NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pacific – Republic of Nauru becomes first Pacific country to launch digital asset regulator

    Source: Republic of Nauru

     

    In a landmark move for the Pacific region, the Nauru Parliament on Tuesday June 17 passed legislation to establish a dedicated virtual asset regulatory authority. 

     

    The Bill establishes the Command Ridge Virtual Asset Authority (CRVAA), named after the highest point of land in Nauru, as an autonomous regulator overseeing virtual assets, digital banking, and Web3 innovation. 

     

    It will provide a licencing scheme that will allow virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to register and offer their services using Nauru as a base.

     

    Nauru President David Adeang said the regulation would pave the way for Nauru to be a digital asset leader in the region and is another step towards strengthening financial integrity, investing in future generations, and forging new pathways for resilience.

     

    He pointed out that Nauru is one of the Pacific’s most at-risk nations, acknowledged under the United Nations Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), for its heightened exposure to economic and environmental shocks, and that the Government needed to embrace innovation. 

     

    “This bold step aims to harness the potential of virtual assets to diversify revenue streams and fortify economic resilience,” he said.

     

    “By implementing robust oversight of VASPs, Nauru aims to foster sustainable growth, channel new financial inflows into strategic instruments such as its Intergenerational Trust Fund, and reduce its reliance on climate financing, which is often challenging to secure.”

     

    The President said Nauru aspires to secure a more sustainable and self-reliant economic future.

     

    “We want to be a government of solutions and innovation, be proactive not passive, and positively approach the future with boldness,” he said.

     

    Minister for Commerce and Foreign Investment Maverick Eoe told Parliament that more countries are recognising the potential of virtual assets from blockchain technologies to decentralised finance.

     

    “This Bill proposes to introduce a framework that will put Nauru on par with other countries leading in the development of their digital economies and generating revenue from such developments,” he said. 

     

    “The licensing framework….ensures Nauru becomes a competitor, attracting businesses that bring investment, job creation, and financial innovation,” he said.

     

    “By regulating VASPs, token issuance, and secure digital transactions, we can position Nauru as a hub for these types of innovation and development within this part of the world.

     

    He said the legislation is a commitment to the future prosperity of the country and a statement that Nauru does not fear the digital transformation, but embraces it and leads within the Pacific region. 

     

    CRVAA will be tasked with ensuring cybersecurity standards, monitoring financial transactions and enforcing compliance with international anti-money laundering and financial transparency protocols.

     

    The Bill, which provides unmatched legal certainty for the token-issuer, introduces a groundbreaking token classification system that provides long-awaited clarity for the global crypto industry, stating that:

     

    • Cryptocurrencies are presumed commodities, not securities;
    • Utility and payment tokens are excluded from investment contract status;
    • Governance and reward tokens are protected from misclassification

     

    The Nauru law defines the activities subject to CRA authorisation as follows:

     

    • Operation of centralised or decentralised virtual asset platforms
    • Exchange services between virtual assets and/or fiat currencies
    • Custodial and non-custodial virtual asset wallet services
    • Issuance of virtual tokens, including ICOs, STOs, and NFTs
    • Lending, staking, yield farming, and decentralised finance (DeFi) services
    • Stablecoin issuance and cross-border payment solutions
    • Operation of digital banks and digital payment platforms
    • Issuance and management of E-money.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $5.8 Million to Upgrade Airports Across Louisiana from His Infrastructure Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is granting Louisiana a total of $5,764,492.00 in funding from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to improve airport infrastructure in Farmerville, Ruston, Oak Grove, Many, Lake Charles, and Abbeville.
    “Airports are the first impression communities make on people visiting our state,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These upgrades help local airports grow, create jobs, and improve regional development.”

    Grant Awarded
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $454,821.00
    Union Parish Police Jury (Farmerville)
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct an 8,400 square foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage to help the airport be self-sustaining by generating revenue.

    $839,000.00
    City of Ruston
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a 1,050 square foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage to help the airport be self-sustaining by generating revenue.

    $585,000.00
    West Carroll Kelly Airport Authority (Oak Grove)
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a 10,000 square foot sponsor-owned box hangar complex for aircraft storage to help the airport be self-sustaining by generating revenue.

    $493,000.00
    Town of Many
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a 170-foot hangar taxilane and a 5,000 square foot sponsor-owned box hangar complex to improve airfield access and support airport self-sufficiency.

    $2,700,044.00
    Airport Authority District No. 1 (Lake Charles)
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a new terminal parking lot and reconstruct 2,600 feet of access roads to better serve airport passengers and general aviation users.

    $576,954.00
    Chennault International Airport Authority (Lake Charles)
    This grant will provide federal funding to rehabilitate 5,420 square yards of the existing South Apron pavement to maintain structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris.

    $116,673.00
    City of Abbeville
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a 700-foot T-Hangar taxilane to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott, Colleagues Lead Effort to Strengthen Review of Foreign Land Purchases Near Sensitive U.S. Military Sites

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, is leading an effort to strengthen national security by ensuring the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) can effectively review foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence, and national laboratory sites.

    The Protect Our Bases Act, which Senator Scott introduced along with Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), requires CFIUS member agencies to annually update records of the military, intelligence, and national laboratory facilities that should be designated as sensitive sites for national security purposes.   

    “The Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to infiltrate and surveil all parts of the U.S national security apparatus requires vigilance from our national security agencies. This legislation will enhance the review of foreign real estate transactions near critical national security installations, helping ensure CFIUS has the information it needs to protect our homeland and keep our nation safe,” said Senator Scott.

    “We must protect sensitive military and government sites from foreign adversaries pursuing intelligence activities on our own land,” said Senator Crapo. “Idaho has multiple military installations and the acclaimed Idaho National laboratory conducting vital research, development and training of critical national security efforts right here in our back yard, and increasing accountability about land sales around these sites is of utmost importance.”

    “We must address the growing threat from the Chinese Communist Party and other hostile regimes trying to get close to our most sensitive military and intelligence sites,” said Senator Tillis. “The Protect Our Bases Act ensures the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has the most up-to-date information on key U.S. national security locations so dangerous land purchases can be blocked well before they become security risks.”

    “Ensuring the safety and security of our military and government installations is a national priority,” said Senator Hagerty. “For too long, foreign adversaries have tried to exploit America’s open real estate market and rule of law in an attempt to gain strategic footholds. The Protect Our Bases Act gives our nation the tools to identify who is buying land near sensitive sites and stop transactions that could put the security of Americans at risk.”

    “As threats from our foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, Iran, and Russia, continue to escalate, it’s paramount that we secure our intelligence,” said Senator Britt. “Allowing CFIUS to review foreign land purchases near sensitive military and government sites is just common sense. Proud to join this legislation that takes a crucial step toward strengthening our national security and safeguarding our strategic advantages.”

    “There’s no reason why America’s adversaries should be able to buy land next to our military bases,” said Senator Ricketts. “Farmland adjacent to sensitive sites should remain in the hands of American farmers and ranchers, not Communist China. This commonsense bill will help to protect our troops, prevent espionage, and counter our adversaries.”

    “It’s become all too apparent in recent years that our nation faces a threat from land purchases by foreign adversaries. Allowing the Chinese Communist Party to purchase land near our military bases and government sites poses a severe risk to our national security,” said Senator Moreno. “ We need to strengthen CFIUS to review these purchases near sensitive national security installations to protect our nation’s security from being compromised by the CCP and other enemies.”

    “The security of our nation’s military operations and intelligence cannot be taken lightly,” said Senator McCormick. “Conducting rigorous oversight of foreign real estate transactions near our bases is essential to upholding our national security. This legislation is a much-needed step toward combatting China’s malign influence.”

    BACKGROUND:

    In 2022, Fufeng Group, a Chinese company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, announced it would purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) determined that it could not evaluate the transaction for national security risks because the Department of Defense had not listed the base as a sensitive site for national security purposes. Although the City of Grand Forks ultimately blocked the transaction, the incident demonstrated a significant flaw in the review process of foreign land purchases. CFIUS relies on its member agencies to provide updated information on sensitive military, intelligence, and national laboratory sites in order to properly assess the security risk of foreign investment in our country. If CFIUS member agencies do not appropriately update their site lists, CFIUS cannot ensure an accurate review.

    In addition to requiring agencies represented on CFIUS to provide updated records of the military, intelligence, and national laboratory facilities that should be sensitive sites on an annual basis, the Protect Our Bases Act makes these records easier for CFIUS to use for national security reviews and requires CFIUS to submit an annual report to Congress certifying the completion of such reviews and the accuracy of its real estate listings.

    For bill text, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Highlights Tax Priorities in Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today released the following statement on his tax priorities included in the Senate Finance Committee’s legislative text for the Senate’s version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:  

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Congress to bend the spending curve, make key provisions of the Trump Tax Cuts permanent, and improve the lives of hardworking Texas families,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Under Chairman Crapo’s leadership, the Senate Finance Committee has worked around the clock to release this landmark legislation, marking an important step forward in our mission to deliver on President Trump’s mandate.”

    The Senate Finance Committee’s legislative text for the Senate’s version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act contains the following provisions championed by Sen. Cornyn, a senior member of the committee:

    • Includes his Stop Funding Genital Mutilation Act, which would prohibit federal funding from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from going towards gender transition procedures at any age;
    • Includes a modified version of his Small Business Investment Act, which would make it easier for small and start-up businesses to access the financing they need to grow and succeed;
    • Cuts burdensome taxes and regulations of certain firearms and silencers;
    • Prevents a more-than $3,000 tax hike on the average Texas family;
    • Protects 547,000 Texas jobs from being lost;
    • Ensures more than 3.7 million Texas households’ child tax credit is not cut in half;
    • Shields more than two million Texas small business owners from a massive tax hike;
    • Makes sure more than 12 million Texas families’ standard deduction is not cut in half;
    • Establishes work requirements for able-bodied adults who are choosing not to work and do not have dependent children or elderly parents in their care;
    • And ensures no taxes on tips or overtime for millions of tipped and hourly workers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murkowski Celebrates Passage of Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization in Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    06.18.25

    Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today helped facilitate the Senate’s passage of legislation she is cosponsoring, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, by unanimous consent. Murkowski worked with the leaders of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee and her Democratic colleagues to secure passage of several bills, including this measure to provide critical relief to communities impacted by declines in timber receipts. SRS funds are used to support schools, roads, and additional municipal services. Senator Murkowski has consistently used her role on the ENR Committee to advocate for this legislation.

    “If you’re a city manager building a budget or a school administrator looking at new hires, you need financial certainty. That’s why renewing the Secure Rural Schools program before funding lapses has been one of my top priorities in this Congress, and today was a crucial step in that process,” Senator Murkowski said. “I hope my colleagues in the House will quickly pass this legislation to provide stability for Alaska’s schools and local governments.”

    Background

    The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act was enacted in 2000 to assist communities negatively impacted by declining timber sale revenues. Payments to eligible communities may be used to support schools and roads, fire prevention, emergency services, and eligible lands projects. This reauthorization also makes permanent changes made via the 2018 Farm Bill and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help Resource Advisory Committees work more effectively.

    The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act renews the program through 2026. The measure now goes to the House for further consideration.

    The Forest Service controls 22 million acres of land in Alaska. That includes 17 million acres in Southeast and several million more acres in Southcentral. How much each eligible borough receives is based in part on how much federal forest land is located within its boundaries.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Man dies after Edmund Road crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Detective Sergeant Phil Wilkinson

    Rotorua Police can confirm the man who was found critically injured following a crash on Edmund Road has died in hospital.

    The man was found critically injured after having been struck by a motorcycle when crossing a designated pedestrian crossing.

    Emergency services were called to the crash on Sunday 15 June at around 2.15pm, where the man was located and transported to hospital.

    Sadly, as a result of the injuries received in the incident the 24-year-old man died in hospital yesterday surrounded by family.

    Police and Victim Support are providing support to his family at this difficult time.

    We are still working to determine the circumstances of the crash, and the events leading up to it.

    Investigators are continuing to comb through evidence and information provided by the public, and urge anyone with information who has not yet contacted us to please do so.

    A number of people were in the area and witnessed the crash, and we would like to speak with them and obtain any video and still images people may have of the incident.

    Today, Police are releasing four additional images of the motorcycle and its rider, in the hope that members of the community will recognise them and contact Police.

    The motorbike is believed to have been damaged in the crash, with damage to the front fairing. Family, friends, neighbours will notice a difference in the motorbike with either damage, changes to the bike or a motorbike that had previously been ridden in the street is now not being seen in the neighbourhood.

    If you are the rider or know who the rider is, please get in touch with us – do the right thing. The events of this incident will be weighing heavily on the rider’s mind. It is important that they come forward and speak to us.

    Police are thankful for the positive response from the community and the information that has been provided so far.

    As the man’s family are dealing with the death of their loved one, we ask that any information is sent to Police to ensure the family can grieve in private.

    You can provide information online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 250615/1168.

    You can also provide information through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Mount Logan Capital Inc. Reports Results of Election of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mount Logan Capital Inc. (Cboe Canada: MLC) (“Mount Logan,” “our,” “we,” or the “Company”) announced that at the annual meeting of shareholders held on June 18, 2025 (the “Meeting”), each of the six nominees listed in the management information circular dated May 13, 2025 (the “Circular”) were elected as directors of the Company. A total of 31,979,130 votes or 55.78% of Mount Logan’s issued and outstanding common shares were voted in connection with the Meeting. The detailed results of the vote for each of the six elected directors are set out below.

    Nominee Votes For Percentage of Votes For Votes Withheld Percentage of Votes Withheld
    Edward Goldthorpe 27,549,276 93.39% 1,949,588 6.61%
    Perry Dellelce 27,549,300 93.39% 1,949,564 6.61%
    Sabrina Liak 27,549,260 93.39% 1,949,604 6.61%
    Rudolph Reinfrank 28,304,236 95.95% 1,194,628 4.05%
    David Allen 28,304,276 95.95% 1,194,588 4.05%
    Buckley Ratchford 28,304,300 95.95% 1,194,564 4.05%

    In addition, shareholders approved the re-appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as auditor.

    Ted Goldthorpe, CEO and Chairman of Mount Logan, noted, “We appreciate the active engagement and strong vote of confidence our shareholders expressed at this year’s Meeting. Their support reaffirms our strategic course, and we remain committed to transparent, two‑way dialogue as we pursue disciplined growth for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

    About Mount Logan Capital Inc.

    Mount Logan Capital Inc. is an alternative asset management and insurance solutions company that is focused on public and private debt securities in the North American market and the reinsurance of annuity products, primarily through its wholly owned subsidiaries Mount Logan Management LLC (“ML Management”) and Ability Insurance Company (“Ability”), respectively. Mount Logan also actively sources, evaluates, underwrites, manages, monitors and primarily invests in loans, debt securities, and other credit-oriented instruments that present attractive risk-adjusted returns and present low risk of principal impairment through the credit cycle.

    ML Management was organized in 2020 as a Delaware limited liability company and is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The primary business of ML Management is to provide investment management services to (i) privately offered investment funds exempt from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) advised by ML Management, (ii) a non-diversified closed end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company, (iii) Ability, and (iv) non-diversified closed-end management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act that operate as interval funds. ML Management also acts as the collateral manager to collateralized loan obligations backed by debt obligations and similar assets.

    Ability is a Nebraska domiciled insurer and reinsurer of long-term care policies and annuity products acquired by Mount Logan in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. Ability is also no longer insuring or re-insuring new long-term care risk.

    This press release is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, a prospectus or an advertisement and the communication of this release is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offer to sell or an offer to purchase any securities in the Company or in any fund or other investment vehicle. This press release is not intended for U.S. persons. The Company’s shares are not and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Company is not and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). U.S. persons are not permitted to purchase the Company’s shares absent an applicable exemption from registration under each of these Acts. In addition, the number of investors in the United States, or which are U.S. persons or purchasing for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, will be limited to such number as is required to comply with an available exemption from the registration requirements of the 1940 Act.

    Contacts:
    Mount Logan Capital Inc.
    365 Bay Street, Suite 800
    Toronto, ON M5H 2V1
    info@mountlogancapital.ca

    Nikita Klassen
    Chief Financial Officer
    Nikita.Klassen@mountlogancapital.ca

    Scott Chan
    Investor Relations
    Scott.Chan@mountlogan.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mount Logan Capital Inc. Reports Results of Election of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mount Logan Capital Inc. (Cboe Canada: MLC) (“Mount Logan,” “our,” “we,” or the “Company”) announced that at the annual meeting of shareholders held on June 18, 2025 (the “Meeting”), each of the six nominees listed in the management information circular dated May 13, 2025 (the “Circular”) were elected as directors of the Company. A total of 31,979,130 votes or 55.78% of Mount Logan’s issued and outstanding common shares were voted in connection with the Meeting. The detailed results of the vote for each of the six elected directors are set out below.

    Nominee Votes For Percentage of Votes For Votes Withheld Percentage of Votes Withheld
    Edward Goldthorpe 27,549,276 93.39% 1,949,588 6.61%
    Perry Dellelce 27,549,300 93.39% 1,949,564 6.61%
    Sabrina Liak 27,549,260 93.39% 1,949,604 6.61%
    Rudolph Reinfrank 28,304,236 95.95% 1,194,628 4.05%
    David Allen 28,304,276 95.95% 1,194,588 4.05%
    Buckley Ratchford 28,304,300 95.95% 1,194,564 4.05%

    In addition, shareholders approved the re-appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as auditor.

    Ted Goldthorpe, CEO and Chairman of Mount Logan, noted, “We appreciate the active engagement and strong vote of confidence our shareholders expressed at this year’s Meeting. Their support reaffirms our strategic course, and we remain committed to transparent, two‑way dialogue as we pursue disciplined growth for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

    About Mount Logan Capital Inc.

    Mount Logan Capital Inc. is an alternative asset management and insurance solutions company that is focused on public and private debt securities in the North American market and the reinsurance of annuity products, primarily through its wholly owned subsidiaries Mount Logan Management LLC (“ML Management”) and Ability Insurance Company (“Ability”), respectively. Mount Logan also actively sources, evaluates, underwrites, manages, monitors and primarily invests in loans, debt securities, and other credit-oriented instruments that present attractive risk-adjusted returns and present low risk of principal impairment through the credit cycle.

    ML Management was organized in 2020 as a Delaware limited liability company and is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The primary business of ML Management is to provide investment management services to (i) privately offered investment funds exempt from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) advised by ML Management, (ii) a non-diversified closed end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company, (iii) Ability, and (iv) non-diversified closed-end management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act that operate as interval funds. ML Management also acts as the collateral manager to collateralized loan obligations backed by debt obligations and similar assets.

    Ability is a Nebraska domiciled insurer and reinsurer of long-term care policies and annuity products acquired by Mount Logan in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. Ability is also no longer insuring or re-insuring new long-term care risk.

    This press release is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, a prospectus or an advertisement and the communication of this release is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offer to sell or an offer to purchase any securities in the Company or in any fund or other investment vehicle. This press release is not intended for U.S. persons. The Company’s shares are not and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Company is not and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). U.S. persons are not permitted to purchase the Company’s shares absent an applicable exemption from registration under each of these Acts. In addition, the number of investors in the United States, or which are U.S. persons or purchasing for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, will be limited to such number as is required to comply with an available exemption from the registration requirements of the 1940 Act.

    Contacts:
    Mount Logan Capital Inc.
    365 Bay Street, Suite 800
    Toronto, ON M5H 2V1
    info@mountlogancapital.ca

    Nikita Klassen
    Chief Financial Officer
    Nikita.Klassen@mountlogancapital.ca

    Scott Chan
    Investor Relations
    Scott.Chan@mountlogan.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Urges U.S. Senate to Reject the ‘Big Ugly Betrayal’ of Working Families That Cuts Medicaid Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate Finance Committee released their portion of the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Reconciliation Bill,’ which U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) has dubbed a ‘Big Ugly Betrayal’ of working families. 

    The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities outlines how the Senate Republican version of the reconciliation bill, which requires just 50 votes to pass the U.S. Senate, would decimate family and state budgets.  It includes steeper cuts to Medicaid than the House bill, which would terminate health care coverage for 16 million people, raise health care costs across the board, and cut more than $1 trillion from America’s health care system in order to give tax breaks to billionaires.

    Today, Senator Reed issued the following statement:

    “Somehow, Senate Republicans took the House’s terrible bill and made it worse.  They are going to decimate our health care system in order to give bigger tax breaks to billionaires and corporations.

    “This deficit-shattering bill would take Medicaid from even more Americans who need it and inflict a heavier financial burden on patients, hospitals, and blue states.  Instead of shuttering hospitals, raising premiums, and making it harder for families to find a quality, affordable nursing home for their loved ones, Congress should be supporting access to essential health care for those who need it most.

    “While Medicaid and SNAP nutrition assistance are targeted for massive cuts, Big Oil gets a big handout.  Big Oil lobbyists were able to get their preferred industry-backed language in the bill that would solely benefit fossil-fuel companies at the expense of tax payers and clean energy.  This would be a job killer and a giveaway to polluters.

    “Gun lobbyists got a big gift in this bill too: Shockingly, it removes registration requirements not just for silencers but short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and other weapons too.

    “Notably, the Senate Republican bill would shift considerable new costs to states and localities, posing a serious risk to critical public services such as schools, health care, and transportation projects.

    “President Trump and Congressional Republicans are prioritizing tax cuts for the rich and powerful at the expense of average Americans.  Billionaires and corporations get tax giveaways while more Americans are being squeezed and living paycheck to paycheck.  Yet the bulk of the benefits here go to the wealthiest while the safety net and basic services for average Americans gets shredded.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economic surprise great news for Kiwis

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Today’s surprise economic result is great news for workers, families and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said today.
    “Stats NZ reported today that the economy grew 0.8 per cent in the first three months of the year, twice the rate forecast by the Treasury and the Reserve Bank a short time ago. 
    “This is the second consecutive quarter in which growth outstripped forecasters’ assumptions and confirms the economy was gaining momentum late last year and at the start of this year.
    “Since then, global conflict has increased and new tariffs have been introduced, but New Zealanders should take heart that the country is back on track after six years of economic mismanagement that fuelled inflation, discouraged investment and ratcheted up prices.
    “I know many households and businesses are still doing it tough but the steps the Government has taken to stop wasteful spending, grow the economy and provide more support to households are paying dividends. So are the efforts of the private sector.
    “It is also pleasing to see that Gross Domestic Product per person grew by 0.5 per in the quarter, the highest rate since September 2022 and the second consecutive quarter of growth after eight quarters of negative or no growth.  
    “Inflation is down, interest rates are down, and many families have a little more money in their pockets. 
    “That money is flowing through to business tills aided by the steps the Government has taken to reduce red tape, incentivise investment and boost tourism, and the export records being set by New Zealand farmers and growers,” Nicola Willis says.     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $12+ MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PROJECTS ACROSS UPSTATE NEW YORK THROUGH THE NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Communities From North Country, Finger Lakes, CNY, Capital Region Win Funding For Critical Community Projects Such As Upgrading Wastewater Infrastructure, Expanding Access To Healthcare & More 

    Schumer, Gillibrand: Fed $$ Is Flowing To Improve Upstate NY Infrastructure, Expand Healthcare & Create Jobs!

    U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $12,349,291 in federal funding for 14 projects across Upstate New York through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), which the senators recently fought to reauthorize and expand. Schumer and Gillibrand said these projects will help address critical needs across the region, including upgrading wastewater infrastructure, expanding access to healthcare services, and more to improve quality of life and spur economic development in the region.

    “From expanding wastewater systems in the Finger Lakes Region to boosting access to healthcare in the North Country, this $12+ million in federal money via the excellent Northern Border Regional Commission will support major infrastructure upgrades and increase in vital services in Upstate New York. These federal investments will help create new jobs, strengthen our infrastructure, expand healthcare and boost quality of life across the region,” said Senator Schumer. “I have long fought to secure and increase funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission and expand this important federal support because it has played a unique and pivotal role in spurring economic development, upgrading infrastructure, improving quality of life, and creating jobs in communities across Upstate New York. I’m proud to have delivered this critical funding to help families and communities lay the foundation for a better future here in Upstate New York.”

    “These federal investments will support essential upgrades to infrastructure, expand access to health care, create jobs, and drive economic growth across Upstate New York,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Northern Border Regional Commission has already backed more than 75 projects in our state, and this additional $12 million will build on that progress and help communities thrive. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding, and I’ll keep fighting to protect the NBRC to ensure our families, workers, and small businesses have the resources they need to succeed.”

    A full list of projects can be found below:

    Recipient

    Region

    County

    Amount

    Description

    Town of Hunter

    Capital Region

    Greene

    $1,000,000

    The Town of Hunter will design, construct, and equip the Mountaintop Community Hall, supporting workforce development, business incubation, community programming, and emergency preparedness.

    Village of Whitehall

    Capital Region

    Washington

    $1,000,000

    The Village of Whitehall will upgrade its water infrastructure following a State of Emergency due to water supply disruptions. This project will safeguard drinking water for residents and businesses by enhancing the Pine Lake reservoir and Village Water Treatment Plant with modern monitoring and control systems.

    East Hill Family Medical, Inc

    Central NY

    Cayuga

    $1,000,000

    East Hill Family Medical, Inc will transform a newly acquired site in Sennett, NY into a state-of-the-art healthcare facility. The project will improve access to primary care, behavioral health, and dental services, serving an estimated 4,500 additional patients and addressing regional provider shortages.

    Town of Schroeppel

    Central NY

    Oswego

    $80,000

    The Town of Schroeppel will conduct a comprehensive water infrastructure feasibility study, ensuring long-term access to safe and reliable water for residents and businesses.

    Town of Webb

    Mohawk Valley

    Herkimer

    $485,000

    The Town of Webb will modernize its aging wastewater collection system, addressing critical infrastructure deficiencies and environmental risks. This project will rehabilitate high-risk sewer lines, improve wastewater conveyance, and enhance treatment facility operations.

    Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board

    North Country

    Essex

    $240,000

    The Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board will identify development sites, conduct buildout analyses, and complete pre-development work for workforce housing in four Essex County communities. This initiative will address housing shortages while supporting workforce growth, economic stability, and community sustainability in the region.

    City of Plattsburgh

    North Country

    Clinton

    $100,000

    The City of Plattsburgh will conduct a feasibility study of its wastewater system in the Rugar Street corridor, ensuring capacity for future development. This study will assess infrastructure needs to support 150 new workforce housing units, additional commercial growth, and industrial expansion at the former Clinton County airport.

    Lake Placid Association for Music, Drama and Art

    North Country

    Essex

    $1,000,000

    Lake Placid Association for Music, Drama and Art will renovate and modernize a 52-year-old theatre, enhancing accessibility, energy efficiency, and performance capabilities. This revitalization will transform the auditorium, expand stage space, upgrade theatre technology, and improve visitor experience, ensuring the venue remains a vital hub for cultural tourism and community engagement.

    United Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country, Inc.

    North Country

    St.Lawrence

    $615,625.72

    United Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country, Inc. will expand pediatric healthcare services at its Federally Qualified Health Centers in Canton and Ogdensburg, NY. This project will increase clinic capacity by constructing exam rooms, improving patient flow, and enhancing access to preventive care, vaccinations, and chronic disease management for children in medically underserved communities.

    Village of Waddington

    North Country

    St.Lawrence

    $793,000

    The Village of Waddington will replace deteriorating water mains in its downtown district, ensuring reliable access for residents and businesses while preventing further economic decline.

    Livingston County Water and Sewer Authority

    Rochester Finger-Lakes

    Livingston

    $1,000,000

    Livingston County Water and Sewer Authority will implement the LCWSA/Geneseo Water Interconnection Project, enhancing water system capacity, resiliency, and regional connectivity across multiple municipalities in Livingston County, NY.

    Village of Dansville

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    Livingston

    $1,979,586.00

    The Village of Dansville will construct a public sewer extension, pedestrian infrastructure, and ADA-accessible playground equipment, improving community health and economic development. This project will provide wastewater service to Noyes Memorial Hospital and the planned YMCA, facilitating expansion and workforce growth, while new sidewalks, a walking trail, and a pedestrian bridge will enhance accessibility and safety.

    Village of Waterloo

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    Seneca

    $3,000,000

    Village of Waterloo will improve storm sewer infrastructure, road drainage, sidewalks, and curbing, ensuring resilience against frequent flooding and supporting downtown revitalization efforts. These upgrades complement the Village’s recent $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funding, enhancing economic stability, pedestrian safety, and stormwater management.

    Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Planning Commission

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    Wyoming

    $56,080

    The Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Planning Commission will conduct a Housing Needs Assessment and Market Analysis, evaluating demographic and economic trends to inform comprehensive housing strategies. This study will identify gaps in the housing market and guide planning for projects that address the needs of low-to-moderate-income households, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

    After years of advocacy, Schumer and Gillibrand announced late last year that they had successfully reauthorized the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) for another 5 years, increasing funding and expanding the critical grant program that has delivered tens of millions of dollars for the North Country and Upstate NY. Despite the wide bipartisan support to reauthorize the NBRC, President Trump’s recent budget for Fiscal Year 2026 calls for the elimination of this program, an effort that the senators are actively pushing back against to ensure NBRC continues to be funded to provide critical investment to Upstate NY. From 2010-2024, the NBRC has invested in over 78 projects, totaling more than $48 million in federal funding for Upstate New York. Schumer introduced the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Reauthorization Act of 2023 which paved the way for these key changes.

    In addition to reauthorizing the NBRC for an additional 5 years, the bill that passed into law at the end of last year also increased funding for the program from $33 million to $40 million. The bill made critical enhancements to the range of projects the NBRC is able to support to foster growth in the region, including a new program focused on addressing childcare and healthcare needs, increasing support for addiction treatment, and new support for capacity building for business retention, job training, and job creation. The NBRC reauthorization was included as part of the Economic Development Administration reauthorization in the bipartisan, bicameral Water Resources Development Act.

    Schumer and Gillibrand have a long history of championing the Northern Border Regional Commission and its positive economic impacts on Upstate New York. In 2021, the senator successfully secured $150 million for the NBRC, over triple its funding from previous years, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act.

    Established in 2008, the NBRC is a federal-state partnership focused on the economic revitalization of communities across the Northern Border region, which includes New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Commission is composed of the governors of the four Northern Border states and a federal co-chair and provides financial and technical assistance to communities in the region to support entrepreneurs, improve water, broadband, and transportation infrastructure, and promote other initiatives to improve the region’s economy. The northern border region of New York State currently includes 30 counties: Cayuga, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Washington, Warren, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals in Connecticut Arrest Ecuador Most Wanted

    Source: US Marshals Service

    New Haven, CT – The U.S. Marshals District of Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force on Tuesday arrested in Oxford a man for being in violation of U.S. immigration law and he is wanted in connection with a 2011 homicide in Ecuador.

    Richard Cabrera, aka Ricardo Dionicio Cabrera-Erreyes, 50, is accused of fatally stabbing a woman in Loja, Ecuador, on Nov. 24, 2011, and Ecuadoran authorities charged him with femicide. INTERPOL issued a Red Notice on Cabrera for homicide following the attack.

    Recent evidence surfaced through international cooperation between Ecuador and the U.S. Marshals Service, with the support of INTERPOL Washington, and Cabrera was eventually located in Connecticut where he had been living under an assumed identity.

    U.S Marshals confirmed Cabrera entered the United States without legal documentation and had been residing in the country unlawfully for several years. He is currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody pending immigration removal proceedings.

    Since the inception of the U.S. Marshals – Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force in 1999, these partnerships have resulted in over 11,046 arrests. The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest violent fugitives and sexual predators. Membership agencies include Hartford, Bridgeport, Norwalk, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments and Homeland Security Investigations. These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses. Nationally the U.S. Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, eight regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tucson Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison on Child Pornography Charges

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Sergio Herran, 47, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, by Senior United States District Judge Raner C. Collins to a term of 8 years in prison and a term of 5 years in prison, to be served concurrently. Following a four-day trial in March, a jury convicted Herran of Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. Herran will be on lifetime supervision upon release from prison and must register as a sex offender. Herran was also ordered to pay restitution to identified victims.

    Herran was previously tried and convicted in 2019 before a jury, but the conviction was reversed on appeal by the Ninth Circuit. On retrial, the evidence presented showed that Herran was responsible for downloading, viewing, and sharing images and videos of child pornography. These videos and images were located on Herran’s computer hard drive, phone SD card, and a tablet, which were found in Herran’s bedroom within an arm’s reach from where he slept. In total, there were over 10,000 images and 1,500 videos of child pornography on Herran’s devices, although only a representative sample was charged in the indictment. Herran was found guilty of distribution of two videos of child pornography, possession of 13 images of child pornography, and possession of eight videos of child pornography.

    Homeland Security Investigations’ Tucson Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Sandra M. Hansen and Anshul Krishn, District of Arizona, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:            CR-17-01026-TUC-RCC
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-096_Herran

    # # #

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: OPEC Fund Development Forum 2025 concludes with new commitments to accelerate global development impact

    Source: OPEC Fund

    18 June 2025 – Highlights:  

    – Announcement of over US$1 billion new financing: OPEC Fund signs US$362 million new loan agreements during the Forum and announces approval of US$720 million in new financing in the second Quarter
     – A Country Partnership Framework agreement with Rwanda earmarks US$300 million financing in the next three years 
    – At the high-level Mauritania roundtable hosted by the OPEC Fund, the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) announced a pledge of US$2 billion financing over the next 5 years to support Mauritania’s development priorities.
    June 18, 2025: The fourth OPEC Fund Development Forum concluded today with a strong slate of new commitments, loan agreements and strategic partnerships to advance inclusive transition and sustainable development. The Forum, which took place in Vienna, Austria brought together more than 600 global leaders, including government representatives, development institutions and private sector stakeholders, under the theme “A Transition That Empowers Our Tomorrow”.
    The OPEC Fund announced some US$720 million in new financing to support development efforts across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and saw the signing of US$362 million in new loan agreements. A new Trade Finance Initiative is set to secure vital supplies and help close trade-related liquidity gaps in partner countries.
    OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “The OPEC Fund Development Forum reflects our conviction that partnerships must deliver results. Today we achieved tangible progress – with new signings, new partnerships and new approaches to help our partner countries turn ambition into action. Whether in energy, infrastructure, agriculture or finance, we are responding with solutions that make a difference.”
    As part of its Small Island Developing States (SIDS) initiative, the OPEC Fund signed cooperation agreements with Grenada, and the Solomon Islands, expanding support for climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure.
    Deepening Country Partnerships for Long-term Impact: New country-level agreements and cooperation frameworks include:  
    – A US$212 million loan agreement with Oman to finance the Khasab-Daba-Lima Road Project (Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road), improving local and regional connectivity, as well as a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to strengthen cooperation over the next five years.
    – A US$25 million loan agreement with Cameroon to strengthen the Rice Value Chain Development Project, supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening food security in vulnerable regions, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Kuwait Fund.
    – A CPF with Rwanda to allocate up to US$300 million in financing for 2025 – 2028, supporting the country’s development priorities, including quality infrastructure, improved essential basic services and the promotion of entrepreneurship and the private sector.
    – Other country partnership agreements included: Azerbaijan to support infrastructure, energy transition and sustainable development; Botswana to support infrastructure, renewable energy, innovation and digital transformation, as well as private sector export-led growth over the next three years; Grenada to build resilience through sustainable development initiatives; Kyrgyz Republic to increase cooperation in transport, water supply and sanitation, energy, agriculture and banking sectors; and Solomon Islands to expand engagement and increase cooperation including in the private sector.
    Scaling up Private Sector Support : The OPEC Fund continues to prioritize private sector-led growth with targeted financing to financial institutions across Africa:
    – In Côte d’Ivoire, a €30 million loan agreement with Coris Bank International Côte d’Ivoire and a €35 million loan agreement with NSIA Banque will facilitate access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
    – A US$40 million loan agreement with the East African Development Bank (EADB) will boost economic investments across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, strengthening regional integration and inclusive growth.
    New Trade Finance Initiative: At the Forum the OPEC Fund also announced a new Trade Finance Initiative to boost trade resilience in partner countries by facilitating access to essential imports, closing liquidity gaps and strengthening resilience to external shocks in vulnerable economies.
    Advancing global cooperation: The Forum also featured new agreements to deepen multilateral cooperation:
    – A new cooperation agreement with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) will strengthen collaboration in infrastructure, energy and human development projects across the Latin America and Caribbean region.
    – The OPEC Fund and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) formalized a cooperation agreement to coordinate efforts on climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.
    – A cooperation agreement with the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) will support training programs to promote institutional transparency and anti-corruption capacity building in partner countries.
    Ahead of the Forum, the OPEC Fund hosted the Annual Meeting of the Heads of Institutions of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG). Delegates participated in a high-level roundtable with the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to strengthen development collaboration and mobilize investment flows to Mauritania. 
    The roundtable resulted in an ACG joint pledge of US$2 billion financing over the next five years. This will be directed to vital sectors, including energy, water, transportation and digital infrastructure to stimulate economic growth. A dedicated Arab Donors Roundtable on the Sahel addressed strategies to mobilize greater support for the region’s urgent challenges. It was organized by the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CLISS) and sponsored by the OPEC Fund’s partner institution, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
    About the OPEC Fund
    The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$29 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and S&P Global Ratings. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: OPEC Fund Development Forum 2025 concludes with new commitments to accelerate global development impact

    Source: OPEC Fund

    18 June 2025 – Highlights:  

    – Announcement of over US$1 billion new financing: OPEC Fund signs US$362 million new loan agreements during the Forum and announces approval of US$720 million in new financing in the second Quarter
     – A Country Partnership Framework agreement with Rwanda earmarks US$300 million financing in the next three years 
    – At the high-level Mauritania roundtable hosted by the OPEC Fund, the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) announced a pledge of US$2 billion financing over the next 5 years to support Mauritania’s development priorities.
    June 18, 2025: The fourth OPEC Fund Development Forum concluded today with a strong slate of new commitments, loan agreements and strategic partnerships to advance inclusive transition and sustainable development. The Forum, which took place in Vienna, Austria brought together more than 600 global leaders, including government representatives, development institutions and private sector stakeholders, under the theme “A Transition That Empowers Our Tomorrow”.
    The OPEC Fund announced some US$720 million in new financing to support development efforts across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and saw the signing of US$362 million in new loan agreements. A new Trade Finance Initiative is set to secure vital supplies and help close trade-related liquidity gaps in partner countries.
    OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “The OPEC Fund Development Forum reflects our conviction that partnerships must deliver results. Today we achieved tangible progress – with new signings, new partnerships and new approaches to help our partner countries turn ambition into action. Whether in energy, infrastructure, agriculture or finance, we are responding with solutions that make a difference.”
    As part of its Small Island Developing States (SIDS) initiative, the OPEC Fund signed cooperation agreements with Grenada, and the Solomon Islands, expanding support for climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure.
    Deepening Country Partnerships for Long-term Impact: New country-level agreements and cooperation frameworks include:  
    – A US$212 million loan agreement with Oman to finance the Khasab-Daba-Lima Road Project (Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road), improving local and regional connectivity, as well as a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to strengthen cooperation over the next five years.
    – A US$25 million loan agreement with Cameroon to strengthen the Rice Value Chain Development Project, supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening food security in vulnerable regions, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Kuwait Fund.
    – A CPF with Rwanda to allocate up to US$300 million in financing for 2025 – 2028, supporting the country’s development priorities, including quality infrastructure, improved essential basic services and the promotion of entrepreneurship and the private sector.
    – Other country partnership agreements included: Azerbaijan to support infrastructure, energy transition and sustainable development; Botswana to support infrastructure, renewable energy, innovation and digital transformation, as well as private sector export-led growth over the next three years; Grenada to build resilience through sustainable development initiatives; Kyrgyz Republic to increase cooperation in transport, water supply and sanitation, energy, agriculture and banking sectors; and Solomon Islands to expand engagement and increase cooperation including in the private sector.
    Scaling up Private Sector Support : The OPEC Fund continues to prioritize private sector-led growth with targeted financing to financial institutions across Africa:
    – In Côte d’Ivoire, a €30 million loan agreement with Coris Bank International Côte d’Ivoire and a €35 million loan agreement with NSIA Banque will facilitate access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
    – A US$40 million loan agreement with the East African Development Bank (EADB) will boost economic investments across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, strengthening regional integration and inclusive growth.
    New Trade Finance Initiative: At the Forum the OPEC Fund also announced a new Trade Finance Initiative to boost trade resilience in partner countries by facilitating access to essential imports, closing liquidity gaps and strengthening resilience to external shocks in vulnerable economies.
    Advancing global cooperation: The Forum also featured new agreements to deepen multilateral cooperation:
    – A new cooperation agreement with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) will strengthen collaboration in infrastructure, energy and human development projects across the Latin America and Caribbean region.
    – The OPEC Fund and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) formalized a cooperation agreement to coordinate efforts on climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.
    – A cooperation agreement with the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) will support training programs to promote institutional transparency and anti-corruption capacity building in partner countries.
    Ahead of the Forum, the OPEC Fund hosted the Annual Meeting of the Heads of Institutions of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG). Delegates participated in a high-level roundtable with the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to strengthen development collaboration and mobilize investment flows to Mauritania. 
    The roundtable resulted in an ACG joint pledge of US$2 billion financing over the next five years. This will be directed to vital sectors, including energy, water, transportation and digital infrastructure to stimulate economic growth. A dedicated Arab Donors Roundtable on the Sahel addressed strategies to mobilize greater support for the region’s urgent challenges. It was organized by the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CLISS) and sponsored by the OPEC Fund’s partner institution, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
    About the OPEC Fund
    The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$29 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and S&P Global Ratings. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – Fed holds rates – markets turn to Powell’s successor amid Trump rant – deVere Group

    Source: deVere Group

    June 18 2025 – The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady—resisting mounting pressure from President Trump to cut—and investors are now preparing for what may come next: a pro-Trump successor at the helm of the world’s most powerful central bank.

    Global financial advisory giant deVere Group says the central bank’s decision is the right one, warning that cutting too soon could have backfired badly and pushed long-term borrowing costs higher, not lower.

    Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says: “Trump wants a full-point rate cut to offset the damage from his own tariffs. But if the Fed delivers prematurely, markets will punish that kind of political submission. Long yields could spike, and the cost of capital could rise across the board.”

    May inflation data shows some easing—headline CPI dipped to 2.4% and core to 2.8%—but it is not enough for the Fed to justify a move. Wage growth remains resilient, household consumption is firm, and services inflation is still uncomfortably sticky.

    “The Fed is right to stay on hold,” says Nigel Green. “The disinflation trend is fragile, the tariff shock is still working its way through, and rate cuts in this environment would send the wrong message.”

    Tensions hit a new peak on Wednesday morning, just hours before the central bank’s decision, when President Trump launched a personal attack on Fed Chair Jerome Powell during an impromptu press briefing on the South Lawn of the White House.

    Speaking beside a new row of flagpoles unveiled as part of a symbolic national display ahead of what the president described as a “potential war with Iran,” Trump again blamed the Fed for slowing the economy and accused Powell of incompetence.

    “We’re doing well. Well as a country, if the Fed would ever lower rates, you know, we’d buy debt for a lot less,” he told reporters. “Do you ever have a guy that’s not a smart person and you’re dealing with him and you have to deal? He’s not a smart guy.”

    deVere points to sharp movements in the yield curve as a warning sign. The 2-year/30-year spread is now at its widest since early 2022. Investors are demanding more compensation to hold long-dated Treasuries amid growing concern about inflation credibility, surging debt issuance, and the creeping politicisation of the Fed.

    “What we’re seeing now is a re-pricing of long-term risk,” says Green. “If the Fed signals it’s willing to bow to political pressure, it damages its ability to anchor expectations—and yields will move accordingly.”

    The decision to hold comes against the backdrop of Trump’s increasingly aggressive demands for looser monetary policy and his influence over the next central bank leadership decision. Powell’s term

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – Fed holds rates – markets turn to Powell’s successor amid Trump rant – deVere Group

    Source: deVere Group

    June 18 2025 – The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady—resisting mounting pressure from President Trump to cut—and investors are now preparing for what may come next: a pro-Trump successor at the helm of the world’s most powerful central bank.

    Global financial advisory giant deVere Group says the central bank’s decision is the right one, warning that cutting too soon could have backfired badly and pushed long-term borrowing costs higher, not lower.

    Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says: “Trump wants a full-point rate cut to offset the damage from his own tariffs. But if the Fed delivers prematurely, markets will punish that kind of political submission. Long yields could spike, and the cost of capital could rise across the board.”

    May inflation data shows some easing—headline CPI dipped to 2.4% and core to 2.8%—but it is not enough for the Fed to justify a move. Wage growth remains resilient, household consumption is firm, and services inflation is still uncomfortably sticky.

    “The Fed is right to stay on hold,” says Nigel Green. “The disinflation trend is fragile, the tariff shock is still working its way through, and rate cuts in this environment would send the wrong message.”

    Tensions hit a new peak on Wednesday morning, just hours before the central bank’s decision, when President Trump launched a personal attack on Fed Chair Jerome Powell during an impromptu press briefing on the South Lawn of the White House.

    Speaking beside a new row of flagpoles unveiled as part of a symbolic national display ahead of what the president described as a “potential war with Iran,” Trump again blamed the Fed for slowing the economy and accused Powell of incompetence.

    “We’re doing well. Well as a country, if the Fed would ever lower rates, you know, we’d buy debt for a lot less,” he told reporters. “Do you ever have a guy that’s not a smart person and you’re dealing with him and you have to deal? He’s not a smart guy.”

    deVere points to sharp movements in the yield curve as a warning sign. The 2-year/30-year spread is now at its widest since early 2022. Investors are demanding more compensation to hold long-dated Treasuries amid growing concern about inflation credibility, surging debt issuance, and the creeping politicisation of the Fed.

    “What we’re seeing now is a re-pricing of long-term risk,” says Green. “If the Fed signals it’s willing to bow to political pressure, it damages its ability to anchor expectations—and yields will move accordingly.”

    The decision to hold comes against the backdrop of Trump’s increasingly aggressive demands for looser monetary policy and his influence over the next central bank leadership decision. Powell’s term

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI: NuVista Receives TSX Approval for the Renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NuVista Energy Ltd. (TSX:NVA, “NVA” or the “Corporation”) announces that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) has approved the renewal of the Corporation’s normal course issuer bid (the “2025 NCIB”).

    Normal Course Issuer Bid Renewal

    Pursuant to the 2025 NCIB, NuVista may purchase for cancellation, from time to time, as it considers advisable, up to a maximum of 16,398,617 common shares of the Corporation. The 2025 NCIB will become effective on June 23, 2025 and will terminate on June 22, 2026 or such earlier time as the 2025 NCIB is completed or terminated at the option of NuVista.

    NuVista has completed its minimum $100 million share repurchase target for the year, underscoring its commitment to disciplined growth and returning capital to shareholders. NuVista currently believes that the best method for return of capital to shareholders is through share repurchases. For the remainder of the year, at least 75% of incremental free adjusted funds flow will be allocated to additional share buybacks. We remain focused on our disciplined and value-adding growth strategy, and providing significant shareholder returns.

    The maximum number of common shares to be purchased pursuant to the 2025 NCIB represents 10% of the public float, as of June 12, 2025. Purchases pursuant to the 2025 NCIB will be made on the open market through the facilities of the TSX and/or Canadian alternative trading systems. The number of common shares that can be purchased pursuant to the 2025 NCIB is subject to a daily maximum of 195,945 common shares (which is equal to 25% of the average daily trading volume of 783,783 from December 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025) with the exception that one block purchase in excess of the daily maximum is permitted per calendar week. The price that NuVista will pay for any common shares under the 2025 NCIB will be the prevailing market price on the TSX at the time of such purchase.

    NuVista has entered into an automatic share purchase plan (“ASPP”) with a broker to facilitate repurchases of its common shares. Under the Corporation’s ASPP, the broker may repurchase shares under the normal course issuer bid during the Corporation’s self-imposed blackout periods. Purchases will be made by the broker based upon the parameters prescribed by the TSX and applicable securities laws and the terms of the plan and the parties’ written agreement. Outside of these blackout periods, common shares may be purchased under the 2025 NCIB in accordance with management’s discretion.

    Under the previous normal course issuer bid (the “2024 NCIB”), pursuant to which NuVista was approved to repurchase up to 14,234,451 common shares, NuVista repurchased 11,234,200 common shares at a weighted average price paid per share of $12.76. The term of the 2024 NCIB has expired and no further shares may be purchased thereunder.

    As of the close of business on June 12, 2025, the Corporation had 197,400,294 common shares issued and outstanding and a public float of 163,986,173 common shares. All common shares acquired under the 2025 NCIB will be cancelled.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

    About NuVista

    NuVista is an oil and natural gas company actively engaged in the exploration for, and the development and production of, oil and natural gas reserves in the province of Alberta. NuVista’s primary focus is on the scalable and repeatable condensate-rich Montney formation in the Pipestone and Wapiti areas of the Alberta Deep Basin. This play has the potential to create significant shareholder value due to the high-value condensate volumes associated with the natural gas production and the large scope of this resource play. The common shares of NuVista trade on the TSX under the symbol NVA. Learn more at www.nuvistaenergy.com

    Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains certain forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” “forecast” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular, and without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to NuVista’s intentions with respect to the 2025 NCIB, including the return of capital to shareholders, the timing for beginning purchases of common shares under the 2025 NCIB and the effects of repurchases of common shares under the 2025 NCIB. Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of material factors, expectations or assumptions of NuVista which have been used to develop such statements and information but which may prove to be incorrect. Although NuVista believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because NuVista can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release, and NuVista does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Mike J. Lawford Ivan J. Condic
    President and CEO VP, Finance and CFO
    (403) 538-1936  (403) 538-1945

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NuVista Receives TSX Approval for the Renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NuVista Energy Ltd. (TSX:NVA, “NVA” or the “Corporation”) announces that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) has approved the renewal of the Corporation’s normal course issuer bid (the “2025 NCIB”).

    Normal Course Issuer Bid Renewal

    Pursuant to the 2025 NCIB, NuVista may purchase for cancellation, from time to time, as it considers advisable, up to a maximum of 16,398,617 common shares of the Corporation. The 2025 NCIB will become effective on June 23, 2025 and will terminate on June 22, 2026 or such earlier time as the 2025 NCIB is completed or terminated at the option of NuVista.

    NuVista has completed its minimum $100 million share repurchase target for the year, underscoring its commitment to disciplined growth and returning capital to shareholders. NuVista currently believes that the best method for return of capital to shareholders is through share repurchases. For the remainder of the year, at least 75% of incremental free adjusted funds flow will be allocated to additional share buybacks. We remain focused on our disciplined and value-adding growth strategy, and providing significant shareholder returns.

    The maximum number of common shares to be purchased pursuant to the 2025 NCIB represents 10% of the public float, as of June 12, 2025. Purchases pursuant to the 2025 NCIB will be made on the open market through the facilities of the TSX and/or Canadian alternative trading systems. The number of common shares that can be purchased pursuant to the 2025 NCIB is subject to a daily maximum of 195,945 common shares (which is equal to 25% of the average daily trading volume of 783,783 from December 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025) with the exception that one block purchase in excess of the daily maximum is permitted per calendar week. The price that NuVista will pay for any common shares under the 2025 NCIB will be the prevailing market price on the TSX at the time of such purchase.

    NuVista has entered into an automatic share purchase plan (“ASPP”) with a broker to facilitate repurchases of its common shares. Under the Corporation’s ASPP, the broker may repurchase shares under the normal course issuer bid during the Corporation’s self-imposed blackout periods. Purchases will be made by the broker based upon the parameters prescribed by the TSX and applicable securities laws and the terms of the plan and the parties’ written agreement. Outside of these blackout periods, common shares may be purchased under the 2025 NCIB in accordance with management’s discretion.

    Under the previous normal course issuer bid (the “2024 NCIB”), pursuant to which NuVista was approved to repurchase up to 14,234,451 common shares, NuVista repurchased 11,234,200 common shares at a weighted average price paid per share of $12.76. The term of the 2024 NCIB has expired and no further shares may be purchased thereunder.

    As of the close of business on June 12, 2025, the Corporation had 197,400,294 common shares issued and outstanding and a public float of 163,986,173 common shares. All common shares acquired under the 2025 NCIB will be cancelled.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

    About NuVista

    NuVista is an oil and natural gas company actively engaged in the exploration for, and the development and production of, oil and natural gas reserves in the province of Alberta. NuVista’s primary focus is on the scalable and repeatable condensate-rich Montney formation in the Pipestone and Wapiti areas of the Alberta Deep Basin. This play has the potential to create significant shareholder value due to the high-value condensate volumes associated with the natural gas production and the large scope of this resource play. The common shares of NuVista trade on the TSX under the symbol NVA. Learn more at www.nuvistaenergy.com

    Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains certain forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” “forecast” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular, and without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to NuVista’s intentions with respect to the 2025 NCIB, including the return of capital to shareholders, the timing for beginning purchases of common shares under the 2025 NCIB and the effects of repurchases of common shares under the 2025 NCIB. Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of material factors, expectations or assumptions of NuVista which have been used to develop such statements and information but which may prove to be incorrect. Although NuVista believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because NuVista can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release, and NuVista does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Mike J. Lawford Ivan J. Condic
    President and CEO VP, Finance and CFO
    (403) 538-1936  (403) 538-1945

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – RBNZ Bulletin: Reflections on 35 Years of Flexible Inflation Targeting – Lessons from the RBNZ Research Conference

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

    19 June 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua hosted a research conference on 6-7 March 2025 commemorating “35 Years of Flexible Inflation Targeting – Challenges and Opportunities”.

    This Bulletin summarises the key themes and insights that emerged during the conference.

    The conference marked a significant historical milestone. Reflecting on the decades leading to inflation targeting, Governor Christian Hawkesby described how New Zealand experienced high and volatile inflation when monetary policy was set under the direction of the Government, not an independent central bank.

    Reforms undertaken from 1988 set out, in the words of the then Minister of Finance, Roger Douglas, to “ensure that future politicians don’t interfere with the primary objective of the Reserve Bank”.

    In March 1990, when the Minister of Finance and the Reserve Bank Governor signed the first Policy Targets Agreement (PTA), the Reserve Bank of New Zealand became the first central bank to have a numerical target for inflation specified in its monetary policy mandate. (ref. https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=f7a74960f1&e=f3c68946f8 )

    Against this backdrop, 35 years after the first PTA, the research conference aimed to understand the inflation targeting experience across central banks, the challenges, and the opportunities to refine monetary policy frameworks and strategies in the post-pandemic world.
     
    Read the Bulletin: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=78cd896bea&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Rwandan genocide perpetrator charged with immigration fraud following ICE investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    DAYTON, Ohio – A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation resulted in an indictment that was unsealed June 13, charging a Dayton man with lying on his applications for a green card and United States citizenship by concealing his past role as a leader and perpetrator of the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.

    According to court documents, Vincent Nzigiyimfura, 65, was a prominent businessman and shop owner in Rwanda in 1994 when the genocide began. He allegedly used his wealth and leadership position in Rwandan society to organize violence against and killings of Tutsis, the minority population persecuted in the genocide.

    “ICE HSI is committed to pursuing justice for victims of genocide by ensuring that those who committed atrocities in foreign lands cannot hide in Ohio or any other community in the United States,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “No one wants a war criminal as their neighbor and these allegations paint a grim picture of the horror Nzigiyimfura inflicted on the Tutsi people. His indictment and arrest is a step toward justice for those victims.”

    “The indictment alleges this defendant facilitated the killings of Tutsis during the Rwandan genocide and then lied about it on immigration applications in the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris for the Southern District of Ohio. “This egregious conduct will not be tolerated.”

    “As alleged, Vincent Nzigiyimfura directed and encouraged murders during the genocide in Rwanda and then lied to U.S. authorities to start a new life in this country,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The United States is not a safe haven for human rights violators. Those, like the defendant, who commit immigration fraud to hide their violent pasts will be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    As alleged in the indictment, Nzigiyimfura directed groups of armed Hutus – the majority population – to kill Tutsis. He allegedly set up roadblocks during the genocide to detain and kill Tutsis, including a roadblock directly in front of his home, where Tutsis were allegedly killed at his direction. Nzigiyimfura also allegedly participated in killings. According to court filings, the defendant was subsequently convicted in absentia by a Rwandan court for genocide.

    Court documents detail that Nzigiyimfura applied for a visa to enter the U.S. and was granted lawful permanent resident status in 2008. In 2014, he submitted an application for naturalization. Nzigiyimfura allegedly lied to U.S. immigration officials in his immigration applications, including by falsely denying any involvement as a perpetrator of the Rwandan genocide.

    Nzigiyimfura was arrested June 12 and charged with one count of visa fraud and two counts of attempted naturalization fraud. If convicted as charged, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

    ICE HSI Detroit is investigating this case, with assistance from the interagency Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

    Established in 2009, the HRVWCC furthers the government’s efforts to identify, locate, and prosecute human rights abusers in the U.S, including those who are known or suspected to have participated in persecution, war crimes, genocide, torture, extrajudicial killings, female genital mutilation, and the use or recruitment of child soldiers. Currently, HSI has more than 180 active investigations into suspected human rights violators and is pursuing more than 1,945 leads and removals cases involving suspected human rights violators from 95 different countries. Since 2003, the HRVWCC has issued more than 79,000 lookouts for potential perpetrators of human rights abuses, and stopped over 390 human rights violators and war crimes suspects from entering the U.S.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney George Painter of the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are representing the United States in this case.

    Members of the public who have information about potential former human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the ICE tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or the online tip form. They can also email HRV.ICE@ice.dhs.gov

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Carbon Streaming Announces Annual General Meeting Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carbon Streaming Corporation (Cboe CA: NETZ) (OTCQB: OFSTF) (FSE: M2Q) (“Carbon Streaming” or the “Company”) today held its annual general meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”), where each of the five nominees proposed as directors and listed in the Company’s management proxy circular dated May 6, 2025 were elected as directors.  

    A total of 16,029,044 common shares were voted in respect of the election of directors at the Meeting, representing approximately 30.32% of the votes attached to all outstanding common shares.

    At the Meeting, the shareholders of the Company also approved the appointment of Deloitte LLP as auditor and authorized the directors to fix their remuneration.

    The detailed results of the vote for the election of directors are set out below: 

    Nominee Outcome of Vote Voted Voted (%)
    Marcel de Groot Approved 12,531,540 For
    2,499,687 Withheld    		 83.370%
    16.630%
    Olivier P. Garret Approved 12,518,740 For
    2,512,487 Withheld    		 83.285%
    16.715%
    Marin Katusa Approved 12,585,416 For
    2,445,811 Withheld    		 83.728%
    16.272%
    Alice Schroeder Approved 12,517,415 For
    2,513,812 Withheld    		 83.276%
    16.724%
    Sam Wong Approved 13,937,826 For
    1,093,401 Withheld    		 92.726%
    7.274%
           

    For complete voting results on all matters approved at the Meeting, please see the Company’s Report of Voting Results dated June 18, 2025 available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    About Carbon Streaming

    Carbon Streaming’s focus is on projects that generate high-quality carbon credits and have a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and biodiversity, in addition to their carbon reduction or removal potential.

    ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY:
    Marin Katusa, Chief Executive Officer
    Tel: 365.607.6095
    info@carbonstreaming.com
    www.carbonstreaming.com

    Investor Relations
    investors@carbonstreaming.com

    Media
    media@carbonstreaming.com

    Neither Cboe Canada Inc. nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the Listing Manual of Cboe Canada Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Carbon Streaming Announces Annual General Meeting Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carbon Streaming Corporation (Cboe CA: NETZ) (OTCQB: OFSTF) (FSE: M2Q) (“Carbon Streaming” or the “Company”) today held its annual general meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”), where each of the five nominees proposed as directors and listed in the Company’s management proxy circular dated May 6, 2025 were elected as directors.  

    A total of 16,029,044 common shares were voted in respect of the election of directors at the Meeting, representing approximately 30.32% of the votes attached to all outstanding common shares.

    At the Meeting, the shareholders of the Company also approved the appointment of Deloitte LLP as auditor and authorized the directors to fix their remuneration.

    The detailed results of the vote for the election of directors are set out below: 

    Nominee Outcome of Vote Voted Voted (%)
    Marcel de Groot Approved 12,531,540 For
    2,499,687 Withheld    		 83.370%
    16.630%
    Olivier P. Garret Approved 12,518,740 For
    2,512,487 Withheld    		 83.285%
    16.715%
    Marin Katusa Approved 12,585,416 For
    2,445,811 Withheld    		 83.728%
    16.272%
    Alice Schroeder Approved 12,517,415 For
    2,513,812 Withheld    		 83.276%
    16.724%
    Sam Wong Approved 13,937,826 For
    1,093,401 Withheld    		 92.726%
    7.274%
           

    For complete voting results on all matters approved at the Meeting, please see the Company’s Report of Voting Results dated June 18, 2025 available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    About Carbon Streaming

    Carbon Streaming’s focus is on projects that generate high-quality carbon credits and have a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and biodiversity, in addition to their carbon reduction or removal potential.

    ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY:
    Marin Katusa, Chief Executive Officer
    Tel: 365.607.6095
    info@carbonstreaming.com
    www.carbonstreaming.com

    Investor Relations
    investors@carbonstreaming.com

    Media
    media@carbonstreaming.com

    Neither Cboe Canada Inc. nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the Listing Manual of Cboe Canada Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PSB Holdings, Inc. announces semi-annual cash dividend of $0.34 per share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WAUSAU, Wis., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PSB Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: PSBQ), parent company of Peoples State Bank, is pleased to announce that on June 17, 2025, its Board of Directors declared a regular semi-annual cash dividend of $0.34 per share of the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable July 31, 2025 to shareholders of record as of July 11, 2025 and represents an increase of 6.3% over the $0.32 per share semi-annual cash dividend declared on December 17, 2024. The current dividend continues a 60-year tradition of cash dividends to PSB shareholders including 32 consecutive years of increased cash dividends declared per share.

    PSB President and CEO Scott M. Cattanach said, “We remain optimistic for continued strong financial performance through the end of 2025 and are pleased to announce a $0.34 per share semi-annual cash dividend to holders of our common stock. We thank our shareholders for their continued support.”

    About PSB Holdings, Inc.

    PSB Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Peoples State Bank. Peoples is a community bank headquartered in Wausau, Wisconsin, serving northcentral and southeastern Wisconsin from twelve full-service banking locations in Marathon, Oneida, Vilas, Portage, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties and a loan production office in Dane county. Peoples also provides investment and insurance products, along with retirement planning services, through Peoples Wealth Management, a division of Peoples. PSB Holdings, Inc. is traded under the stock symbol PSBQ on the OTCQX Market. More information about PSB, its management, and its financial performance may be found at www.psbholdingsinc.com. 

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about PSB’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by management and include, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential growth of PSB, its future profits, expected stock repurchase levels, future dividend rates, future interest rates, and the adequacy of its capital position. Forward-looking statements can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, strength of the economy, the effects of government policies, including interest rate policies, risks associated with the execution of PSB’s vision and growth strategy, including with respect to current and future M&A activity, and risks associated with global economic instability relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on PSB and Peoples, and their customers, and other risks. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which they are made and PSB does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

    Investor Relations Contact
    PSB Holdings, Inc.
    1905 Stewart Avenue
    Wausau, WI 54401
    888.929.9902
    InvestorRelations@bankpeoples.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Prolific Guatemalan Drug Traffickers Extradited to the United States to Face Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Charge

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Steven Ovaldino Lorenzana Alvarenga, also known as “Chipi,” and Allan Mendoza, also known as “Carnes” and “Carnitas,” both of Guatemala, made their initial appearances today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia following their June 17 extraditions from Guatemala to the United States.

    Lorenzana Alvarenga, 30, and Mendoza, 40, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States from Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    According to court documents, from 2006 through 2023, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza were key members of the Guatemala-based Lorenzana drug trafficking organization (“DTO”), which transports multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America into Mexico and the United States on behalf of various Mexican, Honduran, and Venezuelan cartels. The Lorenzana DTO allegedly controls multiple departments in Guatemala and regularly uses violence, including murder, assault, kidnapping, assassination, and torture in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities. As alleged, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza were part of a loyal group of associates surrounding the leader of the Lorenzana DTO, Haroldo Waldemar Lorenzana Terraza.

    If convicted, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza face a maximum penalty of life in prison on the conspiracy charge and up to 30 years in prison on the firearm charge.

    The extraditions of Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza mark another significant step in the Justice Department’s efforts to dismantle the Lorenzana DTO and bring its members to justice. Lorenzana Terraza assumed leadership of the Lorenzana DTO in the mid-2000s, after the indictment, extradition, and conviction of multiple family members who previously served as key leaders, including Lorenzana Terraza’s grandfather, Waldemar Lorenzana Lima, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 23 years in prison in February 2020;  Lorenzana Terraza’s uncles, Eliu and Waldemar Lorenzana Cordon, who received life sentences following a conviction at trial in 2016; and Lorenzana Terraza’s aunt, Marta Julia Lorenzana-Cordon, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 33 years in prison in March 2024. Lorenzana Terraza was charged alongside Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza with conspiring to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and he also faces two additional charges of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and conspiring to import heroin into the United States. Lorenzana Terraza is still a fugitive, and the U.S. Department of State is currently offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting Administrator Robert J. Murphy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement.

    The DEA Bilateral Investigation Unit and DEA Guatemala City Country Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs working with Guatemalan law enforcement authorities, INTERPOL, and the DEA provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza to the United States.

    Trial Attorneys Douglas Meisel and Ligia Markman of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case.

    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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prolific Guatemalan Drug Traffickers Extradited to the United States to Face Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Charge

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Steven Ovaldino Lorenzana Alvarenga, also known as “Chipi,” and Allan Mendoza, also known as “Carnes” and “Carnitas,” both of Guatemala, made their initial appearances today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia following their June 17 extraditions from Guatemala to the United States.

    Lorenzana Alvarenga, 30, and Mendoza, 40, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States from Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    According to court documents, from 2006 through 2023, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza were key members of the Guatemala-based Lorenzana drug trafficking organization (“DTO”), which transports multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America into Mexico and the United States on behalf of various Mexican, Honduran, and Venezuelan cartels. The Lorenzana DTO allegedly controls multiple departments in Guatemala and regularly uses violence, including murder, assault, kidnapping, assassination, and torture in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities. As alleged, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza were part of a loyal group of associates surrounding the leader of the Lorenzana DTO, Haroldo Waldemar Lorenzana Terraza.

    If convicted, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza face a maximum penalty of life in prison on the conspiracy charge and up to 30 years in prison on the firearm charge.

    The extraditions of Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza mark another significant step in the Justice Department’s efforts to dismantle the Lorenzana DTO and bring its members to justice. Lorenzana Terraza assumed leadership of the Lorenzana DTO in the mid-2000s, after the indictment, extradition, and conviction of multiple family members who previously served as key leaders, including Lorenzana Terraza’s grandfather, Waldemar Lorenzana Lima, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 23 years in prison in February 2020;  Lorenzana Terraza’s uncles, Eliu and Waldemar Lorenzana Cordon, who received life sentences following a conviction at trial in 2016; and Lorenzana Terraza’s aunt, Marta Julia Lorenzana-Cordon, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 33 years in prison in March 2024. Lorenzana Terraza was charged alongside Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza with conspiring to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and he also faces two additional charges of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and conspiring to import heroin into the United States. Lorenzana Terraza is still a fugitive, and the U.S. Department of State is currently offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting Administrator Robert J. Murphy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement.

    The DEA Bilateral Investigation Unit and DEA Guatemala City Country Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs working with Guatemalan law enforcement authorities, INTERPOL, and the DEA provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza to the United States.

    Trial Attorneys Douglas Meisel and Ligia Markman of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case.

    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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Man Sentenced for Attempted Church Shooting

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Virginia man was sentenced today in Alexandia for his attempt to carry out a mass shooting at a Haymarket, Virginia church, for carrying a gun during that attempt, and for transmitting threats over the internet. Rui Jiang, 36, of Fairfax, Virginia, was sentenced to 25 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Jiang was previously convicted by a jury in March 2025.

    According to evidence presented at trial, Jiang began posting online threats against the Park Valley Church on the evening of Sept. 23, 2023, which made clear his intention to kill congregants. The next morning, police searched for Jiang in response to a concerned citizen’s call. Officers located Jiang at the church while Sunday services were underway. Jiang was armed with a semiautomatic handgun, two magazines of ammunition, and two knives. He had additional ammunition, knives, and a canister of bear spray in his nearby car. During a search of Jiang’s apartment, police discovered copies of a manifesto, signed by Jiang, which read in part, “I am here deny (sic) the love lives blessed by God to these lucky men, by taking out these men . . .To the families of those men about to be slain – I am sorry for what I have done and about to do (sic).”

    “This was the closest of calls. But for the determination of a concerned citizen; the exceptional police work by the Anne Arundel, Fairfax, and Prince William County Police Departments; and the steadfast vigilance of the church security team, this would have ended in unimaginable tragedy,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will relentlessly investigate and prosecute attacks on our nation’s houses of worship.”

    “The freedom to worship without fear is one of the bedrock principles of our Nation,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Rui Jiang set out to violate that principle by entering a church during a religious service armed with the intent to murder innocent parishioners. This unspeakable act, only thwarted by brave law enforcement officers and civilians, has no place in our Republic and will always be a priority of my office.”

    “The church shooting that was thwarted because of the vigilance of concerned citizens is a reminder that when communities and law enforcement agencies work together, we can prevent targeted acts of violence.” said Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Prince William County and Fairfax County Police Departments. The Anne Arundel County Police Department also assisted. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas A. Durham and Troy A. Edwards Jr., for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eastside Rollin’ 20s Crips Members and Associates Indicted, Including Murder, Robbery, Fentanyl Distribution and Firearms Offenses

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A twelve-count indictment was unsealed today in the Eastern District of Virginia charging nine members of the Eastside Rollin’ 20s Crips (RTC) violent street gang with crimes including a drug conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and  a racketeering conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, conspiring to distribute large quantities of pressed fentanyl pills, narcotics trafficking, identity fraud, and the illegal use and straw purchasing of firearms.

    According to the indictment, the RTC is a subunit or “set” of the Crips national street gang. The indictment alleges RTC members and associates committed numerous violent acts on behalf of the RTC, including a June 2022 murder in Alexandria, Virginia; a July 2021 attempted shooting of several individuals in the District of Columbia; an August 2021 armed robbery and pistol whipping of an individual in Hollywood, Florida; and a January 2021 attempted murder of two individuals in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. To finance and promote the RTC’s criminal activities, the indictment alleges that RTC members and associates obtained and distributed multi-kilogram quantities of pressed fentanyl pills. The indictment also alleges that, as part of the gang’s criminal activity, the RTC recruited children and encouraged them to commit crimes on behalf of the gang, including acts of violence and drug trafficking.

    “As alleged, RTC members unleashed a wave of violence across three states and the District of Columbia, extending down the East Coast to Florida,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their commission of brutal, indiscriminate acts over perceived slights on social media reflects a particularly dangerous form of gang activity. The Criminal Division remains firmly committed to prosecuting menacing gangs and ensuring the safety of our communities.”

    “The offenses alleged in this indictment represent the spectrum of danger presented by nationwide criminal enterprises,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Any of these elements alone – from violence to illegal drugs to identity theft – is enough to destroy communities and lives, and these organizations employ them without compunction. Through coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we are determined to eradicate criminal gangs and protect our citizens from the detriment they bring.”

    “DEA is committed to protecting Americans by investigating and taking down major violators of drug laws who operate within the United States and around the world,” said Special Agent in Charge Ibrar Mian of the DEA Washington Field Division. “As demonstrated by today’s indictment, drug trafficking, firearms, and violence are undeniably connected, which is why we continue to address these threats with the full force of the federal government. The tenacious and hard-working men and women of DEA are combatting the illicit manufacture and distribution of drugs, removing illicit firearms from American streets, helping to put public threats in jail, and restoring safety in our communities.”

    “Today’s announcement indicates a significant step towards making it even more clear that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with our partner agencies are committed to protecting our communities from violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the ATF Washington Field Division. “There just isn’t a place for criminal behavior in our neighborhoods. Although this is very early on in the judicial process, we remain optimistic that all of those involved will be held accountable for their actions.”

    If convicted, the defendants face penalties including: up to life in prison or the death penalty for murder in aid of racketeering and use of a firearm during a crime of violence causing death; up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and use of a firearm during or in relation to drug trafficking; up to 25 years in prison for straw purchasing of firearms; up to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and up to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Virginia State Police; and Arlington County Police Department are investigating the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; United States Postal Inspection Service; FBI; Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Fairfax County Police Department; Prince William County Police Department; Prince William County’s Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney; Prince William County Parks and Recreation; United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina; Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office; Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office; Stafford County Sherriff’s Office; Manassas Park Police Department; George Mason University Police Department; Chesterfield County Police Department; Del City, OK, Police Department; Valley Brook, OK, Police Department; Tonto Apache Police Department; Sumter County, SC, Sheriff’s Office; Hollywood, FL, Police Department; Nash County, NC, Sheriff’s Office; Winston-Salem, NC, Police Department; and Nebraska State Patrol.

    Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Ryan B. Bredemeier for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.

    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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs), which identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    An indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of Defense Hegseth Testifies Before Senate Committee on Base Defense, Importance of Air Superiority in Conflicts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing today to review the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) budget request for Fiscal Year 2026. During the hearing, members received testimony from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine; and Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, who is performing the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer.
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, Chairman of the SASC Airland Subcommittee, asked the witnesses about the importance of protecting U.S. military bases from attacks and the strategic role air superiority plays in modern conflicts.
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    Cramer noted the Obama administration’s nuclear deal with Iran licensed its nuclear aspirations, creating a serious problem still affecting our nation.
    Regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Cramer asked Gen. Caine about the importance of air superiority over Iran and in future fights.
    “Well, sir, we could spend hours talking about the advocacy of air power,” said Gen. Caine. “I think the freedom of maneuver that it creates is a great example of that. If you look at the two theaters right now, with the Israeli Air Force striking at will at this point, over Iran, juxtaposed with the challenges that we’re having with a frozen forward line of troops in Europe, is a great case study of it. You know, the great thinkers, air power thinkers, are looking at the advancement in technologies from both theaters, the advancement of first person view drones and things like that. I think folks are going to have to think clearly about what does the future of air superiority look like, and how does it evolve to make sure that we’re protecting those essential teammates that are on the ground fighting in order to prevent frozen FLOTs, forward lines of troops, in the future.”
    Cramer said there have been two recent examples of covert operations where drones act deep within enemy territory to destroy critical capabilities which were previously considered safe from harm.  
    Ukraine recently conducted a surprise drone attack called “Operation Spider’s Web” against Russia, targeting airfields in multiple regions across the country. The Center for Strategic and International Studies reported this attack showcased Ukraine’s “tactical ingenuity” and “illuminated the broader technological and strategic shifts reshaping modern warfare.” 
    “We’ve seen some pretty spectacular displays of the ability to go […] covertly, deep within the enemy’s territory, and take out some pretty significant assets, both in Russia and in Iran,” said Cramer. “A lot of us fear we’re vulnerable, as well. You spoke very briefly, a reference, I think, in response to one of Senator Gillibrand’s questions about the importance of policy. So, when we talk about the United States itself and our bases here in the country, policy is a bigger challenge than weapons, to be honest. But what about responsibility?”
    Cramer questioned Hegseth about ways DOD is ensuring American military bases are protected from attacks. He also asked which services are responsible for a base’s air defense and for leading the effort on capabilities to counter this kind of attack.
    “Senator, you’re right to ask the question,” said Hegseth. “We met on this very topic two days ago, because you’re right, we’ve already made initial efforts, but I liken it to the effort that was made around IEDs [improvised explosive devices] in Iraq and Afghanistan, where it couldn’t be a service only response. It needed to be across the joint force. It needed to be immediate, and the capabilities had to be prepared to adapt in real time to adjustments the enemy was making, and you saw that in […] counter-IED technology. We need the same type of effort in counter-UAS, not just forward deployed, because right now you do it with what you have, but also at home, considering the authority. So, that is something the Department is doing in real time.” 
    Earlier today, Cramer introduced the Protect Our Bases Act with Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC), which would strengthen national security by ensuring the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) can effectively review foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence, and national laboratory sites. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Tim Scott, colleagues introduce bill to protect U.S. secrets from foreign adversaries

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today joined Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and 10 colleagues in introducing the Protect Our Bases Act, which would strengthen the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States’ (CFIUS) ability to review foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence and national laboratory sites by requiring member agencies to annually update and review their lists of these sites.

    “The Chinese Communist Party’s land buildup near our most critical military and government facilities poses a grave threat to our national security. The Protect Our Bases Act would help safeguard our nation and fight back against Communist China’s spying on American soil,” said Kennedy.

    “The Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to infiltrate and surveil all parts of the U.S. national security apparatus requires vigilance from our national security agencies. This legislation will enhance the review of foreign real estate transactions near critical national security installations, helping ensure CFIUS has the information it needs to protect our homeland and keep our nation safe,” said Scott.

    Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) also cosponsored the bill.

    Background: 

    • In 2022, Fufeng Group, a Chinese company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, announced it would purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. 
    • CFIUS determined that it could not evaluate the transaction for national security risks because the Department of Defense had not listed the base as a sensitive area for national security purposes.
    • Although the City of Grand Forks ultimately blocked the transaction, this incident demonstrated a serious flaw in the review process of foreign land purchases.

    The Protect Our Bases Act would:

    • require agencies represented on CFIUS to provide CFIUS with records of the military, intelligence and national laboratory facilities that should be considered sensitive areas for national security purposes annually.
    • require CFIUS to submit an annual report to Congress certifying the completion of these reviews and detailing the accuracy of its real estate listings.

    Full text of the Protect Our Bases Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –