Category: Finance

MIL-OSI: NMI Holdings, Inc. to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on April 29, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

EMERYVILLE, Calif., April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NMI Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: NMIH), the parent company of National Mortgage Insurance Corporation (National MI), today announced that it will report results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2025 after the market close on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

The company will hold a conference call and live webcast at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The webcast will be available on the company’s website at https://ir.nationalmi.com/events-and-presentations. The call can be accessed by dialing (844) 481-2708 in the U.S. or (412) 317-0664 internationally by referencing NMI Holdings, Inc.

A replay of the webcast as well as the earnings press release and any supplemental information will be available on the company’s website.

About NMI Holdings

NMI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NMIH) is the parent company of National Mortgage Insurance Corporation (National MI), a U.S.-based, private mortgage insurance company enabling low-down-payment borrowers to realize home ownership while protecting lenders and investors against losses related to a borrower’s default. To learn more, please visit www.nationalmi.com.

Investor Contact
Gregory Epps
Senior Manager, Investor Relations and Treasury
Investor.relations@nationalmi.com

The MIL Network –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: At Hearing, Warren Presses Treasury Tax Policy Nominee on Commitment to Address Conflicts of Interests

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
April 11, 2025
Kies refused to recuse himself from potential conflicts of interest throughout his time in office
Warren: “If confirmed as the top tax official at the Treasury Department, you will play a big role in handing out more tax cuts, including tax cuts to your former clients.”
Video of Exchange (YouTube)
Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) pressed Mr. Kenneth Kies, nominee for Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Department of the Treasury, on his background as a tax lobbyist for large corporations and pushed him to commit to recusing himself from any matters that would impact the financial interests of his former clients while he is in office.
As Treasury’s top tax official, Kies would be responsible for developing and implementing tax policy and programs, negotiating tax treaties, and providing analysis for domestic and international tax policy decisions. However, as Senator Warren highlighted during the hearing, Kies’ former clients stand to gain billions under the upcoming Republican tax bill. If confirmed, Kies’ office at the Treasury Department would oversee the implementation of these tax laws and could potentially include tax loopholes that benefit these large corporations he once lobbied for.
So far, Kies has only committed to not working on matters that involve his former clients for one year. When asked if he would commit to recusing himself from matters that would affect the financial interests of his former clients for the duration of his employment, Kies refused to provide a straight answer.
This week, Senator Warren sent a letter to Kies urging him to mitigate the glaring conflicts of interest created by his background as a tax lobbyist for large corporations and his extensive investments in corporations that lobby the Treasury on tax policy.
“Donald Trump cares about one group of people and one group of people only: himself and his billionaire friends, so it’s no surprise that he has nominated a highly paid corporate tax lobbyist to run tax policy for the American people,” said the senator. “We need a government that works for working people, not just massive corporations, their CEOs, and their lobbyists, and that’s what’s going to happen under Mr. Kies’ watch.”
Transcript: Hearing to examine the nominations of William Kimmitt, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, and Kenneth Kies, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.Senate Finance CommitteeApril 10, 2025
Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In 2017, Donald Trump gave $2 trillion in tax cuts, mostly to billionaires and billionaire corporations, and now he’s back for round two, this time a whopping $7 trillion in tax breaks for his rich donors.
Now, Mr. Kies, you’ve been a corporate lobbyist for nearly 30 years, successfully arranging tax breaks for Wall Street, Big Tech, Big Oil, and Big Pharma—you’ve helped them all. And if confirmed as the top tax official at the Treasury Department, you will play a big role in handing out more tax cuts, including tax cuts to your former clients. So, I just want to run through how this would work. Mr. Kies, you’ve lobbied for Microsoft for years. Microsoft and other big tech companies are now demanding tax breaks to incentivize research that they would do anyway, but the real kicker is they want those tax breaks, called R&D expensing, to be retroactive, incentivizing them to make research decisions they made years ago. And Republicans have said, ‘Sure, why not.’
Mr. Kies, do you know how much your client, Microsoft, stands to gain from just this one tax break?
Mr. Kenneth Kies: No, Senator Warren.
Senator Warren: Well, if the Trump administration delivers what tech lobbyists are clamoring for, Microsoft would get $11 billion to incentivize investments it made years ago. That’s from Microsoft’s own annual reports. By the way, that is nearly as much as the federal government spends an entire year on child care for all of our babies. One company, your client, $11 billion. So, let’s try another one, Mr. Kies.
You’ve also lobbied on behalf of Pfizer, one of the biggest drug companies out there. President Trump has proposed slashing the tax rate for corporations even further, from 21% to 15% Mr. Kies, do you know how much your client Pfizer stands to gain from cutting the corporate tax rate to 15%?
Mr. Kies: Okay, Senator Warren, Pfizer is not my client. I closed my business on March 14. None of those companies are my clients. My client—
Senator Warren: I’m sorry, your former client.
Mr. Kies: Okay, former client.
Senator Warren: Pfizer, the one you lobbied for.
Mr. Kies: And Pfizer was a client over 10 years ago.
Senator Warren: Do you know how much they stand to make?
Mr. Kies: No.
Senator Warren: $4 billion from the Trump corporate tax cut. But there is more. The Republicans in Congress will set out the general rules for this tax giveaway, but your office at the Treasury Department will write the rules to implement those laws. When that happens, lobbyists will line up around the block to ask you for even more tax loopholes, which you know about firsthand, because you did exactly that after the first Trump tax giveaway. Now, you’ve committed not to work on matters involving your clients, or your former clients, for only one year. That means on day 366, while you are still in your job, you can go right back to handing out loopholes that could boost the bottom lines of Microsoft or Pfizer or any other of your former and future clients.
Mr. Kies, the American people would like to know that when you draw a government paycheck, you will be working just for them, not for your past and future clients. So, will you commit to recusing yourself from matters that would affect the financial interests of your former clients for the entire time that you are in office?
Mr. Kies: So, Senator Warren, you and I had a very polite discussion about this when we met, and I advised you at that time, which is what I will tell you in public. I will comply with the terms of the ethics letter, which was written by career experts on ethics. And I would also reference you to the Bloomberg article, today, in which Scott Amey, the general counsel of the Project on Government Oversight, said the following: This is someone, me, who is taking government ethics very seriously—
Senator Warren: Very seriously—
Mr. Kies: And was making attempts—
Senator Warren: I appreciate that, but I’m running out of time here.
Mr. Kies: Well, I would encourage you to read the article.
Senator Warren: I will take this as a no, and the fact that you say it’s okay with the Trump administration that on day 366, you will be handing out tax loopholes to clients that you took in millions of dollars from. And that you’ve made no pledge not to go back and make them your clients again in the future. That may be okay with the Trump administration. I don’t think it’s okay with the American people.
Donald Trump cares about one group of people and one group of people only: himself and his billionaire friends, so it’s no surprise that he has nominated a highly paid corporate tax lobbyist to run tax policy for the American people. We need a government that works for working people, not just massive corporations, their CEOs, and their lobbyists, and that’s what’s going to happen under Mr. Kies’ watch.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Warren, Schumer, Senate Colleagues Call on SEC to Launch Investigation into Possible Trump Tariff Market Manipulation, Insider Trading

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
April 11, 2025
Senators: “It is unconscionable that as American families are concerned about their financial security during this economic crisis entirely manufactured by the President, insiders may have actively profited from the market volatility and potentially perpetrated financial fraud on the American public.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today joined with five colleagues to urge the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate whether Donald Trump, any members of his cabinet, or other donors, insiders, or Administration officials engaged in insider trading, market manipulation, or other securities laws violations.
“We urge the SEC to investigate whether the tariff announcements, which caused the market crash and subsequent partial recovery, enriched administration insiders and friends at the expense of the American public and whether any insiders, including the President’s family, had prior knowledge of the tariff pause that they abused to make stock trades ahead of the President’s announcement,” the senators wrote in their letter to SEC Chair Paul Atkins. “Before pausing the tariffs that threw markets into disarray, President Trump appears to have previewed his plans to do so on Truth Social: at 9:37 am, he announced, “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT.” His official announcement of the tariff pause came roughly 4 hours later at 1:18 pm.”
Others signing the letter besides Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, were Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee; Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).
The senators also asked how Trump Administration cuts to the SEC might affect the agency’s ability to respond to large-scale market events and pursue enforcement actions. They requested answers to their questions by April 25, 2025.
The entire letter is here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Mississippi Man Guilty of Attempted Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS, LA – AVERY FREEL (“FREEL”), age 23, of Ocean Springs, MS, pled guilty on April 10, 2025, before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, to Attempted Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

FREEL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years, up to a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00. In addition, FREEL faces a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, after his release from prison, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hammond Police Department, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

MIL Security OSI –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Violent Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ERIC HAYES, also known as “Heavyweight Champ,” 28, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 165 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang, including the murder and attempted murder of rival gang members.

Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

According to court documents, statements made in court, and the evidence presented during a month-long trial, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Hayes has been a member of the “East End gang,” which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns. The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport. These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”) and the “Greene Homes Boyz,” (“GHB/Hotz”), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End.

Due to the level of gun violence Bridgeport was experiencing, the investigation commenced shortly before East End members shot and killed Myreke Kenion and shot and attempted to kill D’Andre Brown, both members and associates of the GHB/Hotz gang, on January 26, 2020. The next day, in retaliation for these shootings, GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members attempted to kill East End gang members and associates in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a state courthouse on Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport that resulted in four victims being shot while sitting inside a car.

For a time, Hayes was the de facto leader of the East End gang. Hayes and other East End members distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed at least six murders and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals. East End members celebrated their criminal conduct in rap videos on YouTube and on social media websites such as Facebook, and committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.

The investigation determined that on March 5, 2019, Hayes shot and killed Jerrell Gatewood, a member of the Terrace, a rival group to the East End gang. Also, Hayes helped coordinate the attempted murder of Marquis Isreal, also known as “Garf” or “Gbaby,” a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang. On September 15, 2019, East End member Trevon Wright shot Isreal 12 times inside a restaurant in Bridgeport’s East End. Isreal survived the shooting.

Hayes has been detained since his arrest on September 25, 2019. On that date, he possessed a loaded .45 caliber handgun. Subsequent forensic analysis of the firearm connected it to shell casings recovered from the restaurant after the Marquis Isreal shooting.

On December 5, 2023, a jury found Hayes, Wright, Keishawn Donald, and Travon Jones guilty of conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.

Approximately 47 members and associates of the East End, O.N.E. and the GHB/Hotz gangs have been convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which has and solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.

Wright, Donald, and Jones were previously sentenced.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the Waterbury Police Department. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, Rahul Kale, and Karen L. Peck.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

MIL Security OSI –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Introduces Legislation to Combat Organized Supply Chain Theft and Retail Crime
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Combatting Organized Retail Crime (CORCA) Act alongside Reps. Dave Joyce (OH-14), Susie Lee (NV-03), Dina Titus (NV-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Laurel Lee (Fl-15), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Michael Baumgartner (WA-05). This bipartisan, bicameral bill takes important steps to strengthen legal tools for law enforcement and crack down on interstate and transnational crime. The Senate companion bill is led by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

The CORCA Act builds off initiatives in the Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act, which was introduced by Congressman David Valadao and Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) in the 118th Congress.

“Organized retail crime and supply chain theft are hitting families and small businesses hard in the Central Valley and beyond,” said Congressman Valadao. “These crimes are largely run by sophisticated criminal networks that endanger public safety and drive-up costs for consumers. In the 118th Congress, I introduced the Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act to fight back against cargo theft, and I’m happy to see some of that language included in this bill. The CORCA Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to hold criminals accountable, and I’m proud to work with my colleagues to get this across the finish line.”

“Businesses throughout my district are facing the burdens of a rise in organized retail crimes and fraud schemes that are sweeping the nation,” said Rep. Joyce. “These criminal organizations are not only harming small businesses and retailers in our communities, but are also putting American consumers at risk of violence and fraud. These crimes also have more widespread consequences for public safety, as these organized groups often resell stolen goods to finance other illicit activities, including drug and human trafficking operations. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give law enforcement the tools they need to put a stop to these rampant crimes. I want to thank Senator Grassley for his steadfast leadership on this effort and all our House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their partnership in addressing this critical issue.”

“Organized retail crime puts all of us in danger, while hurting consumers, taxpayers, and businesses of all sizes. And the stolen goods fund human trafficking and terrorism,” said Rep. Susie Lee. “Our local and state law enforcement are doing incredible work, but we need coordination at the federal level to investigate and prosecute these crimes. Our bipartisan legislation will support law enforcement with the tools they need to crack down on these criminal operations.”

“By establishing a coordinated federal response, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would target the criminals who endanger consumers, local businesses, and transportation networks, along with the nefarious transnational groups that fund their operations,” said Rep. Titus. “This legislation will help law enforcement better pursue and prosecute these bad actors, while protecting businesses and saving consumer dollars.”

“Organized cargo and retail theft are a real and growing problem in Illinois and across the country – it’s time Congress step in to counteract it,” said Rep. Schneider. “Cargo and retail theft are not just local issues — organized groups are stealing goods at all points in the supply chain, oftentimes well before products make it to shelves, and resell stolen items across state lines. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to safeguard commerce, consumer confidence, and national security.”

“The rise in sophisticated criminal activities targeting retail stores and the broader supply chain has become a critical threat to our national economy, consumer safety, and public security,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “With retail theft surging by 93 percent over the last four years, the time to act is now. We must equip law enforcement with the necessary resources and tools to combat these criminals on a federal level, as they operate across state lines and international borders. I am proud to co-sponsor the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act to protect our businesses and keep our communities safe.”

“The damage of organized retail crime is real, and it hurts hard-working American taxpayers and businesses here in Orange County across the country,” Rep. Correa said. “Our state and local public safety officers work tirelessly to keep our communities safe from this crime, and they deserve the best possible tools to take down these criminal syndicates. Retail crime affects everyone—so I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act today to help stop this threat dead in its tracks.”

“Every time these criminals loot a store, fleece a supplier, highjack a trucker, shakedown a warehouse, honest Americans pay more. Prices go up, shelves go empty, and the working families in places like Spokane and Walla Walla get hit with a hidden tax — all because prosecutors are unable to prosecute, and thieves think they can get away with it,” said Rep. Baumgartner. “This bill hits back. It takes on the crime rings behind the theft, shuts down the online black market for stolen goods, and backs the blue with real support. Do you want to lower prices? Start by locking up the people who are robbing us blind.”

“The Home Depot applauds Congressman Valadao for committing to the safety of our associates and customers by introducing the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act,” said Scott Glenn, VP of Asset Protection, The Home Depot. “This legislation will help stop dangerous criminals from stealing from our stores.”

“The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) strongly supports efforts to combat organized retail crime, and we appreciate the strong bipartisan support behind the reintroduction of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” said Megan Noland, MCSA Executive Director. “With provisions to strengthen penalties and the creation of a dedicated center for coordination and information sharing, this legislation is a vital step toward supporting law enforcement in our fight against organized crime. We look forward to working together to advance this important legislation during this Congress.”

“Organized cargo theft and fraud disrupt intermodal freight supply chains, risk the safety of our workforce, and harm the U.S. economy,” said Anne Reinke, President & CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America. “The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) applauds Senator Grassley (R-IA), Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Reps. Joyce (R-OH), Lee (D-NV), Valadao (R-CA), Titus (D-NV), Baumgartner (R-WA), Schneider (D-IL), Lee (R-FL), and Correa (D-CA) for their leadership in championing critical legislation to address this urgent threat. The bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act will provide important resources to detect and fight organized crime throughout the supply chain, ensuring that our industry can continue delivering goods to American consumers safely and efficiently.”

“Organized criminal operations continue to evolve and escalate their targeted attacks against our nation’s supply chain and retailers,” said Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “This alarming trend affects every industry — including the nation’s largest railroads, which experienced a 40% spike in cargo theft last year. Rep. Valadao’s long-term leadership on developing a unified, federal response has been pivotal in shaping the legislation introduced today. CORCA’s economy-wide strategic framework will go a long way in disrupting these criminal networks and safeguarding our supply chain.”

“UPS supports the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act as it provides the necessary resources and coordination to protect the movement of American goods throughout our country while safeguarding the integrity of our national supply chain from rail to road, to retail,” said President of UPS Global Public Affairs Michael Kiely.

“Across the United States, communities small and large are facing an unprecedented number of Organized Retail Crime (ORC) incidents. The Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act would provide the necessary resources to bring the people and organizations behind this nationwide problem to justice by establishing formal coordination between law enforcement and the private sector,” said ICSC President and CEO, Tom McGee. “We applaud Reps. Joyce, Lee, Titus, and Valadao for reintroducing the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act. We believe the bill represents a huge step in the right direction towards addressing this growing issue.”

“The trucking industry takes great pride in delivering America’s freight safely and on time; however, the billions of tons of goods transported by trucks from coast to coast have increasingly become a prime target for organized crime rings, including transnational organizations, putting truck drivers at risk and raising costs for consumers,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear. “ATA commends this bipartisan group of leaders for addressing this alarming trend and safeguarding our supply chain. By empowering federal agencies to improve cooperation across jurisdictions and ramp up enforcement actions, this bill would strike an effective blow against organized crime.”

“Sophisticated criminal gangs are targeting retailers through brazen organized retail crime schemes, defrauding customers via gift card scams and attacking our supply chains by hijacking our rails and truck shipments. These criminal activities put retail employees, customers and supply chain partners in danger and allow criminal gangs to use ill-gotten profits to fund nefarious activities such as drug smuggling and human trafficking. Dismantling these organized criminal rings requires cooperation and collaboration. RILA thanks Reps. Joyce (R-OH), Lee (D-NV), Valadao (R-CA), Titus (D-NV), Baumgartner (R-WA), Schneider (D-IL), Lee (R-FL), and Correa (D-CA) for their leadership and commitment to enacting the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), which brings federal, state, and local law enforcement together to intercept and prosecute these criminal enterprises. RILA looks forward to working with them to get this critical piece of legislation signed into law,” said Michael Hanson, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Senior Executive Vice President, Public Affairs.

“NRF applauds Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) for his continued leadership to address one of retail’s biggest challenges, the rise of organized retail crime. ORC is a multibillion-dollar crisis impacting retailers, their associates and the customers they serve. ORC is occurring across the retail enterprise – supply chains, bricks-and-mortar stores, warehouses and online – with stolen product sold for a profit, oftentimes to fund other crimes. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 will align efforts within a new Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center to ensure that resources and information-sharing will be available across local, state, federal and private-sector partners to bring cases and prosecutions against organized theft groups. This legislation is an important step to help prevent ORC from infiltrating local communities across the country,” said NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French.

Background:

Sophisticated criminal organizations have been increasingly involved in theft, fraud, and other property crimes against retail stores and various components of the supply chain. These crimes have escalated in scope and impact, threatening the national economy, consumer safety, and public security. According to the National Retail Federation, retail larceny incidents increased by 93% from 2019 to 2023, and stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023. This surge in retail crime is often orchestrated by organized groups to resell stolen goods through physical and online marketplaces, further fueling illicit profits and financing additional criminal enterprises.

At the same time, product manufacturers and supply chains are experiencing a rise in organized cargo theft across rails, roads, and the various distribution points across the United States. CargoNet reported a 27% increase in cargo theft incidents in 2024 over 2023. These thefts range from large-scale physical theft of goods from containers and storage to sophisticated cybercriminal methods that divert shipments to illicit receivers. This causes significant financial losses and operational supply chain disruptions.

The CORCA Act would:
- Strengthen legal tools for law enforcement by allowing criminal forfeitures for interstate shipment, transportation of stolen goods, or sale of stolen goods convictions.
- Expand money laundering statutes.
- Enable prosecution of organized retail and supply chain groups using interstate or foreign commerce to facilitate crimes.
- Mandate the creation of the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) and the Department of Homeland Security.
The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is also supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Reusable Packaging Association, DHL, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the National Milk Producers Foundation, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, the PASS (Protect America’s Small Sellers) Coalition, the International Downtown Association, Amazon, the World Shipping Council, Pirate Ship, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Walgreens Co., CVS Health, Kroger, Walmart, and Target.

Read the full bill here.

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MIL OSI USA News –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Hartford, Vermont Man Charged with Production of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Matthew Isaacs, 33, of Hartford, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with producing child sexual abuse materials (previously referred to as child pornography).

Isaacs’ initial appearance in court is scheduled for today at 2pm before United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford in Burlington.

According to court records, Isaacs repeatedly sexually assaulted a five-year-old girl who lived on the same floor of his apartment building in Hartford. During the sexual abuse, Isaacs took photographs of the child’s genitalia. Isaacs thereafter modified the images of the child’s genitalia by adding words (including the first name of the child victim and a slang word for vagina), and images (including an erect penis pointed at the child’s vaginal area). Some of the images depict Isaacs actively abusing the child, with his hand down her pants. Isaacs is identifiable by a distinctive tattoo on his arm. Isaacs had been previously charged in Vermont Superior Court with Lewd and Lascivious Conduct with a Child, and was on conditions of release at the time of his federal arrest.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Isaacs is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Isaacs faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years of imprisonment, and up to thirty years of imprisonment, if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Hartford, Vermont Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Isaacs is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

MIL Security OSI –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Director General Visits China to Strengthen Cooperation

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

China is making remarkable progress in nuclear energy and is a strong supporter of the IAEA’s mission to ensure that nuclear technology serves peace and development, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said while meeting China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. They also exchanged on China’s commitment to multilateralism and non-proliferation.

During a week-long visit to China, Mr Grossi has met with several high-level officials, signed agreements and visited nuclear and energy facilities and institutions as well as the prestigious Peking University.

Nuclear Energy and SMRs

China operates 58 civil nuclear reactors and has almost 30 new builds in progress. This represents nearly half of all power reactors currently under construction worldwide.

Mr Grossi began his visit at the Hainan Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant, which has some of the country’s most advanced nuclear technologies. This includes a high-pressurized water nuclear reactor and a commercial small modular reactor (SMR).

At Hainan Changjiang NPP—home to some of China’s most advanced nuclear tech, including Hualong One & ACP100 SMR Linglong One. Clear example of how 🇨🇳 is scaling up nuclear energy with safety & innovation.@IAEAorg is committed to supporting China’s remarkable progress on nuclear. pic.twitter.com/31YkmgBMuY

— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 8, 2025

What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? | IAEA

Later, Mr Grossi addressed nuclear power plant personnel and students from the region at a special event where a SMR user requirements document was presented. The document outlines the specific needs and expectations for SMRs, covering design, safety, licensing, and other relevant aspects.

“China is making strong progress in SMR deployment,” said Mr Grossi. “This event marks an important step toward safe and effective implementation.”

Meeting the new Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), Shan Zhongde, Mr Grossi added, “China plays a leading role across the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology — from power to medicine, food and more.”

Artificial Intelligence

Mr Grossi also discussed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative technologies with the President from China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Shen Yanfeng, signing an arrangement with China Nuclear Power Engineering to apply AI and other innovative technology to boost performance at nuclear facilities.

Nuclear and the Energy Transition

Mr Grossi spoke with Liu Zhenmin, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change about how China is investing in nuclear to help power its growing economy and decarbonize.

China is investing in nuclear to help power its growing economy and decarbonize—complementing renewables like solar & wind with a stable, low-carbon source.
Good exchange w/ 🇨🇳 Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin. @IAEAorg will continue supporting China in these efforts. pic.twitter.com/1h1HlR1yvS

— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 9, 2025

In 2020, President Xi Jinping pledged to start cutting CO2 emissions by 2030 and that China would become a carbon-neutral country by 2060.

During a visit to China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) on Friday, Mr Grossi also exchanged with SPIC Chairman Liu Mingsheng on clean, smart and innovative energy generation. SPIC owns a number of nuclear power plants under construction and in operation.

On the last day of his visit, Mr Grossi visited China Huaneng Group (CHNG) in Beijing, one of the largest state-owned electricity companies in China. CHNG has participated in projects such as the Shidao Bay and Hainan Changjiang Nuclear Power Plants.

“Huaneng Group is central to China’s energy transition — showcasing the value of a diversified low-carbon energy mix including nuclear,” he said.

Nuclear Safety and Security

As China expands its nuclear energy programme, the country continues to strengthen its cooperation with the IAEA in nuclear safety. On Wednesday, Mr Grossi met with Dong Baotong, the Administrator of the National Nuclear Safety Administration of China and agreed on increased cooperation between the IAEA and China in this area.

Energy, Health and Atoms4Food

China is supporting the IAEA’s initiatives to use nuclear techniques and technologies to help boost energy security, enhance global health and grow better food.

Mr Grossi met with the Director of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Luo Zhaohui to discuss these priorities.

China is committed to international development and I’m grateful for support to @IAEAorg initiatives in areas like energy, health or agriculture.
Pleased to agree with 🇨🇳 @cidcaofficial’s Luo Zhaohui to boost cooperation & bring the benefits of nuclear science where most needed. pic.twitter.com/UAoPiyAeHE

— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 10, 2025

While at CAEA, Mr Grossi signed a new Country Programme Framework with China and an arrangement with CAEA to strengthen education and training in the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology via a Chinese university consortium at the authority.

He also discussed education during an exchange with China’s Education Vice Minister Xu Qingsen.

“The IAEA works closely works closely with Chinese universities — and we’ll do more — to train the next generation of professionals,” he said. Mr Grossi expressed his gratitude to China for its support to the IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, which provides scholarships and internships to women master’s students studying STEM subjects.

IAEA Director General Rafael Marano Grossi spoke with students at Peking University. Photo: IAEA

During a visit to Peking University, one of the most prestigious universities in China, Mr Grossi gave a keynote presentation and had the chance to talk to students in the School of International Studies. He spoke about the IAEA’s work, from energy to security, and the role of effective multilateralism in addressing global issues.

China, a member of the IAEA since 1984, is involved in around 100 IAEA technical cooperation projects – spanning national, regional and interregional activities.

MIL Security OSI –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Jury Finds Drug Trafficker Guilty in Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that a jury found Leonardo Medina of Denver guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit methamphetamine; one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; two counts of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine.

According to evidence presented at the five-day trial, Medina operated a large-scale drug-trafficking organization in Colorado. Medina supplied bulk methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to subordinate dealers in Denver and Colorado Springs throughout 2021 and 2022. In July 2022, the Defendant coordinated the delivery of more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine from Mexico for his drug-trafficking organization. That load of methamphetamine was seized by law enforcement in Texas at the request of investigators in Colorado.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Denver Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Dustin Andre-Vandenberg and Sonia Dave.

Case Number: 23-cr-00049-PAB

MIL Security OSI –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Zaquikon T. Roy Facing New Charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Rutland, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on Wednesday, April 1, 2025, the grand jury sitting in Rutland, Vermont, returned a Second Superseding Indictment charging Zaquikon T. Roy, 35, previously of Brooklyn, New York, with fifteen charges: conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of cocaine; conspiracy to use and possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; three counts of distribution of cocaine base; two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of discharge of a firearm while using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The count related to the discharge of a firearm relates to a shooting that occurred in Leicester, Vermont on June 4, 2023. Roy has not yet been arraigned on these charges and no date for the arraignment has been set.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the Indictment are merely accusations, and that Roy is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If convicted of these offenses, Roy faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and/or a $8,000,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vermont State Police.

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul J. Van de Graaf and Wendy L. Fuller. Roy is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

MIL Security OSI –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Push World to Deliver on Commitments Set Forth in Pact for the Future, Secretary-General Urges at G7+ Ministerial Meeting

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the opening of the Group of Seven Plus (g7+) ministerial meeting, in Dili, today:

I am pleased to convey my heartfelt greetings to the g7+ ministerial meeting as you mark your fifteenth anniversary in Dili — where your inspiring journey began.

This city, like many of your countries, symbolizes both the wounds of conflict and the strength and resolve it takes to overcome them — and I was deeply moved by your wonderful hospitality as we marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the independence referendum last year.

Your people understand better than most the heavy cost of fragility and the daily work of rebuilding lives with dignity and hope. Your organization was born from that spirit of resilience and purpose and the shared recognition that lasting peace is the foundation of progress.

Over the years, you have championed cooperation, solidarity and country-led solutions. You have also made a difference at the global level, including through your leadership in helping to secure Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.

Yet, fragilities are deepening around the world. Protracted conflicts, widening inequalities and a raging climate crisis are fuelling displacement and instability with your nations often bearing the heaviest burden, despite contributing least to these crises.

These plights cannot be ignored. The world cannot let your calls go unanswered. We need solidarity for solutions, and that is the spirit of the Pact for the Future that you helped shape.

The Pact charts a course to reform peace and security cooperation, prioritizing conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding. It seeks to strengthen coordination, including South-South cooperation, to develop innovative approaches and expand opportunities for women and young people.

The Pact also calls for reform of the global financial architecture through bigger and bolder multilateral development banks; effective debt relief for fragile economies; an annual Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Stimulus of $500 billion; and better access to concessional finance — recognizing vulnerabilities through the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.

We must push the world to deliver on those commitments, including at the fourth Financing for Development Conference in June. And we must push for climate justice. Many of you are on the front lines watching as rising seas and extreme weather threaten lives and livelihoods.

As we prepare for COP30 [thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change], we need to see countries turn promises into action. Developed countries must scale up adaptation finance. We need meaningful contributions to the Fund for loss and damage. And we need confidence the $1.3 trillion will be delivered.

Your journey over the past 15 years shows us that solidarity is a common responsibility. As we work to tackle global challenges and implement the Pact for the Future, your voices will be vital to strengthen multilateralism, prevent conflict, and forge a future of dignity and sustainable development for all.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund Supports Community Safety Initiatives
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on April 11, 2025

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing more than $1.1 million to police agencies, the Victims’ Fund and community programs from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund. These assets will help municipal police forces purchase new resources, as well as offer supports for victims and aid in the delivery of community programming.

“We are committed to offering support to victims of crime in our province and delivering safer communities and neighbourhoods across Saskatchewan,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said. “The criminal property forfeiture process allows us to do that by taking proceeds from criminal activity and putting it to good use through our police agencies and community programs.”

Saskatchewan’s Civil Forfeiture Program, through The Seizure of Criminal Property Act, 2009, seeks the forfeiture of property alleged to be proceeds or an instrument of unlawful activity. Proceeds of forfeited property are placed in the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund for distribution to police, victims and community programs.

Of the $1.1 million being provided, over $564,000 of this will go to police services across the province, as well as Search and Rescue Regina. In accordance with legislation, a matching amount will be deposited from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund into the Victims’ Fund.

The funding will be used to provide the following equipment and programming:
- Audio Visual Equipment to interview child and youth victims of violence to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of offences against children in Moose Jaw;
- The development of a Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Moose Jaw;
- Investigative enhancements to the Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) in Moose Jaw, including officer training, upgraded video interview recording equipment and Faraday bags to prevent the loss of evidence;
- Photocell camera for the Regina Police Service;
- Facility upgrades to the tactical training facility in Regina;
- Investigative search support for a Saskatoon Police Service investigation;
- A portable light system for the File Hills First Nations Police Service;
- A wet processing bench, which provides a dedicated exhibit processing workspace to enhance safety and minimize contamination, for the Prince Albert Police Department; and
- Tent and trailer for Search and Rescue Regina.
Civil Forfeiture removes the financial incentives of criminal activity, making involvement in criminal activity less attractive and benefiting Saskatchewan communities both financially and socially.

“The Moose Jaw Police Service is delighted to partner with the Saskatchewan government and community partners in applying funding received through civil forfeiture for the enhancement and expansion of our approach in the investigation, care, and support of child and youth victims of abuse in Moose Jaw and surrounding communities,” Acting Police Chief Rick Johns said.

Since inception, over $10 million from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund has been distributed to police operations, the Victims’ Fund and community programming.

The Victims’ Fund provides support to victims of crime through both the justice and law enforcement systems as well as community organizations. Further information can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/victimsservices.

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For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM statement on British Steel: 11 April 2025

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

PM statement on British Steel: 11 April 2025

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statement on British Steel.

As Prime Minister, I will always act in the national interest.

…to protect British jobs and British workers.

This afternoon, the future of British steel hangs in the balance.

Jobs. Investment. Growth.

Our economic and national security…

…are all on the line.

I’ve been to Scunthorpe.

I’ve met the steel workers.

I know how important steel is…

…not just to the region, but to the whole country.

It’s part of our national story.

Part of the pride and heritage of this nation.

And I’ll tell you this – it is essential for our future.

Our Plan for Change means we need more steel not less.

So we will act with urgency.

Now, we should be clear –

This situation – and our response – is unique.

While it is true that we are facing a new era of global instability…

Our concerns about this plant…

And negotiations to protect it…

Have been running for years.

This moment could have happened at any time.

But it has happened now.

And I will not stand by.

There is no time to waste.

So we are recalling Parliament tomorrow

For a Saturday sitting.

We will pass emergency legislation

In one day

To give the Business Secretary the powers

To do everything possible to stop the closure of these blast furnaces.

And as I have said, we will keep all options on the table.

Our future is in our hands.

This government will not sit back and just hope.

We will act to secure Britain’s future…

With British steel: made in Britain, in the national interest.

Updates to this page

Published 11 April 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inside the Vault: First look at Preston’s new Youth Zone

Source: City of Preston

Young people and supporters got their first glimpse of the new state-of-the-art Vault Youth Zone, as construction reached its latest major milestone.

The new multi-million pound building, located on the corner of Tithebarn Street and Crooked Lane, is now water-tight, meaning the roof is in place.

The Young People’s Development Group (YPDG), which has been helping to shape the development of Vault Youth Zone, joined supporters for their first guided tour of the building, getting a sneak peek of how their new facilities might look.

The YPDG is a key part of bringing Vault Youth Zone to life for Preston’s young people. The group has helped design and develop the Youth Zone, including creating Vault’s brand, hoardings and interviewing staff. Their next challenge will be to help develop the look and feel of the Youth Zone’s interiors.

The group said:

“Finally getting to see the Youth Zone was amazing. From the outside it looks incredible but inside it’s mind-blowing. It’s coming together and we can’t wait to see it filled with young people, enjoying having someone amazing to go to.

The project’s development has been made possible through partnerships with Preston City Council, the Department for Culture, Media & Sport’s Youth Investment Fund, and Preston’s Towns Fund Investment Programme, along with support from private sector contributions.

Vault Youth Zone’s CEO, Tim Jacques, said:

“To watch the building take shape since the completion of the steel frame at the end of 2024 has been incredibly exciting.

“It’s fantastic to welcome our supporters to site so they can see their investment in the city’s young people first-hand and, of course, our remarkable YPDG. Together they have turned Vault Youth Zone from a dream to a reality!”

Set to open in late 2025, the Youth Zone will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a climbing wall, music room with built in recording studio, performing arts space, arts and crafts, a maker zone with 3D printing facilities and sports amenities, including an inside football pitch, boxing gym, sports hall and fitness suite, ensuring a diverse array of activities for young people aged eight to 19 (or up to 25 for those with additional needs).

The Youth Zone will also provide hot meals for just £1, fostering a safe, inclusive, and affordable environment.

The Youth Zone expects to welcome over 4,000 young people within its first year of opening.

Chris Hayward, Director of Development and Housing, at Preston City Council, said:

“We’re incredibly delighted to see Vault Youth Zone take shape—there’s no doubt this will be an impressive building supporting young people in Preston for years to come.

“It’s a fantastic achievement by all involved to reach this stage so quickly. Opening in 2025, Vault is another exciting addition to the Harris Quarter, complementing Animate, which has already opened its doors, and the nearby Harris Museum.”

Chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Strategic Board and deputy vice chairman of the Vault, John Chesworth, said:

“Vault Youth Zone has been a long time in the making, but it will make a huge social and economic impact in the city by providing a safe place for young people to come and shape their future. The building also adds to Preston’s ongoing regeneration and contributes to making the Harris Quarter a vibrant place to come to.”

This milestone highlights the charity’s commitment to supporting Preston’s youth and fostering a vibrant, engaged community. As the building progresses, Vault Youth Zone continues to seek support for its annual running costs and build momentum towards its opening.

To find out more, contact enquiries@vaultyouthzone.org.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU research addresses postcode lottery for victims

Source: Anglia Ruskin University

Dr Mirna Guha, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Deputy Head of the School for Humanities and Social Sciences

Research from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has highlighted how one Cambridgeshire project could serve as a blueprint to end the postcode lottery faced by domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV) victims across England and Wales.

Nationally, there is a significant shortage of support services provided by and for women from minority backgrounds. Dr Mirna Guha of ARU is leading initiatives to address this by fostering racially diverse leadership within services that tackle violence against women and girls.

Dr Guha recently presented her research findings, which highlighted regional disparities in service provision and showcased the success of an innovative scheme in Peterborough, to a national audience in London.

Following her pilot study focusing on Asian women in Cambridgeshire which showed the need for DASV services to be more culturally responsive, Dr Guha collaborated with Peterborough Women’s Aid to secure Home Office funding for the first ‘by and for’ provision for Asian women experiencing domestic abuse in the county.

The Dahlia Project is delivered entirely by a team of newly recruited Asian women from the British Pakistani community in Peterborough and is governed by a board of Asian men and women.

Dr Guha is currently evaluating The Dahlia Project, which has received around 200 referrals since launching in 2023, including from women of African Caribbean, Middle Eastern and South-east Asian backgrounds, highlighting its importance to different racial minority groups.

Additionally, further research carried out in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Suffolk last year by Dr Guha, in collaboration with Dr Katherine Allen from the University of Suffolk, identified the need for representative and culturally responsive leadership to ensure organisations delivering DASV services are welcoming for diverse members of staff, and the support provided is accessible for victims-survivors.

It also underlined the need for practitioners from diverse backgrounds to have access to role models and networking opportunities to help combat professional isolation.

In response to this regional need, Dr Guha and Dr Allen recently established a Community of Practice for Diverse Women Leaders and last week introduced the HUM Leadership Model for Emerging Leaders at the event in London, which brought together a diverse group of women leaders from voluntary and national statutory organisations, including the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

The event, which also featured a speech by Superintendent Jasvinder Kaur, Domestic Abuse Lead at Suffolk Constabulary and co-founder of the National Women of Colour in Policing, UK, highlighted the success of The Dahlia Project and demonstrated how the Peterborough scheme could be replicated in regions similarly affected by the postcode lottery.

“In certain regions, representation of women from racially and culturally diverse backgrounds in politics and policymaking is low, and systemic barriers also prevent victims from these communities seeking support.

“Celebrating and supporting Black and racialised women’s leadership in organisations that address violence against women and girls is crucial. The network we have set up aims to accelerate the leadership of minoritised women and make domestic abuse services inclusive and responsive to the complex needs of victims-survivors from different backgrounds.

“Evidence from my research will support efforts by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner to advocate for a dedicated national ‘by and for’ funding pot. This would ensure minoritised victims-survivors across England and Wales receive high-quality support, regardless of their location. The Dahlia Project is making a real difference in Cambridgeshire, but we need more projects like it across the country to end this postcode lottery of provision.”

Dr Mirna Guha, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Deputy Head of the School for Humanities and Social Sciences at ARU

The Community of Practice will be hosted online through Anglia Ruskin University, with the goal of evolving into a Regional Advisory Body to influence future practice, research and policy design affecting victims-survivors.

Dr Guha’s work ‘Nothing about us without us’: Investigating the impact of the leadership of ethnic minority women on domestic abuse service provision in East England has received Medical Research Council UK Prevention Research Partnership VISION funding.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: The Bank of Russia has revoked the license of a professional participant in the securities market to carry out depository activities of Title Broker Investment Company LLC (11.04.2025)

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Central Bank of Russia –

On April 10, 2025, the Bank of Russia decided to revoke the license of a professional participant in the securities market to carry out depository activities issued to the limited liability company Investment Company Title Broker (TIN 9731068071; OGRN 1207700270150) (hereinafter referred to as the Company).

The basis for making this decision was the violations committed by the Company in the course of its activities in the securities market of special economic measures established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 138 of 03.03.2023 “On additional temporary economic measures related to the circulation of securities” in accordance with Federal Law No. 281-FZ of 30.12.2006 “On special economic measures and coercive measures”.

The license expires on April 11, 2025.

The company is obliged to cease carrying out depository activities in the securities market, with the exception of actions related to the termination of obligations to clients that arose during the implementation of depository activities in the securities market, and to ensure the return of property to clients by August 11, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

HTTPS: //VVV.KBR.ru/Press/PR/? File = 6387999916236321310RKB.HTM

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont, Senate President Looney, Speaker Ritter Announce $77 Million to Municipalities and Organizations for 35 Economic Development Projects

Source: US State of Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), and Speaker of the House Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) today announced that the State Bond Commission has approved the release of approximately $77 million in state funding to support the sixth round of grants under the Community Investment Fund 2030.

This sixth grant round supports 35 economic development projects in 21 towns and cities across Connecticut.

“Through this grant program, we are helping municipalities throughout Connecticut make improvements in underserved areas that will enhance their economic vibrancy and revitalize neighborhoods,” Governor Lamont, chairman of the State Bond Commission, said. “I am glad that we can partner with these towns and cities and other organizations to make these improvements that will drive growth in our state.”

“The Community Investment Fund is one of the most transformative economic development tools we’ve created in recent years,” Senator Looney said. “These grants are targeted investments to uplift underserved communities, assist struggling nonprofit social service organizations, promote equity, and spur long-term economic growth across Connecticut. I am proud to see this funding approved and look forward to its meaningful impact on cities and towns throughout our state.”

“I want to thank Governor Lamont for his continued commitment to this important funding source,” Speaker Ritter said. “Investing in transformational projects can provide a huge boost to nonprofits, communities, and even entire regions of Connecticut.”

The Community Investment Fund was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and Governor Lamont in 2022 to support economic development in historically underserved communities across Connecticut. Eligible projects include capital improvements, such as those focused on affordable housing, brownfield remediation, infrastructure, and public facilities, as well as small business support programs that provide revolving loans, gap financing, microloans, or start-up financing. The program is anticipated to release up to $875 in grants over a five-year period.

The following grants were approved under this round:

Municipality: All Community Investment Fund communities
Grant Recipient: CT Humanities Council
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Cultural Cohort” – Connecticut Humanities has a mission to champion the enduring value of public humanities in our lives and civil society. This planning grant will allow CT Humanities to assess the needs of 560 cultural organizations in the 55 CIF communities.

Municipality: Bridgeport
Grant Recipient: Green Village Initiatives Inc.
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Bridgeport Regional Food Hub” – Green Village Initiative is a nonprofit organization serving Bridgeport focused on addressing systemic inequities in the local food system through urban agriculture, education, and community empowerment. The Bridgeport Regional Food Hub and Community Empowerment Initiative is a planning project to develop a county-wide food hub in Bridgeport.

Municipality: Bridgeport
Grant Recipient: Mercy Learning Center
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Capital Improvement Planning” – Mercy Learning Center provides basic literacy and life skills training to women with low income using a holistic approach within a compassionate, supportive environment. CIF funding would finance specific assessments and plans to address elements that arise from the Organizational Strategic Plan and process prioritizing capital renovations and expansion.

Municipality: Bridgeport
Grant Recipient: Barnum Museum Foundation
Award Amount: $2,000,000
Description: “Barnum Museum Revitalization” – The Barnum Museum, a historic cultural institution in Bridgeport since 1893, provides educational programs, community events, and accessibility initiatives for diverse audiences. It engages thousands of students, families, and seniors through partnerships with schools and local organizations. The proposed project will continue the museum’s restoration, focusing on safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

Municipality: Danbury
Grant Recipient: City of Danbury
Award Amount: $5,000,000
Description: “Downtown Revitalization: Streetscapes for the Future” – The City of Danbury proposes to complete Phase II of the Downtown Danbury’s Revitalization: Streetscapes for the Future Project. The project would enhance pedestrian and streetscape features along key streets: Main Street (Route 53) from Boughton Street to Crosby Street, Liberty Street from Main Street to Patriot Drive, Independence Way, White Street from Ives Street to Main Street, a portion of Elm Street, Post Office Walk, and Kennedy Avenue.

Municipality: East Haven
Grant Recipient: Town of East Haven
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Family Resource Center Expansion” – The Town of East Haven proposes to plan for the renovation and expansion of the Family Resource Center to transform it into a comprehensive community hub, including a dynamic recreational area, designed to support local youth and families.

Municipality: East Windsor
Grant Recipient: Housing Corporation of East Windsor
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Park Hill 2 & 3” – The Housing Corporation of East Windsor, a non-profit dedicated to expanding quality affordable housing for low and moderate-income individuals in the East Windsor area, plans to develop two vacant parcels adjacent to Park Hill, a senior and disabled apartment community. This project seeks to advance the planning process to prepare the 13-acre site for complimentary development.

Municipality: Enfield
Grant Recipient: Town of Enfield
Award Amount: $10,000,000
Description: “Enfield Marketplace Infrastructure” – The Town of Enfield, in partnership with Woodsonia Acquisitions LLC, will utilize CIF funding to install critical new infrastructure necessary to create a mixed-use development called the Enfield Marketplace.

Municipality: Hamden
Grant Recipient: Transcend the Trend, Inc.
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Hamden Arts & Learning Oasis (HALO)” – Transcend The Trend (TTT) has a mission to achieve equity in the local education system in and through the arts. The planning grant request is community engagement and a feasibility study to inform architectural and design plans to renovate space on the former Paier College of Art campus into an arts and cultural hub.

Municipality: Hartford
Grant Recipient: Asylum Hill Congregational Church
Award Amount: $3,789,482
Description: “Earl Exum Community Resource Center” – Asylum Hill Congregational Church offers a range of community programs, including food assistance, youth outreach, educational programs, and resources for low-income individuals and families. AHCC plans to remediate, remodel, and re-purpose the garden level to address identified needs by providing space for existing service providers seeking to establish a more accessible presence in the Asylum Hill neighborhood.

Municipality: Hartford
Grant Recipient: City of Hartford
Award Amount: $1,600,000
Description: “Homestead Acquisition” – The City of Hartford proposes to acquire three properties within the Homestead Redevelopment Corridor between Sigourney and Garden Streets. The city is currently developing a redevelopment plan for the Homestead Corridor. The Homestead Avenue Redevelopment Plan aims to employ a mix of land use strategies to transform this key thoroughfare in the Upper Albany neighborhood.

Municipality: Hartford
Grant Recipient: City of Hartford
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Talcott Plaza” – The City of Hartford will plan a major redevelopment project to revitalize Downtown Hartford at the Talcott Street Plaza to include mixed-use development that will include the opportunity for a large commercial tenant and expansion to include residential units.

Municipality: Hartford
Grant Recipient: YWCA Hartford Region, Inc.
Award Amount: $1,500,000
Description: “Center for Racial Justice and Gender Equity” – YWCA is committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA proposes HVAC system enhancements as part of renovating its 50-year-old Hartford building to establish The Center for Racial Justice and Gender Equity.

Municipality: Hartford
Grant Recipient: Clay Arsenal Community Development Corporation
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Beacon & Walnut Planning” – The Clay Arsenal Community Development Corporation focuses on economic development and poverty reduction in Hartford’s Clay Arsenal neighborhood. Its mission is to improve the economic and social conditions of low and moderate-income residents through sustainable initiatives. The CIF Planning Grant will fund predevelopment activities towards transforming two blighted sites into sustainable, mixed-use, transit-oriented developments.

Municipality: Killingly
Grant Recipient: Access Community Action Agency
Award Amount: $4,928,243
Description: “Transforming 254 Broad” – The ACCESS Agency’s mission is to empower under-resourced individuals, families, and communities by improving food security, providing affordable housing, and creating pathways to economic stability. With CIF funding, ACCESS plans to renovate the St. Alban Church at 254 Broad Street to expand offices, upgrade the food pantry, offer the Killingly Community Store, improve access to the emergency shelter and repurpose space into affordable housing.

Municipality: Meriden
Grant Recipient: City of Meriden
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “One Stop HHS Building” – The City of Meriden proposes to perform planning for the renovation and modernization of the Stoddard Municipal Building at 165 Miller Street, transforming it into a “one stop” facility for human services.

Municipality: Naugatuck
Grant Recipient: Borough of Naugatuck
Award Amount: $3,000,000
Description: “Industrial Park Phase 2” – Located in the Naugatuck Industrial Park III, Phase 2 will construct temporary and permanent access roads, including streetscaping and utilities in the public-right-of-way, allowing lot access for end users, as well as connection to utilities.

Municipality: New Britain
Grant Recipient: City of New Britain
Award Amount: $1,796,974
Description: “Mount Pleasant – Myrtle Street Corridor” – The City of New Britain proposes a multi-phased project that will replace 251 obsolete public housing units with approximately 330 mixed-income housing of choice units and appurtenant community space. The project will contain new roads and infrastructure that will connect the isolated community back to the broader neighborhood, as well as fostering connectivity to the greater metropolitan area.

Municipality: New Britain
Grant Recipient: Friendship Service Center
Award Amount: $2,000,000
Description: “Emergency Shelter Expansion” – Friendship Service Center provides services to individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Central Connecticut. Friendship Service Center seeks funding to renovate its facility including reconfiguring bedrooms to increase emergency shelter capacity from 5 to 16 rooms, upgrading the community kitchen and dining room, and expanding the parking lot.

Municipality: New Haven
Grant Recipient: United Way of Greater New Haven
Award Amount: $2,000,000
Description: “State and Chapel” – United Way of Greater New Haven works to address pressing local challenges in education, safe housing, food security, career development, financial education, and other essential services. United Way of Greater New Haven, in partnership with Beacon Communities and Columbus House, will utilize CIF support State and Chapel, a mixed-income, mixed-use, transit-oriented housing project in downtown New Haven.

Municipality: New Haven
Grant Recipient: Mary Wade Foundation
Award Amount: $700,000
Description: “Residential Care Home Modernization” – The Mary Wade Home is a senior care organization serving low-income seniors (65+) in Greater New Haven, providing a full continuum of medical and social support. Mary Wade Home will utilize CIF funding to further plans for a major renovation and expansion of the Boardman Residential Care Home to address safety concerns and improve living conditions.

Municipality: New Haven
Grant Recipient: Greater Dwight Development
Award Amount: $6,121,390
Description: “Community Building Initiative” – Greater Dwight Development Corporation works to lead projects that address drugs, gang violence, economic development, employment, housing, and education. Greater Dwight Development will use CIF funds to implement Phase 2 of its Greater Dwight Community Building Initiative, creating 11 units of affordable housing and community space for the local nonprofit and community-based organizations across two properties in the Dwight neighborhood.

Municipality: New Haven
Grant Recipient: Mount Hope Temple
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Mount Hope Temple Renovation Planning” – The Mount Hope Temple Church currently operates the Mount Hope Recovery Center Food Pantry. The grant will allow the church/food pantry to take steps towards increasing the number of families it serves per month, expanding to more of Greater New Haven, and operating a cooling/warming shelter for the homeless.

Municipality: New London
Grant Recipient: City of New London
Award Amount: $4,000,000
Description: “Mercer Community Hall” – The City of New London, in partnership with the Garde Arts Center, Inc., seeks to enhance community engagement and accessibility through the arts. The project includes renovation and expansion of the Mercer Community Hall, located at a downtown intersection near New London’s transit hub, to offer affordable event space, support arts and workforce opportunities, and retain activities within the city.

Municipality: New London
Grant Recipient: Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
Award Amount: $2,020,096
Description: “New London Relocation” – PPSNE health centers promote the availability of high-quality family planning and reproductive services. PPSNE proposes to use CIF funds to renovate and expand the property at 467 Ocean Avenue in New London to become the new home of PPSNE’s New London health center.

Municipality: Norwalk
Grant Recipient: Open Door Shelter, Inc.
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Campus Expansion Project” – The mission of Open Doors is to end homelessness in the greater Norwalk region by guiding every person in the cycle of homelessness toward housing stability. Open Doors intends to develop a plan to expand its operations within the South Norwalk neighborhood by assessing its existing housing portfolio and exploring the acquisition of abutting properties.

Municipality: Norwalk
Grant Recipient: Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail
Award Amount: $1,500,000
Description: “Glover Ave Spur” – The Norwalk River Valley Trail is a recreational and transportation amenity in Norwalk and once completed will run from Danbury to Norwalk. This project proposes the completion of the Norwalk section of the Norwalk River Valley Trail.

Municipality: Norwich
Grant Recipient: City of Norwich
Award Amount: $4,899,600
Description: “Fontaine Field & Senior Center” – The City of Norwich will reconstruct Fontaine Field including replacing the existing field with a synthetic turf option, adding spectator stands, enlarging the parking area, and improving accessibility from the Rose City Senior Center.

Municipality: Norwich
Grant Recipient: City of Norwich
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Gateway Norwich” – The City of Norwich proposes to reimagine the city’s portion of the former Norwich State Hospital, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As a gateway to the city from the south, the potential exists to create a community-driven place that works in synergy with the proposed Preston Riverwalk development to be constructed by the Mohegan Tribe on the Preston section of the Norwich State Hospital.

Municipality: Plainfield
Grant Recipient: Town of Plainfield
Award Amount: $8,000,000
Description: “InterRoyal Remediation” – The Town of Plainfield proposes remediation of the former InterRoyal mill site, an abandoned brownfield site. The project will be approached in phases, including selective building demolition, abatement, and remediation. The town and partners plan to redevelop the site into a mixed-use community.

Municipality: Stamford
Grant Recipient: Rippowam Corporation
Award Amount: $2,000,000
Description: “Oak Park Phase II” – Rippowam Corporation is the nonprofit development and asset management affiliate of the Housing Authority of the City of Stamford. Rippowam Corporation is requesting funding for the second of three planned phases to redevelop Oak Park, located on the East Side of Stamford, to rebuild to avoid areas of chronic flooding and to ensure accessibility for residents.

Municipality: Waterbury
Grant Recipient: City of Waterbury
Award Amount: $4,000,000
Description: “Phase 3 Downtown Utilities” – The City of Waterbury proposes to further the Downtown Streetscape and Utility Improvements Project on West Main Street. This project aims to address Waterbury’s aging infrastructure, fostering long-term economic growth and promoting energy and environmental justice.

Municipality: West Haven
Grant Recipient: City of West Haven
Award Amount: $1,800,000
Description: “VA Neighborhood Upgrades” – The City of West Haven proposes to revitalize the neighborhood surrounding the Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Upgrades will be transit-oriented and include traffic calming, pedestrian safety and accessibility, and paving several roads/sidewalks in disrepair.

Municipality: Windham
Grant Recipient: Windham Preservation, Inc.
Award Amount: $250,000
Description: “Windham Inn Adaptive Re-use” – The Windham Preservation Initiative is focused on restoring and repurposing the historic Windham Inn as housing with potential first-floor community flex space, addressing Connecticut’s housing shortage while preserving a cultural landmark. CIF funding will support pre-construction planning.

Municipality: Windsor
Grant Recipient: Capital Region Education Council
Award Amount: $1,244,152
Description: “River Street School” – The Capitol Region Education Council is one of six Regional Educational Service Centers in Connecticut. RESC are designed to support the instructional and operational needs of Connecticut’s public school. CREC will renovate the River Street School in Windsor, a specialized educational and therapeutic facility serving students with autism spectrum disorder.

For more information about the Community Investment Fund, visit portal.ct.gov/communityinvestmentfund.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: WithSecure Corporation has concluded repurchase of own shares

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WithSecure Corporation, Stock Exchange release, 11 April 2025 at 19.00 EEST

WithSecure Corporation has concluded repurchase of own shares

The Board of Directors of WithSecure Corporation decided to use the authorization given by the Annual General Meeting held on 20 March 2024, to repurchase the company’s own shares.

The buyback program was initiated on 12 March 2025 and concluded on 11 April 2025. The number of shares purchased was 350,000 shares and the average price per share was EUR 0.9104. Following the purchases, the company owns total of 431,890 shares, representing approximately 0.25% of the company’s number of total shares which is 176,016,849.

The shares were purchased using the Company’s unrestricted equity at the market price valid at the time of purchase of the shares through trading in Nasdaq Helsinki. The share buybacks were executed in compliance with Regulation No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council (MAR) Article 5 and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052.

The repurchased shares will be used for share-based incentive plans and board remuneration.

Contact information:
Laura Viita
Vice President Controlling, Investor relations and Sustainability
WithSecure Corporation
Tel. +358 50 4871044
Investor-relations@withsecure.com

The MIL Network –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Urbana Corporation Announces Additional Investment in Tetra Trust Company

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S./

TORONTO, April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Urbana Corporation (“Urbana”) (TSX and CSE: URB, URB.A) is pleased to announce that it has substantially increased its equity stake in Tetra Trust Company (“Tetra”), Canada’s premier trust company licensed for the custody of digital assets, from 19.5% to 55.6% through the acquisition of additional shares from existing shareholders.

As Canada’s first trust company licensed to custody digital assets in Canada, Tetra has been at the forefront of building innovative and trusted financial infrastructure in the new digital age, keeping billions of digital assets safe and secure within the Canadian jurisdiction.

Urbana continues to believe strongly in Tetra’s strategy, leadership, and long-term growth potential and commitment to support ongoing initiatives across product innovation, operations, and market expansion. It is excited to have this opportunity to take a much larger position in Tetra.

“We’re thrilled to see continued support from Urbana,” said Didier Lavallée, CEO of Tetra. “This additional investment is a strong vote of confidence in the direction we’re heading and the value we’re building for our stakeholders.”

The transaction was completed on April 10, 2025. As part of the transaction, Urbana will propose a nominee for an independent board member.

About Urbana

Urbana Corporation is a diversified corporation with a focus on financial services, information services and innovative technologies. The long-term goal of Urbana is to seek and acquire investments for income and capital appreciation through a combination of public and private investments. The portfolio mix of actively managed publicly traded securities with private equity investments has generated significant long-term investment results. For more information, visit www.urbanacorp.com.

About Tetra

Founded in 2019, Tetra Trust Company is the first Canadian and leading trust company licensed to custody digital assets. Backed by major players in the industry such as Urbana Corporation, Canadian Securities Exchange and Coinbase Ventures, Tetra delivers the most advanced digital asset storage technology, setting the standard for digital asset custody in the country. For more information, visit www.tetratrust.com.

For further information contact:
Elizabeth Naumovski
Investor Relations
(416) 595-9106 enaumovski@urbanacorp.com

Certain statements in this news release constitute “forward-looking” statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Urbana to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Unless required by applicable securities law, Urbana does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

The MIL Network –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Executive Committee
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

ATO Executive Committee

The ATO Executive Committee focuses on the strategic matters that relate to the direction and positioning of the organisation.

Our Commissioner and Second Commissioners are statutory appointments. The ATO Executive Committee consists of the Commissioner, 3 Second Commissioners and the leads from the operations and technology sections of the ATO.

For more information about our organisation, see:

Commissioner and Registrar
Commissioner of Taxation and Registrar of the Australian Business Register and the Australian Business Registry Services

Rob Heferen

Rob Heferen was appointed as the 13th Commissioner of Taxation on 1 March 2024.

Rob has had a long career in the Australian Public Service, beginning in 1989 as a graduate at the Australian Customs Service. Over 35 years, he’s accumulated diverse experience across policy development and program delivery in a range of portfolios. Rob has represented Australia in international forums including the United Nations (UN), International Energy Agency (IEA) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

For almost 20 years, Rob’s interest and expertise in economics and tax policy led him to various roles in the ATO and Commonwealth Treasury. This included leading the Secretariat for the Australia’s Future Tax System Review (the Henry Tax Review) and culminated in his role as Deputy Secretary, Revenue Group at the Commonwealth Treasury between 2011–2016. Here he had responsibility for tax policy, tax legislation and revenue forecasting.

Rob’s other Senior Executive roles include:
- Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Deputy Secretary of Higher Education, Research and International in the Department of Education, Skills and Employment
- Deputy Secretary of Energy at the Department of the Environment and Energy (where he served as Australia’s representative on the International Energy Agency’s Governing Board)
- Deputy Secretary of Indigenous Affairs at the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Rob is a proven people leader, with an open, collaborative and authentic style. He has a strong record of achievement in leading organisations to help shape and deliver on Government priorities.

Rob has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania, and a Graduate Diploma of Economics from the Australian National University.
Second Commissioner – Client Engagement

Jeremy Hirschhorn

Jeremy Hirschhorn was appointed to the Second Commissioner role from 16 April 2020. He has overall responsibility for the ATO’s Client Engagement Group, which fosters willing participation in Australia’s tax and super systems through well-designed client experiences.

Jeremy has more than 20 years’ experience in roles managing complex tax matters.

As Deputy Commissioner of Public Groups & International from April 2015, Jeremy was responsible for ensuring that the largest Australian and multinational companies were meeting their corporate tax obligations and providing the Australian community with confidence that these large companies were being held to account.

Jeremy also worked as Chief Tax Counsel, with responsibility for the provision of the ATO’s legal advice in relation to interpretation of the tax and super laws, when he joined the ATO in August 2014.

Prior to joining the ATO, Jeremy was a senior partner in KPMG’s tax practice.

Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from the University of NSW. He is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Chartered Accountant.

Second Commissioner Frontline Operations
David Allen

David Allen was appointed to the Second Commissioner Frontline Operations role from 1 November 2024. In this role, David leads the Frontline Operations Group which is responsible for a broad range of the ATO’s taxpayer services for all segments of the community.

These include:
- processing all payments, activity statements, income tax returns, superannuation lodgments and other forms
- administering the Tax File Number register, Australian Business Register and Director ID Services.
David joined the ATO in 2010 as an Assistant Commissioner in Public Groups & Internationals – working in Capital Gains Tax risk, Internationals. In 2016, he was the ATO’s delegate to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation Development (OECD) based in Paris.

In 2018, David was promoted to Deputy Commissioner and established the Enterprise Strategy and Design (ESD) business line – which takes the leadership role in working with business areas to shape the ATO’s strategic direction, risk management, planning and reporting, as well as internal audit and design.

Prior to joining the ATO, David held senior roles in different tiers of the public service including Commonwealth, United Kingdom, NSW and local government.

David has a degree in Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration from Australian Graduate School of Management.
Second Commissioner for Law Design and Practice

Kirsten Fish

Kirsten has overall responsibility for the ATO’s law practice, including law interpretation, public advice and guidance, independent dispute prevention, litigation and resolution, and the ATO’s contribution to policy and law design.

The Law Design and Practice Group serves the community, government and clients by ensuring the tax and super laws are informed, understood, administered and applied with confidence and integrity and is respected and trusted as the authoritative voice of the Commissioner on matters of law and revenue analysis.

Kirsten joined the ATO in 2014 and the ATO’s Chief Tax Counsel from 2015, one of the highest legal authorities within the ATO, leading the Tax Counsel Network and providing technical leadership in relation to significant tax issues, cases and rulings. Kirsten was acting Second Commissioner for 12 months before being formally appointed to the role in October 2021.

Prior to joining the ATO, Kirsten was a tax Partner at Clayton Utz with a focus on the financial services industry and providing finance and investment transaction advice.

Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and Masters of Law (Tax).

Chief Operating Officer

Jacqui Curtis

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) leads the ATO’s Enterprise Strategy and Corporate Operations functions.

These functions include Strategic Planning, Governance, Finance, Corporate, Risk Management, People, Integrity, Change Management and Design for the organisation. In this role, Jacqui is a member of the ATO Executive, responsible for shaping and setting strategic direction and oversight implementation.

The COO position gives greater strength and integration to our corporate positioning, and ensures we are well positioned for Australian Public Service (APS)-wide reforms of corporate and shared services, and that our planning, governance and risk management is strategic and sensible. The COO brings together an integrated picture of our people and resource management and ensure we have the right capability and culture to meet our strategic intent.

This position has a role in managing the relationship with key stakeholders like our scrutineers.

All of these underpin our ability to deliver on a better client and staff experience.

Prior to the COO role, Jacqui joined the ATO in September 2013 as Deputy Commissioner ATO People and was responsible for delivering an enterprise-wide human resource management service which supports ATO employees in providing a sustainable, open and accountable workplace. Jacqui was also responsible for leading the Reinvention Program Management Office and the change management driving this key reform.

Before joining the ATO, Jacqui was General Manager of the People Capability Division with Services Australia, where she led the department’s leadership and change, people development, workforce planning and research functions. Jacqui has also worked for the Australian Public Service Commission, where she was responsible for delivering integrated people development, SES and APS-wide leadership and talent, change management, strategic recruitment, communications, and learning and development. She also has extensive international experience.

Jacqui holds an Executive Masters in Public Administration from the Australian National University and is a Fellow of Australian Human Resource Institute, and was appointed Adjunct Professor University of Canberra in 2018.

In October 2019, Jacqui was appointed the inaugural Head of the APS HR Professional Stream.

Chief Information Officer

Mark Sawade

Mark Sawade was appointed to the Chief Information Officer role from 11 March 2025.

In this role Mark has overall responsibility for the ATO’s Enterprise Solutions and Technology Group, who work to ensure we maintain a contemporary, secure and reliable technology environment that supports tax, super and registry systems into the future.

Mark has nearly 25 years’ experience in the Australian Public Service, primarily in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) leadership roles. Preceding his appointment at the ATO, Mark was the Chief Information Officer at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, where he led and delivered a range of digital transformation initiatives.

In 2019, Mark led the School Funding and Data Collection division in the Department of Education, where he delivered significant reform that focused on increased use of government data in the calculation of school funding entitlements.

Mark has also held ICT senior executive leadership roles in a number of public sector agencies, including at the Department of Education, Australian Bureau of Statistics, ComSuper and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Computer and Information Science from the University of South Australia.

MIL OSI News –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Steven J. Jensen Named Assistant Director in Charge of the Washington Field Office

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

Director Kash Patel has named Steven J. Jensen as the Assistant Director in Charge of the Washington Field Office. Mr. Jensen most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Columbia Field Office in South Carolina.

Mr. Jensen joined the FBI as a special agent in 2006. He was first assigned to the New York Field Office, where he investigated health care fraud, domestic terrorism, and Asian organized crime. Mr. Jensen also served on the SWAT team and as a firearms and defensive tactics instructor.

In 2012, Mr. Jensen was promoted to supervisory instructor at the FBI Academy in Quantico, where he was a firearms instructor. He moved in 2014 to the Rockford Resident Agency of the Chicago Field Office to serve as the supervisory senior resident agent. The office covered the 10 northwestern counties outside of Chicago.

Mr. Jensen was named assistant special agent in charge for the Jackson Field Office in 2017 and oversaw the National Security, Criminal, and Administrative branches. In 2020, Mr. Jensen reported to the Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington as the section chief of the Domestic Terrorism Operations Section.

In 2021, Mr. Jensen was promoted to deputy assistant director of the Training Division, where he oversaw all basic field training programs and the National Academy training programs. He was named special agent in charge of the Colombia Field Office in South Carolina in 2023.

Mr. Jensen also served temporary duty assignments to the Attorney General Protection Detail, the Safe Streets Gang Program, and as the director of the High Value Interrogation Group.

Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Jensen was a police officer with the Colorado Springs Police Department. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Stony Brook University in New York and a master’s degree in leadership studies from Northeastern University.

MIL Security OSI –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Phillip E. Bates Named Special Agent in Charge of the Counterterrorism Division at the Washington Field Office

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

Director Christopher Wray has named Phillip E. Bates as the special agent in charge of the Counterterrorism Division at the Washington Field Office. Mr. Bates most recently served as section chief of the Inspection Division’s Internal Affairs Section.

In July 2008, Mr. Bates began his career at the FBI as a special agent. He reported to the Seattle Division’s Everett Resident Agency, where he worked on their Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and covered Indian country matters.

In 2013, he transferred to the Phoenix Field Office, where he was a member of the Violent Street Gang Task Force. He was promoted to supervisory special agent (SSA) in the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate at FBI Headquarters in 2014. During his time in WMDD, he oversaw weapons of mass destruction (WMD) investigations in the western United States and Asia before returning to Phoenix in 2016 to serve as the primary WMD coordinator.

In 2018, he was promoted to supervisor of the Phoenix JTTF, where he led the Threat Assessment and Mitigation squad, moving to lead the Domestic Terrorism and WMD squad in May 2019. In April 2021, he was promoted to assistant special agent in charge over the counterterrorism program at the Phoenix Field Office.

Prior to becoming a special agent, Mr. Bates served for six years as a police officer and a member of the special weapons and tactics team for the City of Mesa, Arizona Police Department. Mr. Bates graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in education and graduated in 2012 from Norwich University with a master’s degree in organizational leadership.

MIL Security OSI –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Middleton — Annapolis County District RCMP charge a man involved in a robbery
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Annapolis County District RCMP has charged a man involved in a robbery that occurred in Middleton.

On April 9, at approximately 4:05 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a robbery at a grocery store on Commercial St. Investigators learned that a man entered the business, brandished a knife, punched an employee and demanded cash before fleeing on foot. The man was not successful in getting cash from the store.

The employee, a 64-year-old Nictaux woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was assessed by EHS at the scene.

A search of the area, assisted by RCMP Police Dog Services and the RCMP Emergency Response Team, was not successful in locating the man.

The following day, at approximately 2:20 p.m., RCMP officers located and safely arrested the man walking along Commercial St. At the time of his arrest, the 18-year-old Annapolis County man was found in possession of ammunition and stolen shoes.

Tyson Kevin Cecil Bishop has been charged with:
- Robbery
- Disguise with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Assault Causing Bodily Harm
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Theft
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Contravention of Storage Regulation
Bishop was held in custody and will appear in Digby Provincial Court today.

File #: 2025-463291

MIL Security OSI –
April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Roanoke Rapids Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Multiple Narcotics and Firearm Charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW BERN, N.C. – A Roanoke Rapids man was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison for charges related to the sale of narcotics and possession of a firearm by convicted felon. On November 4, 2024, Danny Steven Bryant, Jr., age 33, pled guilty to thirteen charges, including nine drug-related charges and four counts of possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, in June 2021, Nash County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) began investigating Bryant for narcotics and firearms sales in Nash County, North Carolina. Investigators with NCSO, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Roanoke Rapids Police Department (RRPD), and Halifax County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) conducted multiple controlled purchases from Bryant from June 2021 through November 2021 for methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and several firearms, including one .223 AR-15 and two high capacity magazines capable of firing 100 rounds of ammunition, a .22 caliber revolver, and two .38 caliber revolvers.

Bryant is a convicted felon, having previous convictions for unlawful wounding and felon in possession of a firearm.

Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie A. Childress and Katherine S. Englander prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-00252-FL.

###

MIL Security OSI –

April 12, 2025

MIL-OSI: WithSecure Corporation: SHARE REPURCHASE 11.4.2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WithSecure Corporation, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE, 11 April 2025 at 6.30 PM (EET)


WithSecure Corporation: SHARE REPURCHASE 11.4.2025

In the Helsinki Stock Exchange

Trade date	11.4.2025
Bourse trade	Buy
Share	WITH
Amount	15 000	Shares
Average price/ share	0,8856	EUR
Total cost	13 284,00	EUR


WithSecure Corporation now holds a total of 431 890 shares
including the shares repurchased on 11.4.2025

The share buybacks are executed in compliance with Regulation
No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council (MAR) Article 5
and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052.


On behalf of Withsecure Corporation

Nordea Bank Oyj

Janne Sarvikivi	Sami Huttunen


Contact information:
Laura Viita
Vice President Controlling, Investor relations and Sustainability
WithSecure Corporation
Tel. +358 50 4871044
Investor-relations@withsecure.com

Attachment

WithSecure 11.4.2025

The MIL Network –

April 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Government to recruit 1 200 new doctors

Source: South Africa News Agency

In a significant move to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the public healthcare system, the National Health Council has announced the approval of 1 200 new positions for doctors.

The decision comes after years of budgetary constraints that hindered the employment of medical professionals despite dissatisfaction and urgent need.

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement follows the presentation of a new budget by the Finance Minister on 12 March 2025, which allocated R1.78 billion to fund the recruitment of healthcare workers.

In addition to the 1 200 doctors, Motsoaledi said the Council has approved the hiring of 200 nurses and 250 other healthcare professionals.

He told journalists that the Human Resources units will soon commence with recruitment processes once all logistics have been finalised.

“Early this year, the country woke up to widespread dissatisfaction about the employment of healthcare professionals, especially doctors amid [a] shortage in the public healthcare system,” he said.

However, Motsoaledi believes that this development marks a turning point for the public healthcare sector, which has been struggling to meet the demands of a growing population.

The Council’s decision is expected to alleviate pressure on existing healthcare facilities and improve access to quality medical care for citizens.

Meanwhile, he said the Council emphasised its commitment to addressing the challenges facing the system and ensuring that the sector is adequately staffed to deliver essential services.

The Council is a statutory body consisting of the Minister of Health, all nine Health MECs, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Surgeon General of South African Military Health Services.

Addressing shortages

“One of the most embarrassing experiences the public health sector had to endure is the shortage of simple things that will make the stay of patients a worthwhile experience.

“In fact, one of the biggest differences between the public and private sectors are the hotelling services characterised by the issues we have just mentioned,” said Motsoaledi.

He said the Council has decided to purchase 25 000 beds, 80 000 mattresses, 7 655 bassinets for new babies, and 1 250 million linens, including bed sheets and pillows, for a total of R1.346 billion.

“It is for that reason that we wish to announce that we have checked province by province what that need [is] in the form of hospital beds and bassinet for newborn babies. We remember with a sense of shame how babies were put in cardboard boxes in Mahikeng hospital in the North West province.”

Review of human resources policies

Meanwhile, Motsoaledi said that during the Council meeting held in November last year, a decision was taken for the review of some of the “outdated” human resources policies.

“There are lot of health policies adopted at the dawn of democracy which we believe are now obsolete or do no longer serve the purpose they were intended for. Some of them have created unnecessary costs without any tangible benefits. We can even say some have contributed to the undermining of the public sector’s ability to deliver quality services.”

Four health policies are currently under review, including the policy on remunerative work outside the public service, which outlines the regulations for employees wishing to obtain permission for paid work beyond their regular responsibilities.

A committee that has been set up, in terms of section 91 (1) of the National Health Act of 2003 (Act no 61 of 2003) read with sections 91 (2) of the same Act, will also look into the overtime policy, which pertains to established fixed payment for overtime hours worked by healthcare professionals, aimed at meeting operational demands and addressing skill shortages.

In addition, the community service policy, which focuses on the deployment of medical practitioners and the rural allowance policy, designed for medical practitioners serving in remote rural locations, will also be looked into.

The committee members include Dr Cassius Lubisi, Sibongile Mchunu, Professor Laetitia Rispel, Professor Eric Buch, Dr Terence Carter, Dr Rajen Morar, Professor Binu Luke, Nomvula Marawa, Professor Busisiwe Ncama and Professor Somadoda Fikeni. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Review of White Paper on Local Government published for discussion

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has officially published a discussion document on the Review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government.

According to the department, this represents a significant and necessary step towards creating a reimagined and results-oriented local government system in South Africa.

This document, published under Notice No. 6118 (Gazette: 52498) on Thursday, initiates a national discussion aimed at producing a revised White Paper on Local Government by March 2026.

According to the department, the review aims to incite fresh thinking, honest reflection, and decisive action toward building a fit-for-purpose local government system that truly serves the people of South Africa.

“This process is not about tweaking the symptoms. It is about confronting the root causes of dysfunction in local governance. We need to ask the hard questions, and more importantly, we need to answer them with the courage to act,” Hlabisa explained.

He noted that the discussion document emphasises the interconnectedness and indivisibility of the four essential components of an effective local government system.

These include governance, institutional arrangements, service delivery and infrastructure, and financial arrangements.

In addition, the document aims to assess and revise outdated assumptions of the1998 White Paper on Local Government and strengthen cooperative governance among the three spheres of government.

The initiative aims to align reforms with related efforts, including amendments to the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), the Municipal Structures Act, and the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA).

It also seeks to enhance integration with traditional leadership, improve community participation, and address systemic challenges, such as municipal financial sustainability, over-politicisation, climate risk, and spatial inequality.

The Minister invites all South Africans, including civic organisations, academics, municipalities, and other arms of government, to participate in the consultation process.

The public participation is open until 30 June 2025.

Submissions must be made in writing and can be emailed to WPLG26@cogta.gov.za; RichardP@cogta.gov.za and MaphutiL@cogta.gov.za

Alternatively, comments may be submitted by post:
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Attention: Mr. Thabiso Richard Plank (WPLG26 Policy Review)
Private Bag X802, Pretoria, 0001

Physical Address:
87 Hamilton Street, Arcadia, Pretoria

For access to the full discussion document and more information, visit: https://www.cogta.gov.za/index.php/docs/white-paper-on-local-government-1998-review-of-the-white-paper-on-local-government/. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: UN refugee agency calls for greater investment in Syrian returnees

Source: United Nations 2

11 April 2025 Migrants and Refugees

Roughly 400,000 Syrians have returned home from the region since the fall of the Assad regime last December, while more than a million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have gone back to their communities.

The estimates are from the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, which on Friday called for increased funding to support Syrian returnees as needs intensify at a time when aid budgets globally are being slashed.

“Since the fall of the Assad regime, returning home and starting anew has become a possibility for Syrians,” said UNHCR spokesperson Céline Schmitt, speaking from Damascus to journalists in Geneva.

“With investment in aid and early recovery, we can create opportunities and keep up the hope of Syrians,” she insisted. “Seizing this opportunity is our collective responsibility.”

‘Window of opportunity’

Ms. Schmitt said that “as the school year ends, summer will be a critical moment for voluntary returns and a window of opportunity that should not be missed.”

Syrians will need support in the areas of shelter, livelihoods, protection and legal assistance, for returns to be successful and sustainable.

“The risk is that, without adequate funding, the projected 1.5 million returns this year may not happen, and those who do return may have no other choice but to leave again,” she warned.

Invest in returns

Therefore, support for UNHCR and other humanitarian actors is crucial for stability, she said, in the face of severe funding cuts which are putting millions of lives at risk.

Currently, nearly 16.7 million people inside Syria – about 90 per cent of the population – require some form of humanitarian assistance. Over 7.4 million Syrians are still displaced within the country.

“Now is the time to invest in facilitating the return of refugees who have been waiting years for this moment,” she said.

Aid cuts threaten operations

In January, UNHCR launched an operational framework to help 1.5 million refugees and two million IDPs return home this year. Although $575 million is required, only $71 million has been pledged to date.

Ms. Schmitt noted that this is happening amidst a significant reduction in donor funding between 2024 and 2025.

“These cuts are impacting our workforce, which will shrink by 30 per cent inside Syria, significantly affecting our ability to provide critical support,” she said.

Additionally, lack of proper funding could force UNHCR to pause some of its life-saving activities. The agency supports 122 community centres and 44 per cent will have to close by the summer.

The centres provide critical aid such as mental health support, legal assistance, prevention of gender-based violence and mine awareness education.

“They also foster social cohesion, and their closure will impact returnees and their communities as well as UNHCR’s local partners,” she added.

Appeal to donors

Ms. Schmitt said that despite these difficult and unprecedented times, UNHCR is committed to staying and delivering in Syria, urging donors to “make an extra effort in spite of the global economic challenges.”

She also appealed “to wealthy countries who have not been contributing” to support effort to ensure the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees, stressing that “it is crucial not to miss this historic opportunity.”

Online support

UNHCR has launched a digital platform called Syria is Home to provide timely and impartial information on the return process including legal steps, identification documents, access to housing, health care, education and more.

Under Frequently asked questions (FAQs), Syrians can get guidance on renewing identity documents, support to repair destroyed or damaged homes and accessing legal aid and counselling support.

The platform, which is continuously updated, aims to provide credible and up-to-date information to help people make informed decisions, plan for their future and remain hopeful.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: IDEX Biometrics ASA: Key information relating to share consolidation and change of ISIN

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Reference is made to the Extraordinary General Meeting in IDEX Biometrics ASA (“IDEX” or the “Company”) on 11 April 2025, where all proposed resolutions were approved.

Key information relating to the approved share consolidation:

Date on which the terms and conditions of the share consolidation was made public: 11 April 2025;

Share consolidation ratio: 100 old shares give 1 new share;

Last day including right: 10 June 2025;

Ex-date: 11 June 2025;

Record date: 12 June 2025; and

Date of approval: 11 April 2025

In connection with the share consolidation, the Company’s shares will be transferred to a new ISIN. Please find below the following key information for the change of ISIN:

Issuer: IDEX Biometrics ASA

Old ISIN: NO0013107490

New ISIN: NO0013536078

Date of ISIN change: 11 June 2025.

For further information contact:

Marianne Bøe, Head of Investor Relations, Tel: +47 91800186

Kristian Flaten, CFO, Tel: +47 95092322

E-mail: ir@idexbiometrics.com

About IDEX Biometrics:

IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market.

For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com

About this notice:

This notice was published by Kristian Flaten, CFO in IDEX Biometrics ASA, on 11 April 2025 at 16:50 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12 and Euronext Oslo Børs rule book.

The MIL Network –

April 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces Upstate registered sex offender gets 10 years in prisonRead More

Source: US State of South Carolina

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that, on April 8^th, Bunky Wayne Balcombe entered a guilty plea in Laurens County to four counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 3^rd degree, before the Honorable Eugene C. Griffith, Jr.

On August 18, 2023, the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a residence in Laurens County about a possible sex-related crime. When they arrived, law enforcement met two people who had been in contact with Bunky Balcombe. At some point after law enforcement was called but before they arrived, Balcombe admitted to the men that he had been talking to several underage girls on multiple platforms, and he confessed to them that he had child sexual abuse material on his phone. According to one of the men, Balcombe showed them images of child sexual abuse material while they were waiting for law enforcement to arrive. Investigator Jonathan Brown was called to the scene and, after reading Balcombe his Miranda rights, Balcombe told him that he had child sexual abuse material on his phone. A subsequent examination of Balcombe’s cell phone revealed multiple images of child sexual abuse, and Balcombe was arrested at that time.

Judge Griffith sentenced Balcombe to 15 years in prison, suspended to 10 years in prison followed by five years of probation. He received credit for 180 days already served and forfeited his cell phone. Balcombe is already a registered sex offender who was previously prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s office in 2019.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 12, 2025

Category: Finance

Nuclear Energy and SMRs

Artificial Intelligence

Nuclear and the Energy Transition

Nuclear Safety and Security

Energy, Health and Atoms4Food

PM statement on British Steel: 11 April 2025

Updates to this page

Young people and supporters got their first glimpse of the new state-of-the-art Vault Youth Zone, as construction reached its latest major milestone.

The group said:

Vault Youth Zone’s CEO, Tim Jacques, said:

Chris Hayward, Director of Development and Housing, at Preston City Council, said:

Chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Strategic Board and deputy vice chairman of the Vault, John Chesworth, said:

Rob Heferen

Jeremy Hirschhorn

David Allen

Kirsten Fish

Jacqui Curtis

Mark Sawade

‘Window of opportunity’

Invest in returns

Aid cuts threaten operations

Appeal to donors

Online support