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  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Clean Industrial Deal – B10-0278/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Paolo Borchia, Isabella Tovaglieri, Julie Rechagneux, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Ondřej Knotek, Filip Turek, Auke Zijlstra, Barbara Bonte, Jana Nagyová, Aleksandar Nikolic, Silvia Sardone, Raffaele Stancanelli
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    B10‑0278/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the Clean Industrial Deal

    (2025/2656(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation’ (COM(2025)0085),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘Action Plan for Affordable Energy’ (COM(2025)0079),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 29 January 2025 entitled ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’ (COM(2025)0030),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 5 March 2025 entitled ‘Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector’ (COM(2025)0095),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM(2019)0640),

    – having regard to the questions to the Commission [XXXXX],

    – having regard to Rules 142(5) and 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy,

    A. whereas the Clean Industrial Deal was presented at a time of a serious competitiveness crisis; whereas it was supposed to represent the first step towards a decisive shift in pace and approach in EU policies, in order to safeguard businesses and industrial capacity across the EU;

    B. whereas European industry is facing fierce competition from global players, with competitors benefiting from public investment, lower energy prices and a favourable regulatory environment, which are factors that provide significant advantages and encourage the relocation of EU enterprises to non-EU countries; whereas in recent decades, the policies pursued by the Commission, causing overregulation in industrial matters and setting unreasonable and unattainable environmental targets, have contributed to the massive relocation of EU production to non-EU countries, resulting in significant job losses, desertification and deterioration of living conditions in certain regions, as well as a transfer of knowledge and increased dependencies in strategic sectors;

    C. whereas the implementation of the Fit for 55 package and other legislation under the Green Deal imposes stringent targets for the reduction of CO2 emissions, which undermine European industrial competitiveness; whereas the policies related to the Green Deal have shown serious drawbacks, especially in the current competitiveness crisis, such that a change of approach, including by revising the targets set and comprehensively reviewing the current legislation, appears to be crucial;

    1. Notes the publication of the Clean Industrial Deal and the announcement of upcoming initiatives by the Commission; expresses concern about their potential ineffectiveness and the risk of further harming the competitiveness of EU businesses; believes that forcing market change through legislative measures, rather than allowing it to be driven by business-led innovation, is a fundamentally flawed approach; calls for a decisive change of pace from the previous legislative term, including a thorough revision and repeal of pieces of legislation adopted under the framework of the Green Deal;

    2. Calls, in any case, for the implementation of the economically harmful policies of the Green Deal to be suspended, to enable a re-evaluation of their objectives and application; urges the Commission, moreover, to refrain from proposing a legislative initiative for an intermediate target of 90 % reductions in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040;

    3. Expresses concern about the way in which the Commission drafts its legislative proposals and conducts impact assessments, which reveals a lack of full stakeholder involvement and in-depth analysis of the effects, including long-term, on competitiveness; stresses the importance of ensuring effective consultation with all stakeholders, including local and regional entities, in order to improve the accuracy of impact assessments, thus avoiding the need to revise regulations shortly after their adoption and reducing uncertainty in an environment already marked by the crisis;

    4. Urges the Commission to engage in structured sectoral dialogue with industry representatives, academia, social partners and relevant stakeholders from energy-intensive sectors, as well as cross-border regional industrial clusters, to ensure that policies are aligned with real industrial needs and challenges; affirms that well-targeted industrial policy, starting from a review of the EU decarbonisation objectives, is crucial to ensure a strong industrial base and to create and maintain high-quality jobs in the EU; affirms its commitment to fostering stable and predictable industrial policies that take into account the impact on the competitiveness of EU companies, and commits to upholding the principle of technology neutrality when adopting such policies, as a cornerstone for building competitive European industry;

    5. Notes the affordable energy action plan; strongly stresses the need for action aimed at reducing volatility and lowering the high energy prices that impact heavily on businesses and consumers; urges the Commission and the Member States, following adequate impact assessments and consultation with the stakeholders, to put forward ways to decouple electricity prices from fossil fuel prices; warns against Commission initiatives that could circumvent Treaty provisions assigning competence over the energy mix to the Member States;

    6. Expresses concern about the overly excessive focus of EU policies on electrification and renewables, which has been reaffirmed with the Clean Industrial Deal; states the need to promote a diversified energy mix that includes clean and low-carbon energy, in order to ensure security of energy supply and competitiveness; emphasises that relying solely on electrification will be extremely challenging for energy-intensive industries; stresses the indispensable role that natural gas will continue to play in the energy mix; reiterates the need to develop measures to ensure gas supply at a mitigated cost and calls on the Commission to ensure an improved, stable and certain regulatory framework; deplores the proposal to eliminate all subsidies for fossil fuels;

    7. Acknowledges that the electricity grid infrastructure plays an essential role in achieving the EU’s strategic autonomy; calls on the Member States to fully explore, optimise, modernise and expand their electricity grid capacities, including transmission and distribution, with technological neutrality as a core principle; considers electricity grids to be a central element in the transition to a competitive economy;

    8. Recalls the large-scale blackout that affected the Iberian Peninsula on 28 April 2025, leaving over 50 million people without electricity for several hours and causing severe disruption to transport, telecommunications and essential services; underlines that, at the time of the incident, renewable energy accounted for approximately 70 % of Spain’s electricity mix, and that only a few days earlier, on 16 April, the Spanish grid had operated entirely on renewable energy; highlights the fact that the blackout was caused by multiple factors, including the excessively high share of variable renewables, which contribute less to grid inertia compared to conventional power plants, making it more difficult to manage sudden frequency changes; strongly affirms, as a consequence, the need to adopt a technologically neutral approach in the planning, development and strengthening of electricity networks, in order to enable the safe integration of all technologies that support grid stability, especially in the context of growing energy demand; calls on the Member States to strengthen risk assessments related to systemic electricity shocks and to promote resilient, secure and technologically diversified grid models;

    9. Stresses the fundamental role that low-carbon hydrogen can play; calls for the swift adoption and implementation of a simple, technology-neutral and investment-friendly definition of low-carbon hydrogen in the upcoming delegated act[1], while ensuring that such a definition is robust and science-based, and incentivises hydrogen production; recognises that carbon management, including capture, storage, transport and utilisation, can play a role for hard-to-abate sectors;

    10. Supports the proposal to strengthen a European preference in public procurement processes, in the context of the revision of the public procurement framework in 2026, to the benefit of European businesses; considers this to be essential for enhancing supply chain security and fostering a resilient EU industrial base; remains strongly sceptical about the announced industrial decarbonisation accelerator act and about the extension of new sustainability criteria to the EU budget and national support programmes, as well as to public and private procurement benefiting energy-intensive industries; remains critical of the proposal to introduce new environmental criteria in addition to the many that are already in place, as well as the introduction of environmental labelling for industrial products, which risks creating additional administrative burdens for companies;

    11. Affirms the need to create a favourable environment for investment that is capable of discouraging the relocation of industrial activities outside the EU; recognises the importance of increasing and encouraging both public and private investment in the energy, industry and transport sectors; takes note of the announced creation of a competitiveness fund and calls for this to be an instrument of genuine support for businesses; calls for an EU State aid framework in support of industrial transformation and modernisation, in line with the principle of technology neutrality, also enabling existing plants to access funding for technology upgrades, thereby safeguarding employment and economic stability; expects the new framework to address these needs; expresses its firm opposition to any new own resources and EU-level taxes;

    12. Notes the plan for the automotive sector and the measure for additional flexibility for the calculation of manufacturers’ compliance with CO2 emissions performance standards; considers this insufficient and largely inadequate to address the challenges faced by the sector; urges the Commission to promptly review Regulation (EU) 2019/631[2], particularly by lifting the ban on combustion engine vehicles and removing the sanctions regime; strongly emphasises that technological neutrality is crucial for ensuring sustainable and competitive industry, and calls, therefore, on the Commission to revise the regulation accordingly by fully considering all relevant technological developments, including biofuels;

    13. Notes that raw materials supply remains a strategic vulnerability, with the EU heavily dependent on non-EU suppliers for critical raw materials, requiring an urgent scaling-up of domestic mining, refining and battery recycling capabilities in a technology neutral, publicly accepted way; recalls the need to implement the Critical Raw Materials Act[3] and the Net Zero Industry Act[4] properly and to significantly strengthen industrial and raw materials diplomacy to access new markets via trade and partnership agreements, as well as special critical raw materials access agreements; stresses the crucial importance of catalysing investment to develop a domestic supply chain, ensuring its competitiveness and strategic autonomy;

    14. Stresses that the European Court of Auditors has highlighted[5] the Commission’s inability to achieve the target of capturing 20 % of the global semiconductor market by 2030 through the Chips Act[6]; calls, therefore, on the Commission to confront reality and revise its strategy accordingly, by setting clearer and more measurable objectives, ensuring proportionate and secured funding and promoting the integration of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the entire semiconductor value chain;

    15. Stresses that EU industry is struggling not only a result of European environmental policies but also because of the overregulation that characterised the previous legislative term; urges the Commission to launch a broad process of genuine simplification and, where appropriate, deregulation; endorses simplification and digitalisation for speeding up administrative procedures; notes the omnibus simplification packages recently presented by the Commission; observes that these highlight flawed or missing impact assessments in the adoption of a number of major legislative measures during the previous term, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive[7] and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive[8]; affirms the need, in the current context of overregulation and excessive administrative burdens, as well as heavy obligations on businesses, to repeal this legislation; underlines, in any event, the importance of safeguarding smaller enterprises;

    16. Affirms the need to create a truly enabling environment for SMEs, which have been particularly affected by the crisis and represent 99 % of all European businesses; recalls the importance of avoiding any form of discrimination against small businesses that choose to remain small, while continuing to contribute to the economic and social prosperity of the territories in which they operate; calls for accessible funding for SMEs and small mid-caps and further improvements and harmonisation to simplify funding applications, reduce reporting obligations and fast-track small projects; stresses that the new EU-level statute for small mid-caps must not compromise or alter the current classification of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; underlines that the establishment of the small mid-caps category should not divert attention or resources away from micro and small enterprises, which have distinct needs and priorities; calls, therefore, on the Commission to adopt the necessary measures and safeguards, and to establish thresholds that reflect the actual conditions regarding turnover and number of employees in the Member States;

    17. Notes the proposed simplification of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) in the first omnibus package; recalls that the CBAM was introduced to compensate for the effect of the EU emissions trading system (ETS) in order to tackle carbon leakage; underlines that the CBAM, as currently designed, in parallel with the phasing out of the ETS free allowances, will not ensure a level playing field and will undermine competitiveness by increasing production costs and the administrative burden for EU companies; calls for the ETS and the CBAM to be entirely reassessed in the upcoming revision;

    18. Expresses concern about the ongoing negotiations on the reform of Regulation (EU) 2019/452[9], which establishes a framework for the screening of foreign direct investment into the Union; is particularly concerned about the excessive centralisation of control in the hands of the Commission at the expense of the authority of Member States, including those that already have effective national measures in place to protect strategic sectors that are crucial to national interest; underlines that national security and maintenance of public order are, in fact. exclusive Member State competences;

    19. Stresses the critical importance of preserving industrial activity and employment in the EU; warns that misguided industrial policies can have severe repercussions on jobs; underlines the urgent need to equip the European workforce with the necessary skills to adapt to the ongoing digital and industrial transformations, especially in remote and rural areas; calls for increased investment and a comprehensive industrial skills strategy; calls for the adoption of effective measures to address the alarming phenomenon of brain drain;

    20. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Diverting ships to third-country ports – E-001500/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    All sectors, including maritime transport, need to contribute to the EU climate neutrality goal by 2050. The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime are key policies to achieve this objective.

    In its report[1] on the monitoring of the implementation of the ETS Directive[2] in relation to maritime transport, the Commission did assess trends on port connectivity using data on port liner shipping connectivity index.

    The analysis revealed no significant difference in the evolution of connectivity of EU transhipment ports compared to neighbouring non-EU transhipment ports. It, however, showed the high impact of the Red Sea crisis on maritime traffic in 2024.

    The Commission also assessed planned investments in ports, both in the EU and neighbouring countries, showing no noticeable turnaround compared to ongoing trends.

    The Commission will continue closely monitoring the situation, and will take action if needed. The Commission will also continue analysing greenhouse gas emissions in its regular annual reports, with the next one covering 2024 data expected towards the end of the year.

    The forthcoming EU Port Strategy will look at all major issues facing ports. It will notably focus on security and competitiveness. Social aspects, including the need to ensure safe and secure working conditions, will also be covered.

    The implementing act[3] identifying neighbouring container transhipment ports must be updated every two years. The next update is foreseen by end 2025, based on the criteria defined in the legislation.

    • [1]  COM(2025) 110 final — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0110.
    • [2] Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).
    • [3] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2297 of 26 October 2023 identifying neighbouring container transhipment ports pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.
    Last updated: 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Presses Attorney General On Ed Martin’s Planned Partisan Weaponization Of Justice Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    June 12, 2025
    After his failed nomination to be U.S. Attorney for DC, Ed Martin was installed in various Justice Department roles and has publicly vowed to target Trump’s enemies
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi on Ed Martin’s stated plans to abuse his positions at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to help President Trump’s friends and punish his perceived enemies.
    After Mr. Martin’s failed nomination to be U.S. Attorney for D.C. was withdrawn, President Trump appointed him to serve in non-Senate-confirmed positions like Pardon Attorney and Director of the Weaponization Working Group. He is the first political appointee to ever hold the role of Pardon Attorney.
    Durbin began by citing concerning comments by Mr. Martin at a DOJ press conference on May 13 and subsequent interview with Tucker Carlson, writing: “Following his disgraceful tenure as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Mr. Martin apparently plans to continue his misconduct in his new roles at DOJ… These statements are a brazen admission that Mr. Martin plans to systemically violate the Justice Manual’s prohibition on extrajudicial statements by shaming uncharged parties for nakedly partisan reasons.  This plan clearly violates Mr. Martin’s obligations under the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibit prosecutors from ‘mak[ing] extrajudicial comments which serve to heighten condemnation of the accused.’ Weaponizing DOJ in this manner will further undermine the public’s trust in the department in irreparable ways.”
    Durbin continued by highlighting several abuses of power by Mr. Martin since becoming Pardon Attorney, writing: “As the first political appointee to ever hold this position, Mr. Martin has overseen pardons of numerous Trump supporters and donors. Last month President Trump pardoned nursing home executive Paul Walczak for tax fraud just three weeks after Walczak’s mother paid $1 million to attend a Trump fundraiser. He pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, conservative reality television stars and ‘vocal supporters of President Trump,’ for bank fraud and tax evasion. The President pardoned Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola electric vehicle company, after Milton donated nearly $2 million to the Trump campaign last year. He also pardoned former Republican Congressmen Michael Grimm for tax fraud and former Republican Governor John Rowland for public corruption. In the aftermath of these scandalous pardons, Mr. Martin tweeted: ‘No MAGA left behind.’”
    Durbin then cited Mr. Martin’s personal advocacy for pardoning violent insurrectionists, writing: “Mr. Martin has also personally advocated pardoning Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and others who were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their role in planning and instigating the violence against law enforcement on January 6, 2021. These 11 individuals already received commutations of their sentences from President Trump on January 20, 2025, despite showing no remorse for their crimes. No developments in the four months since their commutations justify any consideration of their pardon applications, yet Mr. Martin has fast-tracked them for consideration by the White House immediately after their submission.”
    Durbin then renewed two delinquent oversight requests from letters sent to Attorney General Bondi regarding the pardons of January 6th insurrectionists and the presidential pardon power.
    Durbin concluded with a request for memoranda, correspondence, and other records authorizing Mr. Martin to pursue these plans and their legal justification.
    For a PDF copy of the letter to Attorney General Bondi, click here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Rips Governor Hochul For Sanctuary Policies Like New York’s Green Light Law During Oversight Committee Hearing

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) ripped New York Governor Hochul for her dangerous Green Light Law that has allowed criminal illegal immigrants to be shielded from federal immigration officials. Mr. Langworthy correctly pointed out the absurdity that New York officials share DMV data with Canadian officials but America’s own law enforcement officers are unable to access the information, putting the safety of officers and the public at risk. He also cited the case of Peruvian national Gianfranco Torres-Navarro, wanted for 23 murders, who was in the country illegally, hiding in plain sight in Upstate New York thanks to New York’s sanctuary status.

    NL: Governor Hochul, yes or no? Do you think someone who’s committed murder or rape in this country, in that they’re here illegally, should have tools at their disposal to avoid deportation?

     

    KH: As the governor, it’s my primary responsibility is to protect the people of New York. Those crimes are abhorrent.

     

    NL: Whatever response you prepared to give today dwarfs in comparison to your actions as governor. I would like to remind you of someone named Gianfranco Torres Navarro, an illegal alien and suspected leader of a violent Peruvian gang. He was tied to 23 murders in Peru and came to this country illegally across the southern border. He had his victims’ faces tattooed on his body, and he was hiding in plain sight in Endicott, New York for an extended period of time where ICE could not locate him. And why did it take so long to find him?

     

    Because policies like your Green Light Law, which blocks ICE and US Border Patrol from accessing critical DMV databases. In fact, it threatens the badges and threatens to charge with felonies any officer that shares that DMV data with federal agents. These agents rely on data to be able to know who they’re pulling over on the side of the road. They’re taking their lives into their hands every time they’re trying to, you know, keep our street safe. The really sick irony here is that your government in New York, my home state freely shares that same DMV data with the government of Canada at our bridges in you and my hometown, but it doesn’t share that data with your American federal government. Why governor?

     

    KH: You’re misstating the Green Light Law because we are able to cooperate with federal authorities when there’s a crime involved.

     

    NL: Why do you shield the database, Governor?

    KH: Anything they want from us related to investigating a crime is available.

     

    NL: This is data that’s needed in real time to enforce the laws on the streets. They can’t subpoena these records from your government. I’ve had these conversations with my county sheriffs. All across the state of New York State, state police, they want to work with the federal officials. They want to clean up these messes, but they can’t because they were being threatened by you and our Attorney General, that they’ll take away their badge and end their careers. 

    KH: There have been countless, countless instances where we’ve cooperated with federal law enforcement, happens on a daily basis. And so, your characterization is just incorrect of how we provide information to people who ask for it. 

    NL: You share the database in its entirety with Canada, but you don’t share it with the federal government. It’s beyond belief. I mean, this is denial and excuses. Governor you know damn well that. The New York State Sheriff’s Association, the State Association of Chiefs of Police, have both condemned the Green Light Law. Sheriffs from Erie County, Niagara County, Monroe, Albany, Broome, Duchess, and Oneida Counties. Multiple parties represented here, not just Republicans, have warned that your law ties their hands. It puts officers’ lives in danger, and it shields criminals from accountability. When you refuse to work with law enforcement, when you refuse to hand over data that can protect communities and save lives, you are actively aiding the illegal alien criminals who have crossed our borders and committed violent crimes, and the consequences are not hypothetical.

     

    Your bail reform law is the reason that Laken Riley is dead. He should have been in jail in New York, and he wasn’t. He went to Georgia. He fled our state. Because he should have been in prison. These are tragic and real circumstances. In Buffalo, a Venezuelan illegal immigrant hacked his wife to death with an ax. In Syracuse, an Ecuadorian national strangled, a young woman on her birthday and dumped her body in a park. In Irondequoit, in Monroe County, a Dominican National slaughtered his, an entire family, including two toddlers, and he set their house on fire.

     

    Governor Hochul, you took an oath to serve the citizens of the state of New York, and you’ve allowed violent criminals who came here illegally to hide in plain sight and to avoid federal officials because of your support for the Green Light Law. I mean, this is an abomination. This is not keeping New Yorkers safe.

     

    KH: We turn over the information you’re referring to all the time, you’re misstating, the, the laws and its purpose. We cooperate all the time. 

    NL: As much as I want to believe you, governor, I believe the cops more. I believe the cops that I know and I trust in our, in our same hometown that are out there in the streets every single day. Your laws put lives in danger. Your laws have led to people being murdered. 

    KH: My job is to protect the people of New York, and I fight hard every single day.

    NL: You’re doing a very lousy job of it, Governor. 

    KH: Murder rates are down to historic lows, and we’re working hard to make sure one crime is one too many. I take this very seriously, but we do cooperate when anytime they need help with law enforcement and you’re just refusing the facts… I can’t help you.

     

    NL: I trust the professionals. You and I aren’t police officers. I trust the people out in the field that wear a badge that are honorable, decent, hardworking people, and you, you have a, a record of disrespect to law enforcement. Just like you disrespected every corrections officer in the State of New York. You have a lot of gall to come here and criticize the President for using the National Guard to actually bring law and order to the streets of our country. When you sent those same National Guard officers to become corrections officers, after you destroyed the lives of so many of the hardworking corrections officers of the state, when you broke their union.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “HOUSE REPUBLICANS WILL CONTINUE TO BEHAVE LIKE NOTHING MORE THAN A RECKLESS RUBBER STAMP FOR DONALD TRUMP’S EXTREME AGENDA”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to push back on the extremism being unleashed by House Republicans and the out-of-control Trump administration that is hurting American communities and our national security. 

    LEADER JEFFRIES: From the very beginning of this Congress, House Democrats have made clear that we will work with anyone in this town who is interested in making life better for the American people. House Democrats believe that America is too expensive. We’re committed to lowering housing costs, childcare costs, grocery costs, insurance costs and utility costs. There are far too many people in the United States of America who are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. That should not happen in the wealthiest country in the history of the world.

    Republicans and Donald Trump spent all of last year promising to lower the high cost of living. They haven’t done a damn thing to do it. Not a single thing. Trump promised that costs in America would go down on day one. Costs aren’t going down, they’re going up. Inflation is on the way up. Our credit rating as a country has been downgraded. The bond markets are having an adverse reaction to Trump’s presidency. The Trump tariffs are going to increase costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars a year. Donald Trump and House Republicans are crashing the American economy and are driving us toward a recession.

    Yet House Republicans, later on this afternoon, are going to put forward a reckless rescissions package. It’s going to undermine America’s national security, hurt our ability to protect the American people in terms of their health, their safety and their well-being, including by going after a George W. Bush bipartisan initiative that has saved thousands, actually, hundreds of thousands, actually, millions of lives across the world by combating the HIV and AIDS crisis. And yet Republicans want to rip billions of dollars away from America’s efforts to keep her people safe and secure to satisfy some extreme ideological crusade related to a deeply unpopular effort formerly led by Elon Musk to devastate the American way of life.

    And in all likelihood, every single House Republican, despite the claims that there’s some anxiety, will cave to Donald Trump and vote for the reckless Republican rescissions package. House Republicans aren’t interested in functioning like a separate and co-equal branch of government and holding the Trump administration accountable for its extremism. House Republicans will continue to behave like nothing more than a reckless Rubber Stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda just like they did yesterday. And they’ll do the same thing today in voting to cut programs that are important when it comes to protecting the health, the safety, the national security and the economic well-being of the American people.

    Full press conference can be watched here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF AVELINO SAMUEL

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

    For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
    June 10, 2025                                                   202-808-6129

    PRESS RELEASE

    PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF AVELINO SAMUEL

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement expressing condolences on the passing of Avelino Samuel of St. John:

    “I was very saddened to hear of Avelino’s passing. He was a master craftsman whose skilled hands and artistic vision left an indelible mark on the island of St. John and all who knew him. He was an artist who breathed life into timber, transforming raw materials into works of beauty and function that will endure for generations. His workshop was a place of creation where the rich woods of the Caribbean became furniture, carvings, and treasured pieces that graced homes throughout St. John and beyond. Those who witnessed Avelino at work knew they were observing something special.

    “Beyond his artistry, Avelino was a teacher and mentor who generously shared his knowledge with others, ensuring that the traditions of fine woodworking would continue. His legacy lives on not only in the beautiful pieces he created, but in the skills he passed down and the inspiration he provided to fellow craftsmen. The island of St. John has lost a true artisan, and our community mourns the passing of a man whose creativity and dedication enriched our lives. Avelino Samuel’s memory will be preserved in every piece he crafted and in the hearts of all who appreciated his extraordinary talent.

    “I send my prayers for comfort and peace to Avelino’s loved ones, family, former students and his many friends.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Carter Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing and Our Health Care Supply Chain

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Chairman Carter Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing and Our Health Care Supply Chain

     WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled Made In America: Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing And The Health Care Supply Chain.

    Subcommittee Chairman Carter’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

    “Today’s hearing is critical in addressing our nation’s reliance on adversarial countries for essential medications and health care products. This dependence not only jeopardizes our national security and patient safety, but also highlights the urgent need to increase domestic and friend-shored manufacturing.

    “Let me be clear: The United States should never be dependent on the Chinese Communist Party for the antibiotics and essential medicines. But that’s exactly the dangerous position we are in today.

    “In 2002, the United States manufactured 72 percent of the pharmaceuticals it consumed. By 2023, that number had dropped to just 37.5 percent. We didn’t just outsource manufacturing—we outsourced the sovereignty and safety of our health care system.

    “We saw the impacts of this reliance firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a conversation I had with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, or ASPR, under the Trump Administration, the United States saw a downtick in the amount of PPE and pharmaceuticals coming to our country from China in the fall of 2019. We didn’t learn about COVID-19 until January 2020.

    “China knew there was an unidentified sickness in its own country, concealed it, and then withheld medical supplies so the United States was less prepared when COVID-19 hit our shores.

    “As both a pharmacist and a member of Congress, I know how critical these medicines and supplies are — especially for our national security. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, over 323 drugs were in shortage during the first quarter of 2024 – an all-time high – and cancer patients were often forced to switch treatments, adjust dosage regimens, or, in extreme cases, unable to receive their lifesaving medications. There was no comprehensive effort to support American manufacturers or reduce our reliance on foreign supply chains.

    “That is unacceptable.

    “Thankfully, President Trump is taking meaningful action by demanding real investment in our domestic production base and putting an end to decades of failed ‘America Last’ policies that left our supply chains hollowed out and put our patients, constituents, and families at risk.

    “Under the leadership of President Trump, we are bringing manufacturing back to America. Since the start of this year – the start of President Trump’s second term – Johnson & Johnson broke ground on a new $2 billion facility in North Carolina, Amgen announced a $900 million manufacturing expansion in Ohio, AbbVie committed $10 billion to invest in the United States, and Sanofi announced plans to invest at least $20 billion. 

    “And these are just a few examples. This is just the start. 

    “I look forward to hearing from my other colleagues about the recent investments in their districts and states during this hearing today, and I am thrilled to see what additional investments continue to flow and thrive under an Administration focused on unleashing innovation and bringing capacities back home. 

    “Along those lines, I commend recent efforts by this Administration to bolster domestic production, but we must do our part in Congress as well. This hearing will make it clear that more can be done to eliminate burdensome regulatory barriers, streamline processes that impede our competitiveness on the global stage, and establish the proper incentives to ensure we are creating the environment to allow innovation to flourish. 

    “It is no coincidence that Georgia – the No. 1 state in the nation to do business – is home to Manus Bio, who has invested nearly $60 million and created over 100 jobs with the acquisition of a new manufacturing facility in Augusta. We need more policies at the federal level that mirror the pro-growth examples we have in the state of Georgia. 

    “That is why House Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which incentivizes domestic medical supply production by rewarding companies that build their products in America, like USAntibiotics, who is the last remaining end-to-end domestic U.S. manufacturer of amoxicillin, the most prescribed antibiotic in the country. 

    “This is about protecting American lives, empowering American workers, restoring American sovereignty, and reinforcing U.S. leadership in medical innovation.

    “China is not our friend. Every product component that then turns into a vial of medicine or a piece of medical equipment that is made in China is a missed opportunity to strengthen our economy and protect our people.

    “It is time to act. We need to view pharmaceutical and health care supply chain independence just as we are viewing energy independence. I am proud to stand with President Trump and all those committed to putting America First in our health care system—starting with the medicines we rely on every day.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Retired Military Leaders File Brief in Support of California’s Lawsuit Challenging Unlawful Federalization of State’s National Guard

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, June 12, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – Yesterday, former secretaries of the Army and Navy and retired four-star admirals and generals filed an amicus brief in support of California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s unlawful orders federalizing the California National Guard and deploying Marines to Los Angeles:

    “The United States military is not primarily a law enforcement organization and is prohibited by law from acting as a domestic police force unless doing so is ‘expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress’…

    “A bedrock principle of American democracy is that our military is apolitical. Accordingly, United States military personnel are not permitted to engage in political conduct while on duty or to use their military status to endorse political candidates or political causes. Critical to the military’s ability to carry out its core functions is retaining the public’s respect and maintaining cohesion and unity within its ranks—regardless of the political leanings of individual citizens or soldiers. Particular caution is therefore necessary if the U.S. military is to be deployed domestically in the context of a politically charged situation. It is essential that such deployments be a last resort, especially in the context of policing protests and other constitutionally protected speech and activities.

    “For that reason, and as noted above, federal deployments on U.S. soil have been rare, serious, and legally clear. The last major deployment of federal troops domestically occurred during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, at the request of California Governor Pete Wilson and pursuant to the Insurrection Act. That deployment followed widespread violence and looting of businesses, the burning of entire blocks of homes and businesses, and dozens of civilian fatalities. Public reporting from Los Angeles suggests that, notwithstanding troubling incidents of property damage and violence, the recent and ongoing situation appears to be different in kind…

    “The active-duty military and National Guard serve a critical role in U.S. national security. Domestic deployments that fail to adhere to exacting legal requirements and long-established guardrails threaten their core national security and disaster relief missions, put the military at risk of politicization, and pose serious risks to both servicemembers and civilians.

    “We appreciate the Court’s due consideration of these critical factors in adjudicating Plaintiffs’ Ex Parte Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order.”

    A copy of the brief is available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Office Announces Launch of Funding Opportunity to Support Local Policy Adoption to Advance Climate Goals

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Statewide – Thursday, Jun. 12, 2025 – Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) announced the launch of its Local Implementation, Mitigation, and Policy Action (IMPACT) Accelerator grant program Thursday. This opportunity will provide funding to support local policy adoption that enhances resilience, reduces emissions, and advances other state priorities such as cleaner air, lower energy costs, and more affordable housing. The $50 million available through this program comes from a $129 million federal Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grant (CPRG) that Colorado received last summer. 

    “In Colorado we are continuing to invest in bold climate initiatives that boost local communities capacity to implement clean energy policy, like reducing emissions and lowering energy costs to overall save people money, and help Colorado achieve our climate goals,” said Governor Polis. 

    “Local actions will play a major role in helping us achieve net-zero emissions in Colorado by 2050,” said CEO Executive Director Will Toor. “Local and Tribal governments are uniquely situated to implement a number of policies that reduce emissions in key economic sectors, but often lack capacity to do this important work. The Accelerator provides the support these communities need to pursue policies that will have a longstanding IMPACT locally and across the State.” 

    The Accelerator represents a key step in meeting the vision outlined in the state’s second comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Pollution Reduction Roadmap (“Roadmap 2.0”), which CEO released in February 2024. The Accelerator fulfills a Near Term Action, which called for the creation of a “local Climate Action Accelerator.” 

    This program is designed to maximize emissions reductions by promoting policies that extend beyond state requirements in four categories: buildings, land use, transportation, and waste. Examples of eligible policies in each sector include: 

    • Buildings: Adopting building energy codes that exceed Colorado’s Model codes, establishing energy performance standards, or creating energy efficiency incentives, which could include projects related to developing geothermal systems;
    • Land use: Adopting policies that promote housing, parking management, EV charging, or clean energy development;
    • Transportation: Adopting policies that encourage multimodal transportation infrastructure, prioritize transit options, or create registration incentives for clean vehicles;
    • Waste: Adopting policies to increase waste diversion, promote reuse, or transition refuse and recycling trucks to zero-emission vehicles. 

    Local governments — including cities, counties, and cohorts led by cities/counties — and Tribal governments are eligible to apply for IMPACT Accelerator funding. Applicants may apply for funding to support policy adoption-only or policy adoption and project implementation. Funding may not cover project implementation alone. 

    CEO expects to award approximately $2 million per award to develop new policies and implement related projects, though award amounts may vary depending on the project. A 5% local match is required; however, to ensure equitable access to this funding, low-income communities and Tribal Governments may qualify for a 0% match. CEO will also prioritize awards for projects that target benefits toward primarily low-income populations. 

    The first round of applications for the Local IMPACT Accelerator grant program will open June 16 and close August 1, 2025. Applicants will first submit a Letter of Intent to CEO and will receive feedback on the proposal as well as an “encouraged” or “discouraged” designation before submitting a full application in the fall. CEO will host an informational webinar about the grant and the application process on June 17 at 11:00 AM MT, followed by a Question & Answer webinar on July 1 at 10:00 AM MT. CEO plans to open a second funding round for this program later this year. More information about the program, including timelines for each funding round and the complete program guidance, is available on the Local IMPACT Accelerator webpage. 

    The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) also received a CPRG implementation grant. Jurisdictions in DRCOG territory may apply for both DRCOG and CEO funding. Details about how to apply to both programs are available in the program guidance on the Accelerator webpage. Learn more about DRCOG funding. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Issues Notices of Termination for the CHNV Parole Program, Encourages Parolees to Self-Deport Immediately

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    This program was abused by the previous administration to admit hundreds of thousands of poorly vetted illegal aliens into the United States

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began sending termination notices to aliens paroled into the United States (U.S.) under a Biden-era parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV). 

    The messages informed the illegal aliens both their parole is terminated, and their parole-based employment authorization is revoked – effective immediately. These notices will be sent to the email addresses provided by the parolees.

    “The Biden Administration lied to America. They allowed more than half a million poorly vetted aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela and their immediate family members to enter the United States through these disastrous parole programs; granted them opportunities to compete for American jobs and undercut American workers; forced career civil servants to promote the programs even when fraud was identified; and then blamed Republicans in Congress for the chaos that ensued and the crime that followed,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Ending the CHNV parole programs, as well as the paroles of those who exploited it, will be a necessary return to common-sense policies, a return to public safety, and a return to America First.” 

    Starting in 2022, the Biden administration released over 500,000 poorly vetted aliens into the U.S. under the CHNV parole program. President Trump canceled this program, and the Supreme Court upheld this cancellation on May 30, 2025. DHS is now notifying parole recipients if they have not obtained lawful status to remain in the U.S., they must leave immediately.

    DHS encourages any illegal alien residing in the U.S. to self-deport with the CBP Home Mobile App. If they do so, they will receive travel assistance and a $1,000 exit bonus upon arrival in their home country.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer: If Russia Wins, America Loses.

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks during the House Appropriations Full Committee Markup of the FY26 Defense Bill. Below is a video and transcript of his remarks:
     

    Click here to watch a full video of his remarks.

    “Thank you, Mr. Chairman [the budget was due] on February 3rd. (checks microphone) Seems to be on, it’s not working? It is not down. But when Mr. Vought appeared before our subcommittee, he told us why. Not because he doesn’t have it, not because you can’t give us the information, but because they have chosen until the reconciliation [passes], they will not give it to us. That is why we don’t have that information on which to act.

    “Now, I’m going to be talking at greater length on Ukraine when Ms. Kaptur offers her amendment. But let me say this. Last night I met with a group of Ukrainians. One of them was Sergeant Andrei Smolenskyi. He’s receiving treatment at Walter Reed for wounds he sustained fighting Russian invaders. He lost his eyesight. He lost both arms, but he has not lost his determination to make Ukraine free and whole once more. Let us not lose our determination to do the same. That’s what strength looks like. He came to our Capitol, asked for us to stand with Ukraine. So sad that he had to ask, I thought we did stand with Ukraine. Frankly, Mr. Trump, Mr. Vance, Mr. Hegseth, Mr. Rubio, Ms. Gabbard have put that at risk almost every time they talk. If Russia wins, America loses. Mr. Rogers, the Chairman of our Armed Services Committee, says – the Mike Rogers – says, that if – [he] puts in a different way: He says Russia must lose this war or the message we send will be louder than all the dollars we put in this bill.

    “I hope every one of us will support the Castor amendment – Kaptur amendment, I’m going to talk more about it. Putin – I’ve said this before, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, Khomeini and the rest of their axis of aggression are watching us right now with this bill. Legislation like this, even when it fails to become law, makes America look weak, timid, lacking resolve, and uncommitted to defending freedom here and around the world from dictators, despots, and international war criminals. So do the reckless terminations of civilian national security employees and top-ranking military officers. We have to reject this bill and work on a bipartisan alternative to address these issues if we are to reaffirm our strength to the world.

    “I have voted for 90% of the defense bills that have gone through this House in the last 44 years. I believe that America needs to have a strong defense. A defense which surpasses all other in the world, a military that has the equipment and the training to be the best in the world when we put them at the point of the spear. Since Russia’s invasion in 2022 of Ukraine, this Congress has had at least 12 votes on the issue of supporting Ukraine. On average, 80% of the Congress of the House of Representatives has voted to support Ukraine. 80%, eight out of ten. Both sides, except on one vote, had a majority of their members voting to help Ukraine. And yet this bill withdraws money to do exactly what 80% of this Congress is committed to do.

    “I’m going to talk more about what Senator McConnell has to say about this and what Senator – what President Kennedy had to say about it. Suffice it now to say that we need to demonstrate our resolve, and we can do it today on our voting in this, in this House. Sergeant Smolenskyi and thousands of others in Ukraine, but millions and billions of others throughout the world count on America. Let’s not let them down. I yield.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Gomez and DelBene Continue Their Fight to Expand Affordable Housing for Extremely Low-Income Households

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Representatives Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) — Chair of the Congressional Renters Caucus — and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) reintroduced their Affordable Housing Equity Act of 2025, legislation that would strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) by providing a targeted basis boost for housing developments that serve extremely low-income (ELI) households.

    “We’re in a housing crisis, and the families hit hardest are the ones with the fewest options,” said Rep. Gomez. “This bill delivers targeted help to the lowest-income renters by supercharging the most effective affordable housing tool we have. It’s a smart, urgent step to tackle housing affordability and build equity from the ground up.”

    “Too many families are being priced out of their communities and left without stable housing,” said Rep. DelBene. “The Affordable Housing Equity Act strengthens one of our most effective affordable housing production tools, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, to better serve the families most in need. This legislation ensures that these households aren’t left behind in the fight for more affordable housing.” 

    The Affordable Housing Equity Act of 2025 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the eligible basis by up to 50% for residential units designated for households earning no more than 30% of area median income (AMI) or 100% of the federal poverty line, whichever is greater. Housing initiatives must set aside at least 20% of units for ELI renters and be designated by the housing credit agency as needing the boost for financial feasibility.

    The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is the federal government’s primary tool to encourage the construction and rehabilitation of rental units that families can afford. While existing law allows for a 30% boost in certain areas, those provisions don’t consistently support developments serving extremely low-income renters. The Affordable Housing Equity Act of 2025 closes that gap by creating a national standard tailored to ELI households. The bill applies to new housing credit allocations made after the date of enactment and to tax-exempt bond-financed projects issued after December 31, 2025.

    You can read the full bill text HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces JetZero Selects North Carolina for $4 Billion Airplane Manufacturing Hub, Creating 14,500 Jobs in Guilford County in Largest Job Commitment in State History

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces JetZero Selects North Carolina for $4 Billion Airplane Manufacturing Hub, Creating 14,500 Jobs in Guilford County in Largest Job Commitment in State History

    Governor Stein Announces JetZero Selects North Carolina for $4 Billion Airplane Manufacturing Hub, Creating 14,500 Jobs in Guilford County in Largest Job Commitment in State History
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced JetZero, Inc., a breakthrough aviation company, will invest more than $4.7 billion in Greensboro to build its first commercial airplane manufacturing facility at the Piedmont Triad International Airport. The project will create more than 14,560 jobs for Guilford County by 2063, the largest economic development project in North Carolina history based on job commitment.

     

    “I am thrilled to welcome JetZero and its 14,000 good-paying jobs and unprecedented innovation to Guilford County,” said Governor Josh Stein. “From first in flight to now the future of flight, North Carolina and our skilled workforce is soaring.”

     

    JetZero is a start-up airplane designer and manufacturer of the Z4, a blended-wing body jet, which blends the wings and fuselage, enabling the entire wingspan to produce lift. Founded in 2020, the California-based company has partnerships with NASA, Siemens, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and suppliers including RTX and BAE Systems. JetZero will build an advanced manufacturing facility for a first-of-its-kind commercial all-wing jet, as well as a state-of-the-art research and development center for composite structures. Its unique design uses technological advancements to help lower carbon emissions, burn less fuel, and enhance the experience of its travelers. 

      

    “North Carolina offers the ideal combination of talent, infrastructure, and forward-thinking leadership to support our mission to reshape aviation,” said Tom O’Leary, CEO and co-Founder of JetZero. “This facility is a critical milestone in bringing our all-wing Z4 to market. I applaud the leadership of Governor Josh Stein and his team as well as the leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly, and whole host of local leaders and organizations for working with us to bring JetZero to North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation.”

     

    “With an internationally recognized aerospace cluster of more than 400 companies and major aviation hubs across the state, North Carolina is a top choice for manufacturers and suppliers,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “JetZero will benefit from our Tier 1 research institutions and community colleges, ecosystem of industry partnerships, and strong infrastructure, helping them soar in North Carolina and beyond.”

     

    New jobs for the company include engineers, manufacturing specialists, and technicians. While salaries for the positions will vary, the average annual salary is expected to be $89,340, which exceeds the Guilford County average of $60,195. These new jobs could create a potential annual payroll impact of more than $1.3 billion for the region.

     

    JetZero’s operation in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Transformative-class Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) awarded to JetZero, Inc., which was approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 37-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $259.4 billion. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the 14,564 new jobs and capital investment, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $1,017,775,800, spread over 37 years. 

     

    Should JetZero create and maintain at least 10,000 jobs, the threshold for the JDIG’s transformative qualities will be reached, which allows for grant payments to be made for up to 29 years as long as performance targets are maintained.

     

    Like all grants from the JDIG program, any state payments only occur following performance verification each year by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets.

     

    The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 274 percent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost to the state, the state receives $3.74 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.

     

    Because JetZero chose a site in Guilford County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 2, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving as much as $113 million into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account.  The Utility Account helps rural communities anywhere in the state finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business.

     

    The state also anticipates providing additional support of publicly owned infrastructure to the project by means of a state appropriation of as much as $450 million, to cover site preparations; road, water, and wastewater improvements, as well as the construction of the manufacturing and research and development facility. The funding will be administered by the N.C. Department of Commerce and provided to Piedmont Triad International Airport, the N.C. Department of Transportation, and the City of Greensboro.

     

    “JetZero’s decision to come to the Triad solidifies North Carolina’s status as a leader in aerospace innovation,” said Senator Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate. “Our state’s high-tech manufacturing renaissance wouldn’t be possible without the General Assembly’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment by lowering taxes, cutting red tape, and supporting world-class educational opportunities.”  

     

    “With 14,000 new jobs and nearly $5 billion dollars in investment, this project represents a transformational step forward for Guilford County and North Carolina,” said Senator Sydney Batch, Senate Democratic Leader. “Projects like this create a ripple effect that strengthens our entire state by supporting families, growing local economies, and creating more promising futures for everyone. I’m so grateful for the hard work Governor Stein, Secretary Lilley, and the Commerce Department put in to bring this across the finish line.”

     

    “Today’s announcement is a huge win for Greensboro, Guilford County, and our entire state,” said Speaker of the House Destin Hall. “JetZero’s decision to build its cutting-edge aerospace facility here proves what we’ve long known — North Carolina’s strong business environment makes our state ripe for innovation. This $4.7 billion investment and the creation of over 14,000 high-paying jobs will be a generational boost for our workforce and our future.”  

     

    “I am proud to see JetZero choose the Triad as the site of their new facility,” said Representative Robert Reives, House Democratic Leader. “Our state has some of the brightest talent in the world who are up to this challenge. We will continue to attract these investments and cement our state’s status as the place for aerospace manufacturing in the nation and world.”

     

    “This announcement is a transformative win for Guilford County and the entire state of North Carolina,” said Senator Michael Garrett. “The magnitude of this investment is a vote of confidence in our world-class workforce to fill these great-paying jobs, and proof that our community is an ideal place for new companies and ideas to launch into a bright future.”  

     

    “Today is a celebration of the intentional efforts that we’re making to transition the Triad to an innovation economy,” said Representative John Blust. “This is an historic day for all of us, and we applaud the collaboration of elected officials, economic developers, and workforce professionals throughout the state that helped JetZero make their decision to call Greensboro and PTI home.”

    In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Carolina Community College System, Guilford Tech Community College, Forsyth Tech Community College, the University of North Carolina System, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Golden LEAF Foundation, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, Piedmont Triad Airport Authority, Piedmont Triad Partnership, Guilford County Economic Development Alliance, Guilford County, GuilfordWorks, Forsyth County, the Greensboro Chamber, High Point Economic Development Corporation, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., City of Greensboro, City of High Point, and City of Winston-Salem.

    When career opportunities at JetZero become available, they will be posted to NCworks.gov, the state’s leader in connecting employers with skilled talent

    Jun 12, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Logent Group acquires HUB logistics Finland Oy and announces the intention to issue subsequent notes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Logent Finland Bidco Oy, an indirect subsidiary of SSCP Lager BidCo AB (publ) (“Logent” or the “Company”) has entered into an agreement with the shareholders of the Finnish entity HUB logistics Finland Oy (“HUB logistics” or the “Target”) to acquire all the shares in the Target (the “Acquisition”). The closing of the Acquisition is expected to take effect on 23 June 2025 and is subject to customary conditions precedents.

    Logent has mandated Nordea Bank Abp and Pareto Securities AS as joint bookrunners to arrange credit investor meetings commencing on 13 June 2025 for the placement of subsequent senior secured notes under the terms and conditions of the Company’s outstanding notes loan 2023/2026 with ISIN SE0021021193 (the “Subsequent Notes Issue”). A capital markets transaction with an expected volume of SEK 200 million will follow. The Company has received binding subscription applications corresponding to the full amount of the Subsequent Notes Issue.

    The net proceeds from the Subsequent Notes Issue will be applied towards consummation of the Acquisition, financing transaction costs and general corporate purposes. Following the Subsequent Notes Issue, the aggregate outstanding nominal amount under the notes loan is expected be SEK 1,050 million.

    The Acquisition in brief and financial effects

    Joining forces in Finland will complement Logent’s and HUB logistics’ strengths, service offerings and enhance the value Logent can deliver to its customers in the Finnish market and in Northern Europe more broadly.

    After closing of the Acquisition, Logent is expected to generate rolling 12-month pro forma Net Sales of approximately SEK 2.7 billion and Adj. EBITDA (pre-IFRS 16) of approximately SEK 270 million, as of the first quarter of 2025. The incurrence testing date for the Subsequent Notes Issue will be 3 June, 2025, at which the Company reports a pro forma net debt position (incl. consummation of the Acquisition) of approximately SEK 1,010 million (pre-IFRS 16).

    Nordea Bank Abp and Pareto Securities AS are acting as Joint Bookrunners in connection with the Subsequent Notes Issue. Snellman Advokatbyrå AB acts as legal advisor to the Company and Gernandt & Danielsson Advokatbyrå KB acts as legal advisor to the Joint Bookrunners.

    For further information, please contact:

    Joel Engström, CEO, telephone number: +46 734 36 36 29, joel.engstrom@logent.se

    This information is of the type that SSCP Lager BidCo AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact persons set out above, on 12-06-2025 at 20:12 CET/CEST.

    About Logent Group
    Logent is an independent logistics partner, with a Nordic base present in Northern Europe and global networks. We have a wide range of services and create value for our customers through guaranteed cost and quality improvements. Our service offer include Logistics Services such as Warehouse design and operations, Transport Management and Customs, Port and Terminal operations, Staffing Services and Consulting Services. This means that Logent has grown to a turnover of about SEK 2.4 billion from the start in 2006 and employs approximately 2,800 people in Northern Europe.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Graham: Russia Sanctions Bill Aims to Change Putin’s Calculus, Protect World Order

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    Russia sanctions bill aims to change Putin’s calculus, protect world order

    By Senator Lindsey Graham

    Fox News

    June 12, 2025

    https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/sen-lindsey-graham-russia-sanctions-bill-aims-change-putins-calculus-protect-world-order

    President Donald Trump is making an earnest and sincere effort to secure a ceasefire and an eventual just and honorable end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

    He and his team have engaged Russia’s Vladimir Putin in order to find that pathway forward, but it is clear the only pathway Putin is interested in is military operations in Ukraine and eventually, beyond.

    As a result, the coming days will be extremely consequential for the Kremlin and those who are propping up Putin’s war machine. Additional action from both Europe and the United States is inevitable.

    The Russia-Ukraine war has garnered global attention, not only because of its barbaric nature but also the consequences to world order.

    We have been working with the White House since day one in drafting this package. We now have over 84 Senate cosponsors and 70 House cosponsors of legislation to enact hard-hitting sanctions and tariffs on Russia and its financial backers.

    It is clear to me and virtually every sponsor of the Russia sanctions bill that the way we deal with Putin will either encourage or deter bad actors.

    The purpose of this legislation is to break the cycle of China — a communist dictatorship — buying oil below market price from Putin’s Russia, which empowers his war machine to kill innocent Ukrainian civilians.

    This bill would end that cycle.

    China is watching the United States’ resolve regarding Putin’s effort to dismember Ukraine and possibly other sovereign nations. It is not my goal to humiliate Russia, but it is my goal to make sure that China sees the outcome of this conflict and feels that its efforts to take Taiwan by force would not be in the People’s Republic’s best interest.

    It is also very important that we let Iran and other aggressive nation states know that the price for disrupting world order, seizing other nation’s land and trying to dominate their neighbors is not worth it.

    I have been incredibly impressed with Europe’s recent resolve, both in toughening sanctions and investing in their military. Europe is answering President Trump’s call to increase defense spending to 5% of their gross domestic product.

    As a result of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, NATO is bigger and tougher than ever. However, it is important that we continue to act decisively to end this war not only soon, but in the right way.

    Unfortunately, the more we engage Putin, the more aggressive he gets. It’s time to change the game.

    New European sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors were released this week, and they are more hard-hitting than ever. This package also singles out Chinese business entities for their financial support of the war and recommends lowering the price that Europe pays for Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, in order to drive down Russian revenues that allow Putin’s bloodbath to continue.

    As to the Russia sanctions bill in the U.S. Congress, overwhelming support continues to build. Our goal is to give President Trump more leverage to end this war quickly.

    This bicameral, bipartisan bill is simple – and we’ve made some important changes.

    1. If a country doesn’t do business with Russia, the sanctions and tariffs don’t apply.
    2. If a country does business with Russia, but they also help Ukraine militarily and economically, there’s a 270-day exception on sanctions and tariffs being imposed. There will be additional waivers as well, including a presidential waiver for sanctions and other measures that mirrors language used in the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) signed into law by President Trump in 2017.
    3. If a country buys cheap Russian oil and gas and other products and doesn’t help Ukraine, they are screwed. That is the price for propping up Putin’s war machine.

    The United States and our allies have paid a price in the past to maintain freedom and order, and we shall again.

    Republican Lindsey Graham represents South Carolina in the United States Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warnock Successfully Pushes Trump Administration to Rehire Hundreds of Unfairly Fired CDC Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Warnock Successfully Pushes Trump Administration to Rehire Hundreds of Unfairly Fired CDC Workers

    Following a months-long pressure campaign from Senator Reverend Warnock, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reportedly reinstating more than 400 people who were unfairly fired
    The news follows previous successful efforts by Senator Warnock to pressure the administration to reinstate CDC probationary staff and fellows who work on public health threats
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “I have been pressuring this administration for months to reinstate unfairly fired workers at the CDC so they can continue doing the critical work of keeping our families and communities safe from infectious diseases and other public health crises. I’m glad they have heard our calls to reverse course”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement regarding his successful efforts to push the Trump Administration to rehire unfairly fired workers at the Georgia-based CDC:

    “The rehiring of hundreds of dedicated health workers, many of whom call Georgia home, is welcome news for those of us who believe that public health is vital to our wellbeing and safety—not a political game. I have been pressuring this administration for months to reinstate unfairly fired workers at the CDC so they can continue doing the critical work of keeping our families and communities safe from infectious diseases and other public health crises. I’m glad they have heard our calls to reverse course and have seen the results of their reckless mistakes and rehired some of these workers. But we must remain vigilant, because this administration is determined to dismantle our public health system, which ensures our food and water are safe, our brave servicemembers stay healthy when serving abroad, and top researchers have the resources they need to combat heart disease, maternal mortality, cancer, and diabetes. I will continue to call for all these unjustly fired workers to be rehired,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

    Last month during a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Senator Warnock demanded answers from the nominee to be the Deputy Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) about the wrongful firings of high-performing public health experts. In April 2025, Senator Warnock rallied in the streets of Atlanta with current and former employees of the CDC to show support for the Georgians who have been callously fired from their life-saving work at the public health institution. In March 2025, Senator Warnock successfully pressured the administration to reinstate CDC probationary staff and fellows who work on public health threats. Last year, the Senator visited the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia for the first time as Senator to learn about the agency’s efforts to protect public health, including work to combat the maternal mortality crisis and how federal funding plays a role in keeping Georgia and the country safe from infectious diseases. During Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s nomination hearing in committee, Senator Warnock spoke at length defending the importance of the CDC which employs over 10,000 hardworking Georgians. Shortly after, the Senator spoke for nearly an hour on the Senate floor, in large part in defense of the CDC’s critical work to defend public health and national security. The Senator continued to pressure HHS Secretary Kennedy to reverse the CDC firings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Champagne meets with provincial and territorial Finance Ministers

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 11, 2025 – Ottawa, ON

    The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, convened a virtual meeting with provincial and territorial Finance Ministers to advance shared priorities and strengthen Canada’s economic resilience.

    The Minister opened the discussion with an update on Canada–U.S. relations, emphasizing the federal government’s determination to remove unjustified U.S. tariffs still in force on many Canadian products. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to establishing a renewed economic and security relationship with the United States while strengthening collaboration with reliable trading partners from around the world.

    Minister Champagne highlighted Canada’s leadership on the international stage, notably through its chairing of the recent meeting of G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, which laid the groundwork for next week’s Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. G7 discussions focused on tackling global economic uncertainty, combatting financial crimes, harnessing the potential of digital transformation, and promoting growth and productivity.

    In line with the federal government’s nation-building agenda, the Minister welcomed the growing momentum among provinces and territories to reduce internal trade barriers and unlock the full potential of the Canadian economy. He reiterated the government’s commitment, reflected in Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, aimed at eliminating federal barriers to trade and labour mobility and accelerating transformative projects of national interest.

    The Minister also provided updates on key legislative initiatives that will deliver real results for Canadians. This includes Bill C-4, which proposes a middle class tax cut for nearly 22 million Canadians and removes the Goods and Services Tax for first-time buyers purchasing new homes up to $1 million, and Bill C-2, which strengthens border security to keep communities safe.

    Canada’s Finance Ministers also agreed to remain in close contact in the weeks ahead and keep driving momentum to build the strongest economy of the G7.

    Related Links

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: DarkPulse, Inc. Contracts Kraken International Security Solutions LLC as Part of its Border and Perimeter Security Initiatives

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DarkPulse, Inc. (OTC Pink: DPLS) (“DarkPulse”, “DPLS”, or “the Company”) today announced the signing of a contract for services with Kraken International Security Solutions and its founder Boone Smith, a former Executive Director at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Boone’s more than 24 years of dedicated service with the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Border Patrol—where he held numerous leadership roles across national and border security efforts—adds to the Company’s team of local, state and federal border experts focused on national border and perimeter security technology deployment opportunities.

    “Kraken’s team, including Boone Smith, the company’s founder, brings a wealth of border security expertise that will assist DarkPulse with its endeavor to deploy its sensor systems along national borders,” said Dennis O’Leary, DarkPulse founder and CEO. He continued, “I personally look forward to working with Boone and the rest of his team.”

    Mr. Smith stated, “As the founder of Kraken International Security Solutions LLC, I am excited to partner with DarkPulse Inc. in this important effort to enhance our nation’s border security. DarkPulse’s innovative sensing technology will play a crucial role in providing real-time surveillance and threat detection and helping to secure America’s borders more effectively. We look forward to working together to create a safer future for all Americans.”

    About DarkPulse, Inc.

    DarkPulse, Inc. uses advanced laser-based monitoring systems to provide rapid and accurate monitoring of temperatures, strains, and stresses. The Company’s technology excels when applied to live, dynamic critical infrastructure and structural monitoring, including pipeline monitoring, perimeter and structural surveillance, aircraft structural components and mining safety. The Company’s fiber-based monitoring systems can assist markets that are not currently served, and its unique technology covers extended areas and any event that is translated into the detection of a change in strain or temperature. In addition to the Company’s ongoing efforts with respect to the marketing and sales of its technology products and services to its customers, the Company also continues to explore potential strategic alliances through joint venture and licensing opportunities to further expand its global market position. For more information, visit www.DarkPulse.com

    About Kraken International Security Solutions LLC.

    Founded in 2024 by Mr. Boone Smith, Kraken International Security Solutions LLC draws on decades of expertise in homeland security, border enforcement, and strategic security initiatives. Boone’s more than 24 years of dedicated service with the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Border Patrol—where he held numerous leadership roles across national and border security arenas—guides the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, effective security solutions and operational excellence. His comprehensive experience at various levels of government service enables Kraken to understand and address complex security challenges leveraging a proven combination of skilled personnel, established relationships, advanced technology, and infrastructure positioning Kraken to focus on strengthening security at domestic borders and beyond. Boone’s deep government background allows the firm to develop collaborative, beneficial solutions across all sectors of homeland security, improving response and resilience. With a focus on operational effectiveness, Kraken is dedicated to safeguarding critical assets and enhancing national security through innovative strategies and proven expertise.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this news release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans, and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether because of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Contact info:
    PR@Darkpulse.com
    800-436-1436

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Applauds President Trump for Signing Legislation Ending California EV Mandates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement thanking President Donald J. Trump for signing legislation overturning California’s electric-vehicle mandates:

    “I thank President Trump for signing legislation ending California’s radical EV mandates and restoring consumer choice. This decisive action will lower costs for American families, protect homegrown liquid fuels, support our farmers, and reduce our reliance on China and foreign supply chains. President Trump is keeping his promises to the American people by overturning egregious EV mandates and preventing liberal California policies from spreading nationwide.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Additional £96m for the Crown Prosecution Service

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Additional £96m for the Crown Prosecution Service

    The Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) Spending Review settlement increases the organisation’s funding by more than 10% from 2026 to 2029.

    The Attorney General Lord Hermer KC said:

    The criminal justice system was on the brink of collapse and courts in crisis after fourteen years of neglect. We need to make our streets safe again, while also rebuilding confidence in the system.

    That is why I welcome the Chancellor’s record investment into the future of CPS as part of the government’s Plan for Change to deliver safer streets and swifter justice.

    This additional £96m for the Crown Prosecution Service will help protect victims by tackling the backlog, speeding up justice and unlocking digital developments through AI so we can keep dangerous offenders off our streets – and importantly, deliver a justice system that serves victims.

    Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said:

    The funding announced will help the Crown Prosecution Service meet the significant challenges of the future while focusing on our number one priority: to reduce delays so victims get justice sooner.

    This settlement will mean more prosecutors who can charge cases and get them ready for court, bringing more criminals to justice and giving closure to more victims – which in turn makes our streets safer.

    It will also help unlock the potential of artificial intelligence and other technologies which will mean our prosecutors can work more efficiently, helping us do even more with this much needed funding.

    For background

    The Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) Spending Review settlement increases the organisation’s funding by more than 10% from 2026 to 2029.

    This settlement recognises the significant pressure CPS continues to be under due to increasing demand on the criminal justice system.

    The additional £96m over the Spending Review period will allow CPS to:

    • increase the number of prosecutors
    • build capacity and capability through focused recruitment and development schemes
    • continuously improve the quality and efficiency of CPS’s service
    • enable CPS to continue to play part in the cross-government effort to reduce delays in the justice system
    • invest in improving the experience of the prosecution process for victims and witnesses
    • Further funding will also be made available to develop key digital programmes –Digital Jury Bundles, in-house technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) capability – increasing productivity and efficiency and enhancing the quality of CPS services. 
    • Funding for digital innovation will enable the CPS to drive value for money to create a leaner, more efficient service for victims and witnesses.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Administration Proposal Would Risk Air Quality Across the Nation by Unwinding Power Plant Accountability

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, the Trump Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency proposed to gut air quality standards for power plants across the country, risking the nation’s air quality and slowing progress in the transition to clean energy. Colorado is a national leader in air quality protection through common-sense standards that protect communities and kids, coupled with a strong, free market-driven transition away from polluting fossil fuel power plants to clean, renewable energy. 

    “Coal power is the highest cost form of energy in the grid, and this doesn’t change Colorado’s plan to phase out coal power. Protecting our air quality is critical for the health of our communities and kids. While the Administration’s proposal is disappointing, I am unfortunately not surprised to see the President slash through standards that protect our clean air from reckless polluters and force ratepayers to pay more for high priced legacy coal power. Despite some in Washington, D.C. putting special interests over the health of Americans, Colorado will stay the course and move towards more affordable, resilient, and lower cost energy. We are a leader in air quality protection and investment in the innovative clean energy solutions of the future,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. 

    “Colorado has worked hard to build strong, science-based protections to ensure clean air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “Rolling back these federal safeguards threatens both public health and climate progress, undoing one of the most significant national strategies to cut greenhouse gas pollution from power plants. Regardless of what happens in Washington, Colorado will stay the course, with policies that prioritize the health of our residents, protect the air we breathe, and advance our climate goals.” 

    Under Governor Polis’s leadership, Colorado electric utilities are on track to exceed their goal of 80% pollution reduction by 2030, and are making progress toward 100% clean energy by 2040. Each year in office, Governor Polis has signed legislation and implemented effective policy to accelerate clean energy, lead on climate action, and protect Colorado communities from air pollution. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Peepeekisis Cree Nation breaks ground for new funeral home

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 12, 2025 — Peepeekisis Cree Nation, Treaty 4 Territory, Lorlie, Saskatchewan — Indigenous Services Canada

    Today, community members and leaders of Peepeekisis Cree Nation held a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the construction phase of the Peepeekisis Funeral Home, developed by Peepeekisis Developments LTD. The funeral home will provide a safe space for mourning and celebration, where traditions and cultural practices are respected and honoured.

    The custom-built facility, spanning over 9500 square feet, will offer a variety of services and products, including cremation, caskets, video tributes, obituary writing, and more.

    Indigenous Services Canada provided $1 million in funding to this project through the Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) to support the development, construction, and operation of the new funeral home business.

    The facility is expected to open in early 2026.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Tours Western North Carolina, Touts Hope4NC and Healthy Opportunities Pilots for Supporting Hurricane Helene Recovery

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Tours Western North Carolina, Touts Hope4NC and Healthy Opportunities Pilots for Supporting Hurricane Helene Recovery

    NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Tours Western North Carolina, Touts Hope4NC and Healthy Opportunities Pilots for Supporting Hurricane Helene Recovery
    kcano1

    North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai toured western North Carolina this week, where he learned more about two critical support programs for people recovering from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.

    First, Secretary Sangvai went to Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness in Henderson County to highlight the work of the Hope4NC program, which is delivering critical mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) support for communities in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. 

    Hope4NC crisis counselors on the ground in western North Carolina have delivered life-saving help to thousands of residents impacted by the storm in the past nine months.

    “There is no right or wrong way to feel during and after a catastrophic disaster like Hurricane Helene,” said Secretary Sangvai. “Programs like Hope4NC have been vital to connect people to the care and resources they need when and where they need them.”

    Between September 2024 and May 2025, Hope4NC has supported western North Carolinians and delivered more than 11,300 individual or group counseling services and supportive contacts, more than 200,000 assessments, referrals and media outreach contacts, and answered more than 7,300 calls to their free, confidential 24/7 helpline.

    Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness is a non-profit community organization founded and run by peer support specialists. It offers a safe and relaxed setting where individuals struggling with SUD and/or mental health hurdles can come to receive varying levels of support, free of charge.

    “Hope4NC has been vital in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” said Love and Respect Executive Director Lexie Wilkins. “Our community was in shock and had experienced a traumatic event. We engaged many individuals who may have never utilized our resources otherwise. Partners like Hope4NC came in to stabilize and provided access to resources. Sending North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialists and counselors that our participants could access alongside our services has been life changing. They have given our community a sense of hope.”

    During his visit in western North Carolina, Secretary Sangvai also toured and met with representatives from Caja Solidaria, a human service organization serving Henderson and Transylvania Counties that provides fresh foods for Medicaid-eligible families through the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) program.

    HOP began in 2022 as the nation’s first comprehensive program to test and evaluate the impact of providing select evidence-based, non-medical interventions related to housing, food, transportation and interpersonal safety and toxic stress to high-needs Medicaid enrollees.

    As of April 30, 2025, more than 43,000 people were registered in the pilot program and had received more than one million services across 33 counties. Participants in the HOP program visit the emergency room less often, reducing the cost of needed medical care for enrollees by more than a thousand dollars per person, per year.

    “The Healthy Opportunities Pilot program proves the best way to lower health care costs and create healthier communities is to reduce the need for medical care in the first place and has changed the lives of thousands of people,” Secretary Sangvai said. “I know lawmakers in western North Carolina recognize the incredible impact this program is having, and I am hopeful they are continuing to look for ways to support its future.”

    Current versions of the North Carolina House and Senate budgets do not include any funding for HOP. Without continued funding from the General Assembly, no new services will be possible after June 30, 2025, impacting thousands of people in North Carolina. 

    El Secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Dev Sangvai, recorrió el oeste de Carolina del Norte esta semana, donde aprendió más sobre dos programas de apoyo críticos para las personas que se recuperan de la devastación dejada por el huracán Helene.

    Primero, el secretario Sangvai fue a Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness en el condado de Henderson para destacar el trabajo del programa Hope4NC, que brinda apoyo crítico para la salud mental y el trastorno por consumo de sustancias (SUD, por sus siglas en inglés) a las comunidades del oeste de Carolina del Norte afectadas por el huracán Helene.

    Los asesores de crisis de Hope4NC en el oeste de Carolina del Norte prestaron ayuda para salvar a miles de habitantes afectados por la tormenta en los últimos nueve meses.

    “No hay una manera correcta o incorrecta de sentirse durante y después de un desastre catastrófico como el huracán Helene”, dijo el secretario Sangvai. “Los programas como Hope4NC han sido muy importantes para conectar a las personas con la atención y los recursos que necesitan cuando y donde los necesitan”.

    Entre septiembre de 2024 y mayo de 2025, Hope4NC ha apoyado a los habitantes del oeste de Carolina del Norte y ha brindado más de 11,300 servicios de asesoramiento individual o grupal y contactos de apoyo, más de 200,000 evaluaciones, referencias y contactos de divulgación en los medios, y ha respondido más de 7,300 llamadas a su línea de ayuda gratuita y confidencial las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana.

    Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness es una organización comunitaria sin fines de lucro fundada y dirigida por especialistas en apoyo entre pares. Ofrece un entorno seguro y relajado donde las personas que batallan con SUD u obstáculos de salud mental pueden llegar a recibir diferentes niveles de apoyo, de forma gratuita.

    “Hope4NC ha sido vital a raiz del huracán Helene”, dijo la Directora Ejecutiva de Love and Respect, Lexie Wilkins. “Nuestra comunidad estaba en estado de shock y había experimentado un evento traumático. Involucramos a muchas personas que tal vez nunca hayan utilizado nuestros recursos de otra manera. Socios como Hope4NC llegaron para estabilizar y proporcionar acceso a los recursos. El envío de especialistas y consejeros certificados de apoyo entre pares de Carolina del Norte para que nuestros participantes pudieran acceder junto con nuestros servicios ha cambiado la vida. Le han dado a nuestra comunidad un sentido de esperanza”.

    Durante su visita al oeste de Carolina del Norte, el Secretario Sangvai también realizó una gira y se reunió con representantes de Caja Solidaria, una organización de servicios humanos que presta servicios a los condados de Henderson y Transylvania proporcionando alimentos frescos a las familias elegibles para Medicaid a través del programa Piloto de Oportunidades Saludables (HOP, por sus siglas en inglés).

    HOP comenzó en 2022 como el primer programa integral de la nación para probar y evaluar el impacto de proporcionar intervenciones selectas no médicas basadas en evidencia relacionadas con la vivienda, la alimentación, el transporte, la seguridad interpersonal y el estrés tóxico a los miembros de Medicaid con altas necesidades.

    Al 30 de abril de 2025, más de 43,000 personas estaban registradas en el programa piloto y habían recibido más de un millón de servicios en 33 condados. Los participantes en el programa HOP visitan la sala de emergencias con menos frecuencia, reduciendo el costo de la atención médica necesaria para los miembros en más de mil dólares por persona, por año.

    “El programa Piloto de Oportunidades Saludables demuestra que la mejor manera de reducir los costos de atención médica y crear comunidades más saludables es reducir la necesidad de atención médica en primer lugar y ha cambiado la vida de miles de personas”, dijo el secretario Sangvai. “Sé que los legisladores en el oeste de Carolina del Norte reconocen el increíble impacto que está teniendo este programa, y espero que continúen buscando formas de apoyar su futuro”.

    Las versiones actuales de los presupuestos de la Cámara de Representantes y el Senado de Carolina del Norte no incluyen ningún financiamiento para HOP. Sin el financiamiento continuo de la Asamblea General, no serán posibles nuevos servicios después del 30 de junio de 2025, lo que afectará a miles de personas en Carolina del Norte.

    Jun 12, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Striim Announces Neon Serverless Postgres Support to Broaden Agentic AI Use Cases with Databricks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applications in the AI era depend on real-time data, but data ingestion and integration from legacy architectures often hold them back. Traditional ETL pipelines introduce latency, complexity, and stale intelligence, limiting the effectiveness of LLM-driven applications and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). For enterprises building on the Postgres stack, bridging that gap between operational data and real-time AI is critical.

    Open-source Postgres is widely deployed as the back-end database by developers to address operational requirements. Neon builds on this foundation with a new paradigm for the creation of databases by AI agents. Most recently, Databricks announced Lakebase, based on its acquisition of Neon—a fully managed Postgres database that is a popular choice to build AI Applications on.

    Now, Striim is excited to announce that it is expanding its Postgres offerings with high-throughput ingestion from Neon into Databricks for real-time analytics, as well as high-speed data delivery from legacy systems into Neon for platform and data modernization. Striim’s unified platform further allows vector embeddings to be built within the data pipeline while delivering real-time data into Neon and into Databricks for building Agentic AI use cases.

    Using Striim, developers can seamlessly migrate, integrate, or replicate transactional and event data along with in-flight vector embeddings, enriched context, and cleansed high-quality data from multiple operational stores into Neon. This modern integration allows modern agentic applications to be rapidly built with Neon as the transactional backend.

    With this added capability, organizations can:

    • Seamlessly replicate operational data in real-time from traditional systems like Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, and hundreds of other sources to Neon, with zero downtime and automated schema evolution.
    • Enable real-time ingestion and Change Data Capture (CDC) from Neon into Databricks, ensuring AI models and analytics workloads always operate on fresh data.
    • Fuel Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and generative AI use cases natively within Neon or Databricks with inline data enrichment and vector embeddings.
    • Stream event data from Apache Kafka into Neon in real time, eliminating the need for brittle batch-based integrations.
    • Maintain end-to-end data governance with in-flight AI-driven PII detection and resolution, encryption, and support for customer-managed keys.

    “By extending our platform to support Neon and Databricks, we’re giving Postgres-native teams the tools to build real-time, AI-native architectures without rethinking their stack,” said Alok Pareek, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Engineering and Products at Striim. “Our mission is to help customers modernize from legacy platforms and legacy ETL to real-time agent-incorporated intelligence—and Striim’s Vector Agent and Neon CDC and delivery capabilities bring us one step closer to that future.”

    This expansion builds on Striim’s momentum with Databricks, following the support for Databricks Delta Lake with open Delta table formats, and the launch of SQL2Fabric-X, which unlocks real-time SQL Server data for both Microsoft Fabric and Azure Databricks. With Neon now part of the Striim ecosystem, Postgres users can join this wave of modernization: streaming operational data to fuel AI and analytics without sacrificing performance or reliability.

    To learn more about Striim’s support for Neon and Databricks, visit www.striim.com/connectors/databricks/ or contact our team at sales@striim.com.

    ABOUT STRIIM, INC.
    Striim pioneers real-time intelligence for AI by unifying data across clouds, applications, and databases via a fully managed, SaaS-based platform. Striim’s platform, optimized for modern cloud data warehouses, transforms relational and unstructured data into AI-ready insights instantly with advanced analytics and ML frameworks, enabling swift business action. Striim leverages its expertise in real-time data integration, streaming analytics, and database replication, including industry-leading Oracle, PostgreSQL, MongoDB CDC technology, to achieve sub-second latency in processing over 100 billion daily events for ML analytics and proactive decision-making. To learn more, visit www.striim.com.

    Media Contact:
    Dianna Spring, Vice President of Marketing at Striim
    Phone: (650) 241-0680 ext. 354
    Email: press@striim.com

    Source: Striim, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Micron Announces Massive Chips Investment, Onshoring Production

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Today, the Trump Administration announced a $200 billion investment by Micron Technology, the sole U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced memory chips – only the latest large-scale investment secured since President Donald J. Trump took office.
    The investment includes construction of a second chip fabrication facility in Boise, Idaho, and modernizing its Manassas, Virginia, facility — onshoring production of its advanced DRAM technology from Taiwan for the first time and creating 90,000 direct and indirect jobs.
    It’s all part of President Trump’s commitment to revitalizing American manufacturing and establishing the country as the global leader in technology — particularly in artificial intelligence.
    Since President Trump took office, leading technology companies have pledged trillions of dollars in U.S.-based manufacturing and production, including Project Stargate, Apple, NVIDIA, IBM, TSMC, and others.
    It’s another big win for American workers, national security, and leadership in the world — and the best is yet to come.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New artillery factory opens in Sheffield creating 200 skilled jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    New artillery factory opens in Sheffield creating 200 skilled jobs

    British exports and sovereign manufacturing have been boosted today with the opening of a new state-of-the-art artillery factory in Sheffield, creating 200 skilled British jobs. 

    • State-of-the-art artillery manufacturing facility opens in Sheffield. 
    • Defence Secretary visits new factory, which will create 200 skilled jobs and support more than 60 businesses in the supply chain. 
    • Export deals enable new facility to open, highlighting how defence is an engine for growth and supporting the Government’s Plan for Change. 

    The new factory, run by BAE Systems, was opened by the Defence Secretary John Healey, who visited the site today. The facility positions Sheffield as the home of UK artillery howitzer production, showing how defence is an engine for growth and a foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Successful export deals of more than £25 million made this factory possible, showcasing the British defence industry’s design and engineering prowess globally. It will create apprenticeship opportunities and support 60 businesses across the UK supply chain.

    This comes the week after the Government’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which confirmed a major £6bn commitment to munitions production this parliament, including £1.5bn for an ‘always on’ pipeline for munitions and at least six new energetics and munitions factories, meaning that the UK can innovate and rapidly restock key ammunition.  

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: 

    This new factory is a big boost for South Yorkshire and a significant step forward in strengthening our British defence industrial base. This is a vote of confidence in our world-leading defence sector and good, skilled British jobs, underpinned by this government’s Plan for Change.

    I welcome BAE Systems’ long-term commitment to this new site, which demonstrates how defence can be an engine for growth, bringing investment and opportunities to communities across the UK, including right here in South Yorkshire.

    The facility covers 94,000 sq ft, making it significantly larger than the pitch at Wembley stadium, and will manufacture the only combat-proven 155mm lightweight howitzer in the world, the British M777.

    The investment comes as the UK continues its support for Ukraine, while developing sovereign British manufacturing. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems a contract to deliver 150 British-designed artillery barrels to Ukraine, working with nearby Sheffield Forgemasters to fulfil the government’s commitment.

    Fully operational later this year, the factory will initially focus on M777 lightweight howitzer manufacturing, with capacity to expand production lines. The site will evolve to develop and produce a range of world-class combat systems.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: One Survivor Found After Indian Plane Crash – Media

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    NEW DELHI, June 12 (Xinhua) — One passenger from a plane that crashed in western India has been found alive hours after the tragedy, the Ahmedabad police chief confirmed on Thursday.

    However, the identity of the survivor has not yet been established.

    “Police have found one survivor sitting in seat 11A. He is currently undergoing medical treatment. I cannot say anything about the number of casualties yet. The death toll may increase as the plane crashed in a residential area,” Ahmedabad Police Chief G S Malik was quoted as saying.

    The Air India flight had 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian on board. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat state.

    There were also 12 crew members on board. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: G. Zandanshatar appointed as new Prime Minister of Mongolia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    ULAN BATOR, June 13 (Xinhua) — Mongolian Presidential Administration Chief of Staff Gombojavyn Zandanshatar was appointed as the new prime minister of Mongolia on Friday following a plenary session of the State Great Khural (parliament) of the country.

    His candidacy was submitted to the deputies for consideration by the President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. 92.3 percent of legislators voted for the candidacy of G. Zandanshatar. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Threat of Insurance Inspector Leads to 21-Month Sentence for Springfield Man Convicted of Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    James Elliott was previously convicted in Kansas of aggravated assault, indecent conduct with a child

    BANGOR, Maine: A Springfield man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today for unlawfully possessing a firearm.

    U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced James Elliott, 67, to 21 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Elliott pleaded guilty on February 4, 2025.

    According to court records, in February 2024, a deputy from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report that Elliott had threatened an insurance company home inspector with a firearm. During a search of Elliott’s home in March 2024, deputies found six firearms, including a loaded .44 magnum lever-action rifle. Elliott is precluded from possessing firearms due to two prior felony convictions in the state of Kansas.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, the Maine Warden Service, and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ypsilanti Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Federal Prison on Child Exploitation Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – Mubasher Riaz, 41, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison after having pleaded guilty to charges of coercion and enticement of a minor, 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, in July 2023, local police in Maumee, Ohio, learned that Riaz was messaging a 13-year-old girl, Minor Victim 1 (MV-1) on Snapchat. Communications between Riaz and MV-1 showed that Riaz had requested and received nude images of the minor and that he attempted to gather information about her home with the intent to meet with her to engage in sexual activity.  FBI agents reviewed Riaz’s Snapchat communications and found that Riaz messaged numerous other individuals on Snapchat who identified themselves as minors, some as young as 11 years old. For example, Riaz communicated with Minor Victim 2 (MV-2), who was 13 years old when Riaz contacted her. Riaz drove to MV-2’s foster home and engaged in sexual activity with her in his parked car. Riaz offered MV-1 and MV-2 tobacco and other items in exchange for sex acts. As part of his sentence, Riaz will be required to pay $150,000 in restitution to his minor victims.

    “This defendant preyed in the most disgusting ways on vulnerable girls as young as 11 years old. Those are the actions of an evil man. And we will do everything in our power to prosecute fiends who prowl around pursuing our children,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said.

    “The sentencing of Mubasher Riaz sends a powerful and unequivocal message: those who exploit children will be investigated aggressively and held fully accountable under federal law,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “I commend the exceptional efforts of our Ann Arbor Resident Agency and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. Their unwavering dedication to justice was instrumental in securing this conviction. The FBI in Michigan is resolute in its mission to protect children and ensure that anyone who seeks to harm them will face justice.”

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

    MIL Security OSI –