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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump asked V. Zelensky whether Ukraine could strike Moscow — Financial Times

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    LONDON, July 15 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Kyiv to step up strikes deep into Russian territory, even asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whether Moscow could be a target if long-range weapons were supplied to Ukraine, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

    “Vladimir, can you hit Moscow? Can you also hit St. Petersburg?” Trump asked during a phone call with the Ukrainian president on July 4, to which Zelensky replied: “Absolutely. We can if you give us weapons,” the Financial Times reported, citing two people familiar with the conversation.

    The phone call came just a day after Trump’s conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which the US president reportedly described as “bad.”

    According to the Financial Times, while it remains unclear whether the United States will push ahead with the delivery of the requested weapons to Ukraine, sources familiar with the matter said Mr Trump appeared keen to explore more aggressive force options to put pressure on Moscow during the talks.

    The White House and the Ukrainian presidential office did not respond to requests for comment, the Financial Times adds. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology over parts of southern Colorado

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology over parts of southern Colorado

    USGS low-level helicopter surveys to map critical minerals in Southern Colorado starting Summer 2025

    RESTON, VA. — The U.S. Geology Survey will conduct low-level helicopter flights over parts of southern Colorado to map critical minerals using airborne geophysical technology, beginning in mid-July. The airborne survey will be conducted through Fall 2025, weather and wildfire restrictions permitting, covering parts of Park, Chaffee, Teller, Fremont, Custer, Pueblo, and Huerfano Counties.  

    Flights may resume in Spring 2026 if needed.

    The Colorado flights are part of a national effort to map the mineral resources needed to drive the U.S. economy and protect national security, searching below ground and in tailings from old mines.  As directed by the Energy Act of 2020, the USGS has identified 50 critical minerals essential to the U.S. economy and national security, with a supply chain vulnerable to disruption. 

    Instruments on the helicopter will measure variations in the Earth’s magnetic field and natural, low-level radiation created by different rock types beneath vegetation and up to several miles below the surface. This information will help researchers develop geologic maps in three dimensions. In addition to critical minerals, applications include evaluating natural resources such as water, preparing for natural hazards such as earthquakes and radon, and characterizing legacy mining areas.

    The aircraft will fly along pre-planned fight paths relatively low to the ground at about 300 feet (100 meters) above the surface in some areas. Experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying will operate the aircraft. All flights will occur during daylight hours and are coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure accordance with U.S. law. The ground clearance will be increased to 1,000 feet (300+ meters) over populated areas. The flights will be based out of Fremont County airport near Cañon City, and will fly over the towns of Gardner, Rye, Colorado City, Beulah Valley, Rockvale, Coal Creek, Williamsburg, Florence, Penrose, Brookside, Lincoln Park, Cañon City, Park Center, Goldfield, Victor, Cripple Creek, Midland, Guffey, Cotopaxi, Coaldale, and Howard.  Surveying over wilderness areas in the survey block are subject to access permissions with the relevant agencies.

    The aircraft will be equipped with an elongated “boom” that extends in front of the main cabin that houses sensors. These scientific instruments are completely passive with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected. The data collected will be made freely available to the public on ScienceBase once complete. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. These pilots work with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only. 

     The flights could shift to other parts of the survey area as necessitated by adverse flying conditions. 

    The USGS has contracted with NV5, Edcon-PRJ, and Precision GeoSurveys to collect data.

    The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, the Colorado Geological Survey, and other partners,  to modernize our understanding of the Nation’s fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources. Funding by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has facilitated coverage of such a large area.  This effort is known as the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, and it includes airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using LiDAR technology, hyperspectral surveys, and geologic mapping projects. 

    The helicopter survey will take place within the polygon on the map, including the town of Cañon City, in south-central Colorado.  Surveying over wilderness areas in the survey block are subject to access permissions with the relevant agencies.

    Photo of the contractor’s helicopter with a “boom” containing sensors that measure the magnetic field. (Photo courtesy of Precision GeoSurveys)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ukraine: Civilians under fire in record numbers as attacks surge

    Source: United Nations 2-b

    According to the UN human rights office, OHCHR, at least 139 civilians have been killed and 791 injured so far in July alone.

    “The devastating physical and psychological impact on civilians of repeated attacks in this and other conflicts cannot be captured by numbers alone,” said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell on Tuesday.

    Escalating attacks

    On the night of 12 July, Russian forces reportedly launched nearly 600 Shahed-type unmanned attack and decoy drones, along with 26 missiles, killing two civilians and injuring 41.

    Damage was reported across multiple regions, including Chernivtsi, Lviv, Cherkasy, Volyn and Kirovohrad – all far from active combat zones. Earlier that same week, Russian forces reportedly launched a record-breaking 728 long-range drones in a single 24-hour period.

    June marked the deadliest month for civilians in over three years.

    “People are having to spend hours sheltering (…) in basements, corridors and available refuges such as metro stations,” said Ms. Throssell. “In some cases, they’re unable to get to shelter at all.”

    Health under pressure

    The UN World Health Organization (WHO) meanwhile has verified 2,504 attacks on health facilities and personnel in Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022.

    These strikes have hit hospitals, ambulances and first responders, including in so-called “double tap” attacks where secondary strikes follow the initial impact.

    “This means more than two attacks every day…Healthcare is not a safe place for patients and healthcare workers,” said Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine.

    Access to healthcare remains especially limited in frontline areas, where personnel and supplies are scarce.

    Only 69 per cent of residents in those areas have seen a primary care doctor, compared to 74 per cent nationally. WHO mobile teams operating in 82 locations have conducted more than 7,500 consultations in 2025 so far.

    The psychological toll is also wearing people down. A recent assessment found that seven out of 10 people reported anxiety, depression or severe stress over the last 12 months, while one in two said they had experienced significant stress in just the past two months.

    To address this, WHO and national partners have trained more than 125,000 health workers and expanded mental health services through more than 220 community resilience centres.

    Despite continued deliveries of trauma kits and medical supplies by UN and humanitarian partners, the response remains critically underfunded. As of mid-July, only 35.5 per cent of the required $129 million for 2025 has been secured, leaving more than two million people without adequate medical support.

    Call for accountability

    In Geneva, Ms. Throssell highlighted the UN human rights chief’s calls for an immediate end to hostilities and for efforts toward a just and lasting peace.

    “The Russian Federation’s full-scale armed attack on Ukraine must urgently be halted and work on a lasting peace in line with international law must intensify,” Volker Türk said in a statement.

    The High Commissioner emphasized that any sustainable solution must include accountability for serious human rights violations, the return of deported children, protection for civilians in occupied areas, humane treatment of prisoners of war, and restoration of humanitarian corridors.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: Overnight Closures for a Section of Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Starting on Sunday night, July 20, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will be temporarily closing a section of Oaklawn Avenue at the Route 37 overpass in Cranston during late evening and overnight hours. The closures will take place Sunday through Thursday nights, for the next two to three weeks, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night so RIDOT can begin bridge demolition work.

    During the closure, traffic will use Wilbur Avenue, Vinton Avenue, Cranston Street and Sherman Avenue to detour. RIDOT chose this time for the closure when traffic volumes are lowest, to avoid disrupting traffic as much as possible. A detour map is available at www.ridot.net/DetourMaps.

    The Oaklawn Avenue Bridge is being rebuilt as part of a larger $142.8 million project to make numerous improvements, replacing and rehabilitating six bridges carrying Route 37 over local roads, arterials, and rail lines. It is the third of three Route 37-focused projects, representing more than $300 million of improvements to address all bridges and safety concerns along the entire highway. Route 37 is a critical east-west freeway in central Rhode Island, linking the cities of Cranston and Warwick, major retail, office and residential areas, Interstate highways and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. With a daily traffic count of 42,000 vehicles, Route 37 is one of the state’s busiest corridors.

    All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.

    The rehabilitation of the Oaklawn Avenue Bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta, Multistate Coalition Urge Congress to Advance Legislation Requiring Immigration Agents to Identify Themselves

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a multistate coalition in sending a letter to Congressional members urging them to advance legislation prohibiting immigration agents from wearing masks to conceal their identity and requiring them to show their identification and agency-identifying insignia, with limited exceptions. In light of recent events, this legislation is necessary in order to protect the public, ensure accountability, and preserve the reputation and effectiveness of law enforcement at every level of government. 

    “Transparency and accountability are the foundation of good law enforcement, yet in recent weeks, ICE agents have begun the shocking and unacceptable practice of deploying masked agents to carry out immigration enforcement operations,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The Trump Administration continues to tout their alarming and undemocratic law enforcement tactics as part of their inhumane anti-immigration agenda, completely ignoring the severe risks these tactics pose to public safety and basic civil liberties. If federal authorities are confident that their practices are lawful and just, they should not fear identifying themselves. We call upon Congress to advance legislation to ensure that federal agents properly identify themselves and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability that are crucial for public safety and trust.” 

    The images of masked, armed men, dressed in plainclothes and traveling in unmarked vehicles, snatching people from streets, homes, workplaces, and courthouses have become common in recent weeks and are now emblazoned in the public consciousness. These detentions are alarming, as the imagery evokes comparisons to repressive tactics that have no place in a free country. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) officers are now routinely using masked agents who do not identify themselves as law enforcement to carry out arrests in public spaces – which has the effect of terrorizing communities rather than protecting them. 

    The concealment of officers’ identity limits the ability of individuals to challenge unlawful government acts, stripping citizens of their basic rights to hold government actors accountable. Furthermore, the lack of clear identification goes against federal standards for law enforcement conduct. Under 8 C.F.R. 287.8(c)(2)(iii), immigration officers are required at the time of arrest to identify themselves as such, as soon as it is practical and safe to do so. ICE’s practices also reduce accountability and transparency within law enforcement, as they prevent the public from reporting and seeking recourse for unlawful practices or violations of rights that occur during an arrest. This lack of accountability further erodes public trust and encourages, rather than deters, rights violations by federal law enforcement. 

    In the letter, the attorneys general argue that ICE’s tactics pose significant public safety risks. The confusion generated by masked, plainclothes agents makes it difficult or impossible for individuals to know whether they are being legally detained by an ICE agent. Without proper identification as law enforcement, witnesses to these arrests could reasonably believe a kidnapping is underway, which may lead them to intervene or call on local law enforcement for assistance, creating unsafe situations and tying up important local resources.

    As former ICE official Scott Shuchart noted, this situation could be “setting ourselves up for a kind of vigilante problem where people either don’t know, or at least aren’t sure, that these officers who are dressed up like bank robbers are actually law enforcement officers.” This jeopardizes not only the safety of the targets of enforcement actions, it also jeopardizes the safety of ICE agents themselves. Individuals who are unsure whether they are being detained by legitimate law enforcement or are being kidnapped may understandably choose not to obey commands and instead unknowingly resist law enforcement efforts. These tactics have also reportedly given rise to horrific incidents of impersonation of officers, where individuals seeking to extort or do harm have posed as immigration officials to victimize others.

    While measures to protect the identity of federal agents are sometimes necessary, the commonplace use of masks and the failure of ICE to identify themselves as law enforcement makes everyone less safe and weakens the integrity of our justice systems. Acting Director Todd Lyons has defended the use of masks by citing concerns about harassment against agents and their families, ignoring the severe risks posed to public safety and civil liberties. To the extent these concerns are warranted, they can be resolved through targeted, less repressive means that befit a free country.

    In sending this letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.  

    A copy of the letter is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – A simpler tax architecture to benefit EU firms and citizens

    Source: European Parliament 3

    MEPs on Tuesday adopted suggestions for reforms to the tax architecture to boost competitiveness while continuing to address tax avoidance and evasion.

    The report, drafted by Michalis Hadjipantela (EPP, CY), was adopted in the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee by 46 votes in favour, 2 votes against and 11 abstentions. It will feed into the ongoing legislative work on legislative simplification, more particularly a dedicated Commission proposal expected in early 2026.

    The report presents a host of ideas for simplifying tax compliance and eliminating administrative hurdles in the internal market. This would reduce the financial cost of compliance – notably for SMEs, which, the report says, is a cost of 30% of the taxes they pay.

    The suggestions would also make it easier for governments to administer and collect taxes, contributing to reduced tax evasion and avoidance and mobilising more resources for states to invest elsewhere.

    Tax simplification

    The report urges the Commission to establish an EU Tax Data Hub to improve the automatic exchange of tax information and reduce administrative burden. This would also help identifying and eliminating all instances of duplicate reporting to relieve taxpayers of double reporting obligations. The Hub would also serve as a single access point for tax administrations across the EU.

    In order to mobilise more of Europe’s savings lying on low-interest paying bank accounts, MEPs say that tax declaration procedures for savings and investment accounts should be simplified so that more people would feel encouraged to invest in the EU’s capital markets.

    The adopted text also says that streamlining the use of the Tax Identification Number across member states could help administrative cooperation and reporting. Finally, the Commission is asked to assess and simplify the current VAT framework, the Directive on Administration Cooperation in Tax matters, and the Anti Tax Avoidance Directive.

    MEPs stress that simplification alone will not be enough, as it is also important to invest in the capacity of tax authorities to ensure existing reporting obligations are used to their fullest potential.

    Continue fighting tax fraud, avoidance and evasion

    MEPs underline that any simplification exercise must not undermine fighting tax fraud, avoidance or evasion. They say further tax coordination between member states in tackling tax evasion and avoidance is important to facilitate cross-border economic activity.

    Specifically, the report calls for enhanced collaboration between the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and Eurofisc to strengthen intelligence-sharing, coordinated enforcement efforts and cross-border investigations.

    Tax barriers

    MEPs ask the Commission to survey existing tax related obstacles for the single market and present an action plan to tackle them. Particularly, they invite the Commission to assess the benefits and drawbacks of a single set of EU-wide rules for innovative companies (the so-called 28th regime), which would also provide a single set of tax laws.

    Finally, MEPs call for measures to deal with the tax issues facing trans-frontier workers and digital nomads, as well simplifying the R&D tax incentive schemes.

    Quote of the rapporteur

    “This Report is calling for a simpler, more transparent and predictable EU tax framework that reduces complexity, administrative burden and increases our competiveness. With rising economic pressures and global competition, a simpler tax framework is vital. The report urges simplification, clearer rules, removal of inefficiencies, while upholding standards against tax evasion and aggressive tax planning. To boost competiveness, we call for thorough impact assessments, greater use of digital tools to reduce compliance costs, standardised templates, improved coordination among Member States, and revision of unnecessary rules that burden especially SMEs. A fair and business-friendly system is crucial for SMEs, which are the backbone of the European economy and essential for growth across Member States, especially in smaller economies, like my country Cyprus. This will help ensure a competitive, resilient, and inclusive Single Market for all.”

    Background

    Although not part of an official legislative procedure, this “own initiative report” provides political signalling regarding the EP’s political priorities in anticipation of legislation which would soon be proposed by the Commission. In this case, a legislative proposal on tax simplification is expected in early 2026.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – A simpler tax architecture to benefit EU firms and citizens

    Source: European Parliament 3

    MEPs on Tuesday adopted suggestions for reforms to the tax architecture to boost competitiveness while continuing to address tax avoidance and evasion.

    The report, drafted by Michalis Hadjipantela (EPP, CY), was adopted in the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee by 46 votes in favour, 2 votes against and 11 abstentions. It will feed into the ongoing legislative work on legislative simplification, more particularly a dedicated Commission proposal expected in early 2026.

    The report presents a host of ideas for simplifying tax compliance and eliminating administrative hurdles in the internal market. This would reduce the financial cost of compliance – notably for SMEs, which, the report says, is a cost of 30% of the taxes they pay.

    The suggestions would also make it easier for governments to administer and collect taxes, contributing to reduced tax evasion and avoidance and mobilising more resources for states to invest elsewhere.

    Tax simplification

    The report urges the Commission to establish an EU Tax Data Hub to improve the automatic exchange of tax information and reduce administrative burden. This would also help identifying and eliminating all instances of duplicate reporting to relieve taxpayers of double reporting obligations. The Hub would also serve as a single access point for tax administrations across the EU.

    In order to mobilise more of Europe’s savings lying on low-interest paying bank accounts, MEPs say that tax declaration procedures for savings and investment accounts should be simplified so that more people would feel encouraged to invest in the EU’s capital markets.

    The adopted text also says that streamlining the use of the Tax Identification Number across member states could help administrative cooperation and reporting. Finally, the Commission is asked to assess and simplify the current VAT framework, the Directive on Administration Cooperation in Tax matters, and the Anti Tax Avoidance Directive.

    MEPs stress that simplification alone will not be enough, as it is also important to invest in the capacity of tax authorities to ensure existing reporting obligations are used to their fullest potential.

    Continue fighting tax fraud, avoidance and evasion

    MEPs underline that any simplification exercise must not undermine fighting tax fraud, avoidance or evasion. They say further tax coordination between member states in tackling tax evasion and avoidance is important to facilitate cross-border economic activity.

    Specifically, the report calls for enhanced collaboration between the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and Eurofisc to strengthen intelligence-sharing, coordinated enforcement efforts and cross-border investigations.

    Tax barriers

    MEPs ask the Commission to survey existing tax related obstacles for the single market and present an action plan to tackle them. Particularly, they invite the Commission to assess the benefits and drawbacks of a single set of EU-wide rules for innovative companies (the so-called 28th regime), which would also provide a single set of tax laws.

    Finally, MEPs call for measures to deal with the tax issues facing trans-frontier workers and digital nomads, as well simplifying the R&D tax incentive schemes.

    Quote of the rapporteur

    “This Report is calling for a simpler, more transparent and predictable EU tax framework that reduces complexity, administrative burden and increases our competiveness. With rising economic pressures and global competition, a simpler tax framework is vital. The report urges simplification, clearer rules, removal of inefficiencies, while upholding standards against tax evasion and aggressive tax planning. To boost competiveness, we call for thorough impact assessments, greater use of digital tools to reduce compliance costs, standardised templates, improved coordination among Member States, and revision of unnecessary rules that burden especially SMEs. A fair and business-friendly system is crucial for SMEs, which are the backbone of the European economy and essential for growth across Member States, especially in smaller economies, like my country Cyprus. This will help ensure a competitive, resilient, and inclusive Single Market for all.”

    Background

    Although not part of an official legislative procedure, this “own initiative report” provides political signalling regarding the EP’s political priorities in anticipation of legislation which would soon be proposed by the Commission. In this case, a legislative proposal on tax simplification is expected in early 2026.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – A simpler tax architecture to benefit EU firms and citizens

    Source: European Parliament 3

    MEPs on Tuesday adopted suggestions for reforms to the tax architecture to boost competitiveness while continuing to address tax avoidance and evasion.

    The report, drafted by Michalis Hadjipantela (EPP, CY), was adopted in the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee by 46 votes in favour, 2 votes against and 11 abstentions. It will feed into the ongoing legislative work on legislative simplification, more particularly a dedicated Commission proposal expected in early 2026.

    The report presents a host of ideas for simplifying tax compliance and eliminating administrative hurdles in the internal market. This would reduce the financial cost of compliance – notably for SMEs, which, the report says, is a cost of 30% of the taxes they pay.

    The suggestions would also make it easier for governments to administer and collect taxes, contributing to reduced tax evasion and avoidance and mobilising more resources for states to invest elsewhere.

    Tax simplification

    The report urges the Commission to establish an EU Tax Data Hub to improve the automatic exchange of tax information and reduce administrative burden. This would also help identifying and eliminating all instances of duplicate reporting to relieve taxpayers of double reporting obligations. The Hub would also serve as a single access point for tax administrations across the EU.

    In order to mobilise more of Europe’s savings lying on low-interest paying bank accounts, MEPs say that tax declaration procedures for savings and investment accounts should be simplified so that more people would feel encouraged to invest in the EU’s capital markets.

    The adopted text also says that streamlining the use of the Tax Identification Number across member states could help administrative cooperation and reporting. Finally, the Commission is asked to assess and simplify the current VAT framework, the Directive on Administration Cooperation in Tax matters, and the Anti Tax Avoidance Directive.

    MEPs stress that simplification alone will not be enough, as it is also important to invest in the capacity of tax authorities to ensure existing reporting obligations are used to their fullest potential.

    Continue fighting tax fraud, avoidance and evasion

    MEPs underline that any simplification exercise must not undermine fighting tax fraud, avoidance or evasion. They say further tax coordination between member states in tackling tax evasion and avoidance is important to facilitate cross-border economic activity.

    Specifically, the report calls for enhanced collaboration between the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and Eurofisc to strengthen intelligence-sharing, coordinated enforcement efforts and cross-border investigations.

    Tax barriers

    MEPs ask the Commission to survey existing tax related obstacles for the single market and present an action plan to tackle them. Particularly, they invite the Commission to assess the benefits and drawbacks of a single set of EU-wide rules for innovative companies (the so-called 28th regime), which would also provide a single set of tax laws.

    Finally, MEPs call for measures to deal with the tax issues facing trans-frontier workers and digital nomads, as well simplifying the R&D tax incentive schemes.

    Quote of the rapporteur

    “This Report is calling for a simpler, more transparent and predictable EU tax framework that reduces complexity, administrative burden and increases our competiveness. With rising economic pressures and global competition, a simpler tax framework is vital. The report urges simplification, clearer rules, removal of inefficiencies, while upholding standards against tax evasion and aggressive tax planning. To boost competiveness, we call for thorough impact assessments, greater use of digital tools to reduce compliance costs, standardised templates, improved coordination among Member States, and revision of unnecessary rules that burden especially SMEs. A fair and business-friendly system is crucial for SMEs, which are the backbone of the European economy and essential for growth across Member States, especially in smaller economies, like my country Cyprus. This will help ensure a competitive, resilient, and inclusive Single Market for all.”

    Background

    Although not part of an official legislative procedure, this “own initiative report” provides political signalling regarding the EP’s political priorities in anticipation of legislation which would soon be proposed by the Commission. In this case, a legislative proposal on tax simplification is expected in early 2026.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – A simpler tax architecture to benefit EU firms and citizens

    Source: European Parliament 3

    MEPs on Tuesday adopted suggestions for reforms to the tax architecture to boost competitiveness while continuing to address tax avoidance and evasion.

    The report, drafted by Michalis Hadjipantela (EPP, CY), was adopted in the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee by 46 votes in favour, 2 votes against and 11 abstentions. It will feed into the ongoing legislative work on legislative simplification, more particularly a dedicated Commission proposal expected in early 2026.

    The report presents a host of ideas for simplifying tax compliance and eliminating administrative hurdles in the internal market. This would reduce the financial cost of compliance – notably for SMEs, which, the report says, is a cost of 30% of the taxes they pay.

    The suggestions would also make it easier for governments to administer and collect taxes, contributing to reduced tax evasion and avoidance and mobilising more resources for states to invest elsewhere.

    Tax simplification

    The report urges the Commission to establish an EU Tax Data Hub to improve the automatic exchange of tax information and reduce administrative burden. This would also help identifying and eliminating all instances of duplicate reporting to relieve taxpayers of double reporting obligations. The Hub would also serve as a single access point for tax administrations across the EU.

    In order to mobilise more of Europe’s savings lying on low-interest paying bank accounts, MEPs say that tax declaration procedures for savings and investment accounts should be simplified so that more people would feel encouraged to invest in the EU’s capital markets.

    The adopted text also says that streamlining the use of the Tax Identification Number across member states could help administrative cooperation and reporting. Finally, the Commission is asked to assess and simplify the current VAT framework, the Directive on Administration Cooperation in Tax matters, and the Anti Tax Avoidance Directive.

    MEPs stress that simplification alone will not be enough, as it is also important to invest in the capacity of tax authorities to ensure existing reporting obligations are used to their fullest potential.

    Continue fighting tax fraud, avoidance and evasion

    MEPs underline that any simplification exercise must not undermine fighting tax fraud, avoidance or evasion. They say further tax coordination between member states in tackling tax evasion and avoidance is important to facilitate cross-border economic activity.

    Specifically, the report calls for enhanced collaboration between the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and Eurofisc to strengthen intelligence-sharing, coordinated enforcement efforts and cross-border investigations.

    Tax barriers

    MEPs ask the Commission to survey existing tax related obstacles for the single market and present an action plan to tackle them. Particularly, they invite the Commission to assess the benefits and drawbacks of a single set of EU-wide rules for innovative companies (the so-called 28th regime), which would also provide a single set of tax laws.

    Finally, MEPs call for measures to deal with the tax issues facing trans-frontier workers and digital nomads, as well simplifying the R&D tax incentive schemes.

    Quote of the rapporteur

    “This Report is calling for a simpler, more transparent and predictable EU tax framework that reduces complexity, administrative burden and increases our competiveness. With rising economic pressures and global competition, a simpler tax framework is vital. The report urges simplification, clearer rules, removal of inefficiencies, while upholding standards against tax evasion and aggressive tax planning. To boost competiveness, we call for thorough impact assessments, greater use of digital tools to reduce compliance costs, standardised templates, improved coordination among Member States, and revision of unnecessary rules that burden especially SMEs. A fair and business-friendly system is crucial for SMEs, which are the backbone of the European economy and essential for growth across Member States, especially in smaller economies, like my country Cyprus. This will help ensure a competitive, resilient, and inclusive Single Market for all.”

    Background

    Although not part of an official legislative procedure, this “own initiative report” provides political signalling regarding the EP’s political priorities in anticipation of legislation which would soon be proposed by the Commission. In this case, a legislative proposal on tax simplification is expected in early 2026.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Breaking Ground for a New Transitional Apartment in Prince Albert

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 15, 2025

    Solving Canada’s housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs. To provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan today announced funding of $3.76 million to help build a new transitional housing apartment for individuals in need in Prince Albert, with a focus on women experiencing hardship. This low-rise apartment will provide affordable and supportive housing and will offer temporary accommodation and aims to assist individuals in moving from challenging circumstances toward stability, well-being and independence.

    Developed by YWCA Prince Albert, the multi-million-dollar project will add 20 one-bedroom units to the city, which will contain 10 bachelor units, eight one-bedroom units, two one-bedroom barrier-free units and a common area for services. The property will be located on 18th Street West and the units are expected to be completed in early 2027.

    YWCA Prince Albert is a non-profit organization providing shelter, supportive housing and assistance to marginalized populations to help break the cycle of poverty. For this project, YWCA Prince Albert plans to give priority tenancy to women transitioning from YWCA programs, which includes women and youth at risk of violence and homelessness and young mothers. Tenants will receive support services through YWCA Prince Albert’s various programs. 

    As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration will be essential. That means working hand-in-hand with the non-profit sector to bring down costs and build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War.

    Quotes:

    “These homes being built by YWCA Prince Albert will provide individuals in need a safe space and peace of mind.” Housing and Infrastructure Minister and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Gregor Robertson said. “The federal government is committed to supporting communities across the country in ensuring every Canadian has a place to call home.”

    “This investment reflects our commitment to supporting women who are facing some of life’s toughest challenges.” Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Terry Jenson said.” By working together with our community partners, we are helping to build not only housing, but a foundation of stability, dignity and a renewed opportunity for those who need it most.” 

    “We are glad to be starting construction on this much-needed project in partnership with the municipal, provincial and federal governments.” YWCA Prince Albert CEO Donna Brooks said. “Between rising costs and low housing supply in Prince Albert, finding appropriate housing is challenging, particularly on limited or fixed incomes. Our new twenty-unit low-income housing build will help to address some of the gaps we are seeing for individuals and families living in the lower income brackets. We will be providing support as needed through our Community Connection Centre for things such as employment assistance, renter information and more.” 

    “We are pleased to support this important initiative.” City of Prince Albert Planning and Development Manager Michael Nelson said. “Affordable housing is a vital part of a healthy community, and this project is an important step toward ensuring everyone in Prince Albert has access to safe, stable housing.” 

    Quick facts: 

    • The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
    • As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and women and children fleeing violence.
    • NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need.
    • All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people and communities.
    • In 2019, the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan entered into an agreement through the National Housing Strategy. The Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Agreement will invest $585 million over 10 years, which is cost matched between the federal and provincial governments.   
    • The Rental Development Program (RDP) provides one-time capital funding in the form of a forgivable loan to assist in the development of affordable rental housing units for households with low incomes. The RDP is funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC).
    • YWCA Prince Albert provides shelter, supportive housing and assistance to marginalized populations to help break the cycle of poverty. Operating since 1912, YWCA offers two crisis shelters, housing projects, housing case management, recovery services, settlement services and comprehensive support programs.
    • Since 2007, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) has worked with Prince Albert housing providers to develop 415 affordable rental units. In addition, through SHC’s Shelter Enhancement Program, YWCA has completed multiple shelter improvements benefiting victims of family violence, with funding of $199,000.
    • Funding provided for this project is as follows:
      $3,762,516 in cost-matched funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan through the National Housing Strategy (NHS) and Saskatchewan Priorities Initiative (SPI)
    • $414,694 from YWCA Prince Albert
    • $30,000 from the City of Prince Albert

    Associated Links:  

    • Visit Canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government of Canada housing information.
    • CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. Mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. Actively supporting the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity and climate compatibility. Follow us on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
    • In November 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan released Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan: The Next Decade of Growth 2020-2030, which sets out the Government’s vision for a province of 1.4 million people by 2030. The Plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province. To learn more, visit www.saskatchewan.ca      

    -30-  

    For information on this news release contact: 

    Media Contacts:  

    Renée LeBlanc Proctor
    Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
    renee.proctor@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation    
    media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca       

    Media Relations     
    Ministry of Social Services     
    306-787-3610     
    mediamss@gov.sk.ca   

    Wilna Furstenberg
    Communications Manager
    City of Prince Albert
    306-953-4884

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More heat pump rebates on the way; now open for renters, condo owners

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More British Columbians will benefit from a heat pump this summer with the B.C. government’s launch of a new program to reduce energy use, lower energy bills and improve comfort for income-qualified apartment renters and condo owners.

    The Better Homes Energy Savings Program Condo and Apartment Rebate will provide rebates up to $5,000 to support the purchase and installation of high-performance electric heat pumps in individual suites in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs).

    “Nearly a third of homes in B.C. are in multi-unit residential buildings,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “We’ve had great success supporting the switch to heat pumps in single-family homes and in entire multi-unit residential buildings. All British Columbians who need a heat pump should have access to one, to feel comfortable in their homes year-round, experience better energy efficiency, and save money. So, we’re expanding our support to focus on helping apartment renters and condominium owners.”

    The first phase of the program, available starting Tuesday, July 15, 2025, applies to suites in condo and apartment buildings that are six storeys and under, and are currently heated by electricity, such as electric baseboards. The program will be expanded in fall 2025 to include condos and apartments heated by fossil fuel (e.g., a gas-fired boiler).

    “We are encouraged by the expansion of the heat pump rebate program to renters and condo owners living in lower-rise MURBs,” said Shauna Sylvester, director, Urban Climate Leadership. “It’s been difficult for people living in these buildings to get relief from the extreme heat. This program is a step in the right direction in creating healthy, safe and resilient homes for more British Columbians.”

    To get a heat pump, income-qualified apartment renters and condo owners must include signed permission forms from their respective landlords and strata corporations in their applications. Applicants then receive an eligibility code that is used by a registered contractor to secure the rebates.

    “This program will support families and seniors in apartments and townhomes across B.C. managing affordability concerns, and ensure they have the opportunity to convert to heat pumps to provide a safe and healthy controlled climate for their homes,” said Tony Gioventu, executive director, Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C. “Owners, tenants, and residents of strata properties are reminded to work with their strata councils to confirm they are complying with the local bylaws.”

    In addition to this program, BC Hydro is offering non-income-qualified rebates to customers in individual suites in condo and apartment buildings of up to $2,500 on high-performance heat pumps and $1,000 for heat pump water heaters in electrically heated buildings. These energy-efficient upgrades help reduce utility costs and support a cleaner, more sustainable future.

    Quick Facts:

    • The Better Homes Energy Savings Program, launched in June 2024, is funded through the Province and leverages contributions from BC Hydro and the federal government to support greater access to home energy retrofits for households with low or moderate incomes, including renters.
    • In April 2025, the Province announced $50 million in each of the next two fiscal years to deliver as many as 8,300 new heat pump rebates to British Columbians.
    • This phase one of the new program is expected to result in approximately 500 heat pumps installed for applicants, however, that number could be higher.
    • To date, the B.C. government’s Better Homes Energy Savings Program has provided funding for 27,832 heat pumps.

    Learn More:

    For more information, or to apply for the Better Homes Energy Savings Program Condo and Apartment Rebate, visit: https://www.betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/condo-and-apartment-rebates

    For BC Hydro rebates, visit: www.bchydro.com/apartmentrebates

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Pakistan, WFP and the Green Climate Fund launch project to protect flood-prone communities

    Source: World Food Programme

    ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Government of Pakistan and the Green Climate Fund, launched the Integrated Climate Risk Management for Strengthened Resilience to Climate project today through an inception workshop in Islamabad.

    ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Government of Pakistan and the Green Climate Fund, launched the Integrated Climate Risk Management for Strengthened Resilience to Climate project today through an inception workshop in Islamabad.

    The initiative, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with US$ 9.8 million, will directly benefit 1.6 million people in Buner and Shangla districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, two areas highly vulnerable to climate shocks.

    The project aims to protect flood-prone communities from extreme weather by installing early warning systems—such as weather stations and river level monitors—and improving coordination among government departments so alerts reach people faster. Communities will be trained to interpret these warnings, evacuate safely and protect their farms and homes before disasters strike.

    At the same time, the project will strengthen the capacity of local institutions—including disaster management authorities, district governments, and emergency response teams—by equipping them with the tools, training and infrastructure needed to respond swiftly to climate-related emergencies.

    The workshop was attended by key stakeholders from federal and provincial governments, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC & EC), the national and provincial disaster management authorities, and relevant planning and development departments.

    Just two weeks into the 2025 monsoon season, Pakistan has already experienced deadly impacts, with over 100 lives lost due to heavy rain, flash floods and landslides according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). In 2022, unprecedented monsoon floods submerged one-third of the country, with KP province alone suffering over US$ 1.5 billion in loss and damage. Within KP, Buner and Shangla face acute risk due to recurring flash floods, landslides, high poverty rates and limited investment in climate adaptation.

    Sameera Sheikh, Joint Secretary of the MoCC & EC, welcomed the initiative, noting its alignment with national priorities. “Pakistan is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, and the impacts are becoming more intense each year,” Sheikh said. “Initiatives like this are vital to help vulnerable communities in districts such as Buner and Shangla better prepare for and respond to climate shocks like floods and landslides”.

    “The Government of KP deeply values the strong collaboration and joint governance established through this initiative,” said Dr. Ehtisham Ulhaq, Chief of the International Development Section of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “This project not only addresses immediate climate risks but also lays the groundwork for long-term resilience and opens doors to future climate finance for our most vulnerable communities.”

    “Recurring climate shocks are a driver of hunger and malnutrition, threatening lives, livelihoods and entire food systems,” said Coco Ushiyama, WFP Pakistan Representative and Country Director. “This project represents a multi-layered investment – not only in early warning systems and anticipatory action, but also in local adaptation planning and institutional capacity.”

    The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s national policies and KP’s disaster risk management frameworks. It supports GCF Strategic Plan 2024–2027 by addressing urgent adaptation needs in underserved areas, bridging critical capacity gaps in flood preparedness and reinforcing community resilience.

    #                #            #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @WFPPakistan

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Poland – the hottest offshore market in Europe! The future of energy at the largest event in Central and Eastern Europe – Offshore Wind Poland 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WARSAW, Poland, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Poland is entering the operational phase of offshore development – the first turbines are already standing in the Baltic Sea, and by 2026, electricity from offshore sources will begin to power Polish homes. This is a turning point – Poland is rapidly becoming one of the most promising markets in Europe in terms of investment, partnerships and innovation. Now is the best time to invest and build a position in Poland – this will be the main theme of the Offshore Wind Poland 2025 Conference organized by Polish Wind Energy Association.

    “The investment campaign in the maritime sector is unrivalled among other investments currently underway in Poland. It will generate capital expenditure of PLN 300 billion by 2040. This is the largest energy transition project in Polish history, demonstrating Poland’s ambition and courage in its pursuit of modernity. Ambitious investment plans and growing industrial potential give our country a real chance to become one of the leaders of the European energy transition. The upcoming event is the best time to prepare for this change and strengthen your position in the strategic market of the future,” says Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.

    On 18-19 November 2025, politicians, experts, scientists and the biggest players in the wind and renewable energy sectors will meet in Warsaw. For years, the event has been a strategic platform for dialogue on Poland’s responsibility for EU security, energy solidarity and active participation in shaping European policy.

    The focus will be on topics related to the current status of the first and second phase projects, preparations for upcoming auctions, and the development of a national industrial strategy and local supply chains. There will also be discussions on the importance of offshore wind in the context of strengthening the energy security and independence of Poland and Europe.

    The planned workshops will place particular emphasis on practical aspects. This is also an opportunity to establish cooperation with key market players. Information:
    http://www.konferencjaowp.pl/

    PWEA is the largest Polish organisation promoting wind energy in Poland. It brings together over 200 companies – the largest energy giants in the wind energy market: investors, developers, turbine manufacturers and the supply chain.

    Source: PWEA

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb3d2fde-0d9c-46bb-8b8d-4b8e54b00d90

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Chalk River Laboratories Becomes First GLP-Certified Laboratory in Canada to Offer Pre-Clinical Radiopharmaceutical Studies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHALK RIVER, Ontario, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that the Chalk River Laboratories has become the first Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) certified laboratory in Canada that is capable of performing radioactive work and pre-clinical radiopharmaceutical contract research. The enhanced certification follows a Standards Council of Canada (SCC) audit that granted CNL full GLP recognition, a designation that adheres to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) protocols, and standards required by national and international regulators, including Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

    GLP recognition demonstrates that CNL meets internationally recognized standards for laboratory studies, ensuring the reliability, reproducibility, and integrity of the data generated, and is critical for laboratories conducting radiopharmaceutical testing and evaluation. CNL can now perform GLP compliant studies within its Biological Research Facility (BRF) and its Analytical Chemistry laboratories, through capabilities the are unique in Canada to perform radiopharmaceutical testing and evaluation. This presents a wide range of new and exciting commercial and partnership opportunities to Canada’s national nuclear laboratory.

    “Securing GLP recognition for the Chalk River Laboratories is a significant milestone that comes at a time when the global radiopharmaceutical industry is experiencing exceptional growth and Canada is playing an industry defining role,” commented Dr. Marie-Claude Gregoire, Head of CNL’s Isotopes, Radiobiology and Environment Directorate. “Given our capabilities to safely access and manage a wide range of radioactive materials, it also distinguishes CNL from other contract research organizations in Canada, positioning the Chalk River Laboratories campus as a ‘one-stop shop’ to conduct innovative pre-clinical radiopharmaceuticals studies. Overall, we believe this designation fulfills an unmet need in the Canadian and global radiopharmaceutical market and will further expand what has been a growing source of revenue for CNL.”

    Administered by the SCC, GLP recognition ensures a high degree of quality assurance and data integrity for laboratory contract research and enables full traceability and curation of information. In recent years, CNL has expanded its preclinical and radiopharmaceutical capabilities and launched collaborative programs to advance knowledge and pursue new commercial opportunities. This includes GLP analytical and toxicology studies, formulation optimization, biodistribution studies, in-vitro assays and other pre-clinical studies conducted on behalf of pharmaceutical companies, government bodies, and regulatory agencies. GLP studies is a phase of preclinical research conducted prior to clinical trials in humans, and typically yields information about a drug’s safety and toxicity in animal models.

    The GLP studies and preclinical research is largely carried out at CNL’s BRF, which is a 1,600 m2 state-of-the-art facility designed to support animal and animal tissue-based studies, featuring capabilities that support radiation, radionuclide and carcinogen-based testing and experimentation that are unique in Canada. The BRF houses environmentally controlled, specific pathogen-free laboratories dedicated to biological research, which includes cell and molecular biology, histology and tissue processing, hematology, tissue culture and animal procedures. This facility houses over 20,000 mice at full capacity. With full GLP recognition now in place, the facility will increasingly serve as a national facility dedicated to advancing innovative, next-generation radiopharmaceuticals, medical isotopes and cancer treatments towards clinical testing and real-world use.

    “Recent advances in radioligand therapy are enabling better outcomes for cancer patients. This is driving a rebirth of the radiopharmaceutical industry and spurring unprecedented growth, with current forecasts estimating that this market would grow from a $9.3 Billion market in 2023 to a $42 Billion market by 2033,” commented George Baidoo, CNL’s Technical Director, Health in Business Development. “The message that we want to send to the radiopharmaceutical industry today is that CNL can work with radioactive materials within GLP certified laboratories, a very unique capability that addresses an unmet need in the industry. By leveraging the assets of Canada’s national nuclear laboratory, CNL can provide needed preclinical radiopharmaceutical R&D services, coupled with GLP capabilities, to help advance and accelerate new therapies from bench to bedside.”

    CNL’s Biological Research Facility and Analytical Chemistry services are part of a broader series of laboratories and programs that CNL maintains in health studies and dosimetry services, including animal studies, isotope production and processing, targeted radionuclide therapies, and waste management solutions. For more information on CNL’s research in health sciences, including its Biological Research Facility, please visit www.cnl.ca/health.

    About CNL

    As Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.

    By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector, and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.

    To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca.

    CNL Contact:
    Philip Kompass
    Director, Corporate Communications
    1-866-886-2325
    media@cnl.ca

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45b7fbd5-d415-449c-85b9-c0dcb4006b03

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer, Duckworth’s She DRIVES Act Featured on ‘CBS Mornings’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Click the image above to watch the CBS Mornings segment.

    Click here to download audio.
    Click here to download video.

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) joined ‘CBS Mornings’ to discuss their bipartisan bill, the She Develops Regulations in Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act.

    The legislation will modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available—including a female crash test dummy—and updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures.

    The bill was introduced in January, passed the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in February, and now awaits full Senate consideration. It is supported by Drive US Forward, Women Drive Too, and the National Safety Council.

    On the She DRIVES Act:

    Fischer: “Whether driving or as passengers, we want to make sure that women are safe when they get in a vehicle.”

    Duckworth:     “We’re taking the next step. And let’s see if we can’t remedy the situation.”

    Fischer: “And make it safer. …”

    Duckworth: “So that all those moms and daughters and sisters and best friends come home.”

     

    Background:

    Multiple studies have shown that women die and are seriously injured at much higher rates than men in crashes. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,300 women die every year who would have otherwise lived if female death and injury rates were comparable to that of males.

    A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report outlined the deficiencies in crash testing program, and NHTSA has missed multiple self-declared deadlines on dummy deployment. While NHTSA has long acknowledged that a family of crash test dummies is needed for accurate crash tests, the agency has yet to deploy dummies or tests that represent females, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.

    Click here to read the text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer, Duckworth’s She DRIVES Act Featured on ‘CBS Mornings’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Click the image above to watch the CBS Mornings segment.

    Click here to download audio.
    Click here to download video.

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) joined ‘CBS Mornings’ to discuss their bipartisan bill, the She Develops Regulations in Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act.

    The legislation will modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available—including a female crash test dummy—and updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures.

    The bill was introduced in January, passed the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in February, and now awaits full Senate consideration. It is supported by Drive US Forward, Women Drive Too, and the National Safety Council.

    On the She DRIVES Act:

    Fischer: “Whether driving or as passengers, we want to make sure that women are safe when they get in a vehicle.”

    Duckworth:     “We’re taking the next step. And let’s see if we can’t remedy the situation.”

    Fischer: “And make it safer. …”

    Duckworth: “So that all those moms and daughters and sisters and best friends come home.”

     

    Background:

    Multiple studies have shown that women die and are seriously injured at much higher rates than men in crashes. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,300 women die every year who would have otherwise lived if female death and injury rates were comparable to that of males.

    A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report outlined the deficiencies in crash testing program, and NHTSA has missed multiple self-declared deadlines on dummy deployment. While NHTSA has long acknowledged that a family of crash test dummies is needed for accurate crash tests, the agency has yet to deploy dummies or tests that represent females, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.

    Click here to read the text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer, Duckworth’s She DRIVES Act Featured on ‘CBS Mornings’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Click the image above to watch the CBS Mornings segment.

    Click here to download audio.
    Click here to download video.

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) joined ‘CBS Mornings’ to discuss their bipartisan bill, the She Develops Regulations in Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act.

    The legislation will modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available—including a female crash test dummy—and updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures.

    The bill was introduced in January, passed the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in February, and now awaits full Senate consideration. It is supported by Drive US Forward, Women Drive Too, and the National Safety Council.

    On the She DRIVES Act:

    Fischer: “Whether driving or as passengers, we want to make sure that women are safe when they get in a vehicle.”

    Duckworth:     “We’re taking the next step. And let’s see if we can’t remedy the situation.”

    Fischer: “And make it safer. …”

    Duckworth: “So that all those moms and daughters and sisters and best friends come home.”

     

    Background:

    Multiple studies have shown that women die and are seriously injured at much higher rates than men in crashes. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,300 women die every year who would have otherwise lived if female death and injury rates were comparable to that of males.

    A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report outlined the deficiencies in crash testing program, and NHTSA has missed multiple self-declared deadlines on dummy deployment. While NHTSA has long acknowledged that a family of crash test dummies is needed for accurate crash tests, the agency has yet to deploy dummies or tests that represent females, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.

    Click here to read the text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fortuna Investments Expands to Midland, Texas, Strengthening Its Footprint in America’s Energy and Innovation Corridor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, Texas, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortuna Investments, a leading America-first venture capital firm, is proud to announce the expansion of its operations into Midland, Texas, where it will build upon its strategic focus on rare earth elements, space infrastructure, and uranium and nuclear energy. Known for its bold investments in critical, high-growth sectors, Fortuna continues to deepen its national presence—now with a strategic location in the heart of Texas to complement its existing offices in Los Angeles and Miami.

    Midland, long recognized as a hub of American energy production and resilience, reflects the grit, tenacity, and values that define Fortuna’s mission. “The people of Midland embody the same strength and entrepreneurial spirit that drive our firm, so this is a natural next step for us,” said Justus Parmar, Founder and CEO of Fortuna Investments.

    Texas continues to thrive as a pro-business powerhouse—with a culture of entrepreneurship, no state income tax, and a rapidly growing capital markets ecosystem. The recent announcement of a Texas-based stock exchange adds even more momentum to the state’s financial future, offering local investors and companies new platforms for liquidity and capital formation.

    Midland is central to Fortuna’s strategy of investing in American ingenuity and potential. As the Permian Basin’s energy epicenter, the city hosts a deep concentration of independent energy wealth, legacy capital, and long-term investors. These characteristics align seamlessly with Fortuna’s model of disciplined, asset-backed growth investing.

    Fortuna already holds key strategic assets across Texas, including:

    • The PEAK Project — A developing rare earth elements mine vital to securing domestic supply chains.
    • Space Infrastructure — With emerging assets based in Midland’s aerospace corridor.
    • Uranium and Nuclear Holdings — Supporting U.S. energy security and the growing nuclear renaissance.

    “As global markets shift, and the demand for critical materials and energy grows, our presence in Midland positions us to lead from the front,” said Parmar. “We believe this expansion strengthens our ability to drive value and national significance across the sectors we champion.”

    Fortuna’s Midland office will be located at 223 W. Wall Street, STE 200 in Midland. Oscar Garcia has been brought on in the role of Business Development and Corporate Strategy Lead to head the local team.

    For more information, visit https://investfortuna.com or email deals@investfortuna.com.

    About Fortuna Investments

    Founded in 2015 by Justus Parmar, Fortuna Investments is a private investment firm that develops long-term partnerships with change-making entrepreneurs in emerging industries. Fortuna specializes in venture capital investments and has led and advised on over $1 billion in transactions since its founding.

    Fortuna’s investments are concentrated in several high-growth sectors, including aerospace and defense, rare earth elements, uranium mining and nuclear technology, electronic waste refining, and robotics. The firm routinely invests for the long term and takes an active operating role.

    In 2020, the firm’s leadership group launched the Fortuna Foundation, an independent charitable organization that supports initiatives dedicated to promoting mental health, education, financial literacy and other community organizations in need.

    More information can be found at https://investfortuna.com/. Follow Justus Parmar on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

    Media Contact:

    Will Butler
    fortuna@dlpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Fortuna Investments Expands to Midland, Texas, Strengthening Its Footprint in America’s Energy and Innovation Corridor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, Texas, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortuna Investments, a leading America-first venture capital firm, is proud to announce the expansion of its operations into Midland, Texas, where it will build upon its strategic focus on rare earth elements, space infrastructure, and uranium and nuclear energy. Known for its bold investments in critical, high-growth sectors, Fortuna continues to deepen its national presence—now with a strategic location in the heart of Texas to complement its existing offices in Los Angeles and Miami.

    Midland, long recognized as a hub of American energy production and resilience, reflects the grit, tenacity, and values that define Fortuna’s mission. “The people of Midland embody the same strength and entrepreneurial spirit that drive our firm, so this is a natural next step for us,” said Justus Parmar, Founder and CEO of Fortuna Investments.

    Texas continues to thrive as a pro-business powerhouse—with a culture of entrepreneurship, no state income tax, and a rapidly growing capital markets ecosystem. The recent announcement of a Texas-based stock exchange adds even more momentum to the state’s financial future, offering local investors and companies new platforms for liquidity and capital formation.

    Midland is central to Fortuna’s strategy of investing in American ingenuity and potential. As the Permian Basin’s energy epicenter, the city hosts a deep concentration of independent energy wealth, legacy capital, and long-term investors. These characteristics align seamlessly with Fortuna’s model of disciplined, asset-backed growth investing.

    Fortuna already holds key strategic assets across Texas, including:

    • The PEAK Project — A developing rare earth elements mine vital to securing domestic supply chains.
    • Space Infrastructure — With emerging assets based in Midland’s aerospace corridor.
    • Uranium and Nuclear Holdings — Supporting U.S. energy security and the growing nuclear renaissance.

    “As global markets shift, and the demand for critical materials and energy grows, our presence in Midland positions us to lead from the front,” said Parmar. “We believe this expansion strengthens our ability to drive value and national significance across the sectors we champion.”

    Fortuna’s Midland office will be located at 223 W. Wall Street, STE 200 in Midland. Oscar Garcia has been brought on in the role of Business Development and Corporate Strategy Lead to head the local team.

    For more information, visit https://investfortuna.com or email deals@investfortuna.com.

    About Fortuna Investments

    Founded in 2015 by Justus Parmar, Fortuna Investments is a private investment firm that develops long-term partnerships with change-making entrepreneurs in emerging industries. Fortuna specializes in venture capital investments and has led and advised on over $1 billion in transactions since its founding.

    Fortuna’s investments are concentrated in several high-growth sectors, including aerospace and defense, rare earth elements, uranium mining and nuclear technology, electronic waste refining, and robotics. The firm routinely invests for the long term and takes an active operating role.

    In 2020, the firm’s leadership group launched the Fortuna Foundation, an independent charitable organization that supports initiatives dedicated to promoting mental health, education, financial literacy and other community organizations in need.

    More information can be found at https://investfortuna.com/. Follow Justus Parmar on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

    Media Contact:

    Will Butler
    fortuna@dlpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Fortuna Investments Expands to Midland, Texas, Strengthening Its Footprint in America’s Energy and Innovation Corridor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, Texas, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortuna Investments, a leading America-first venture capital firm, is proud to announce the expansion of its operations into Midland, Texas, where it will build upon its strategic focus on rare earth elements, space infrastructure, and uranium and nuclear energy. Known for its bold investments in critical, high-growth sectors, Fortuna continues to deepen its national presence—now with a strategic location in the heart of Texas to complement its existing offices in Los Angeles and Miami.

    Midland, long recognized as a hub of American energy production and resilience, reflects the grit, tenacity, and values that define Fortuna’s mission. “The people of Midland embody the same strength and entrepreneurial spirit that drive our firm, so this is a natural next step for us,” said Justus Parmar, Founder and CEO of Fortuna Investments.

    Texas continues to thrive as a pro-business powerhouse—with a culture of entrepreneurship, no state income tax, and a rapidly growing capital markets ecosystem. The recent announcement of a Texas-based stock exchange adds even more momentum to the state’s financial future, offering local investors and companies new platforms for liquidity and capital formation.

    Midland is central to Fortuna’s strategy of investing in American ingenuity and potential. As the Permian Basin’s energy epicenter, the city hosts a deep concentration of independent energy wealth, legacy capital, and long-term investors. These characteristics align seamlessly with Fortuna’s model of disciplined, asset-backed growth investing.

    Fortuna already holds key strategic assets across Texas, including:

    • The PEAK Project — A developing rare earth elements mine vital to securing domestic supply chains.
    • Space Infrastructure — With emerging assets based in Midland’s aerospace corridor.
    • Uranium and Nuclear Holdings — Supporting U.S. energy security and the growing nuclear renaissance.

    “As global markets shift, and the demand for critical materials and energy grows, our presence in Midland positions us to lead from the front,” said Parmar. “We believe this expansion strengthens our ability to drive value and national significance across the sectors we champion.”

    Fortuna’s Midland office will be located at 223 W. Wall Street, STE 200 in Midland. Oscar Garcia has been brought on in the role of Business Development and Corporate Strategy Lead to head the local team.

    For more information, visit https://investfortuna.com or email deals@investfortuna.com.

    About Fortuna Investments

    Founded in 2015 by Justus Parmar, Fortuna Investments is a private investment firm that develops long-term partnerships with change-making entrepreneurs in emerging industries. Fortuna specializes in venture capital investments and has led and advised on over $1 billion in transactions since its founding.

    Fortuna’s investments are concentrated in several high-growth sectors, including aerospace and defense, rare earth elements, uranium mining and nuclear technology, electronic waste refining, and robotics. The firm routinely invests for the long term and takes an active operating role.

    In 2020, the firm’s leadership group launched the Fortuna Foundation, an independent charitable organization that supports initiatives dedicated to promoting mental health, education, financial literacy and other community organizations in need.

    More information can be found at https://investfortuna.com/. Follow Justus Parmar on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

    Media Contact:

    Will Butler
    fortuna@dlpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Fortuna Investments Expands to Midland, Texas, Strengthening Its Footprint in America’s Energy and Innovation Corridor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, Texas, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortuna Investments, a leading America-first venture capital firm, is proud to announce the expansion of its operations into Midland, Texas, where it will build upon its strategic focus on rare earth elements, space infrastructure, and uranium and nuclear energy. Known for its bold investments in critical, high-growth sectors, Fortuna continues to deepen its national presence—now with a strategic location in the heart of Texas to complement its existing offices in Los Angeles and Miami.

    Midland, long recognized as a hub of American energy production and resilience, reflects the grit, tenacity, and values that define Fortuna’s mission. “The people of Midland embody the same strength and entrepreneurial spirit that drive our firm, so this is a natural next step for us,” said Justus Parmar, Founder and CEO of Fortuna Investments.

    Texas continues to thrive as a pro-business powerhouse—with a culture of entrepreneurship, no state income tax, and a rapidly growing capital markets ecosystem. The recent announcement of a Texas-based stock exchange adds even more momentum to the state’s financial future, offering local investors and companies new platforms for liquidity and capital formation.

    Midland is central to Fortuna’s strategy of investing in American ingenuity and potential. As the Permian Basin’s energy epicenter, the city hosts a deep concentration of independent energy wealth, legacy capital, and long-term investors. These characteristics align seamlessly with Fortuna’s model of disciplined, asset-backed growth investing.

    Fortuna already holds key strategic assets across Texas, including:

    • The PEAK Project — A developing rare earth elements mine vital to securing domestic supply chains.
    • Space Infrastructure — With emerging assets based in Midland’s aerospace corridor.
    • Uranium and Nuclear Holdings — Supporting U.S. energy security and the growing nuclear renaissance.

    “As global markets shift, and the demand for critical materials and energy grows, our presence in Midland positions us to lead from the front,” said Parmar. “We believe this expansion strengthens our ability to drive value and national significance across the sectors we champion.”

    Fortuna’s Midland office will be located at 223 W. Wall Street, STE 200 in Midland. Oscar Garcia has been brought on in the role of Business Development and Corporate Strategy Lead to head the local team.

    For more information, visit https://investfortuna.com or email deals@investfortuna.com.

    About Fortuna Investments

    Founded in 2015 by Justus Parmar, Fortuna Investments is a private investment firm that develops long-term partnerships with change-making entrepreneurs in emerging industries. Fortuna specializes in venture capital investments and has led and advised on over $1 billion in transactions since its founding.

    Fortuna’s investments are concentrated in several high-growth sectors, including aerospace and defense, rare earth elements, uranium mining and nuclear technology, electronic waste refining, and robotics. The firm routinely invests for the long term and takes an active operating role.

    In 2020, the firm’s leadership group launched the Fortuna Foundation, an independent charitable organization that supports initiatives dedicated to promoting mental health, education, financial literacy and other community organizations in need.

    More information can be found at https://investfortuna.com/. Follow Justus Parmar on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

    Media Contact:

    Will Butler
    fortuna@dlpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Inflation Remains Right on Target Under President Trump

    Source: US Whitehouse

    “Every month since President Trump took office, core inflation — the best measure of inflation — has beat or matched expectations. The data proves that President Trump is stabilizing inflation and the Panicans continue to be wrong about tariffs raising prices.” — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

    Under President Donald J. Trump, America continues to beat back inflation after years of Biden-induced price hikes.

    Here’s what you need to know from the latest Consumer Price Index:

    • June data confirms inflation is right on track. The annualized rate of inflation is below the year-earlier pace, showing that prices are right on track.
    • Core inflation beat expectations for another month. Since President Trump took office, core inflation has tracked at just 2.1% — levels not seen since the first Trump Administration, when prices were low and stable — and has come in below or at economists’ expectations every single month.
    • Wage growth remains strong under President Trump. Real wages for production and nonsupervisory workers are up 1.3% over last year.
    • Prices for everyday Americans continue to fall. Prices for new and used vehicles and airfares fell last month, while annualized shelter inflation dropped to its lowest in nearly four years — with prices for gas, fuel oil, energy commodities, hotels, airfare, public transportation, and fresh vegetables all down over last year.

    Here’s what they’re saying:

    • CNBC’s Rick Santelli: “Inflation is going to ebb and flow. If we want to really isolate it in terms of what this Administration is doing or Liberation Day, I would benchmark it to the beginning of the year. January and February reads being warmer gives you a lot of information that some of the policies have not been detrimental in boosting inflation.”
    • CNBC’s Rick Santelli: “The death of the labor market has been greatly exaggerated based on recent data, and I think that all in all, the inflation numbers — they’re pretty respectable here.”
    • Fox Business Network’s Maria Bartiromo: “You’ve got to look at this report as another victory for President Trump, who has focused on reigning in inflation — and that’s what we’re seeing from this report again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ypsilanti Man Pleads Guilty in Online Refund Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    DETROIT – Mubasher Riaz, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Riaz was engaged in an online refund scheme from July 2017 through his arrest in November 2023, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.

    According to court records, defendants Mubasher Riaz and his brother, Muzzammil Riaz, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud earlier this year. Muzzammil Riaz pled guilty to his lesser role in the scheme on June 4, 2025. As part of their pleas, both defendants admitted to purchasing online goods using fraudulent identities, virtual private networks, different electronic devices, and other means intended to avoid fraud detection by online vendors. The defendants purchased goods from hundreds of vendors, including cell phones, tablets, electronic doorbells, and clothing. After receiving the purchased goods, defendants submitted refund claims, falsely claiming the purchased goods were defective. Despite submitting a refund, the defendants did not return the purchased goods. Instead, the defendants shipped back an empty box, a counterfeit item, or alternative item such as a book that matched the expected shipment weight of the return. Mubasher Riaz would then resell the unlawfully obtained goods for profit.

    FBI agents uncovered the scheme while executing a search warrant at the home of Mubasher Riaz in November 2023. At the time, Mubasher was under investigation for sexual exploitation of children. Agents found evidence of fraud in plain view in the home, including over 40 cell phones and 30 tablets that were individually labeled with the personal identifying information of different identities used for the fraud scheme. The total loss incurred by online vendors was over $400,000.

    While the defendants used numerous accounts, some of the more common accounts used to make the online purchases and fraudulent refunds include the following:

    Law enforcement believes many possible victims of the scheme exist. Potential victims are encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at www.fbi.gov/mubasherriazvictims

    (Please note that the link to the website is case sensitive).

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Zurek.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Platte Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Drug Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Guadalupe Ramirez, 40, of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 3, 2025 in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for Conspiracy to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Ramirez to 324 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ramirez is released from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.

    Beginning in 2021, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and task force officers with the Cooperative Organization for Drug Enforcement (CODE) began a large-scale investigation into drug dealing in central and west-central Nebraska. Ramirez, also known as “Shrek,” quickly emerged as a key player in a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy that saw methamphetamine being trafficked into Nebraska mainly through mailings originating from California and Mexico. Members of the conspiracy would receive the mailed packages loaded with narcotics and distribute the drugs throughout Nebraska, including as far east as Omaha. At the time of sentencing, the Court found between 15 and 45 kilograms of methamphetamine were moved through Nebraska as a part of this conspiracy.

    The investigation also revealed an association between Ramirez and firearms. Ramirez’s Facebook profile included discussions between himself and others in the conspiracy about firearms and a public video of Ramirez discharging a firearm out the window of a vehicle he used to deal drugs.

    While imposing the sentence, Judge Bazis commented that Ramirez was essentially “the second in command” of this operation and told Ramirez that “a lot of drugs moved through Nebraska because of you.”

    The years’ long investigation that led to this conviction was recognized by the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)’s 2024 Community Impact Operation of the Year. In presenting the award, Midwest HIDTA Director Dan Neill noted that the case was up against other jurisdictions with much larger cities, including St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri. The award recognized the hard work of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies during this investigation.

    FBI Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “The trafficking of drugs into our communities is not a victimless crime. It has a destructive effect on our neighborhoods and families. The investigation of Ramirez and his co-conspirators resulted in 36 federal indictments, 22 local arrests, the seizure of illicit drugs, cash, and firearms, and dismantled a pernicious drug trafficking organization in central Nebraska. We’ll continue to join forces with our partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations in both urban and rural communities across the state, and to impose consequences on those responsible for selling drugs to mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters in our community.”

    U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods said, “The outstanding work of the CODE Task Force demonstrates that full prosecutorial and investigation collaboration can accomplish tremendous outcomes in the interest of making Nebraska an even safer place for its citizens to call home.”

    These cases were investigated by the CODE Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and Army National Guard Counter Drug Unit.  The investigation and arrests were also assisted by the U.S. Postal Service, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, La Vista Police Department, the Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) Task Force, the Western Intelligence Narcotics Group (WING) Task Force, the Capitol Region Safe Streets Task Force (CRSSTF), the Lincoln/Lancaster County Metro Fugitive Task Force, the Lincoln and Keith County Attorney’s Offices, and Nebraska District 11 Probation Office.   

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With Republican “Big Beautiful Betrayal” Now Law, Shaheen Discusses Cuts to Food Assistance, Clean Energy that Will Exacerbate the Cost-of-Living Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Nashua, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) hosted discussions with Granite State leaders to highlight the disastrous impacts of the Republican budget legislation, which is now law, on New Hampshire. Shaheen met with Granite State nonprofit leaders in Manchester, and local officials and business leaders in Nashua, to discuss cuts to food assistance and clean energy included in the legislation. You can view photos from both events here.
    In Manchester, Shaheen visited the New Hampshire Food Bank for a roundtable discussion with Granite State nonprofit leaders on the impact of Republican cuts to food assistance.
    “This bill that President Trump and Congressional Republicans jammed through Congress cuts health care and food assistance for millions of Americans in order to give trillions of dollars more to corporations and to the wealthiest,” said Senator Shaheen. “It’s going to raise costs for families in New Hampshire at a time when Granite Staters are already fighting to stretch every dollar. I’m grateful to the leaders and community members who shared their stories today and I’ll continue working with them to minimize the harm from this legislation.”
    According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the cuts put food assistance benefits for thousands of Granite Staters at risk and will cost the state of New Hampshire between $8 million and $23 million per year.
    Later in Nashua, Shaheen toured Pennichuck Solar Farm with city officials, business leaders and advocates and discussed how the Republican legislation will drive up energy costs in New Hampshire.
    “The Republican budget bill eliminates commonsense, forward-looking clean energy and energy efficiency tax credits that help municipalities and working families use less energy and lower their energy costs,” said Senator Shaheen. “Nashua has been a leader in investing in clean energy projects that have already helped them lower their electricity bills and save taxpayer dollars, but thanks to the Republican megabill future projects are now at risk.”
    The City of Nashua has made significant investments in clean energy, utilizing federal incentives to support solar projects and reduce municipal electricity costs. The Republican legislation, which eliminates several longstanding bipartisan clean energy and energy efficient tax credits, has put future solar plans at risk.
    During the Senate “Vote-A-Rama” process, Shaheen forced a vote on her amendment to preserve four longstanding bipartisan consumer energy efficiency and clean energy tax credits that lower energy costs for families, make housing more affordable, protect American jobs and help give businesses the certainty they need to thrive. All but two Senate Republicans—Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)—voted to block Shaheen’s amendment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor launches new £12m Green Roots Fund to boost capital’s green and blue spaces

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Mayor launches new fund at the start of London Climate Action Week – the largest city-wide climate event in Europe
    • London will stage more than 700 events across the week to accelerate global climate action, showcasing how London is a global climate leader
    • More than 45,000 people to come to London to take part in events
    • Sadiq urges community groups, boroughs and stakeholders to apply for up to £500,000 – to green neighbourhoods, rewild communities and clean local rivers

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is starting London Climate Action Week with the launch of a new Green Roots Fund, which will invest more than £12 million to make neighbourhoods across the capital greener, healthier and more climate resilient.

    The new fund, which sees Sadiq deliver on his 2024 Election Manifesto pledge, will support the creation and improvement of London’s green and blue spaces, such as parks, community gardens, wetlands and rivers. This includes projects that will restore habitats for nature to thrive and could reintroduce lost species.

    Research shows that those from Black, Asian or minority ethnic communities are more than twice as likely to live in an area deprived of green space [1], while more than one in five households in London have no access to a garden. [2] The new fund will tackle this social injustice, empowering communities with the opportunity to increase their access to green and blue spaces.

    The new £12 million fund will award grants ranging from £10,000 to £500,000 over the next three years to community groups, boroughs and stakeholders to pay for trees, wildflower meadows, parklets and waterway improvements.

    The launch comes at the start of London Climate Action Week, which is taking place this week (21-29 June) and is the largest city-wide climate event in Europe.

    Now in its seventh year, London Climate Action Week hosts more than 700 in-person and virtual events (double the number of events from last year) and attracts more than 45,000 people to the capital. It mobilises London’s unparalleled array of organisations committed to accelerating global climate action, showcasing how London is a global climate leader.

    Sadiq has led the way and after he launched the world’s first 24-hour Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and expanded it to cover the whole capital in 2023, ULEZ is now the largest clean air zone in the world. It covers every borough of London, helping the capital’s almost ten million residents breathe cleaner air. It has been crucial to protect the health of Londoners, support children’s lung growth, and reduce the risk of people developing asthma, lung cancer and a host of other health issues related to air pollution. [3]

    City Hall is involved in a number of events for London Climate Action Week. This includes: 

    1. A seeds giveaway, today (23 June) to encourage Londoners to create habitats and food sources to benefit nature. A total of 12,000 seed packets will be handed out by volunteers at 12 stations in areas that have less access to green space.*
    2. A week of discussions at Goals House which will feature the Mayor and explore topics including sustainable cities, design and creativity and the impact of businesses on biodiversity and the loss of nature.
    3. A Climate Innovation Forum in Central London that will see the Mayor discuss pioneering green initiatives with international leaders across government and business.
    4. The inaugural London Climate Action Week Youth Summit at ZSL, which will bring together over 150 young changemakers to explore how young Londoners can take climate and nature action in the city

    Since he took office in 2016, the Mayor has transformed London’s natural spaces, improving and creating over 900 hectares of green space – equivalent to more than 2,000 football pitches. He has restored 3.7km of river, creating habitat for wildlife to flourish.

    Through his Grow Back Greener Fund, the Mayor has already awarded over £4 million to 135 community-led projects, supporting Londoners to create and improve over 30 hectares of green space (1,140 tennis courts) and plant over 25,000 trees. [4]

    Since taking office in 2016, Sadiq’s initiatives have led to the planting of over 600,000 trees across London (including two new woodlands), totalling 85 hectares of tree-filled green spaces for everyone to enjoy. [5]

    In addition, the Mayor has invested over £2.5 million since 2021 through his Rewild London Fund, into projects that have supported the restoration and rewilding of London’s most valuable places for nature. [6]

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to launch my new Green Roots Fund to deliver spaces across our capital that are greener, healthier and more climate resilient.

    “I want to encourage all community groups to get involved in helping to transform our neighbourhoods and ensure that all Londoners can benefit from nature.

    “I am thrilled to be announcing this new investment during London Climate Action Week as our capital delivers the largest city-wide climate event in Europe.

    “The benefits of nature should be for everyone and I am committed to making this a reality for all Londoners, as we continue to build a greener and fairer London for everyone.”

    Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban, said: “London Climate Action Week provides a platform to showcase our capital as a global climate leader.  

    “It is fantastic Sadiq is delivering on his Manifesto pledge this week to launch London’s Green Roots Fund and kickstart a series of over 700 events across our capital over the coming days.

    “I urge Londoners to get involved in the many in person and virtual events across the coming days as the Mayor and I work to deliver more natural spaces in our city that are accessible to all.”

    London Climate Action Week Founder and Chair Nick Mabey said: “London Climate Action Week 2025 is more than double the size of last year and attracting even greater international participation.

    “This shows the depth of London’s climate solutions sector whether in finance, clean tech or fashion and the enthusiasm of Londoners to be part of climate action.

    “This energy across the whole of society shows how divorced the current elite political discussion on net zero is from economic and grassroots reality.”

    Friends of Mostyn Garden Project / Muslim Women of Merton Co-ordinator Neaz Ahmed said: “The Mayor’s Grow Back Greener Fund enabled us to tackle social injustice and empower communities with the opportunity to increase their access to green and blue spaces.

    “We worked with volunteer women from the local community to make a piece of derelict land useable and a focus for the community,  including the Tranquil Corner where we meet in peace and tranquillity. It has now attracted further funds to clear up and establish seating and paths.”

    London Wildlife Trust Director of Nature Recovery, Sam Davenport, said: “We’re in the midst of an ecological emergency, and now more than ever, nature needs all of us.

    “As proud partners of the Mayor’s Rewild London Fund, we’ve seen the inspiring results that come from empowering London’s communities to act for wildlife.

    “This renewed commitment to nature recovery from the Mayor is a welcome next step toward a greener, wilder, and more resilient London.”

    National Park City Foundation and London National Park City Chair Navdeep Deol said: “With the support of the Mayor’s team we have been able to deliver vital and timely microgrants to a number of our National Park City Ranger projects, so that they can focus on their important work to make London greener, wilder and healthier and support communities across the capital.

    “The programme strengthens capacity and resilience within the voluntary sector in a way that is both equitable and scalable without the complexity of traditional funding models. The Green Roots Fund creates new opportunities to kick-start and grow new community led and grassroots action right across London.” 

    Wildlife Gardeners of Haggerston Chair, Gideon Corby, said: “Receiving the Mayor of London’s Grow Back Greener and Rewild London funding allowed us to do so much work on Hackney Marshes and along the Old Lea River.

    “We have worked hard to increase the chances for wildlife to thrive; removing problematic plants and reintroducing reedbeds, returning the natural complexity of flow to the river and building refugia to allow wood mice, field vole and shrew populations.

    “GLA funding gave us local people the chance, and privilege, to do work we are immensely proud of and we’d do it all again!”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: How women are trapped in years of homelessness that often begin in their teens

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mary Vaccaro, Lecturer in Social Work, McMaster University

    Many women without children in their care who become homeless in Canada remain homeless for many years. Yet their experiences remain misunderstood and largely ignored because of the ways we define and measure homelessness in Canada.

    I have worked in the women’s emergency shelter system in Hamilton, Ont., since 2012. I have met many women who have been navigating homelessness for years — with no permanent solution to their housing crisis. For my PhD in social work, I interviewed 21 women who had experienced homelessness for a year or longer in Hamilton. I asked them about their experiences, and through art-based activities, about their ideas for housing and support.

    What I learned in the interviews, combined with existing research, highlights a hidden crisis. Within our current system resides a profound human cost that manages, instead of resolves, homelessness.

    Many women who experience homelessness do so for far longer than the federal government’s definition of chronic homelessness, which is six consecutive months or 18 months over three years. Research from the United Kingdom that focuses on long-term and unresolved homelessness for women found that the ways women experience homelessness is to “go around in circles” without having their housing or support needs met.

    Among the women I spoke with, more than half had been experiencing homelessness for 10 years or longer. Six of the the women said they have never had a safe place of their own to live for the entirety of their adult lives.

    All of the women who participated in this project accessed the services offered by the homeless serving sector, including shelters and outreach workers, designed to resolve their homelessness. Yet none of these women were able to have their housing and support needs met.

    This means their experience of homelessness has persisted for years, and even decades.

    Homelessness often starts in their teens

    More than half of the participants I spoke with first experienced homelessness before they turned 18. Their primary route into youth homelessness was gender-based violence. They ran away from home when they were teenaged girls to escape violence and became caught in a cycle of events that include: hospitalization, incarceration, staying in youth shelters, living in group homes and unsafe places.

    The Pan-Canadian Women’s Housing and Homelessness Survey, as well as a study on Toronto youth, echo what the women I spoke with told me. Studies from the United States also confirm similar patterns — homelessness begins early in life for a majority of women, and is often followed by a chronic, chaotic churn of precarious housing and homelessness situations.

    The women in my study described a frustrating and exhausting cycle of going among institutions such as hospitals, jails, emergency shelters, drop-in programs and transitional housing programs. They had all spent periods of time living outdoors, in encampments, in motels, with unsafe people and in other precarious and temporary housing arrangements. This phenomena is well-documented in existing Canadian research.

    Better definitions, better data

    The Canadian government defines those who have been homeless and using shelters for more than 180 days a year as experiencing “acute chronicity.”

    Another term used by the federal government for individuals who have accessed shelters at least once in each of the last three years is “prolonged instability.”

    People who meet one or both of these criteria are considered to have the highest housing needs in the country.

    According to recent federal data, women and gender-diverse people across Canada experience slightly higher rates of acute chronicity than men (13.4 per cent for men, 15.4 per cent for women, and 13.9 per cent for gender-diverse people). But the real numbers for women are likely much higher due to under-reporting.

    Research shows women remain invisible to official systems during periods of homelessness. For example, the available data relies solely on information about emergency shelter usage. It does not capture experiences of homelessness that occur outside of the shelter system.

    Women are less likely than their male counterparts to access shelters and other formal supports. Instead, they rely on precarious, unsafe and temporary housing arrangements to navigate homelessness.

    In Canada, there are also fewer emergency women-specific shelter beds than for men

    Rethinking responses to long-term homelessness

    For the women I spoke with, the official 180 days or three years that makes someone officially chronically homeless in Canada does not even begin to describe the length and complexity of their experiences of homelessness.

    They described wanting to live in supportive, gender-specific housing programs that foster community and care. Highly supportive housing typically integrates health and social services and a range of other support services. This type of integrated housing does exist across Canada — examples are the Block Line Supportive Housing Program operated by YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo and the Women’s Building (Alpha House) in Calgary — but there is not enough of it.

    The current measurements from the government of Canada fall short of capturing the complexity of the homeless experience for many Canadian women.

    Government officials must therefore not only rethink their definitions of those in the most housing need, they must develop responsive housing solutions to meet the needs of women who have been homeless for many years.

    Mary Vaccaro consults for YWCA Hamilton. She receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. How women are trapped in years of homelessness that often begin in their teens – https://theconversation.com/how-women-are-trapped-in-years-of-homelessness-that-often-begin-in-their-teens-259239

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Helo and Barrett Financial Group Sign Affiliate Agreement to Revolutionize Mortgage-Linked Financial Wellness

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTWOOD, Mass., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helo Revolution (Helo), the fintech platform helping users build smarter money habits through behavioral science and automation, has signed a groundbreaking Affiliate Program Agreement with Barrett Financial Group, one of the nation’s leading mortgage loan providers.

    This strategic partnership will provide Barrett’s network of over 2,000 loan officers and their clients with access to Helo’s powerful financial wellness platform. In turn, Barrett gains a new revenue stream, deeper client engagement, and access to promote Helo to their audience of high-intent home loan contacts, with potential for much broader integration in the near future.

    A New Era of Financial Empowerment After the Mortgage Closes

    Helo’s premium platform, which launches publicly in Q4 2025, offers automated tools that support homebuyers well beyond the closing date, including automated loan payments, debt optimization strategies, cash flow management, and long-term financial goal tracking. With both free and premium plans, it provides a genuine solution for post-mortgage financial stability, particularly in today’s volatile economic climate. Try Helo’s freemium app today before the premium version is available.

    At its core, Helo is an all-in-one, done-for-you system that combines powerful money management, investment tracking, smart goal planning, and a full-service banking suite, including checking and savings accounts, unlike anything most consumers have ever seen. It’s built to simplify financial life while accelerating long-term wealth.

    “This is a massive opportunity,” said Ariel Dangelo, Founder of Helo. “Buying a home is often the biggest purchase of someone’s life. Through this partnership, we’re not just helping people buy a home — we’re helping them stay financially healthy, pay down mortgages faster, and build long-term wealth confidently. With Barrett’s trusted loan officers introducing Helo, the ripple effect could be life-changing for thousands of families across America.”

    Revenue Alignment and Mutual Growth

    Under the Affiliate Program Agreement:

    • The two companies will collaborate on targeted email campaigns, personalized direct mail, and co-branded digital promotions to drive adoption.
    • Barrett and Helo have also agreed to explore a Joint Venture opportunity if volume milestones are hit.

    “This is about more than fintech,” said Trevor Barrett, CEO of Barrett Financial Group. “It’s about giving our clients real tools to thrive financially. Partnering with Helo means we’re helping our borrowers navigate their mortgage and beyond, not just with great rates, but with real, ongoing support.”

    Strategic Timing with Market Momentum

    The partnership comes at a moment when fintech adoption is accelerating and consumer demand for better post-purchase financial support is at an all-time high.

    Helo’s behavioral-first approach differentiates it from budgeting apps and traditional banks, offering an “automated discipline solution” that helps users stay on track without micromanaging their finances.

    With a combined marketing push and built-in trust from Barrett’s advisors, this partnership is expected to significantly expand Helo’s user base and brand visibility, while helping Barrett provide long-term value to its clients beyond closing day.

    About Helo
    Helo is a smart money platform designed to help everyday people master their finances using cashflow automation, habit-building behavioral tools, and personalized planning. Founded on the principle of “people over profit,” Helo empowers users to make better financial decisions, from spending and saving to debt reduction and investing. Learn more at www.gohelo.com

    About Barrett Financial Group
    Barrett Financial Group, LLC is one of the top-rated mortgage brokerages in the U.S., known for offering tailored home loan solutions through a nationwide network of experienced loan officers. By pricing out multiple lenders and programs, Barrett helps clients secure the best possible mortgage options, including FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Reverse Mortgages, and more. Learn more at www.barrettfinancial.com

    Media Contacts
    Helo Revolution – marketing@gohelo.com

    Barrett Financial Group – info@barrettfinancial.com 

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b12b1127-0ac9-42ec-89cb-299e33dc183d

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4569b05-9721-4e13-a919-36ff0dfa699d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/28d1ee45-55ca-4102-8c84-f4d0af1c1e9f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Helo and Barrett Financial Group Sign Affiliate Agreement to Revolutionize Mortgage-Linked Financial Wellness

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTWOOD, Mass., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helo Revolution (Helo), the fintech platform helping users build smarter money habits through behavioral science and automation, has signed a groundbreaking Affiliate Program Agreement with Barrett Financial Group, one of the nation’s leading mortgage loan providers.

    This strategic partnership will provide Barrett’s network of over 2,000 loan officers and their clients with access to Helo’s powerful financial wellness platform. In turn, Barrett gains a new revenue stream, deeper client engagement, and access to promote Helo to their audience of high-intent home loan contacts, with potential for much broader integration in the near future.

    A New Era of Financial Empowerment After the Mortgage Closes

    Helo’s premium platform, which launches publicly in Q4 2025, offers automated tools that support homebuyers well beyond the closing date, including automated loan payments, debt optimization strategies, cash flow management, and long-term financial goal tracking. With both free and premium plans, it provides a genuine solution for post-mortgage financial stability, particularly in today’s volatile economic climate. Try Helo’s freemium app today before the premium version is available.

    At its core, Helo is an all-in-one, done-for-you system that combines powerful money management, investment tracking, smart goal planning, and a full-service banking suite, including checking and savings accounts, unlike anything most consumers have ever seen. It’s built to simplify financial life while accelerating long-term wealth.

    “This is a massive opportunity,” said Ariel Dangelo, Founder of Helo. “Buying a home is often the biggest purchase of someone’s life. Through this partnership, we’re not just helping people buy a home — we’re helping them stay financially healthy, pay down mortgages faster, and build long-term wealth confidently. With Barrett’s trusted loan officers introducing Helo, the ripple effect could be life-changing for thousands of families across America.”

    Revenue Alignment and Mutual Growth

    Under the Affiliate Program Agreement:

    • The two companies will collaborate on targeted email campaigns, personalized direct mail, and co-branded digital promotions to drive adoption.
    • Barrett and Helo have also agreed to explore a Joint Venture opportunity if volume milestones are hit.

    “This is about more than fintech,” said Trevor Barrett, CEO of Barrett Financial Group. “It’s about giving our clients real tools to thrive financially. Partnering with Helo means we’re helping our borrowers navigate their mortgage and beyond, not just with great rates, but with real, ongoing support.”

    Strategic Timing with Market Momentum

    The partnership comes at a moment when fintech adoption is accelerating and consumer demand for better post-purchase financial support is at an all-time high.

    Helo’s behavioral-first approach differentiates it from budgeting apps and traditional banks, offering an “automated discipline solution” that helps users stay on track without micromanaging their finances.

    With a combined marketing push and built-in trust from Barrett’s advisors, this partnership is expected to significantly expand Helo’s user base and brand visibility, while helping Barrett provide long-term value to its clients beyond closing day.

    About Helo
    Helo is a smart money platform designed to help everyday people master their finances using cashflow automation, habit-building behavioral tools, and personalized planning. Founded on the principle of “people over profit,” Helo empowers users to make better financial decisions, from spending and saving to debt reduction and investing. Learn more at www.gohelo.com

    About Barrett Financial Group
    Barrett Financial Group, LLC is one of the top-rated mortgage brokerages in the U.S., known for offering tailored home loan solutions through a nationwide network of experienced loan officers. By pricing out multiple lenders and programs, Barrett helps clients secure the best possible mortgage options, including FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Reverse Mortgages, and more. Learn more at www.barrettfinancial.com

    Media Contacts
    Helo Revolution – marketing@gohelo.com

    Barrett Financial Group – info@barrettfinancial.com 

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b12b1127-0ac9-42ec-89cb-299e33dc183d

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4569b05-9721-4e13-a919-36ff0dfa699d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/28d1ee45-55ca-4102-8c84-f4d0af1c1e9f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CleanChoice Energy Welcomes Christopher Smith as New Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CleanChoice Energy (“CleanChoice”), the first 100% green company in the U.S. to provide ‘farm-to-table’ renewable energy by owning clean and reliable generation assets and supplying only clean energy to consumers, has named Christopher Smith as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

    This news comes amidst a year of exciting transition for CleanChoice. Over the past 12 months, CleanChoice has interconnected its first solar project in Pennsylvania and announced three additional solar projects located in the northeast United States, while also continuing to grow its retail business. Smith will be a driving force in helping CleanChoice achieve its growth objectives as the company continues its evolution into both a supplier and generator of clean energy.

    “Chris brings deep capital-markets expertise and a track record of building top-flight finance teams at scale in energy businesses,” said Tom Matzzie, Founder & CEO of CleanChoice. “His appointment underscores our readiness to navigate evolving markets and to structure financing that earns investor trust—supporting CleanChoice’s commitment to responsible, resilient, sustainable growth.”

    “As CleanChoice Energy enters a new phase of growth, Chris brings the expertise and insight to help us traverse a changing industry,” Matzzie continued. “The United States is at a turning point. It faces both a critical need for not only more, but also cost effective and sustainable energy – seemingly everywhere and all at once – while customers demand not only a real choice but also a trusted partner in managing their energy future.”

    Smith has experience in building high performing finance teams and high quality businesses and will complement an already strong bench. Over the past two decades, Smith has held senior roles across top tier public and private organizations with a focus on growth and navigating complex challenges. Smith played a pivotal role in successfully growing Hannon Armstrong, and he served in key leadership roles at organizations such as Constellation Energy Commodities Group and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, among others. His background includes SEC reporting, investor relations, and significant capital markets expertise.

    “CleanChoice completely aligns with my passion to help companies grow in smart, sustainable ways,” noted Smith. “It’s all about the customer. CleanChoice is well positioned to expand upon its already considerable growth realized over the last decade not in spite of current challenges, but thanks to them. The new frontier of energy is here—we have the tools and technology to help customers lower costs, address sustainability goals, and improve reliability, and I’m eager to demonstrate to current and future customers, stakeholders and investors that clean energy is smart energy.”

    Finally, Matzzie added, “I’m thankful to John Burke for his support and leadership over the last nine years as Chief Financial Officer and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role as Chief Commercial Officer, in which he will architect and manage our growing wholesale and risk management platform.”

    For more information about CleanChoice Energy, visit www.cleanchoiceenergy.com.

    ABOUT CLEANCHOICE ENERGY
    CleanChoice Energy is one of the leading 100% renewable energy suppliers in the U.S. providing ‘farm-to-table’ clean energy providing consumers with alternative ways to access clean energy. CleanChoice has redefined cleantech, making it easy for people to live cleaner lives with pollution-free, renewable energy for their homes and businesses. Founded in 2012, CleanChoice has become one of the fastest-growing businesses in America, as ranked on the Inc 5000 and Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™. CleanChoice Energy is majority-owned by Funds managed by True Green Capital Management LLC. For more information or to become a clean energy customer, visit CleanChoiceEnergy.com.

    Media Contact:

    Debbie Ehrman
    FINN Partners
    CleanChoiceEnergy@finnpartners.com

    Kate Colarulli
    Chief Strategy Officer
    Mobile: +1 202 380 8936
    kate.colarulli@cleanchoice.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0abfacd9-ec3b-41c6-a137-aa0a28169644

    The MIL Network –