs: “The financing provided by the EIB will allow for expedited technology development and will enable advancements of OLED lighting technology with higher segmentation and display-like capabilities, higher brightness for automotive stop and turn applications, and bendable OLED panels.”

    Wolfgang Görgen, Managing Director of OLEDWorks GmbH, adds: ”The technology advancements along with enhanced capacity at our Aachen facility will empower us to respond swiftly to our customers’ demands.”

    The EIB support is expected to facilitate OLEDWorks’ growth plans and enable the hiring of some 45 new employees over the next three to four years. The project falls under the InvestEU-supported Future Tech programme loan, which addresses funding gaps and provides adequate risk capital to venture-backed companies in the EU. European small and mid-sized companies often face challenges in accessing non-dilutive financing options for growth investments. Since its establishment in 2016, the EIB’s innovation financing team has addressed the unique funding needs of over 300 fast-growing companies, investing €7 billion in the process.

    Background information

    About the European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. 

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.   

    About OLEDworks

    OLEDWorks is a global leader in the development and production of innovative organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology. By producing the world’s best-performing OLED panels and combining rapid product innovation, OLEDWorks enriches lighting solutions in automotive, specialty, and microdisplay applications.

    The OLEDWorks manufacturing facility is IATF 16949 and ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 certified with full traceability via a factory MES system.

    About the InvestEU Programme

    The InvestEU programme supports the sustainable recovery of the European Union by leveraging significant private and public funds. It aims to crowd in private investment for strategic priorities such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. The programme simplifies and enhances funding opportunities for investment projects within the European Union. It consists of the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub, and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners utilising the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion to mobilise at least €372 billion in additional investment.

    Germany: EIB Provides €30 Million Financing to OLEDWorks for Automotive Lighting

    ©EIB
    Download original

    Germany: EIB Provides €30 Million Financing to OLEDWorks for Automotive Lighting

    ©EIB
    Download original

    Germany: EIB Provides €30 Million Financing to OLEDWorks for Automotive Lighting

    ©EIB
    Download original

    Germany: EIB Provides €30 Million Financing to OLEDWorks for Automotive Lighting

    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK holds reception to welcome new companies in Hong Kong and celebrate 25 years of impact (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) hosted a reception today (June 24) for new establishments of international and Mainland businesses in Hong Kong. An occasion to thank businesses for their trust and support in Hong Kong’s business environment, the event attracted nearly 350 senior representatives from companies worldwide. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the ceremony, reaffirming Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” connecting the Mainland and the rest of the world. He also encouraged companies to seize the myriad opportunities in Hong Kong to expand globally.

         In his keynote speech, Mr Lee said that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the advantages of being connected to both the Mainland and the rest of the world, offering an open and easy place to do business, a long and established tradition of the rule of law, and a simple and low tax regime. Mr Lee highlighted that as the world’s freest economy and one of the world’s top three international financial centres, Hong Kong’s global competitiveness has risen two places to rank third globally in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025, marking the second consecutive year of such advancement from its seventh place two years ago. In the recent World Investment Report released by the United Nations Trade and Development, the city has moved up to the third place in terms of foreign direct investment inflows. Mr Lee said that the Government will continue to co-ordinate the practical needs of enterprises across different sectors, enabling them to develop their business overseas through Hong Kong’s multinational supply chain management centre and explore new strategic blue oceans for development.

         This year, the reception not only expressed appreciation to the attending companies for their contributions to Hong Kong, but was also held to mark a significant milestone – the 25th anniversary of InvestHK. The department premiered its 25th anniversary video, celebrating its achievements and economic impact over the past quarter century, in the presence of Mr Lee; the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Ms Maggie Wong, and other distinguished guests.

         The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, thanked InvestHK’s clients, partners, stakeholders, and other government bureaux and departments for their staunch support. She said, “For a quarter-century, we have helped international companies from around the world establish, grow, thrive here and beyond, to Mainland China and Asia. We are also the launchpad for Mainland companies to go global. InvestHK actively promotes two-way foreign direct investment between China and the rest of the world, using Hong Kong as a platform. Looking forward, we will continue to connect markets, empower growth, and create long-term value through two-way investment.”

         For photos of the reception, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720327068792.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Abuse of copyright infringement claims to censor the press – P-002235/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002235/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tiemo Wölken (S&D)

    In March 2025, Investigate Europe[1] and other media outlets revealed that Soft2bet, a gambling firm headquartered in Cyprus and Malta, is linked to 114 online casinos that have been blacklisted by Member States. Since the publication of the investigation, anonymous actors have filed false US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) complaints to de-index these news articles from Google in the EU. In over 60 complaints, fake claimants copied the original investigation and backdated it, making Google believe that their copy was the original article and/or posed as Investigate Europe, filing infringement claims against outlets that co-published or shared the investigation. This has led to the de-indexing of genuine articles about Soft2bet in Greece[2], Poland[3], Malta[4], Estonia[5] and other countries.

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that journalistic work published within the EU is not subject to false copyright complaints, so as to guarantee that Google and other search engines properly filter false infringement claims in the future?
    • 2.Is the Commission aware of Google’s use of potentially error-prone algorithmic or AI filtering systems to assess copyright claims?
    • 3.Is the Commission aware of any other cases of systematic abuses of copyright protections in the EU aimed at censoring the press?

    Submitted: 4.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.investigate-europe.eu/posts/shady-bets-blacklisted-gambling-sites-connected-to-soft2bet-award-winning-european-firm
    • [2] https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50067895?access_token=INKWQV49dp1dmRZMCAkVUg
    • [3] https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50130061?access_token=CYq0sYjCl-OzG_o0T8QpHQ
    • [4] https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50550335
    • [5] https://lumendatabase.org/notices/50266670?access_token=kZ9oB1Hqs377Y87Afzrkrg
    Last updated: 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB and Andalusia regional government sign €133 million loan to finance projects in education, healthcare, labour inclusion, the energy transition, sustainable transport and digitalisation in Andalusia

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The loan will co-finance projects included in the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and other EU funds.
    • The EIB loan will enable the Andalusia regional government to co-finance projects in various provinces of the region, from healthcare and education infrastructure improvement to sustainable urban transport and digitalisation.
    • The agreement highlights efforts to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, one of the EIB Group’s cross-cutting strategic priorities.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €133 million loan with the Andalusia regional government (the Junta de Andalucía) to co-finance social, green and digital investment in the Spanish region. The EIB loan and co-financing from the Junta de Andalucía will make it possible to back projects contributing to the dual green and digital transition, social infrastructure development, jobs and training, and cohesion in Andalusia.

    The loan is part of the EU operational programme for cohesion policy funding 2021-2027, particularly the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund.

    The loan will co-finance projects in various provinces of the autonomous community, including the renovation and improvement of infrastructure like hospitals, health centres, music conservatories or primary and secondary schools where climate change adaptation works will also be undertaken; job incentives, training and labour inclusion; support for research, development and innovation in universities; and digitalisation, sustainable urban mobility and energy transition projects.

    The agreement highlights the commitment of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) to economic, social and territorial cohesion, which is one of the cross-cutting priorities set out in the Group’s strategic roadmap for 2024-2027. All the projects will be implemented in Andalusia, which is considered to be a cohesion region by the European Union.

    This is the third loan signed by the Junta de Andalucía and the EIB under the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund, with the first €195 million loan being signed in December 2022, and the second €215 million loan signed in April 2024.

    Background information

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the green and digital transition , economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for citizens in Spain.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the EIB Group’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB and Andalusia regional government sign €133 million loan to finance projects in education, healthcare, labour inclusion, the energy transition, sustainable transport and digitalisation in Andalusia

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The loan will co-finance projects included in the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and other EU funds.
    • The EIB loan will enable the Andalusia regional government to co-finance projects in various provinces of the region, from healthcare and education infrastructure improvement to sustainable urban transport and digitalisation.
    • The agreement highlights efforts to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, one of the EIB Group’s cross-cutting strategic priorities.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €133 million loan with the Andalusia regional government (the Junta de Andalucía) to co-finance social, green and digital investment in the Spanish region. The EIB loan and co-financing from the Junta de Andalucía will make it possible to back projects contributing to the dual green and digital transition, social infrastructure development, jobs and training, and cohesion in Andalusia.

    The loan is part of the EU operational programme for cohesion policy funding 2021-2027, particularly the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund.

    The loan will co-finance projects in various provinces of the autonomous community, including the renovation and improvement of infrastructure like hospitals, health centres, music conservatories or primary and secondary schools where climate change adaptation works will also be undertaken; job incentives, training and labour inclusion; support for research, development and innovation in universities; and digitalisation, sustainable urban mobility and energy transition projects.

    The agreement highlights the commitment of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) to economic, social and territorial cohesion, which is one of the cross-cutting priorities set out in the Group’s strategic roadmap for 2024-2027. All the projects will be implemented in Andalusia, which is considered to be a cohesion region by the European Union.

    This is the third loan signed by the Junta de Andalucía and the EIB under the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund, with the first €195 million loan being signed in December 2022, and the second €215 million loan signed in April 2024.

    Background information

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the green and digital transition , economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for citizens in Spain.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the EIB Group’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Hampshire Couple Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for 2024 Crime Spree

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont – A New Hampshire couple pleaded guilty in federal court last week to robbery charges stemming from a crime spree in August of 2024.

    On June 10, 2025, Christopher Boisvert entered a plea of guilty to the charge of armed bank robbery during a plea hearing before Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss.

    On June 12, 2025, Meghan Cox entered a plea of guilty to the charge of conspiring with her accomplice to interfere with commerce by robbery during a plea hearing before Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss.

    At sentencing, if the District Court accepts the plea agreements Boisvert and Cox each face up to 20 years’imprisonment. The actual sentence, however, will be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. Both defendants are scheduled for sentencing in September of this year.

    According to court records, on August 26, 2024, around 2:06 PM, the Vermont State Police were notified of an attempted robbery at Rolling Twenties, a Cannabis Dispensary located at 440 Rockingham Road in the Town of Rockingham, Vermont. Investigation revealed that in the minutes before the robbery, exterior surveillance video captured a blue Chevrolet Silverado truck parked in front of the business, with its rear license plate obscured by a dark covering.

    Two subjects, a male and a female – later confirmed to be Boisvert and Cox – exited the Silverado truck and approached the business on foot. The male was white, with a medium build, and was wearing a grey long-sleeved “Henley” style shirt, gray sweatpants, brown leather boots, a black ball cap, a black face mask, sunglasses, and was carrying one or two dark colored backpacks or duffel bags.

    The female, also white, with a medium build, red hair, was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, tight-fitting blue jeans, brown leather boots, wearing a black ball cap, a black face mask, and dark “aviator” style sunglasses. She was also carrying a dark colored bag. Both subjects were wearing blue colored latex gloves. Once inside the business’s lobby, they attempted to enter the retail floor and demanded money and marijuana. An attendant denied entry and both subjects left the business in the blue Silverado truck, traveling south bound on VT Route 5/Rockingham Road towards Bellows Falls, Vermont.

    At approximately 2:47 PM, the Bellows Falls Police Department was called to a bank robbery at the TD Bank, 2 Church Street, Bellows Falls, Vermont. Officers determined the bank robbery suspect fit the description of the male subject from the Rolling Twenties attempted robbery minutes earlier. TD Bank surveillance video showed the male wearing the same clothing and disguise as described in the Rolling Twenties attempted robbery and was carrying a black and gray backpack. The male approached an employee and produced a note indicating he wanted 100s (one-hundred-dollar bills) and other large denominations placed into the bag. The male lifted his shirt revealing what appeared to be a wooden handle/grip of an object tucked into his pants. The teller placed money onto the counter and the male subject retrieved the money, placing it into his backpack. An image of the male, who turned out to be Christopher Boisvert, displaying the weapon in his waist band is below:

    Boisvert told the employees he had done research, and he knew where their families live – if they try anything, he was going to come back and hurt or kill them. He also said he had a gun inside his backpack and that his girlfriend or wife was waiting in the vehicle outside with a “45[.]” As he was leaving, Boisvert told the employees to wait two minutes before calling the police. In total, Boisvert received approximately $2,500 of U.S. Currency from TD Bank.

    About an hour after the Bellows Falls bank robbery, around 3:45 PM, the Brattleboro Police were called to a robbery of the Brattleboro Savings and Loan, located at 972 Putney Road, Brattleboro, Vermont (“Brattleboro Savings and Loan”). Law enforcement investigation revealed a blue Chevrolet Silverado truck with New Hampshire registration plates parked on Black Mountain Road, next to the Putney Road Plaza where the bank is located. Boisvert was wearing the same clothing, hat, mask, footwear, blue gloves, and was carrying a black and gray backpack.

    Inside the bank, he approached a teller and told her to put money into the bag. He stated to the teller that he knew the employee’s families and their addresses, and to give him all the money. He also said he had a gun. The teller observed that he possessed an orange handled knife. Several tellers provided him with U.S. Currency; in total the amount was approximately $5,000. Surveillance video  showed Boisvert return to the blue Silverado truck. Using a cellular phone, a teller captured photographs of the Silverado fleeing the area. The photographs revealed the rear license plate number of the truck. Law enforcement then confirmed the vehicle was registered to Christopher Boisvert of New Hampshire.

    At approximately 4:00 PM, the Cheshire County, New Hampshire Sheriff’s Department located the blue Silverado on Route 9 near the Chesterfield/Keene, New Hampshire town line. Deputies attempted to stop the truck, but it fled, and a pursuit began. Sheriff Deputies and New Hampshire State Police, among other agencies, pursued the truck, ultimately ending the pursuit when the truck entered Massachusetts. The truck was later located abandoned in the parking lot of Athol Memorial Hospital in Athol, Massachusetts.

    Law enforcement examined a social media account associated with Boisvert and Cox, and compared known photos of the defendants to the surveillance footage obtained during the investigation. Investigators saw Boisvert was wearing an identical shirt to the one he wore during the robberies. In addition, Meghan Cox  had a distinctive tattoo on her neck. A close-up review of the surveillance footage from the Rolling Twenties dispensary shows an object covering the tattoo that appeared to be peeling off her neck.

    When they searched the Silverado truck, investigators recovered a 14-inch bowie knife with a wooden handle consistent in appearance with the weapon displayed in the TD Bank surveillance footage, black KN95-style facemasks consistent in appearance with what the defendants were wearing, a small spiral bound notebook containing a handwritten note that matched the same threats articulated to the various robbery victims, a grey “Henley” style shirt, and blue medical gloves. These clothing and disguise items were subsequently tested for DNA that matched Boisvert and Cox.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Vermont State Police, Brattleboro Police Department, Bellows Falls Police Department, Keene, New Hampshire Police Department, Swanzey, New Hampshire Police Department, Cheshire County, New Hampshire Sheriff’s Department, New Hampshire State Police, Athol, Massachusetts Police Department, and the Winchendon, Massachusetts Police Department.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti. Federal Defender Michael Desautels represents Christopher Boisvert and Meghan Cox is represented by Richard C. Bothfeld, Esq.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Island Man Charged with Attempting to Damage Federal Property with Molotov Cocktail

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Eulisis P. Martin, 20, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was charged on June 16, 2025, by criminal complaint with one count of attempting malicious damage to federal property using explosive materials. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a special assessment of $100. Martin was arrested on June 16, 2025.

    Martin is alleged to have utilized a Molotov cocktail near a federal building housing Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Grand Island on June 9, 2025. Martin is also linked to a spray-painted sign on the federal building stating, “Kill ICE” on June 9.

    Aware of the vandalism at the HSI building, a Grand Island Police officer, while on patrol, observed an individual wearing dark clothing running along the fence of the HSI building on June 14. Upon further investigation, Grand Island Police officers located government vehicles with slashed tires.

    Law enforcement identified a vehicle belonging to Martin in the area of the building at the time of vandalisms and Molotov cocktail event. Law enforcement located Martin’s vehicle and observed in plain view inside the vehicle a dark brown coat, several gloves, a protest-style sign, a scarf, and two bags under the scarf resembling a tactical-style bag. Open-source information revealed a phone number assigned to Martin. Law enforcement was able to place Martin’s cellphone in the area of the HSI building on June 9 and June 14.  Surveillance of Martin’s vehicle and his residence revealed that Martin was showing signs that he was a target of an investigation and took measures to dispose of his vehicle by relocating it to a rural property.

    Martin appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 18, 2025, for his initial appearance.

    “The FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue, identify, and apprehend anyone who maliciously attempts to damage federal property,” said Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Omaha Field Office. He added, “Many members of our community work in federal buildings and serve the public, and they deserve to do so free from the threat of harm and violence. We respect and protect the right of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment freedoms but will not tolerate individuals inciting violence or engaging in criminal activity and violating federal law. We appreciate the support of the Nebraska State Patrol, Grand Island Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and Federal Protective Service in bringing Martin to justice.”

    United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods said, “The United States Attorney’s Office vows that violence, intimidation, and threats of violence against federal law enforcement officers, federal investigative agencies, other federal employees who are just doing their jobs and enforcing the laws will not be tolerated in Nebraska.  Federal law enforcement officers do not make the laws, but they are tasked with enforcing them, and they must be able to do so safely. Anyone who chooses to target law enforcement officers and agencies will be held accountable.”

    This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Protective Service, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Grand Island Police Department.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, Colleagues Call for Plan to Address Communist China’s Forced Labor Transfers of Uyghurs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and three other senators sent a bipartisan letter to the Chair of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) Christopher Pratt. The letter calls for the FLETF to take action to prevent Communist China’s circumvention of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFPLA) through forced labor transfers. The letter comes in response to a joint investigation, led by the New York Times, that found that the Communist Chinese government is forcing thousands of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities to work in factories outside Xinjiang. Communist China’s deplorable actions have complicated enforcement of the UFPLA. These actions enable Communist China to skirt accountability for its human rights abuses, artificially lower the cost of producing goods, and undermine American workers.
    “On May 29, 2025, the New York Times, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, and Der Spiegel published a joint investigation detailing efforts by Communist China to ship tens of thousands of Uyghur workers out of the Xinjiang province—and into factories across China,” said Ricketts. “It is clear based off of the joint investigation referenced above that further measures are needed to drastically expand the UFPLA Entity List to address these forced labor transfer programs outside Xinjiang and crack down on Communist China’s evasion of U.S. law.” 
    In addition to Ricketts, other signatories include Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Curtis (R-UT), and Chris Coons (D-DE). All are members of the Foreign Relations Committee. 
    Read the full letter here or below: 
    Dear Under Secretary Pratt, 
    We write to raise concerns regarding increased efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to utilize State-directed labor transfer programs to circumvent the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFPLA). 
    Since the implementation of the UFPLA’s enforcement mechanism in June 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reviewed over 11,000 shipments covering billions of dollars of various products, including apparel, automotive parts, chemicals, electronics, flooring, and solar panels. These actions have incentivized companies to increase their supply chain due diligence and shift their supply chains away from suppliers that exploit Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China, particularly in Xinjiang. As a result of this enforcement, however, the PRC is now actively working to sidestep our forced labor prohibitions. 
    On May 29, 2025, the New York Times, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and Der Spiegel published a joint investigation detailing efforts by the PRC to ship tens of thousands of Uyghur workers out of Xinjiang and into factories across China. Over 100 companies in at least five major industries appeared to receive Uyghur workers or parts or goods produced by them. According to a February International Labor Organization report, these labor transfer programs used measures “severely restricting the free choice of employment.” 
    The UFPLA requires the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF) to produce and update an entity list, including “a list of entities working with the government of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to recruit, transport, transfer, harbor or receive forced labor or Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, or members of other persecuted groups out of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.” CBP is required to enforce the prohibition of imported goods from entities on the UFPLA Entity List. Currently, the entity list contains 144 entities, with 37 added just in January. However, it is clear based off of the joint investigation referenced above that further measures are needed to drastically expand the UFPLA Entity List to address these forced labor transfer programs outside Xinjiang and crack down on the PRC’s evasion of U.S. law. 
    We therefore request a briefing by July 18, 2025, on the actions FLETF intends to take to prevent the PRC’s circumvention of the UFPLA through forced labor transfers and the FLETF’s plan for engagement with the private sector to improve compliance with the UFPLA. We stand ready to work with FLETF to ensure it has both the resources and authorities necessary to tackle these grotesque human rights abuses that the PRC uses to artificially lower the costs of goods and undermine American workers. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces Software Company BuildOps Will Create 291 Jobs in Raleigh

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces Software Company BuildOps Will Create 291 Jobs in Raleigh

    Governor Stein Announces Software Company BuildOps Will Create 291 Jobs in Raleigh
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein announced today that BuildOps, Inc., a company offering a software platform for commercial trade contractors will create 291 jobs in Raleigh. The company will invest $771,200 to establish an operations hub in Wake County. 

    “North Carolina offers companies like BuildOps a deep pool of tech talent,” said Governor Josh Stein. “North Carolina’s education and workforce training programs deliver the skilled people companies rely on to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. We welcome this veteran-owned business to North Carolina.”  

    Founded in 2018 with headquarters in Los Angeles, BuildOps has developed a software-as-a-service platform built specifically to serve commercial trade contractors, providing project management, service, dispatching, and invoicing solutions. The company’s customers include HVAC, plumbing, mechanical and electrical contractors, among others. The company’s project in Raleigh will establish the company’s third operations hub, joining hubs in Los Angeles and Toronto that serve the company’s rapidly growing customer base. 

    “We’re thrilled to establish our newest operations hub in Raleigh, a city known for its exceptional talent pool, innovation-driven ecosystem, and strong commitment to business growth,” said Alok Chanani, Co-Founder and CEO for BuildOps. “This expansion is an important step in our ongoing mission to revolutionize the commercial trade industry, and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the thriving Raleigh community.”   

    “North Carolina’s tech sector has grown by 25% since 2018, outpacing the national average,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “The state’s strong concentration of IT professionals has fostered an environment that attracts companies like BuildOps seeking the specialized, talented workforce North Carolina provides.”  

    Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new positions will be $110,997, compared with an average wage in Wake County of $76,643. The new positions will bring an annual payroll impact to the community of more than $30 million per year. 

    The company’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by more than $701.7 million. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $1,839,000, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation targets. 

    The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 78 percent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost, the state receives $1.78 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.  

    Because BuildOps chose a location in Wake County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 3, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving $613,000 into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 3 county such as Wake, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities elsewhere in the state. 
    “I’m pleased to see a fast-growing company like BuildOps plant their flag in Raleigh,” said Senator Jay Chaudhuri. “We know what it takes to help IT companies grow and our community will help them be successful in our region.”  

    “Congratulations to the many economic development organizations and allies that demonstrated great teamwork to win this project for Raleigh and the greater Research Triangle region,” said Representative Cynthia Ball. “We look forward to seeing BuildOps reach the next phase of their growth here in North Carolina, serving their customers and bringing well-paying new jobs to the area.”  

    Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, N.C. Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, N.C. State University, Capital Area Workforce Development Board, Wake Technical Community College, the City of Raleigh, and Raleigh Economic Development and Wake County Economic Development, programs of the Greater Raleigh Chamber.  

    Jun 24, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Results of 2025 Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ICG Enterprise Trust plc (the “Company”)

    24 June 2025

    Results of 2025 Annual General Meeting

    The Company announces that at its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) held this afternoon, all resolutions proposed were duly passed by the requisite majority the details of which are set out in the table below:

    RESOLUTION DESCRIPTION VOTES

    FOR

    		 %

    FOR

    		 VOTES

    AGAINST

    		 %

    AGAINST

    		 VOTES

    TOTAL

    		 % of ISC

    VOTED

    		 VOTES

    WITHHELD
    1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 17,772,901 99.94% 10,001 0.06% 17,782,902 28.15% 51,512
    2 FINAL DIVIDEND 17,226,586 96.88% 555,235 3.12% 17,781,821 28.15% 52,593
    3 RE-ELECT JANE TUFNELL 17,357,878 97.91% 370,881 2.09% 17,728,759 28.06% 105,654
    4 RE-ELECT DAVID WARNOCK 17,340,263 97.84% 382,234 2.16% 17,722,497 28.05% 111,916
    5 RE-ELECT ALASTAIR BRUCE 17,269,729 97.49% 444,486 2.51% 17,714,215 28.04% 120,198
    6 RE-ELECT GERHARD FUSENIG 17,320,501 97.84% 381,670 2.16% 17,702,171 28.02% 132,242
    7 RE-ELECT ADIBA IGHODARO 17,261,570 97.50% 442,440 2.50% 17,704,010 28.02% 130,403
    8 RE-ELECT JANINE NICHOLLS 17,306,911 97.73% 402,321 2.27% 17,709,232 28.03% 125,181
    9 REAPPOINT AUDITOR 17,608,261 99.33% 119,396 0.67% 17,727,657 28.06% 106,757
    10 REMUNERATION OF AUDITOR 17,681,047 99.77% 40,832 0.23% 17,721,879 28.05% 112,535
    11 REMUNERATION REPORT 17,463,555 98.79% 213,646 1.21% 17,677,201 27.98% 157,213
    12 ALLOT SHARES 17,629,415 99.33% 118,947 0.67% 17,748,362 28.09% 85,979
    13 PRE-EMPTION RIGHTS 17,509,160 98.88% 197,712 1.12% 17,706,872 28.03% 127,542
    14 PURCHASE SHARES 16,880,283 95.09% 871,893 4.91% 17,752,176 28.10% 82,238
    15 GENERAL MEETING 17,656,752 99.42% 102,518 0.58% 17,759,270 28.11% 75,144
    16 ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION 15,010,315 85.08% 2,633,141 14.92% 17,643,456 27.93% 190,958

    Notes:

    The votes “For” and “Against” are expressed in percentage of votes cast.
    Votes “For” include discretionary votes.
    All resolutions put to the meeting were carried.

    A vote “Withheld” is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of votes validly cast “For” or “Against” a resolution.

    In accordance with UK Listing Rule 6.4.2R, copies of all resolutions, other than those concerning ordinary business passed at the AGM, will shortly be available to view on the FCA’s National Storage Mechanism, at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

    Analyst / Investor enquiries:

    Chris Hunt
    Shareholder Relations, ICG
    +44 (0) 20 3545 2020

    Andrew Lewis
    Company Secretary, ICG
    +44 (0) 20 3545 1344

    Media:

    Clare Glynn
    Corporate Communications, ICG
    +44 (0) 20 3545 1395

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Business Working Groups of the United States-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership Deepen Commercial Cooperation and Expand Opportunities for Mutual Prosperity


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    Senior representatives of the United States and Nigerian governments, along with business leaders from both countries’ private sectors, convened in Abuja to officially launch the working group meetings of the United States–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP). This landmark Partnership, established under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding signed  in July 2024 by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Nigeria’s former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, aims to deepen bilateral commercial cooperation and expand economic opportunities in both nations.

    Four senior U.S. and Nigerian officials led the dialogue: Ambassador Richard Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, U.S. Department of State; Julie LeBlanc, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honorable Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment; and Ambassador Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

    U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills, Jr., remarked during the inaugural session, “The Commercial and Investment Partnership, or CIP, is one of the top priorities of my tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, so it gives me immense pleasure to see the launch of the working groups come to fruition.  The CIP underscores the United States’ strong commitment to further enhancing our bilateral commercial and investment ties, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities that benefit people across both our great nations.”

    The inaugural discussions focused on three working groups: agriculture, the digital economy, and infrastructure.  The working groups – comprised of U.S. and Nigerian private sector participants – began their work by nominating group leads and identifying non-tariff barriers to trade and investment.  Their goal is to foster job creation, encourage private sector engagement, and recommend solutions to policymakers to address key challenges in these critical sectors.

    U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa, Thomas Bruns stated that, “The U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership reflects our shared commitment to deepening economic ties, fostering innovation, and expanding opportunities for businesses in both nations. The Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration is proud of its work to foster international commerce and, as the U.S. Government’s voice for the U.S. private sector, we are thrilled to launch these working groups with our Nigerian counterparts. By strengthening collaboration in sectors that are engines of growth for both our nations—including infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy—we can advance prosperity, create jobs, and build a foundation for sustainable economic growth that benefits our people and lasts for the long-term.”

    The four senior U.S. and Nigerian principals agreed to review progress on a biannual basis and to identify future areas of cooperation.  The next formal meeting of the CIP will take place in Fall 2025.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Expanded borrowing powers will help municipalities deliver infrastructure quicker

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Municipalities throughout B.C. will now have quicker access to financing to deliver capital projects, such as infrastructure or amenities, thanks to changes in provincial borrowing regulations.

    The updated regulations respond to concerns raised by municipalities about the cost, complexity and risk of delays associated with implementing capital projects.

    “Municipalities told us that outdated borrowing thresholds were slowing down their ability to deliver the infrastructure people count on,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “We have responded by expanding the borrowing powers for municipalities so they can act faster, reduce costs and deliver the services that support growing communities. These changes reflect today’s economic realities.”

    The Province has amended the municipal liabilities regulation and the short-term capital borrowing regulation to give municipalities more flexibility to plan and finance infrastructure projects that support population growth and housing development. Municipalities can now borrow up to 10% of their annual revenue, without having to hold a public vote, saving time and costs. These changes will help municipalities deliver a wider range of essential infrastructure more efficiently.

    “We are pleased to see these changes implemented in response to requests from BC local governments,” said Trish Mandewo, president, Union of B.C. Municipalities. “The amendments will help some local governments manage essential infrastructure more efficiently, ensuring public assets continue to meet the needs of communities facing climate change and population growth.” 

    Provincial law regulates how much money municipalities can borrow before requiring an elector approval process. The Province is now adjusting that amount to account for decades of inflation, giving municipalities a greater opportunity to make the investments needed to continue building British Columbia’s future.

    Municipalities can borrow up to $150 per capita without elector approval, up from $50, when the term of the borrowing is less than five years (amendment to the short-term capital borrowing regulation). For larger amounts of debt or longer-term debt, municipalities can borrow twice as much without elector approval (increased from 5% to 10% of dependable revenue, through an amendment to municipal liabilities regulation).

    To help local governments build housing people need, the Province has delivered a range of tools and funding. This includes:

    • the historic $1-billion Growing Communities Fund to support 188 local governments;
    • $51 million in grant-based funding to support activities or projects, such as updating housing needs reports, official community plans, and zoning bylaws; and
    • $25 million through the Local Government Development Approvals Program.

    These new regulatory improvements build on that support by giving municipalities more flexibility to invest in infrastructure more efficiently and with greater confidence.

    Quotes:

    Ross Siemens, mayor of Abbotsford –

    “Abbotsford is growing rapidly, and that growth brings an increased demand for upgrades to infrastructure like roads, utilities and community amenities. These changes will make it easier for all growing communities in B.C. to move forward on major projects more efficiently and with greater flexibility. We are grateful to the Province of BC for supporting local governments to better meet the needs of our growing communities.”

    Mike Hurley, mayor of Burnaby –

    “This program is an important step to enable municipalities to build quickly and efficiently, responding to the rapid growth in our communities. We are facing pressing issues – housing and infrastructure – in our cities, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Province to address the needs of our communities.”

    Leonard Krog, mayor of Nanaimo –

    “These regulatory changes are a timely and practical response to the challenges fast-growing communities like Nanaimo are facing. By modernizing borrowing limits that had not been adjusted in decades, the Province is giving municipalities more flexibility to invest in essential infrastructure without unnecessary delays. This will help us move forward on key priorities like housing, transportation and community services, while continuing to manage public finances responsibly.”

    Scott Goodmanson, mayor of Langford –

    “We welcome the Province’s decision to modernize borrowing regulations for municipalities. Increasing borrowing thresholds and reducing red tape empowers local governments to respond more effectively to community needs. As we move forward, partnership with the Province on infrastructure costs is essential. With growing populations and ambitious housing targets, municipalities face mounting financial pressures. Working together will allow the city to deliver infrastructure efficiently, reduce costs for local governments and ease the burden on taxpayers.”

    Herb Pond, mayor of Prince Rupert –

    “Our community, along with many others in B.C., is in dire need of infrastructure replacement. When infrastructure is failing, it’s our responsibility as public servants to respond as quickly as we can. These changes will help us to better mobilize in times of need.”

    Maria McFaddin, mayor of Castlegar –

    “Communities are increasingly tackling replacing aging infrastructure and providing new amenities needed by their residents. With the costs of construction soaring, the changes to borrowing rules are welcomed to allow municipalities to respond quicker to community needs.”

    Quick Facts:

    • The amended municipal liabilities regulation and short-term capital borrowing regulation took effect on June 9, 2025.
    • The amendments apply to all 161 municipalities in B.C., except the City of Vancouver.
    • The City of Vancouver is governed by the Vancouver Charter, which provides different authorities and requirements related to short- and long-term borrowing.
    • In 2024, the local government financial review working group, comprised of staff from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Ministry of Finance and the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM), reviewed the existing borrowing limits and recommended updating.
    • The revisions identified would assist communities in funding critical infrastructure more effectively.

    Learn More:

    Information about the Municipalities Liabilities Regulation can be found here: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/254_2004

    Information about the Short-Term Borrowing Limit Regulation can be found here: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/368_2003

    To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget 2025–26: investing in public health

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The 2025-26 ACT Budget is investing in a variety of initiatives that will improve access to high-quality public health care.

    They will also address the growing demand for, and rising cost of public hospital services.

    This investment includes support to:

    • address the growing demand in outpatient services, emergency department presentations and admitted patient care
    • enable the delivery of the ACT Government’s commitment of 70,000 elective surgeries over four years
    • deliver ongoing chronic disease services and expanded endoscopy services
    • meet the needs of long-stay patients and optimise patient flow through public hospitals.

    Investing in health infrastructure and services

    The 2025–26 Budget also funds:

    • early and enabling works for the design and construction of the new northside hospital
    • continued work on the Canberra Hospital Master Plan. This includes progressing planning and design for the new Pathology and Clinical Services Building and a feasibility plan for a mental health precinct at the Canberra Hospital campus
    • construction of the Inner South Health Centre
    • new imaging and x-ray services at the Belconnen Community Health Centre
    • improved palliative and end-of-life care services in the community to support people’s end-of-life choices
    • continuation of community-led youth mental health programs to provide mental health care that is accessible, timely and effective
    • more support for perinatal mental health services for birth parents and families through the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre and Perinatal Mental Health Alliance
    • continued operations at the Eating Disorders Residential Treatment Centre.

    Improving affordability and access for patients

    The Budget supports more affordable local access to primary health care.

    It will support GPs and the community through bulk billing incentives.

    From 1 July 2025, payroll tax changes for medical practices will exempt income from bulk billed GP services. This will reduce:

    • out-of-pocket costs for patients
    • administrative burden on practices.

    A grants program will also be piloted over two years. It will support general practices that commit to bulk billing all children under 16.

    This will make a trip to the doctor more affordable for families.

    The investment complements the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Medicare.

    Professional development and wellbeing support for staff

    Budget investment will boost professional development and wellbeing support for general practice staff.

    This includes investment in the Drs4Drs mental health support program.

    The ACT Government will also expand Junior Medical Officer (JMO) placements into general practice settings.

    This will promote early consideration of a GP career pathway.

    More support for the ACT’s First Nations health workforce

    The Budget will include support to:

    • grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce in the ACT
    • address systemic barriers to participation.

    This includes investment in:

    • new workforce governance structures
    • culturally safe supervision
    • support for local implementation of the National First Nations Workforce Plan.

    There will be new dedicated roles, better training and supervision, and action on systemic racism in the health system.

    This will help build a stronger First Nations workforce to deliver culturally safe care in the ACT.

    A stronger primary care system

    Primary care is the foundation of a strong health system.

    This support for the GP workforce will help them continue providing high-quality, accessible care.

    Expanding community-based, person-centred health care will:

    • help Canberrans get the care they need
    • reduce pressure on the hospital system.

    The investments are part of a coordinated approach to grow and support the health workforce. They are key actions in the ACT Health Workforce Strategy: Action Plan 2024–2026.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: White Pearl Technology Group AB to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference June 26th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — White Pearl Technology Group AB (Nasdaq First North: WPTG; OTCQX: WPTGF), a leading global provider of digital transformation solutions with 32 subsidiaries across 20 countries, today announced that Marco Marangoni, CEO, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on June 26th, 2025.

    DATE: June 26th
    TIME: 11:00 AM ET
    LINK: REGISTER HERE

    Available for 1×1 Meetings June 26, 27, 30 and July 1st

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • Record Q1 2025 Performance: Revenue increased 18.1% year-over-year to SEK 98.9M with EBITDA soaring 87.5% to SEK 15.9M
    • Historic EBITDA Margin: Achieved 16.1% EBITDA margin – highest in company history, up 600 basis points from Q1 2024
    • Technology Leadership: Emerging technologies segment now represents 15% of revenue, driving margin expansion
    • Global Scale: Expanded to 32 subsidiaries serving 200k+ customers across 6 continents with 800+ professionals
    • Vision 2028 Progress: On track toward SEK 827M revenue target with 17.1% EBITDA margin by 2028

    About White Pearl Technology Group AB

    White Pearl Technology Group AB (WPTG) is a global technology company listed on both Nasdaq First North Growth Market and OTCQX Best Market, specialising in digital transformation solutions. With 32 subsidiaries operating across 20 countries and a team of more than 800 professionals, WPTG serves over 200,000 customers worldwide across six continents. The company helps organisations navigate the complexities of the digital age, offering comprehensive services including AI & machine learning, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, IoT, system integration, and smart infrastructure solutions. WPTG’s diversified portfolio includes managed services (40% of revenue), emerging technologies (15%), and system implementation (26%), positioning the company at the forefront of the $1.8 trillion global digital transformation market.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®

    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:

    White Pearl Technology Group AB
    Peter Ejemyr
    VP Investor Relations
    Email: ir@whitepearltech.com
    Phone: +46 733 611000

    Marco Marangoni
    CEO, White Pearl Technology Group AB
    Email: marco.marangoni@whitepearltech.com
    Phone: +598 93 370 044

    Certified Adviser: Amudova AB
    Email: info@amudova.se
    Phone: +46 8 546 017 58

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They Are Saying: Senate Republicans’ Legislation Delivers for American Workers, Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–The Senate Finance Committee’s legislation prevents a more-than $4 trillion tax hike and makes the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, giving American families and businesses the certainty they need to invest and plan for the future.

    Individuals and organizations committed to promoting economic opportunity and prosperity for all Americans are speaking out in support of the Finance Committee tax legislation.

    U.S. Chamber of Commerce

    “The Senate has taken the House-passed bill and strengthened the policies that do the most to increase domestic investment, job creation, and wage growth.  In particular, the Senate prioritizes the permanent reinstatement of three crucial tax policies.

    “These reforms are not only foundational to a competitive tax code, but they also provide the certainty and stability businesses and workers need to foster the type of major, long-term capital investments that fuel economic growth and opportunity for all Americans.” – Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President, U.S Chamber of Commerce

    National Association of Manufacturers

    “We commend Chairman Crapo for his leadership and steadfast commitment to pro-manufacturing tax policy. By preserving the full suite of pro-growth policies from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, this bill marks a major step forward for manufacturing in America.” – Jay Timmons, President and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers

    National Restaurant Association

    “The Senate has included in their tax bill the top priorities restaurant operators need to be the engines of their local economies. The inclusion of a permanent 199A qualified business income deduction, full expensing of capital investments, and the return of depreciation and amortization in the calculation of business interest expense have been our highest tax priorities for more than two years. We are also pleased to see many other policies like No Tax on Tips and Overtime are also included. We appreciate the work that has gone into getting the bill to this point and urge the Senate to pass this legislation to support the restaurant industry.” – Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President, National Restaurant Association

    U.S. Department of the Treasury 

    “We applaud the Senate’s action to progress this critical legislation and expand upon President Trump’s tax relief for hardworking Americans.  The passage of this bill will deliver the permanence and certainty both individual taxpayers and businesses alike are looking for, driving growth and unleashing the American economy.” – Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary

    Americans for Tax Reform

    “The Senate tax package delivers on President Trump’s campaign pledge to make the 2017 tax cuts permanent, providing across the board, pro-growth tax relief for American households and businesses.

    “The Senate’s tax package improves upon the House-passed bill by making the most pro-growth tax cuts permanent, greatly increasing economic growth and boosting take-home pay for American households.” – Mike Palicz, Director, Americans for Tax Reform

    National Taxpayers’ Union

    “The Senate plan encourages long-term business investment in the U.S. by making growth-boosting provisions permanent.  The House’s bill provides those deductions on a temporary basis.  But making it permanent could double the bill’s projected economic growth effect.” – Brandon Arnold, Executive Vice President, National Taxpayers’ Union

    Advancing American Freedom

    “The Senate has built on the House’s strong start to renew the Trump tax cuts.  Now Congress must continue to refine this package and send it to President Trump’s desk.  Otherwise, American families will see a devastating $2,000 increase on their taxes next year.  Let’s get this done and prevent the largest tax hike in American history.” – Tim Chapman, President, Advancing American Freedom

    Coalition for 1099-K Fairness

    “The Coalition for 1099-K Fairness strongly supports the Senate Finance package’s inclusion of language to raise the 1099-K reporting threshold.  This commonsense provision would increase the threshold to over $20,000 in total payments and more than 200 transactions per calendar year—effectively stopping the implementation of a burdensome $600 threshold, regardless of transaction count, scheduled to take effect in 2026 under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP).”

    Business Roundtable

    “Business Roundtable commends Chairman Crapo and the Senate Finance Committee for delivering strong legislation that builds on President Trump’s historic tax reform.  The Committee’s tax title marks the latest critical step toward protecting and boosting the economic benefits that tax reform delivered for American businesses, workers and families.” – Kristen Silverberg, President and COO, Business Roundtable

    Invest in Education Coalition

    “Access to opportunity for children across the country is one step closer to becoming a reality.  This bill will empower parents and provide students with opportunities regardless of their ZIP code and fulfill President Trump’s pledge of universal school choice.  We urge the U.S. Senate to pass this critically important bill to help America’s K-12 parents and students.” – Anthony J. de Nicola, Board Chairman, Invest in Education Coalition

    American Petroleum Institute

    “We applaud Chairman Crapo and the Senate Finance Committee for presenting a tax plan that fortifies America’s energy advantage. This proposal strengthens key investment provisions and encourages oil and natural gas development to meet growing demand for affordable, reliable energy. We look forward to working with Congress to get the One Big Beautiful Bill across the finish line and ensure a final tax package that advances global competitiveness.” – Mike Sommers, President and CEO, American Petroleum Institute

    Click HERE to view bill text.

    Click HERE for a section-by-section.

    Click HERE for a bill overview.

    Click HERE to view the 2025 Tax Reform landing page.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: President Trump Announces Appointments to the Homeland Security Advisory Council

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Noem appointed new members to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) and announced the date of the council’s first meeting.

    Formed on March 19, 2002, the HSAC leverages the experience, expertise, and national and global connections of its membership to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with real-time, real-world and independent advice on homeland security operations.

    This new-look, America First HSAC will draw upon a deep well of public and private sector experience from homeland security experts committed to fulfilling President Trump’s agenda.

    The Homeland Security Advisory Council will hold its first meeting at DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C. on July 2nd, 2025.

    Appointed Members:

    • Henry McMaster, Governor, South Carolina, Chair
    • Joseph Gruters, State Senator, Florida, Vice Chair
    • Marc Andreessen, Co-Founder and General Partner, Andreessen Horowitz
    • David Chesnoff, Attorney, Chesnoff and Schonfeld.
    • Christopher “Chris” Cox, Founder, Bikers for Trump
    • Mark Dannels, Cochise County Sheriff, Arizona
    • Richard “Bo” Dietl, CEO and Founder, Beau Dietl & Associates
    • Matthew Flynn, Attorney, Steptoe. Former Deputy Assistant to the President. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.
    • Rudolph W. Giuliani, Former Mayor, New York City
    • Harvey C. Jewett IV, Retired President of Super 8 Motels Inc., Retired President and Chief Operating Officer, Rivett Group LLC., President Great Plains Education Foundation, Inc.
    • Steve Kirby, Founding Partner, Bluestem Capital Company
    • Mark Levin, Broadcast News Analyst, The Mark Levin Show
    • Corey Lewandowski, Chief Advisor to the Secretary, Department of Homeland Security
    • Nicholas Luna, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation, The White House
    • George Lund, CEO and Chairman, Torch Hill Investment Partners
    • Edward McMullen Jr, Senior Policy Advisor, Adams and Reese LLP. Former Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein,
    • Georgette Mosbacher, Co-Chair, Three Seas Programming, Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, Former Ambassador to Poland
    • James “Jim” Pallotta, Managing Partner and Founder, The Raptor Group.
    • Omar Qudrat, CEO, Maden, Founder, Muslim Coalition for America, Major, U.S. Army Reserve
    • Stephen Sloan, Global Head of Private Market Secondaries, Portfolio Advisors and Co-Founder, Cogent Partners
    • Robert “Bob” Smith, Former U.S. Senator, New Hampshire
    • Alexei Woltornist, Co-Founder and President, ATHOS. Former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Homeland Security

    To learn more about the Homeland Security Advisory Council, including its previous taskings, reports, and recommendations, visit DHS.gov/Homeland-Security-Advisory-Council.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: President Trump Announces Appointments to the Homeland Security Advisory Council

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Noem appointed new members to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) and announced the date of the council’s first meeting.

    Formed on March 19, 2002, the HSAC leverages the experience, expertise, and national and global connections of its membership to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with real-time, real-world and independent advice on homeland security operations.

    This new-look, America First HSAC will draw upon a deep well of public and private sector experience from homeland security experts committed to fulfilling President Trump’s agenda.

    The Homeland Security Advisory Council will hold its first meeting at DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C. on July 2nd, 2025.

    Appointed Members:

    • Henry McMaster, Governor, South Carolina, Chair
    • Joseph Gruters, State Senator, Florida, Vice Chair
    • Marc Andreessen, Co-Founder and General Partner, Andreessen Horowitz
    • David Chesnoff, Attorney, Chesnoff and Schonfeld.
    • Christopher “Chris” Cox, Founder, Bikers for Trump
    • Mark Dannels, Cochise County Sheriff, Arizona
    • Richard “Bo” Dietl, CEO and Founder, Beau Dietl & Associates
    • Matthew Flynn, Attorney, Steptoe. Former Deputy Assistant to the President. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.
    • Rudolph W. Giuliani, Former Mayor, New York City
    • Harvey C. Jewett IV, Retired President of Super 8 Motels Inc., Retired President and Chief Operating Officer, Rivett Group LLC., President Great Plains Education Foundation, Inc.
    • Steve Kirby, Founding Partner, Bluestem Capital Company
    • Mark Levin, Broadcast News Analyst, The Mark Levin Show
    • Corey Lewandowski, Chief Advisor to the Secretary, Department of Homeland Security
    • Nicholas Luna, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation, The White House
    • George Lund, CEO and Chairman, Torch Hill Investment Partners
    • Edward McMullen Jr, Senior Policy Advisor, Adams and Reese LLP. Former Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein,
    • Georgette Mosbacher, Co-Chair, Three Seas Programming, Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, Former Ambassador to Poland
    • James “Jim” Pallotta, Managing Partner and Founder, The Raptor Group.
    • Omar Qudrat, CEO, Maden, Founder, Muslim Coalition for America, Major, U.S. Army Reserve
    • Stephen Sloan, Global Head of Private Market Secondaries, Portfolio Advisors and Co-Founder, Cogent Partners
    • Robert “Bob” Smith, Former U.S. Senator, New Hampshire
    • Alexei Woltornist, Co-Founder and President, ATHOS. Former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Homeland Security

    To learn more about the Homeland Security Advisory Council, including its previous taskings, reports, and recommendations, visit DHS.gov/Homeland-Security-Advisory-Council.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: El Salvadoran Man Convicted of Fentanyl Trafficking, Firearms Offenses, and Illegal Entry

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An El Salvadoran national has been found guilty in federal court of trafficking fentanyl, illegally possessing firearms, and unlawful entry to the United States.

    Jose Navarrete-Hernandez, 42, was found guilty of one count each of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, possessing a firearm as an illegal alien, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and illegal entry into the United States. United States District Judge M. Douglas Harpool issued a verdict Monday, June 23, 2025, following a one-day bench trial on May 12, 2025.

    On May 11, 2023, officers with the Carthage, Mo., Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a gray Ford F-250 with an expired Texas license plate driven by Navarrete-Hernandez. After confirming that Navarrete-Hernandez did not have a valid driver’s license, the officers searched Navarrete-Hernandez and the F-250.

    Officers found in the truck a black backpack containing two drug scales, two glass pipes with white powdery residue, approximately 145 fentanyl pills, a Heritage Rough Rider revolver, ammunition, and a forged social security card. Officers also found a Raven P-25 pistol with an obliterated serial number in the truck.  At the time, Navarrete-Hernandez was not a citizen or national of the United States and had entered the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry.

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

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Clark and Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Missouri State Highway Patrol; and the Carthage, Mo., Police Department.

    Operation Take Back America

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southern Ute Tribal Member Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact with Children

    Source: US FBI

    DURANGO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced that Kalin Burton Goodtracks, age 36, of Ignacio, Colorado, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a Justice of Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) assessment of $10,000, after pleading guilty to two charges of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child in Indian Country.

    According to the plea agreement, on separate incidents in 2019, Goodtracks sexually abused two minors under the age of 12 who were under his supervision. He committed the offenses at his home on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Both children were related to Goodtracks.

    “Mr. Goodtracks deserves to spend a long time in federal prison because he preyed upon children he was supposed to protect,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “Pursuing justice for the most vulnerable in Colorado—and especially our children—remains one of our top priorities.”

    “This case is a clear reminder that those who exploit children — including those on tribal lands—will find no safe haven from justice, no matter where they are,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “These predators pose a serious threat to the safety of our communities and the FBI will aggressively pursue anyone who targets children.”

    United States District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher sentenced the defendant on June 16, 2025.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Southern Ute Investigations Division within the Southern Ute Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey K. Graves and Lisa Franceware handled the prosecution of the case.

    Case Number: 1:23-cr-00491-GPG-JMC

    MIL Security OSI –