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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on the Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to the passage of the House Republican budget bill, better known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

    “This legislation is a victory for working Americans across the nation and delivers on our promise to bring tax relief, reduce government waste, and secure our border. It delivers the largest tax cut in American history—returns an average of $5,000 in annual take-home pay to hardworking Americans, makes the Trump Tax Cuts permanent, and increases the child tax credit. By eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, we’re ensuring that workers keep more of their hard-earned income.

    “The reconciliation bill also provides significant relief to seniors through a deduction of taxes on Social Security benefits. It protects America’s family farmers by preventing the death tax from impacting nearly two million farms—safeguarding generational livelihoods. 

    “It also strengthens Medicaid by rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. It removes 1.4 million illegal aliens who are fraudulently receiving benefits—ensuring that Medicaid serves those who need it most: the disabled, children, pregnant women, and seniors. Additionally, by implementing work requirements for able-bodied, working-age adults, we are prioritizing policies that lift Americans out of poverty and promote self-sufficiency. Improving the federal funding formula ensures that states like Wisconsin, who took a responsible/conservative approach to funding Medicaid, are not unfairly treated, allowing BadgerCare to better serve the most vulnerable residents.

    “Recognizing that border security is national security, this bill fully funds the completion of President Trump’s border wall, increases the hiring of additional Border Patrol and ICE agents, and invests in large-scale deportation operations to remove illegal aliens and keep our communities safe.

    “By passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, we’re delivering on the promises made to the American people and putting President Trump’s America First agenda where it belongs—front and center.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Condemns Republican Tax Scam Slashing Social SafetyNet, Harming Illinois Chicago Families; Introduces Amendments to Protect Constituents

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) fiercely denounced the Republican budget proposals that prioritize massive tax giveaways for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, funded by devastating cuts to essential social safety net programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Medicare. These cuts would directly harm hundreds of thousands of residents in Illinois’ First Congressional District and the City of Chicago.

    “The Republican budget is a morally bankrupt document that seeks to balance the books on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens – our children, our seniors, and our working families. To propose a tax scam that lavishes benefits on the ultra-rich while snatching food from hungry mouths and denying essential healthcare to those in need is an outrage,” said Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson. “In the First District and across Chicago, these are not abstract numbers; these are our neighbors, our grandparents, and the children in our communities. I grew up understanding the importance of a strong community and a supportive safety net. Gutting SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare is a direct assault on the well-being of the people I represent and a betrayal of our nation’s values. I will fight these catastrophic cuts every step of the way.”

    In a direct effort to shield his constituents and vulnerable Americans from the most damaging aspects of these proposals, Congressman Jackson introduced three amendments to the bill. Notably, his Amendment #31 sought to prevent Republicans from raising the age of work requirements to receive SNAP benefits, a change that would disproportionately harm older workers and those nearing retirement.

    The Republican budget outlines draconian cuts that would have severe consequences:

    • Slashing SNAP: The plan calls for a $300 billion cut to SNAP nationally, which would strip food assistance from millions.
      • Impact on IL-01 & Chicago: In Illinois’ First Congressional District, 139,900 households, representing 233,900 people, relied on SNAP as of March 2024. These families, including many children and seniors, would face increased hunger and hardship. Across Cook County, hundreds of thousands more depend on this vital program to put food on the table. Proposed changes, such as increasing work requirement ages, which Congressman Jackson fought against, would exacerbate this crisis.
    • Devastating Medicaid: Proposed cuts to Medicaid range from $715 billion to over $880 billion nationally, potentially forcing millions to lose their health coverage, including essential long-term care for seniors.
      • Impact on IL-01 & Chicago: As of October 2023, 321,000 individuals in the First District were enrolled in Medicaid. In Cook County, approximately 154,719 seniors (aged 60+) rely on Medicaid (May 2024 data), many for nursing home care and in-home support. These proposed cuts threaten their access to critical medical services.
    • Undermining Medicare: Republican tax plans could trigger automatic cuts to Medicare exceeding $500 billion nationally due to PAYGO rules, jeopardizing the healthcare security of seniors who have paid into this program their entire working lives.
      • Impact on IL-01 & Chicago: In Illinois’ First Congressional District alone, 120,682 residents are Medicare beneficiaries (December 2023). Across Cook County, 729,299 individuals rely on Medicare (May 2024). These cuts could mean higher out-of-pocket costs and reduced access to doctors and treatments for our seniors.

    These proposed cuts are not about fiscal responsibility; they are about funding tax breaks for the wealthiest 1% and large corporations at the expense of everyday Americans. Cutting these essential programs will lead to increased poverty, worse health outcomes, and greater economic instability for families in Chicago and across the country. 

    Congressman Jackson stands firmly against this Republican Tax Scam and calls on his colleagues to reject these cruel and counterproductive measures. He remains committed to protecting and strengthening the social safety net that provides a lifeline for so many, ensuring that every resident of the First District has the opportunity to live with dignity and security.
     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Opposes House Republican Bill That Slashes Health Care and Essential Services for New Mexicans

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voted against the House Republican reconciliation package, titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” citing its devastating impact on working families, rural communities, and public health in New Mexico. The bill imposes deep cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and rural hospitals, while handing permanent tax breaks to billionaires and corporations.

    “This bill takes food and health care away from our families so the ultra-wealthy can get another tax cut,” said Vasquez. “In my district, it would rip away Medicaid from 29,000 people, slash food assistance for nearly 50,000 families, and put rural hospitals on the brink of closure. I came to Congress to fight for working people—not to help Elon Musk and his billionaire friends get richer.”

    The reconciliation package would:

    • Cut $698 billion from Medicaid, threatening care for over 35,000 New Mexicans.
    • Eliminate enhanced ACA tax credits, raising premiums and risking coverage loss for thousands.
    • Slash $267 billion from SNAP, cutting benefits for 120,000 New Mexicans—including 49,000 in NM-02—and costing New Mexico  $270 million.
    • Puts rural hospitals in New Mexico at risk of closure.
    • Add $3.8 trillion to the deficit while delivering 66% of tax breaks to the top 20% of earners.

    While Republicans push tax cuts that overwhelmingly favor the rich, Vasquez has introduced and supported legislation that puts working families first:

    • The Boost the Middle Class Act – Expands the Earned Income Tax Credit by 10% and indexes it to inflation, putting more money into the pockets of working families.
    • The Tax Relief from Tariffs and High Costs Act – Offers a fully refundable 10% tax credit to households making under $100,000 to offset rising prices.
    • The Honor and Hire Veterans Act – Increases tax incentives for businesses to hire veterans.

    As Congress debated the bill, Rep. Vasquez also fought for improvements, including his Honor Farmer Contracts Act to ensure USDA upholds contracts with farmers and the Affordable Insulin Now Act to cap insulin costs at $35/month for people with private insurance. However, Republicans blocked both amendments. 

    This vote underscores Rep. Vasquez’s commitment to protecting New Mexico’s working families, veterans, and rural communities. As House Republicans prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy at the expense of essential services, Vasquez continues to champion legislation that lowers costs, expands access to care, and delivers real relief to the people of southern New Mexico.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mann, Colleagues Invest in Land Grant Universities and Agriculture Innovation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Kim Schrier (WA-08), alongside Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral AuGmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act. The Ag Research Act bolsters federal investments in land-grant universities, institutions, and facilities like Kansas State University and Haskell University that conduct food and agricultural research.

    “Over the years, land-grant universities have surpassed their original vision of agricultural education and now conduct cutting-edge agricultural research that supports food security around the globe,” said Rep. Mann. “The U.S. sees a $20 return on every dollar we invest in agricultural research, yet funding for these institutions has declined in real dollars over the past two decades and handcuffed their ability to maintain up-to-date facilities. Our bill supports agricultural research, development, and innovation at these land grant universities and puts taxpayer dollars in places with a guaranteed return on investment. When we make strong investments in food and agricultural research, we invest in the next generation of America, and in our food security and national security.” 

    “Our agriculture industry employs thousands of hardworking Washingtonians and is vital to our nation’s long-term strength, security, and prosperity. In the face of a changing climate, tariffs, input costs, and increased pressure on our food supply, we must support our farmers in any way we can,” said Rep. Schrier, M.D. “Research institutions are essential for our farmers’ success – they discover solutions to agriculture’s most pressing challenges and are fundamental to successful food production and soil health. For far too long, these institutions have been underfunded, putting us at risk of falling behind the rest of the world. My bill will put the necessary investment into these institutions and provide much-needed assistance for our farmers.”

    “For American farmers and ranchers to continue producing the best food, fuel and fiber in the world, we must maintain the best research institutions in the world,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation will support the work at institutions like Kansas State University by allowing them to modernize their facilities and continue a long history of innovation and supporting the agricultural industry.”

    “Agriculture research institutions are crucial in supporting farming communities and driving innovation in the agriculture industry,” said Sen. Hirono. “Decades of underinvestment have left many of these institutions across our country with significant maintenance backlogs, and this legislation will provide much-needed financial support to enable agriculture schools and research facilities to make the critical upgrades and updates they need. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing the AG RESEARCH Act to support these institutions and strengthen our agricultural communities.”

    A 2015 study reported that there was an estimated total of $8.4 billion in deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture. A 2021 reportconfirmed the effects of the insufficient funding to address maintenance backlogs at these facilities, reporting that 69% of these agricultural school buildings were at the end of their useful lives and that the cost of addressing deferred maintenance grew to $11.5 billion.

    To address the deferred maintenance of these facilities, the AG RESEARCH Act will do the following:

    Provide $500 million in mandatory funding per fiscal year over five years in grants;

    • Require a 1-to-1 match of grant funds unless waived by the Secretary of Agriculture;
    • Direct that grants be distributed equitably to the maximum extent practicable; and
    • Limit grant funds awarded to any one state to no more than 20 percent

    The AG RESEARCH Act is endorsed by Kansas State University, Haskell University, and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU). 

    “The AG RESEARCH Act is an investment in America’s agricultural competitiveness,” said Kansas State University President Linton. “As our research infrastructure ages, we risk falling behind global competitors. Modern facilities at land-grant universities drive economic growth across the nation, from rural farms to urban agribusiness, while developing solutions that keep American agriculture at the forefront of innovation. This legislation will help transform outdated labs into economic engines that attract talent, create jobs and maintain our nation’s leadership in the global food system.”

    “Investment in the Research Facilities Act will be transformative, and we applaud Senators Moran and Hirono, as well as Representatives Mann and Schrier, for their commitment to ensuring our agricultural scientists have the tools they need to spur the next generation of agricultural innovation,” said Dr. Doug Steele, Vice President of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at APLU. 

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    For more information about Representative Mann, visit: www.mann.house.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Key milestone for plans to transform eyesore site and deliver dozens of new homes

    Source: City of Leeds

    Plans for new council housing on a site in Leeds currently occupied by dozens of empty run-down flats have taken a significant step forward.

    Leeds City Council has for some time been working to secure ownership of all land and property at Kingsdale Court, a complex of 88 flats in the Boggart Hill neighbourhood of Seacroft which have had long-standing issues linked to crime, anti-social behaviour and ineffective management.

    As of September last year, 87 of the privately-owned flats – many of which were in a very poor condition and already vacant – had been successfully acquired by the council, along with the freehold for the site and associated management rights.

    And today it can be confirmed that the acquisition of the 88th and final flat has been concluded, bringing the site as a whole into council ownership without any need for the use of compulsory purchase powers.

    The deal means that the council can now look to press ahead with the demolition of the eight medium-rise blocks that make up Kingsdale Court.

    It will also bring forward development proposals to deliver good quality, energy efficient and affordable new-build council housing on the cleared site.

    Detailed design work on the scheme has yet to be completed but at this stage it is hoped that more than 50 homes will be built.

    The comprehensive regeneration of the site would support the council and its partners in their efforts to tackle deprivation and improve living standards across the wider Boggart Hill area.

    Built around the turn of the 1970s, Kingsdale Court had been in a state of serious decline for many years when the council began its acquisition process in 2020. This involved lengthy negotiations with around 35 individual property owners as well as the freeholder.

    Fragmented and failing arrangements for the management and upkeep of the buildings had previously contributed to a dramatic deterioration in housing conditions at a time when problems such as fly tipping, criminal damage and drug use were also causing concern for residents in both Kingsdale Court and the surrounding neighbourhood.

    The council has secured vacant possession for the entire site, with former sitting tenants having been offered rehousing assistance tailored to their specific needs.

    Hoardings are now due to go up around the site following the completion of the final purchase, keeping it safe and secure while the demolition and home-building plans are progressed.

    It is anticipated that the redevelopment work will be carried out as part of Leeds’s Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP).

    Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said:

    “As a council, we are determined to do everything we can to tackle inequality and boost living standards in communities across Leeds.

    “The benefits of our proactive and forward-thinking approach to this work are perfectly illustrated by the comprehensive regeneration plans for Kingsdale Court, where poor-quality private sector housing – coupled with crime and anti-social behaviour – has been a problem for many years.

    “My thanks go to everyone at the council who has been involved in the complex process of bringing together the many and varied ownership interests at the flats.

    “The conclusion of the final purchase means we can, subject to planning approval, now look to open a bright new chapter for this part of east Leeds.

    “The proposed homes will help to ease local affordable housing pressures, while the transformation of the site as a whole will, we believe, have a really positive impact on the wider Boggart Hill and Seacroft areas.”

    Around 350 new homes have been built via the council’s CHGP since 2018, with more than 420 homes also being acquired as part of the programme.

    Locations where new housing has recently been delivered by the CHGP include Barncroft Close in Seacroft and Scott Hall Drive in Chapel Allerton as well as a site in Middleton formerly occupied by Throstle Recreation Ground and Middleton Skills Centre.

    Places where CHGP schemes are currently under construction include Brooklands Avenue in Seacroft, the Ambertons area of Gipton and the former Middlecross Day Centre site in Armley.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: “Meaningful inclusion of women is not optional, it is essential”: Member States reinforce support for women in peacekeeping at Ministerial

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    Written by Sophie Boudre and Lesley Myers.

    Ms. Boudre is Deputy Chief, UN Peacekeeping’s Strategic Communications Section, and expert on gender and accountability issues.
    Ms. Myers is the Digital Editor for UN Peacekeeping’s Strategic Communications Section and expert in strategic planning and peacekeeping impact.

    “Inclusive missions are not only fair–but also smarter and more legitimate”, said Ms. Roselinda Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Defence of Kenya, at last week’s Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin. More than 130 Member States gathered to discuss the future of peacekeeping, including how to create environments where both men and women are empowered to serve together.  

    Despite progress, women remain underrepresented and face barriers to full participation. This is not only a matter of equality—it also affects effectiveness. Studies123 find that peacekeeping missions are more successful when women are meaningfully represented among military, police, and civilian staff, including at the senior leadership level.  

    During the Ministerial, UN Member States committed to enhancing women’s participation at all levels by fostering an environment where they can thrive. “We need to look at how to make this work in our context,” said Ms. Tuya. “We cannot continue to leave out women… it is like going into a football match without half of the team.”

    Inclusive teams make peacekeeping more effective 

    In the peacekeeping mission in Abyei (UNISFA), an area nestled between Sudan and South Sudan, women peacekeepers were instrumental in building trust with community leaders and women’s groups. This engagement enabled access to new information, which helped UNISFA detect early warnings of attacks and prevent violence.  

    In the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) a military unit from Ghana was deployed that is comprised of 20% women. The unit reports a significant increase of trust in UNIFIL and its forces in the communities where they have patrolled, as well as an increase willingness of women to interact with the mission.  

    Women are often uniquely able to build rapport with community members, granting access to critical security information, such as areas at risk for conflict-related sexual violence, helping us better protect the populations we serve.  

    Visible participation by women in UN peace operations also helps dismantle barriers that prevent local women from engaging in peace and political processes. Women peacekeepers serve as role models, inspiring women and girls to pursue non-traditional paths, in turn acting as catalysts for inclusive societies where women are represented and active at every level. 

    Many steps forward, and more to go 

    Women peacekeepers in civilian, military, and police roles have been rising steadily over the last several years. The share of women in military roles has doubled since 2018, for example, but still sits at just 10%.  

    Persistent barriers continue to limit women’s access to peacekeeping roles—especially in military and leadership positions. Equipment such as flak jackets and helmets are often not designed for women, compromising safety. Inadequate sanitation facilities can prevent women participating in long-range patrols.  

    Creating an inclusive environment—where all personnel, regardless of gender or background, feel empowered and respected—is critical for advancing peace effectively. 

    The UN and Member States are working to address remaining barriers by deploying more women peacekeepers and fostering a work culture that enables them to serve effectively and meaningfully. Recruitment pipelines are being established to increase the pool of women available for deployment, including in leadership roles. Facilities, accommodations, health services, and equipment are being improved to support the needs of all personnel and increased efforts are being made to protect them from sexual harassment.  

    Gen. Mohan Subramanian, Force Commander of the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, underscored the important role mission leaders play in advancing these objectives: “The most important thing to support uniformed women is to ensure leaders [have] the right mindset,” he said.

    Redoubling efforts

    During the Ministerial, Member States made key commitments to continue progress, particularly in military roles.  These included providing gender-sensitive equipment, deploying mixed-gender platoons trained to engage with host communities, and funding “barrier assessments” to identify and address challenges uniformed women face in countries that deploy peacekeepers to UN missions.“An enabling environment begins at home: participation of uniformed women at all levels and all roles at Member State level. All Member States must advance this at a national level,” underscored Brigadier General Jürgen Schrödl, Head of Sub-division III, Directorate-General for Military Strategy and Operations for Germany’s Ministry of Defence.  

    These initiatives aim to remove obstacles preventing women from joining peacekeeping operations and serve to their full potential. With global conflicts at their highest since 1945 and peacekeeping budgets declining, we cannot afford to overlook any measure that enhances our effectiveness. Supporting women’s participation is critical to the success of our mandates. “Meaningful inclusion of women is not optional, it is essential” stressed Monica Bolaños Pérez, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala. “It is a matter of operational effectiveness.”

    Background: What is the Women, Peace and Security Agenda?  

    Adopted in October 2000, the landmark Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) recognizes the vital role of women in peace and security. It calls for increased participation of women at all decision-making levels, protection of women and girls from gender-based violence, and the integration of gender perspectives in peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts. 

    Since its adoption, UN Peacekeeping has been advancing on integrating gender perspectives and advancing the implementation of the 1325 Agenda including in the current scope of seven peacekeeping missions. 

    In 2018, the UN introduced the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy as a key step towards meeting WPS goals in UN peacekeeping. It aims to increase the meaningful participation of women in military, police and justice and corrections roles across all missions by addressing barriers, setting concrete targets, and fostering inclusive environments.  

    This year marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the resolution.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Votes to Restore Fiscal Sanity in the Federal Government

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Votes to Restore Fiscal Sanity in the Federal Government

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of H.R. 1, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. 

    “House Republicans have delivered on our commitment to permanently extend tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses while eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government.  

    One of my top priorities throughout this process has been maintaining investments in nuclear energy to keep energy prices low throughout our region. Central Washington is home to a rich nuclear history, and I am proud to have led the fight to ensure our tax code allows for continued investments in our nuclear fleet, including the small modular reactor project in the Tri-Cities. 

    We have made real, common-sense reforms to strengthen the integrity of Medicaid, protecting the program for low-income families, seniors, and those with disabilities. By implementing work requirements for able bodied adults without dependents, and preventing those here illegally from accessing the program, we are protecting Medicaid for those who truly need it most. 

    As a Member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to support meaningful reforms to SNAP while investing in the farm safety net to deliver much needed assistance to rural America. This package more than doubles our trade promotion programs to allow Washington state agriculture exports to reach new markets around the globe.   

    This legislation supports families and businesses across Central Washington by delivering over $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction to get our fiscal house in order. There is still work to be done, and as this legislation moves to the Senate, I will continue to advocate for the people of Washington’s Fourth District, protect essential services for those who truly need them, and keep taxes low for the middle class and small businesses in our region.” 

    Background:  

    House Republicans passed a budget resolution in April with instructions for committees to produce legislation that provides tax relief for working families and small businesses, reins in reckless federal spending, unleashes energy dominance, and makes America safe again.

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers on those priorities in a fiscally responsible manner, with the final net deficit reduction number above $1.5 trillion, marking the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years. These savings will begin immediately, with $111.8 billion in net deficit reduction in the first year after enactment. The legislation: 

    Delivers an economy that is pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-business: 

    • Makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent, preventing the average taxpayer from seeing a 22% tax hike.
    • Removes taxes on tips, overtime pay, car loan interest, and provides additional tax relief for seniors.
    • Supports small businesses and Made-in-America investments through immediate 100 percent expensing, incentives for new manufacturing facilities, research and development immediate amortization, and interest expense deductions.

    Provides over $140 billion – the largest border security investment in history – to secure our borders and keep Americans safe: 

    • Allows for the completion of 701 miles of primary wall and construction of 900 miles of river barriers.
    • Funds at least one million annual removals, 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, and detention capacity sufficient to maintain an average daily population of at least 100,000 aliens.
    • Supports the hiring and training of 3,000 new Border Patrol agents, 5,000 new Office of Field Operations customs officers, and other urgently needed personnel.

    Restores integrity to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by requiring states to shoulder a share of the benefit costs, preventing states from manipulating SNAP eligibility and benefit calculations, and restoring SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without young dependents.

    Strengthens Medicaid for Americans who truly need it, while rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse: 

    • Establishes commonsense work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and stops new money laundering gimmicks like provider taxes and State Directed Payments.
    • Strengthens program integrity measures that protect Medicaid resources for the most vulnerable.
    • Closes loopholes that let illegal immigrants enroll in Medicaid and reduces funding to states that prioritize Medicaid coverage of illegal immigrants. 

    Unleashes American energy dominance, ensuring affordable energy for families and creating jobs across the country: 

    • Allows advanced nuclear facilities to utilize the Production Tax Credit (45Y) and Investment Tax Credit (48E) while phasing out the credits for wind and solar and maintains the Nuclear Production Tax Credit (45U) through 2028.
    • Reinstates quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales and mandates at least 30 lease sales in the Gulf of America over the next 15 years and six in the Cook Inlet in south-central Alaska.
    • Resumes leasing for energy production in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and coal leasing on federal lands.
    • Streamlines the permitting process for energy infrastructure.

    Makes major reforms to streamline student loan options, support student success, and save taxpayer money.

    Invests nearly $144 billion to modernize our military and strengthen national defense. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Pass Their ‘One Big Broken Promise

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Republicans Pass Their ‘One Big Broken Promise

    Legislation will take away health coverage from Washington families, raise grocery and energy bills

    Washington, D.C., May 22, 2025

     Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement after the House passed the Republican budget legislation.

    “Today, Washington families lost at the expense of the wealthy and well-connected in the Republican budget bill. This legislation is a betrayal of Republicans’ promise to lower costs for everyday families. It will rip health coverage away from millions of families while increasing groceries, utilities, and health care bills. This massive tax break for the ultra-rich and big corporations will increase the nation’s debt that future generations will have to shoulder. The bill is nothing more than one big broken promise.

    “Republicans made every effort to conceal what’s really in this legislation by holding hearings in the middle of the night because they know this bill will harm their constituents. My Democratic colleagues and I have been fighting against the many harms in this legislation at every turn and will continue to stand up for our communities.”

    You can watch DelBene’s remarks on the House floor here.

    Impacts of Legislation

    • Medicaid and ACA Coverage: Nearly 14 million Americans would lose Medicaid and Affordable Care Act marketplace health coverage, including 274,000 Washingtonians.
    • Medicare: Triggers $535 billion in automatic Medicare cuts due to the huge expense of the bill.
    • Abortion: Prohibits funding for abortions on ACA health marketplaces, including state-based exchanges like the Washington Health Benefits Exchange.
    • Food Assistance: $300 billion would be cut from food assistance programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which covers over 880,000 Washingtonians.
    • Energy Bills: Increases energy bills by more than $110 per year on average by repealing cost-saving clean energy tax credits.
    • Cost: Estimated to cost $5 trillion.
    • Disparity in Benefits: The bottom 10% of Americans would see household resources reduced by 4% while the top 10% would see a 2% increase, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.
    • Handout to the Wealthy: The average family earning less than $50,000 would get under $300 (less than $1 a day) while the average tax filer earning $1 million or more would receive about $90,000 in tax breaks in 2027.

    The bill now heads to the Senate. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Baird Applauds Passage of One Big, Beautiful Bill in U.S. House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

    Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill to deliver the largest tax cut in American history:

    “I was proud to vote for the One Big, Beautiful Bill. It is a win for Hoosiers and the American people and codifies President Trump’s successful agenda. This big, beautiful bill delivers historic tax relief for the American people, including seniors, eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, makes strategic investments in our military, secures our borders, authorizes the completion of the border wall, and invests in our farmers and producers. In fact, this legislation reduces taxes on our farmers by 10 billion dollars, boosts investment in crop insurance and the farm safety net, and helps our farmers better compete in the global market. By supporting this bill, I also voted to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and ensure that federal benefits go to Americans who truly need them. This is what the American people resoundingly want, and Congress is working to deliver.

    “Without these historic tax cuts, however, the average family in Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District faces a $1,548 tax hike. Ultimately, this bill allows families to benefit from lower taxes, higher wages, and higher take-home pay. This is yet another accomplishment from the House Republican Majority to deliver real results for the American people. I urge my colleagues’ swift action in the Senate to send this bill to President Trump’s desk and achieve unprecedented security and prosperity.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Colonial-era borders create conflict in Africa’s oceans – how to resolve them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, Lecturer in Sustainable Futures, University of St Andrews

    Africa has 38 coastal and island nations. Their maritime industries – including energy, tourism, maritime transport, shipping and fishing – play a crucial role in developing these nations.

    Key to harnessing these resources are Africa’s maritime boundaries – lines on a map showing the legal divisions of the ocean between neighbouring coastal states.

    Some of these boundaries were created by colonial powers and kept after independence. Their purpose was to achieve territorial security and ensure the exclusive exploitation of resources and to maintain navigational freedom.

    But Africa’s maritime boundaries sometimes lead to conflict, prevent cooperation on resource management and create room for maritime crimes, like illegal fishing. This is because they are often contested. Countries have overlapping claims and varying interests in resource exploration. This is common in maritime areas rich in oil, gas and fisheries, and deep seabed resources.

    In our recent paper we found that using international law to resolve maritime boundaries does not always bring peace, especially when it results in ceding the disputed area to one party. It can result in animosity between countries and breed room for continued distrust among peoples.

    Today, Africa has the most unresolved maritime boundary disputes in the world and the lowest number of settled boundary disputes.

    As more ocean resources are discovered, climate change may heighten disputes. Rising sea levels can gradually submerge maritime zones, potentially affecting the baselines from which these zones are measured. This could create uncertainty or trigger new conflicts.

    In our paper, we suggest a collaborative approach to resolving maritime disputes. We hope that this will help prevent many African countries from missing out on the benefits of their oceans.

    Price of disputed boundaries

    Disagreements over maritime boundaries can have many negative effects.

    Research has shown that criminal activities tend to increase in disputed maritime boundaries. For instance, illegal fishers are aware that because there is dispute over a border, there will also be enforcement gaps.

    Countries in dispute will also not work together and will not be sending patrols to contested areas. For instance, in 2016, a Chinese vessel escaped into Sierra Leone to avoid capture. When Guinean naval forces boarded the vessel for enforcement, there was an exchange of fire and 11 Guineans were detained by Sierra Leone.

    When boundaries are disputed, it also means that local fishers are likely to encroach into neighbouring waters, often unknowingly, in search of better catches. Given the significance of fisheries to coastal livelihoods and the extent of depletion, this threatens peace and security. It fuels tension between communities and countries over access to dwindling resources.

    Disagreements over maritime boundaries also diminish maritime security cooperation, complicate joint patrols, and divert attention from tackling shared threats such as piracy.

    Colonialism never ended

    Unfortunately, resolving maritime boundary disputes is complicated by a principle in international law known as uti possidetis juris – “as you possess under law”.

    The principle says that when countries argue over borders, international law, built around colonial-era boundaries, is used to decide who gets what. This creates a “winner-takes-all” approach – one side gains control over the disputed area and resources. International courts, like the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, follow the provisions of law reinforcing uti possidetis.

    Our examination of maritime boundary disputes in west and central Africa found that the principle of uti possidetis juris had failed to alleviate maritime boundary tensions. In some cases, it has exacerbated them.

    One example is a maritime dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria decided in 2002. The dispute was over who had control of Bakassi, an oil-rich region, and its maritime frontier.

    The uti possidetis juris principle upheld the lines drawn at the time of Nigeria’s independence and resulted in the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon. The impact of the resolution lingers. To date, thousands of displaced Bakassi people that returned to Nigeria have yet to be resettled and reintegrated. Disputes also continue between fishers from Nigeria and Cameroonian law enforcement agents. In extreme cases, it results in death, like the alleged killing of 97 Nigerian fishers by Cameroonian marine police.

    The way forward

    In our paper, we recommend that courts, tribunals or disputing countries consider joint management agreements to resolve maritime disputes. Under such agreements, countries share and manage disputed maritime resources.

    These agreements will allow for the joint management of shared resources. It will also encourage cooperation and collaboration in other areas, such as joint operations to combat illegal fishing and piracy. While international courts may apply uti possidetis juris as required by law, countries should be encouraged to negotiate special arrangements – such as joint development agreements – as part of the resolution process. Especially in cases where livelihoods and longstanding community ties risk being disrupted by unilateral decisions or the ceding of disputed areas to one party.

    While not perfect, this approach has already improved cooperation on security and resource use at sea. It has worked in places like Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire also have a joint management framework in place for their shared boundaries to avoid future disputes.

    Prolonged boundary disputes only enable criminal actors to exploit Africa’s resources, undermining collective progress. A shift towards collaborative solutions is essential for achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.

    – Colonial-era borders create conflict in Africa’s oceans – how to resolve them
    – https://theconversation.com/colonial-era-borders-create-conflict-in-africas-oceans-how-to-resolve-them-248577

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Vaccines: why these young Africans are hesitant about them and what might change their minds

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Oluwaseyi Dolapo Somefun, Research associate, University of the Western Cape

    Vaccines have proved to be one of the most effective tools in fighting infectious diseases, but convincing people to get vaccinated can be tough. Especially young people.

    During the global COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020, many countries reported high levels of vaccine hesitancy among younger population groups. Negative healthcare experiences and general distrust of government have cultivated vaccine hesitancy across Africa. Misleading information about vaccine side-effects on social media adds to this challenge.

    This hesitancy continues today. A 2024 study on adolescents and young adults (aged 10 to 35) in sub-Saharan Africa found a vaccine acceptance rate of just 38.7%.

    These concerns were echoed in a recent study we carried out among 165 young adults in Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia, looking at attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine. We wanted to know what could be done to help improve future vaccine acceptance, inform campaigns and prepare for future public health responses.

    Participants were hesitant to be vaccinated, for various reasons, and suggested what policymakers could do to improve vaccine uptake.

    Understanding young people’s perspectives on vaccine hesitancy and what can be done to address this is crucial for improving vaccine acceptance in the future.

    What young adults told us

    Our research gathered data through focus groups and interviews.

    The participants described a fear of injections, uncertainty about side effects, distrust in healthcare systems and rude healthcare workers.

    Some participants were worried about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly how it might affect those with pre-existing health conditions.

    Many believed that the vaccine was developed too quickly without sufficient testing and a lack of accessible information.

    Many expressed a strong fear of needles. A young South African woman aged 19 commented:

    I am afraid of injections, so for me, it would be better if there was something that could be taken orally, something you can drink.

    Getting over the hurdle

    We found young people often felt left out of vaccine conversations. They wanted to be part of the solution and make informed choices but needed the right tools and support to do so.

    Participants suggested practical ideas to help boost vaccine acceptance among their peers.

    Several highlighted the importance of assessing individual health status before administering vaccines, to avoid adverse interactions with existing medical conditions and treatments. They believed that situations where vaccines were mistakenly blamed for pre-existing illnesses or ongoing treatments could be avoided.

    Participants suggested innovative strategies to make vaccines more accessibile. Mobile vaccination sites and community-based outreach programmes were some of the suggestions.

    They must introduce mobile clinics, so that people don’t find themselves having to travel long distances to vaccinate. – 18-year-old male, South Africa

    Young people also suggested household visits to people who were immobile because of age, illness or disability.

    Many advocated for non-injectable vaccine options, such as oral medications or microneedle patches, which could improve accessibility and reduce anxiety.

    The oral polio vaccine, which has been widely used in global polio eradication efforts, is an example of a non-injectable vaccine.

    COVID-19 microneedle patch prototypes are being explored for clinical testing.

    The youth urged public figures, including politicians, celebrities and influencers, to publicly endorse the vaccine.

    It would be nice if the president could be shown on television receiving a vaccine so that we can see for ourselves whether he is given the same thing that everyone else receives. – 20-year-old male, South Africa

    More engaging videos, interactive interviews and testimonials from vaccinated individuals could be shared across social media platforms.

    The young people also emphasised the importance of comprehensive training for healthcare providers. They highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to provide respectful and empathetic care. They suggested that, by fostering respectful communication, healthcare providers could create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for their clients.

    In addition, providing vaccine education in schools could educate pupils so that they could make decisions on their own.

    Way forward

    Engaging young people as active participants in shaping public health strategies can help increase vaccine acceptance and ensure a healthier future for all.

    We believe that our findings can be applied in two ways.

    First, to inform the design of tailored interventions that better resonate with young people’s desires and needs, paving the way for increased vaccine uptake and acceptability.

    Second, to highlight areas where young people may need further information and engagement, to better understand some of the broader issues and why some of their recommendations might not be feasible in the short or longer term.

    – Vaccines: why these young Africans are hesitant about them and what might change their minds
    – https://theconversation.com/vaccines-why-these-young-africans-are-hesitant-about-them-and-what-might-change-their-minds-249629

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Cosponsors Bill to Help Lower Drug Costs for Maine People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to expand Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices and lower the costs of prescription medication nationwide. The Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act would also reduce federal spending by reaching lower-price agreements, and give the Department of Health and Human Services stronger tools to negotiate lower drug prices in Medicare Part B and Part D. 
    According to preliminary estimates from a model by West Health and Verdant Research, if the SMART Prices Act was enacted in 2026, it would save 33 percent more by 2030 than current law. It would also allow Medicare to begin negotiations earlier and bring down the price of more expensive drugs. 
    “Lifesaving prescription medications shouldn’t break the bank,” said Senator King. “Expanding Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices will go a long way toward helping Maine people get the medication they need at a price they can afford. The SMART Prices Act is a commonsense step that will help Maine people save money and stay healthy, and I thank my colleagues for putting Maine people first.”
    In addition to Senator King, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Ray Luján, Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
    Senator King has been a leader in working to reduce prescription drug costs throughout his time in the United States Senate. He also recently cosponsored bipartisan legislation which would require price disclosures on advertisements for prescription drugs in order to inform patients who are considering certain medications after seeing television commercials. He previously introduced legislation to prohibit pharmaceutical drug manufacturers from claiming tax deductions for consumer advertising expenses. Most recently, Senator King cosponsored the Safe and Affordable Drugs From Canada Act would give Maine people the ability to purchase their prescriptions directly from pharmacies across the northern border at the market rate of a less expensive marketplace. Additionally, Senator King introduced the Responsibility in Drug Advertising Act, which would prohibit direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of a new drug in the first three years after the drug receives Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
    He has also supported a number of commonsense bills to drive down the costs of prescription medication in the United States including the historic Inflation Reduction Act. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, insulin fees are capped at $35 per month, Medicare is able to negotiate drug prices, and a $2,000 yearly cap on out-of-pocket expenses has been instituted for Medicare recipients.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £530 million investment prospectus launched

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Presented to a high-profile audience of government representatives, private investors, developers, and funding bodies, the prospectus outlines eight transformative projects that collectively support Perth & Kinross’s ambitions to lead in sustainability and clean economic growth.

    Spanning a 15-year period from 2025 to 2040, the portfolio covers market-ready opportunities, and longer-term investor-led partnerships in energy and net zero, the circular economy, food and drink, light industrial, travel and logistics, leisure and retail, accommodation in tourism and residential. 

    Featured investments include:

    • Eco Innovation Park at Perth West
    • Perth City Heat Network
    • Strategic Energy Partnership
    • Advanced Plastics Sorting and Upcycling Facility
    • Binn Eco Park
    • Northfield Business Park
    • Cultural Quarter (Perth City Centre) Regeneration Project
    • Mill Quarter (Perth City Centre) Regeneration Project

    Perth & Kinross Council Leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “Over the past six years, Perth and Kinross has demonstrated its commitment to building a modern, resilient, and inclusive economy through an impressive £600 million public investment programme. This has supported essential infrastructure, cultural development, and growth in key economic sectors.

    “Now, the Investment Prospectus sets out a clear intention to build on these strong foundations, by providing an exciting platform for investor and developer-led partnerships, both domestically and internationally.

    “I believe the diversity and ambition of the projects on offer present a compelling case for doing business in Perth and Kinross. Alongside transformative, clean growth opportunities directly impacting our net zero ambitions, there are also traditional, property-based propositions designed to encourage and support existing business relocation into the area.”

    The £530 million proposition complements the Council’s existing £600 million+ investment in infrastructure, key sectors, and the arts, creating a powerful springboard for future growth.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Marathon runners rely on family and experts to succeed, while races rely on passionate volunteers

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Julia Yarkoni, Fellow in Global Journalism, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto

    This past April, the Boston Marathon attracted more than 32,000 runners and approximately half a million spectators. With such a huge crowd on hand, it’s easy to think that the athletes’ major source of support comes from fans of the sport. More than a million people annually run marathon races, and most of them have a team of people behind them.

    Marathoners rely on the strengths of a community of people. Families, coaches, marathon volunteers, race directors and health professionals dedicate time and energy to the runners’ dreams. And each group protects the health of the athletes in a different way. These unsung heroes make the impossible possible and they do it because the sport of long-distance running is a community endeavour.

    Families lay the foundation; research found that partners are “strikingly co-operative” as the non-running partner often picks up chores and child care uncomplainingly because they believe in the end goal. And a [2023 New York Times] article reported that athletes reciprocate by giving their partner recreational time.

    Running is a lifestyle

    When a family member is training to complete a marathon, families recognize there is safety in sticking together. Registered dietitian Kristy Baumann, owner of Marathon Nutritionist in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., has run 13 marathons. She describes how her mother would accompany her when she trained for hours.

    “My mom would bike with me on my long runs,” she says.

    In a 2015 article for Runner’s World, runner Courtney Crandell described how her family made sure she ate, maintained her health insurance and had a ride home after the race.

    Long-distance running draws people together who are not family. Coaches get to know their runners intimately and can prevent racers from ending up in dangerous situations. For example, Molly Monk, an athlete with unpredictable blood pressure, relied on her coach to help her train so that she avoided passing out during the marathon.

    Preparing physically and mentally

    Andy Jones-Wilkins, an American endurance running coach and writer, takes pride in being able to train marathon racers for four to six months because he values his relationships with runners. Jones-Wilkins, 57, is currently coaching 24 athletes scattered across the U.S.

    “My job as a coach is to give them not just the physical but also the mental and emotional tools to not just prepare for the race but to execute and to finish,” he says.

    Jones-Wilkins stays in contact with his athletes to debrief and to discuss with them the next step forward, particularly if they were disappointed on race day.

    Thirty-four years of long-distance running has taught Jones-Wilkins who the true unsung heroes are: “The people who put on these events (race directors) are the heart and soul of this sport.”

    Supporting runners

    Jones-Wilkins’ admiration for race directors led him to write “The Race Director Chronicles,” an online series profiling different race directors. He says they are often unpaid, deal with thousands of race details and invariably face negative feedback. He particularly admires the talent these individuals have for networking.

    Long-distance running brings together introverts and extroverts. Tim Bradley is one of those extroverts. A volunteer co-ordinator specializing in running events in Los Angeles, he works 11 races a year and also created a volunteer registration platform to help other volunteer co-ordinators: “I can’t think of other sports that recruit so many volunteers and are so dependent on them.”

    He typically starts recruitment four months before a race and registers 4,000 volunteers in preparation for race day. Volunteer responsibilities include raising funds, registering runners, building spectator stands, operating refreshment stations, regulating traffic, offering first aid, tracking and publishing results and cleaning up.

    Volunteers at major races go beyond first aid, and prepare volunteers to treat dehydration, heat stroke, low sodium levels and orthopedic injuries. They also provide a sweep medical bus to pick up runners who cannot finish the race.

    More than the run

    Sometimes the most important role a person can play in a marathon runner’s life is to tell them when there’s a higher priority requiring attention than the marathon itself. As a dietitian, Baumann says she encounters young women who struggle with nutrition issues that come to light when they start to train.

    “My job is twofold: helping people fuel for performance, feel their best and finish their race strong but also a lot that comes with it for many people is healing their relationship with food,” she says.

    Marathons get their name from the Greek legend of the messenger Pheidippides, who ran 40 kilometres from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce Greece’s victory over Persia in a battle on the plain of Marathon.

    Today a marathon runner’s successful finish is celebrated by many people who love the sport of long-distance running because its message is that solidarity wins.

    Julia Yarkoni does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Marathon runners rely on family and experts to succeed, while races rely on passionate volunteers – https://theconversation.com/marathon-runners-rely-on-family-and-experts-to-succeed-while-races-rely-on-passionate-volunteers-252581

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: No Military Solution to the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    “We should be very proud that we have a @POTUS that’s pursuing peace and not new wars.” — Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the House Foreign Affairs Committee on May 21, 2025.
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD3Xmi4vEdI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Superbowl UK opening creates over 30 new jobs for Wolverhampton residents

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, and Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, dropped in to wish the staff – all from the city – good luck.

    Situated off Victoria Street, Superbowl UK’s £2.4million investment, in what is its 15th branch, boosts the city centre’s leisure offer and comes on the back of the council’s transformation works to improve and pedestrianise the area.

    The venue is fitted with 12 bowling lanes, Crazy Club Soft Play, interactive darts, bar and diner and SEGA Prize Zone Arcade, and brings the company’s distinctive brand of family entertainment and competitive socialising to the city.

    Opening times are Monday to Thursday (9am to 11pm) and Friday to Saturday (9am to midnight).

    Councillor Stephen Simkins said: “This commitment shows great confidence in our city centre which is seeing a huge amount of investment driven by the council’s compelling vision based on better connectivity, more homes, jobs, skills and learning opportunities, and investment in the visitor economy.

    “Superbowl UK’s development has brought empty retail units back to life, further delivering on our ambitions for the city centre and illustrating how high streets up and down the country must change and adapt.”

    Kate Quaintance, Acquisitions Director for Superbowl UK, said: “The opening of Wolverhampton as our 15th branch is part of our significant growth in the last 5 years.

    “Superbowl UK Wolverhampton brings the company’s distinctive brand of family entertainment and competitive socialising to Wolverhampton, and we are delighted we can now start welcoming the people of Wolverhampton to enjoy our fantastic offer.”

    Councillor Chris Burden added: “Superbowl UK’s new venue will serve as a catalyst for further investment and the council continues to work with the owners of the Mander Centre, Catella APAM, on attracting other new leisure and food and beverage occupiers.

    “Alongside Superbowl UK, the city centre will also be boosted by the opening of the new 4 screen Lockworks Cinema in the Chubb Building this summer and a new indoor climbing facility coming to the former Express & Star offices in Queen Street.

    “Working alongside popular venues like the art gallery, Grand Theatre and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, this will all drive footfall to support local businesses.”
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Advances Legislation to Protect Small Businesses and Consumers

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined supporters to rally for the passage of the Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices, or FAIR Business Practices Act, a program bill from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and sponsored in the state legislature by Senator Leroy Comrie and Assemblymember Micah Lasher. This legislation will strengthen New York’s consumer protection law, GBL §349, to protect New Yorkers from predatory lending, abusive debt collection, junk fees, artificial intelligence (AI)-based schemes, online phishing scams, hard-to-cancel subscriptions, data breaches, and other unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices. Forty-two other states and federal law already prohibit unfair practices, making New York’s current law both antiquated and inadequate.

    “As the federal government steps back from protecting consumers and small businesses, New York must step up to help working families and Main Street businesses,” said Attorney General James. “The FAIR Business Practices Act will protect small businesses from predatory lenders, homeowners from bad mortgage servicers, patients from abusive debt collection, and much more. This legislation will strengthen New York’s consumer protection laws to stop businesses from taking advantage of New Yorkers. I look forward to working with my partners in the state legislature to get this legislation passed.”

    The FAIR Business Practices Act would also help stop lenders, including auto lenders, mortgage servicers, and student loan servicers, from deceptively steering people into higher-cost loans. It would reduce unnecessary and hidden fees, stop unfair billing practices by health care companies, and prevent companies from taking advantage of New Yorkers with limited English proficiency. With the federal government rolling back protections for consumers and small businesses, the FAIR Business Practices Act authorizes OAG and victims to seek civil penalties and restitution against businesses that use unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices against vulnerable New Yorkers.

    “New Yorkers deserve to be treated fairly, and this legislation helps ensure that,” said Senator Leroy Comrie. “The FAIR Business Practices Act gives our state stronger tools to hold bad actors accountable and protect everyday people from deceptive and abusive practices. I’m proud to sponsor this bill alongside Attorney General James and Assemblymember Lasher as we work to strengthen consumer protections and support small businesses across our state.” 

    “New York has one of the weakest consumer protection laws in the country. Donald Trump and Elon Musk are taking a hatchet to federal consumer protections, leaving New Yorkers even more vulnerable to abuse. The time to act is now,” said Assemblymember Micah Lasher. “Making sure that the Attorney General has the tools she needs to look out for New Yorkers is one of the best ways we can stop the damage Trump is trying to do. We must pass this bill this session to protect consumers from the high costs of unfair business practices. It is an honor to stand together in this fight with Attorney General James and Senator Comrie. Let’s get this done.”

    “We applaud Attorney General James for developing the FAIR Business Practices Act and we thank Assemblymember Lasher for introducing this bill,” said Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO. “The NYS AFL-CIO strongly supports modernizing the state’s consumer protection laws, particularly because of rollbacks at the federal level, but also to address technological, legal, and other developments that have made our current laws less effective. This bill, which will improve the rights and protections of workers who have been victims of various fraudulent and unfair practices, including unreasonable terms and conditions for payday loans or payroll check-cashing schemes, is a crucial step towards a fairer and more just society.” 

    “The FAIR Business Practices Act will protect working families from abusive business practices that are making it hard for people to get a car, keep a roof over their heads, and put food on the table,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, DC37. “Right now the federal government is stepping away from enforcing consumer protection laws that protect everyday people. I applaud Attorney General James, Senator Comrie, and Assemblymember Lasher for advancing this legislation to protect working families, small businesses, seniors, and much more. Let’s pass the FAIR Business Practices Act by the end of this session.”

    “AARP New York thanks Attorney General James, Senator Comrie, and Assemblymember Lasher for their leadership on this legislation,” said Kristen McManus, Senior Associate State Director for Advocacy for AARP New York. “Scammers are targeting older adults more than ever, with the FBI reporting that New Yorkers 60 and older lost more than $254 million to fraud in 2024, a more than $50 million increase from the previous year. Now is the time for the Governor and legislature to step up for all New Yorkers by establishing a consumer protection law that will foil scammers and discourage con artists from targeting some of the most vulnerable among us.” 

    “Where New York was once a leader in protecting small businesses from bad loans, our neighboring states have all since passed laws to stop unfair, abusive, and deceptive behavior,” said Lindsey Vigoda, New York Director of Small Business Majority. “We cannot continue to fall behind on these common-sense protections, which is why New York must pass the FAIR Business Practices Act. This legislation would shield Main Street from abusive fees that all too often place enormous strain on small businesses. With predatory lending products more prevalent today than ever, it’s time for New York to step up once again and defend our most precious asset — our small business community.” 

    “In response to the Trump administration’s gutting of federal consumer protection agencies and financial regulators, states must step up to stop big businesses from ripping off working families,” said Winston Berkman-Breen, Legal Director at the Student Borrower Protection Center. “This is especially true in New York, where abusive student loan servicers and private student loan companies take advantage of our weak consumer protections and prey on low-income households and vulnerable communities seeking to achieve financial stability through higher education. We applaud Attorney General James, Senator Comrie, and Assemblymember Lasher for meeting this moment by introducing the FAIR Business Practices Act. The bill will finally catch New York up with the rest of the country by providing commonsense and timely consumer protections for households and small businesses.”

    “The FAIR Business Practices Act strengthens New York’s core consumer protection law to ensure it is up to date and serves as an effective deterrent against wrongdoing,” said Chuck Bell, Advocacy Programs Director for Consumer Reports. “At a time when federal consumer protection initiatives are under attack, New York is stepping up to ensure consumers and small businesses will have the protections they need and deserve against financial ripoffs, fraud, and scams in the marketplace.” 

    “Every New Yorker should be able to work and invest in a prosperous future without fearing predatory lenders pulling the carpet out from under them,” said Diana Caba, Vice President for Community and Economic Development, Hispanic Federation. “It is deeply concerning how few protections consumers have in New York and how those protections are becoming even more limited because of the weakening of regulatory bodies at a national level. The FAIR Business Practices Act shows that New York is prioritizing the financial well-being of New Yorkers and catching state regulations up with the 42 other states who recognize why states must protect people’s financial future.” 

    “New York’s bedrock consumer protection law is intended to protect New Yorkers from new and evolving scams across all economic activity, but in practice it has fallen short, leaving gaps where scam victims have no recourse to get their money back, while making it profitable to continue abusing people,” said Ariana Lindermayer, Senior Staff Attorney of Mobilization for Justice. “The FAIR Business Practices Act would close these gaps and catch New York up with the 42 states that already ban unfair business practices. Honest businesses and everyday New Yorkers will welcome real protection from predatory businesses and competitors.” 

    “The FAIR Business Practices Act should be uncontroversial,” said Matthew Parham, Director of Litigation and Advocacy at the Western New York Law Center in Buffalo. “The unfair and abusive practices that it addresses are already illegal. It just does what most states have done for decades: lets individual consumers and state regulators enforce these rights, instead of relying on the federal government. This is vitally important now, when the federal government is completely abdicating its responsibility to protect consumers from scams and ripoffs.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján: Congressional Republicans Just Voted to Rip Away Your Health Care and Nutrition Assistance for the Most Vulnerable

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    House-Passed Bill Includes Largest Cut to Medicaid in History

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after House Republicans passed President Trump’s sweeping plan to rip away health care and nutrition programs, close hospitals, cut incomes for working families, and deliver massive giveaways to the ultra-wealthy:

    “House Republicans just voted to gut Medicaid and SNAP – programs that thousands of New Mexicans rely on every day. Their bill would strip health care from working families, take meals away from children and seniors, and slash support for those who need it most – all while handing over billions in benefits to the wealthiest Americans.

    “In New Mexico, the consequences would be devastating. Slashing Medicaid means hospitals will close their doors, families across the state will lose access to care, and doctors, nursing homes, and home care providers will face deep payment cuts. House Republicans just voted to take away your health care and nutrition assistance – passing the largest cut to Medicaid and SNAP in our nation’s history.

    “It’s working families who will foot the bill. Americans earning less than $51,000 a year could actually see their incomes drop – while those at the top get a majority of the benefits. This bill lines the pockets of Elon Musk and his billionaire friends while ripping the rest of America off.”

    Impacts of the House GOP legislation include:

    • Cuts to Medicaid, jeopardizing health care access for millions;
    • Cuts to SNAP, reducing food assistance for children, families, and seniors;
    • Many Americans making less than $51,000 a year will lose money;
    • Delivers 65% of benefits to the wealthiest Americans;
    • According to a study by Wharton, the Republicans’ plan will add $4.6 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK secures future of vital Diego Garcia Military Base to protect national security

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK secures future of vital Diego Garcia Military Base to protect national security

    The long-term agreement secures future of joint UK-US military base at Diego Garcia.

    • Long-term agreement secures future of joint UK-US military base at Diego Garcia
    • Vital capabilities protected to counter growing global threats, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad
    • Deal is backed by strong support from the US and key international allies

    The UK has today (22 May) signed a landmark agreement with Mauritius to secure the future of the strategically critical UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, one of our most significant contributions to the transatlantic defence and security partnership.

    The base has played a vital role in defending the UK and its allies for over 50 years. This new deal ensures its continued operation for at least the next century, protecting capabilities essential to UK intelligence and counter-terrorism.

    The base plays a key role in operations that support UK forces and our allies across the Middle East, East Africa and South Asia.

    Its deep-water port, airfield, and advanced communications and surveillance capabilities give the UK and its allies crucial strategic capabilities, which have played a key role in missions to disrupt high-value terrorists, including Islamic State threats to the UK.

    The legal necessity of this deal has been recognised by successive governments. The previous government started these negotiations over two years ago, and they held 11 out of the 13 rounds of talks that underpin the deal, that this government has concluded.

    Crucially, all Five Eyes partners – the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – back the agreement, along with India, recognising the critical role Diego Garcia plays in upholding global stability and deterring adversaries.

    The base is a cornerstone of the Government’s Plan for Change, with operations there deterring threats to our nation and protecting our economic security.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: 

    As the world becomes more dangerous, our military base on Diego Garcia becomes more important. Today’s Treaty secures full operational control, strengthens our UK-US defence partnership and keeps British people safe at home for the next 99 years and beyond. 

    Without this base, our ability to deter terrorists, defend our interests and protect our troops around the world would be at risk. This agreement will safeguard our national and economic security for generations to come. 

    Critically, the deal ensures the UK retains full operational control of Diego Garcia, including management of the electromagnetic spectrum satellite used for communications – vital for countering hostile interference.

    There will also be robust provisions to keep adversaries out, including:

    • A 24 nautical mile buffer zone where nothing can be built or placed without UK consent – meaning we can protect UK interests.

    • A rigorous process, including joint decision-making, to prevent any activities on the wider islands – some over 100 nautical miles away – from disrupting base operations. Joint decision-making means there can be no development unless we agree. 

    • A strict ban on foreign security forces on the outer islands, whether civilian or military.

    • A binding obligation to ensure the base is never undermined.

    Both countries have also agreed to a ban on the presence of foreign forces across the wider territory and a binding guarantee that base operations cannot be undermined.

    Without this deal, international legal proceedings could have rendered the base inoperable, affecting UK national security in the process with our adversaries being allowed to capitalise on this – building outposts near the base.

    Within a matter of weeks, with no deal, the UK could face legally-binding provisional measures through an Arbitral Tribunal under the Law of the Sea Convention – affecting the ability of the Armed Forces to patrol the waters around the base.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP said: 

    This treaty secures the Diego Garcia military base for generations to come, protecting national and global security. 

    Without this deal, the land, sea and air operations of the base would become inoperable – doing nothing was not an option. 

    The US, Australia, Canada and India all back this deal because they understand its importance for global security. This government has always been clear that we will act in the national interest, not gamble with our national security like those who oppose this deal.

    It was clear that this agreement was the only route to securing the future of the base and preventing the UK’s adversaries from establishing a presence in the region.

    It is a clear demonstration of the UK’s commitment to act decisively in defence of its interests and ensure that the base continues to support operations that keep British citizens safe, now and in the decades to come.

    Notes to editors:

    • The cost per year is £101 million and the net present value of payments under the treaty is £3.4 billion. All costs have been verified by the Government Actuary’s Department. 
    • Further details will be laid out in Parliament.

    Diego Garcia Capabilities

    Diego Garcia is the largest island of the Chagos Archipelago, located in the central Indian Ocean. The joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia has a strategic location which makes it vital to UK and US power projection in the Indian Ocean and beyond. The base provides a unique shared platform with irreplaceable security capabilities that enable a UK and US military presence across the Middle East, Indo-Pacific and Africa.

    Strategic and operational importance:

    • Diego Garcia’s strategic location allows it to support a wide array of operational activity in a number of theatres, helping to combat some of the most challenging threats, including terrorism, and hostile states.
    • Diego Garcia is the only UK base in the region with guaranteed freedom of use. It is central to current UK and US emergency planning and operations, just as it was with Afghanistan and Iraq.
    • The base offers the UK and its Allies unique and vital capabilities that help us understand and anticipate those who would do us harm. This includes capabilities which have been used to support counter terrorism operations against high value Islamic State targets. 
    • The base is a critical logistics hub at a strategic location, with a full range of facilities that acts as a key refuelling and resupply station for naval and air operations. This enables power projection and global reach, allowing for rapid and flexible deployment of our forces across the Middle East, East Africa and South Asia.
    • The base helps protect some of the most important shipping lanes in the world, while also remaining isolated enough to be protected from attack by adversaries.
    • The close collaboration between UK and US delivers shared real-world operational outcomes, in the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. The base has also hosted visits from Allies and partners such as Japan, France, Republic of Korea and Australia.

    Base capabilities

    • Airfield: Location and infrastructure accommodate a broad range of military aircraft, with capability to support military requirements from strike operations, as seen through the Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns, to humanitarian response.
    • Port: A multitude of berthing options for the UK and US navies to support various missions including Carrier Strike Group deployment. The UK maintains a Nuclear Emergency Response Organisation to permit nuclear powered submarines to safely berth at the port. The US uses Diego Garcia to strategically position equipment and supplies at sea for rapid deployment in various global theatres, including for humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions over the years, across the Indo-Pacific.
    • Seismic monitoring: Permanent location of three pieces of critical Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty monitoring equipment, a network constantly monitoring for indicators of nuclear testing, vital in preventing nuclear proliferation.
    • Space capabilities: Hosts one of the monitoring stations and one of the four ground antennas for the Global Positioning System (GPS). Also hosts part of the Ground-Base Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) System. This provides situational awareness of objects in Earth’s orbit, helping to track space debris that pose a risk to space systems.

    Government Legal Position – Diego Garcia

    Mauritius’s legal claim of sovereignty over the island of Diego Garcia is supported by a number of international institutions, including the UN General Assembly.

    The International Court of Justice considered this issue in an Advisory Opinion delivered on 25 February 2019. An Advisory Opinion of the ICJ carries significant weight; in particular it is likely to be highly influential on any subsequent court/tribunal considering the issues arising out of disputed sovereignty, and whose judgment would be binding in international law. The ICJ concluded that “the United Kingdom is under an obligation to bring to an end its administration of the Chagos Archipelago as rapidly as possible”.

    The 2019 Advisory Opinion was followed in 2021 by a Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (in a case about delimitation of the boundary between Mauritius and The Maldives) which ruled that Mauritius’ sovereignty was inferred from the ICJ’s determinations.

    If a long-term deal is not reached between the UK and Mauritius, it is highly likely that further wide-ranging litigation would be brought quickly by Mauritius against the UK. This might, for example, include further arbitral proceedings against the UK under Annex VII of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (“UNCLOS”). A judgment from such a tribunal would be legally binding on the UK.

    The longstanding legal view of the United Kingdom is that the UK would not have a realistic prospect of successfully defending its legal position on sovereignty in such litigation. Even if the United Kingdom chose to ignore binding judgments made against it, their legal effect on third countries and international organisations would give rise to real impacts to the operation of the Base and the delivery of all its national security functions. International organisations have already adopted decisions based on Mauritian Sovereignty, and others would follow suit following such litigation.  

    These impacts could include: our ability to protect the electromagnetic spectrum from interference, to ensure access to the Base by air and by sea, effectively to patrol the maritime area around the Base, and to support the Base’s critical national security functions.

    Further, the UK would likely face a Provisional Measures Order within a matter of weeks of Mauritius commencing proceedings, which would also be legally binding. That would mean facing the sorts of detrimental impacts set out above, with the effect of substantially disrupting the operation of the military Base, in very short order.

    This deal is thus the only way to secure unfettered access to the Base for the long-term and to ensure its full contribution to national security.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, Europol, law enforcement partners, dismantle major illicit drug networks in global Darknet crackdown

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in collaboration with Europol, the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement Team, and various national and international partners, announced the results of Operation RapTOR May 22. This historic takedown, led by Europol, resulted in the highest number of seizures in JCODE’s history.

    The seizures, to which ICE Homeland Security Investigations significantly contributed, include more than $200 million in currency and digital assets, over two metric tons of drugs, comprised of 144 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics, and over 180 firearms. In addition, the United States and international law enforcement partners made 270 arrests of dark web vendors, buyers, and administrators in Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.

    Led by Europol’s European Cyber Crime Centre Operation RapTOR united the FBI-led JCODE team — comprised of ICE HSI and law enforcement partners from the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia — to disrupt fentanyl and opioid trafficking, as well as sale of other illicit goods and services on the Darknet. Building on the successes of prior years’ operations, Operation RapTOR furthered global efforts to dismantle darknet marketplaces, resulting in the seizure of darknet infrastructure from Nemesis, Tor2Door, Bohemia, and Kingdom Markets. These actions provided investigators across the globe with invaluable leads and evidence, strengthening the ongoing fight against cybercrime and illicit activities on the darknet.

    “This record-breaking operation sends a clear message to every trafficker hiding behind a screen — your anonymity ends where our global reach begins,” said ICE acting Director Todd Lyons. “Thanks to the unwavering efforts by ICE HSI, Europol and our international partners, we’re cracking the code of the so-called ‘safe spaces’ for cybercriminals — they are in our sights and we’re not backing down.”

    The Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre, Edvardas Šileris, commented: “Operation RapTor shows that the dark web is not beyond the reach of law enforcement. Through close cooperation and intelligence sharing, officers across three continents identified and arrested suspects, sending a clear message to those who think they can hide in the shadows. Europol will continue working with our partners to make the internet safer for everyone.”

    In furtherance of Operation RapTOR and in their first action as a JCODE member agency, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) additionally sanctioned Behrouz Parsarad, an Iranian national, for his role as the founder and operator of Nemesis Market following seizure of the market.

    “This historic international seizure of firearms, deadly drugs, and illegal funds will save lives,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Criminals cannot hide behind computer screens or seek refuge on the dark web — this Justice Department will identify and eliminate threats to the American people regardless of where they originate.”

    “By cowardly hiding online, these traffickers have wreaked havoc across our country and directly fueled the fentanyl crisis and gun violence impacting our American communities and neighborhoods. But the ease and accessibility of their crimes ends today,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI could not do this work without our partners both at home and abroad, and the staggering success of this year’s record-breaking amount of fentanyl, guns, and drugs seized prove that our efforts are working. Anyone looking to anonymously harm our citizens through illicit darknet trafficking: your days of recklessness are numbered.”

    “These predators who peddled poison on the dark web might have thought they are untouchable — hiding behind screens, pushing fentanyl, fueling overdoses, and cashing in on misery. However, Operation RapTor just proved them wrong,” said DEA acting Administrator Robert Murphy. “DEA and our global partners reached across borders, across platforms, and across currencies to rip their networks apart. Let this stand as a warning: no mask, no marketplace, and no digital wallet can hide you from facing justice.”

    “This unprecedented operation is a testament to the power of global partnership and the unwavering dedication of our team,” said Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “Working through the JCODE initiative, IRS Criminal Investigation and our international partners led the largest and most impactful takedown to date — seizing over $200 million in assets, removing deadly drugs and weapons from circulation, and holding more than 270 individuals accountable. This critical strike against dark web networks fueling the fentanyl crisis marks a proud moment in our ongoing effort to protect communities worldwide.”

    “Operation RapTor shows what’s possible when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our partners around the world stand united. No matter where criminals hide, we will find them, dismantle their operations, and bring them to justice. This operation was about protecting innocent people from predatory criminals who profit from violence, addiction, and fear. Our commitment is unwavering,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale, United States Postal Inspection Service.

    “The FDA is committed to continuing its work to disrupt and dismantle the illegal sales of drugs on the dark web, where such sales far too often have tragic consequences,” said Chad Menster, Deputy Director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI). “We will continue to monitor, investigate and bring to justice those who misuse the internet in a quest for profits with reckless disregard for the risk to public health and safety.”  

    The impact of Operation RapTOR builds on years-long legacy of dark web enforcement and the tireless work of HSI and our U.S. and international law enforcement partners, as seen in the following cases:

    • “Incognito Market” Owner Pleads Guilty For Operating One Of The Largest Illegal Narcotics Marketplaces On The Internet
      • Incognito Market sold more than $100 million of narcotics — including hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine as well as heroin, cocaine, LSD, MDMA, oxycodone, methamphetamine, ketamine, and alprazolam, and misbranded prescription medication. Incognito Market was available globally to anyone with internet access and was designed to foster seamless narcotics transactions across the world. It incorporated many features of legitimate e-commerce sites such as branding, advertising, and customer service. While concealing their identities users were able to search thousands of listings for narcotics of their choice. Prescription medication was also listed that was advertised as being authentic but was not, as seen in November 2023, when an undercover federal agent purchased and received several tablets that purported to be oxycodone, but were in fact, fentanyl pills.
    • Central District of California | Two Southern California Men Who Supplied Fentanyl Sold to Darknet Customers in All 50 States Sentenced to Federal Prison | United States Department of Justice
      • Ruiz of Orange County was sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison, and Omar Navia of South Los Angeles was separately sentenced to 15 years in federal prison in January 2025 for supplying fentanyl-laced pills to a drug trafficking ring that sold these drugs to more than 1,000 customers nationwide via the Darknet Navia and Ruiz admitted that at least August 2021 to December 2022, they supplied fentanyl-laced pills to Michael Ta, 26, of Westminster, and Rajiv Srinivasan, 38, of Houston, who used the Darknet and encrypted messaging applications to sell more than 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills, 20 pounds of methamphetamine, and other drugs directly to more than 1,000 customers in all 50 states, causing several fatal overdoses in the process.
    • In February 2024, the Eastern District of Virginia issued a criminal complaint charging Joshua Vasquez, Joseph Vasquez, and Rafael Roman with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
      • Joshua Vasquez, Joseph Vasquez, and Rafael Roman conspired to sell counterfeit Adderall containing methamphetamine on darknet markets such as Bohemia and Tor2Door. The defendants allegedly sold drugs on darknet marketplaces in exchange for cryptocurrency. Collectively, these prolific darknet vendors were responsible fulfilling over 13 thousand drug orders shipped throughout the United States, ranging in size from user quantities, e.g., 5 pills, to “reseller” quantities, e.g., 10 thousand pills. While executing search warrants in New Jersey and New York, Federal Law Enforcement officers seized more than $330 thousand, close to 80 thousand counterfeit Adderall pills, one firearm, and two industrial pill press machines. FBI, FDA, and USPIS investigated this matter with significant contributions from HSI and our law enforcement partners.
    • Van Nuys Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Cocaine via Darknet Marketplaces and Possessing Guns
      • A San Fernando Valley man was sentenced to 20 plus years in federal prison for using darknet marketplaces to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of fentanyl-laced pills and cocaine to buyers nationwide. He admitted in court documents to causing one fatal fentanyl overdose. From at least April 2021 to May 2023, McDonald and others conspired to sell fentanyl and cocaine via multiple darknet marketplaces. Specifically, McDonald purchased bulk quantities of fentanyl and cocaine and then directed the activities of other coconspirators to carry out hundreds of drug sales involving the distribution of large quantities of both fentanyl and cocaine, including hundreds of thousands of fentanyl-laced pills. The FBI and the DEA investigated this matter as part of JCODE.

    “Cybercriminals think the Darknet makes them untouchable — we just proved they’re dead wrong,” said ICE HSI acting Executive Associate Director Robert Hammer. “HSI is on the front lines of a digital battlefield, deploying cutting-edge tech, relentless enforcement, and global coordination to hunt down these predators. Cybercrime is a global threat, and that’s why we’re committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners at Europol and across the world to dismantle these networks together. If you profit from pain online, we’re looking for you — and you’ll soon learn that no corner of the internet is beyond our reach.”

    Operation RapTOR includes law enforcement actions taken by JCODE member agencies, to include ICE HSI; the DEA; FBI; FDA-OCI; IRS-CI; and USPIS; in addition to foreign partners listed below. Credible reporting from the referenced agencies, in addition to contributions from ATF; Army CID; CBP; Department of Treasury’s FinCEN and Office of Foreign Assets Control; and NCIS enabled domestic law enforcement actions in support of Operation RapTOR. Local, state, and other federal agencies also contributed to investigations through task force participation and regional partnerships. The investigations leading to Operation RapTOR were significantly aided by support and coordination from the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, with additional support from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces; multi-agency Special Operations Division; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section’s Digital Currency Initiative, and Fraud Section; the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs; Europol and its Dark Web team; and international partners.

    The international partners include Europol; Eurojust; Austria’s Criminal Intelligence Service with various Provincial Criminal Police Departments (Bundeskriminalamt und Landeskriminalämter); Brazil’s Civil Police of the State of Pará (Polícia Civil do Estado do Pará) and Civil Police of the State of São Paulo (Polícia Civil do Estado do São Paulo); France’s French Customs (Douane), National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale); Germany‘s Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt), Prosecutor’s Office in Cologne – Central Cybercrime Contact Point (Staatsanwaltschaft Köln, Zentral- und Ansprechstelle Cybercrime), Central Criminal Investigation in Oldenburg (Zentrale Kriminalinspektion Oldenburg) various police departments (Dienststellen der Länderpolizeien), German Customs Investigation (Zollfahndungsämter); The Netherlands’s National Police (Politie), Post Interventie Team; Spain’s National Police (Policía Nacional); South Korea’s Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office – Darknet Investigations Unit; Switzerland’s Zurich Cantonal Police (Kantonspolizei Zürich) and Public Prosecutor’s Office II of the Canton of Zurich (Staatsanwaltschaft II); and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, National Police Chiefs’ Council.

    HSI is a worldwide law enforcement leader in Darknet and other cyber-related criminal investigations. The DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3) combats cybercrime, online child sexual exploitation, and criminal exploitation of the internet with state-of-the-art forensic technology. The Center investigates large-scale cybercrime threats and provides expertise on cybercrime investigations to the field. It also uses global law enforcement networks, like Europol, to combat cybercrime threats.

    C3 delivers computer and cyber-based technical services in support of HSI cases — including investigations into underground online marketplaces selling illegal drugs, weapons and other contraband; enabling the trade of images of child exploitation materials; and facilitating the theft of intellectual property, trade secrets, and export-controlled technology and data.

    Individuals across the world can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 866-DHS-2-ICE. Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on more than 400 laws enforced by ICE.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Law Enforcement Seize Record Amounts of Illegal Drugs, Firearms, and Drug Trafficking Proceeds in International Operation Against Darknet Trafficking of Fentanyl and Opioids; 270 Arrested Across Four Continents

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    WASHINGTON — Today, the Attorney General and the Department of Justice’s Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team, and international law enforcement partners announced the results of Operation RapTor, including the arrests of 270 dark web vendors, buyers, and administrators in Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Operation RapTor resulted in the highest number of seizures of any JCODE operation, including more than $200 million in currency and digital assets, over two metric tons of drugs, 144 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics, and over 180 firearms.

    Operation RapTor was a global, coordinated effort by law enforcement in the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia to disrupt fentanyl and opioid trafficking, as well as the sales of other illicit goods and services, on the darknet, or dark web. Operation RapTor builds on the successes of prior years’ operations and takedowns of marketplaces, which resulted in the seizure of darknet infrastructure from Nemesis, Tor2Door, Bohemia, and Kingdom Markets, providing investigators across the world with investigative leads and evidence. JCODE and Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) continue to compile intelligence packages to identify entities of interest. These leads allow U.S. and international law enforcement agencies to identify darknet drug vendors and buyers, resulting in a series of coordinated, but separate, law enforcement investigations, reflected in the statistics announced today. In furtherance of Operation RapTor and in its first action as a JCODE member agency, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) additionally sanctioned Iranian national Behrouz Parsarad for his role as the founder and operator of Nemesis Market following seizure of the market. Parsarad was also indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges related to the illegal business he ran on the dark web.

    “This historic international seizure of firearms, deadly drugs, and illegal funds will save lives,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Criminals cannot hide behind computer screens or seek refuge on the dark web – this Justice Department will identify and eliminate threats to the American people regardless of where they originate.”

    “By cowardly hiding online, these traffickers have wreaked havoc across our country and directly fueled the fentanyl crisis and gun violence impacting our American communities and neighborhoods. But the ease and accessibility of their crimes ends today,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI could not do this work without our partners both at home and abroad, and the staggering success of this year’s record-breaking amount of fentanyl, guns, and drugs seized prove that our efforts are working. Anyone looking to anonymously harm our citizens through illicit darknet trafficking: your days of recklessness are numbered.”

    “These predators who peddled poison on the dark web might have thought they are untouchable — hiding behind screens, pushing fentanyl, fueling overdoses, and cashing in on misery. However, Operation RapTor just proved them wrong,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy. “DEA and our global partners reached across borders, across platforms, and across currencies to rip their networks apart. Let this stand as a warning: no mask, no marketplace, and no digital wallet can hide you from facing justice.”

    “Operation RapTor shows that the dark web is not beyond the reach of law enforcement,” said Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre, Edvardas Šileris. “Through close cooperation and intelligence sharing, officers across three continents identified and arrested suspects, sending a clear message to those who think they can hide in the shadows. Europol will continue working with our partners to make the internet safer for everyone.”

    “This unprecedented operation is a testament to the power of global partnership and the unwavering dedication of our team,” said Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “Working through the JCODE initiative, IRS Criminal Investigation and our international partners led the largest and most impactful takedown to date—seizing over $200 million in assets, removing deadly drugs and weapons from circulation, and holding more than 270 individuals accountable. This critical strike against dark web networks fueling the fentanyl crisis marks a proud moment in our ongoing effort to protect communities worldwide.”

    “This record-breaking operation sends a clear message to every trafficker hiding behind a screen—your anonymity ends where our global reach begins,” said Acting Director Todd Lyons of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “Thanks to the unwavering efforts by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Europol and our international partners, we’re cracking the code of the so-called ‘safe spaces’ for cybercriminals—they are in our sights and we’re not backing down.”

    “Operation RapTor shows what’s possible when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our partners around the world stand united,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the United States Postal Inspection Service. “No matter where criminals hide, we will find them, dismantle their operations, and bring them to justice. This operation was about protecting innocent people from predatory criminals who profit from violence, addiction, and fear. Our commitment is unwavering.”

    “The FDA is committed to continuing its work to disrupt and dismantle the illegal sales of drugs on the dark web, where such sales far too often have tragic consequences,” said Deputy Director Chad Menster of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI). “We will continue to monitor, investigate and bring to justice those who misuse the internet in a quest for profits with reckless disregard for the risk to public health and safety.”  

    The impact of Operation RapTor can be attributed to the tireless work of U.S. and international law enforcement partners. For example:

    On Dec. 16, 2024, Rui-Siang Lin pleaded guilty to charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York of narcotics conspiracy, money laundering, and conspiracy to sell adulterated and misbranded medication for owning and operating Incognito Market, one of the largest narcotics marketplaces on the internet.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Incognito Market was an online narcotics bazaar that started on the dark web in October 2020. Until it shut down in March 2024, Incognito Market sold more than $100 million of narcotics—including hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine. Incognito Market was available globally to anyone with internet access using the Tor web browser on the “dark web” or “darknet.” Incognito Market was designed to facilitate seamless narcotics transactions, incorporating many features of legitimate e-commerce sites such as branding, advertising, and customer service. Upon visiting the site, users were met by a splash page and graphic interface, which is pictured below:

    Figure 1: Incognito Market homepage

    While concealing their identities with a unique username or “moniker,” users were able to search thousands of listings for narcotics of their choice. Incognito Market sold illegal narcotics including heroin, cocaine, LSD, MDMA, oxycodone, methamphetamine, ketamine, and alprazolam, as well as misbranded prescription medication. An example of listings on Incognito market is below:

    Figure 2: Listings for various drugs on the Incognito Market.

    Listings included offerings of prescription medication that was falsely advertised as being authentic. For example, in November 2023, while operating in an undercover capacity on Incognito Market, a law enforcement agent purchased and received several tablets purported to be oxycodone. Testing revealed that these tablets were not oxycodone and were, in fact, fentanyl pills.

    The FBI, HSI, DEA, FDA OCI, and the New York Police Department investigated the case.

    In a second example, in January 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California secured a 17-year sentence for Adan Ruiz, of Orange County, and a 15-year sentence for Omar Navia, of Los Angeles, for supplying fentanyl-laced pills to a drug trafficking ring that sold these drugs to more than 1,000 customers nationwide via the darknet. In imposing the sentences, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter called this case “the most sophisticated fentanyl distribution ring that this court has seen.”

    Navia and Ruiz admitted in their plea agreements that, from at least August 2021 to December 2022, they supplied fentanyl-laced pills to Michael Ta, 26, of Westminster, and Rajiv Srinivasan, 38, of Houston, who used the darknet and encrypted messaging applications to sell more than 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills, 20 pounds of methamphetamine, and other drugs directly to more than 1,000 customers in all 50 states, causing several fatal overdoses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Srinivasan and Ta used the “redlightlabs” darknet account to advertise and sell counterfeit M30 oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and other illicit drugs. Srinivasan also used the encrypted messaging application Wickr to communicate with and sell drugs to customers. Srinivasan received virtual currency as payment for the drugs and then routed that virtual currency through cryptocurrency exchanges.

    The court record also shows that Ta communicated with Srinivasan about drug orders, obtained fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine from sources of supply, stored those drugs in his residence, and mailed out packages with drugs to customers who had ordered them from Srinivasan on the “redlightlabs” account.

    Ta and Srinivasan admitted in their plea agreements to causing the fentanyl overdose deaths of three victims. Both defendants further admitted to distributing fentanyl-laced pills to two additional victims, both of whom suffered fatal drug overdoses shortly after they received the pills from Ta and Srinivasan. Prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum, “The five victims of defendants’ crimes ranged in age from 19 to 51. They lived across the country, from California to Florida, Colorado to Arkansas. Each of the five victims leaves behind a family that has been forever and fundamentally changed by defendants’ actions. [Ta and Srinivasan] also victimized countless others as part of an epidemic of addiction and despair plaguing our district and our country.”

    The FBI investigated this case, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the DEA’s Fayetteville Resident Office, and the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force.

    In a third example, in February 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia charged Joshua Vasquez, Joseph Vasquez, and Rafael Roman by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Joshua Vasquez, Joseph Vasquez, and Roman conspired to sell counterfeit Adderall containing methamphetamine on darknet markets such as Bohemia and Tor2Door. The defendants allegedly sold drugs on darknet marketplaces in exchange for cryptocurrency under the monikers “NuveoDelux,” “Mrjohnson,” and “AllStateRx.”

    According to court documents and statements made in court, these three prolific darknet vendors were collectively responsible for fulfilling over 13,000 drug orders shipped throughout the United States, ranging in size from user quantities, e.g., 5 pills, to “reseller” quantities, e.g., 10,000 pills. Joshua and Joseph Vasquez collectively ran the NuveoDeluxe and AllStateRx accounts. A fourth co-conspirator, Gregory Castillo-Rosario, who was arrested in October 2024, ran the Mrjohnson account. Roman assisted his co-conspirators by pressing counterfeit Adderall pills, packaging them, and distributing drug orders into the mail using the U.S. Postal Service. The conspiracy also laundered funds associated with darknet drug proceeds.

    While executing search warrants in New Jersey and New York, federal law enforcement officers seized more than $330,000, close to 80,000 counterfeit Adderall pills, one firearm, and two industrial pill press machines. Additionally, two vehicles and several pieces of property were seized during the search warrants. An additional 30 kilograms of suspected counterfeit Adderall pills were seized on May 2, 2024, in New York. Photographs of some of the seized items are below: 

    Figure 3: Counterfeit Adderall pills laced with methamphetamine stored in 5-gallon buckets

    Figure 4: Bags ready to be shipped to customers nationwide.

    Figure 5: Illegal pill press machines used by drug traffickers to make counterfeit pharmaceutical pills.

    Figure 6: Trash bags full of counterfeit Adderall pills laced with methamphetamine.

    Joshua Vasquez pleaded guilty on April 24, 2024, and was sentenced on July 25, 2024, to 12 years in prison. Joseph Vasquez pleaded guilty on April 15, 2024, and was sentenced on Aug. 8, 2024, to 10 years in prison. Roman pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024, and was sentenced on Nov. 14, 2024, to 10 years in prison. They all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to create a counterfeit substance and distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

    The FBI, FDA, and USPIS investigated this matter with significant contributions from DEA, HSI, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, the Howell Township Police Department, the Lakewood Township Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Arlington County Police Department, and the New York Police Department.

    In a fourth example, a San Fernando Valley man, Brian McDonald, 23, was sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison in the Central District of California for using darknet marketplaces to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of fentanyl-laced pills and cocaine to buyers nationwide. He admitted in court documents to causing one fatal fentanyl overdose.

    From at least April 2021 until May 2023, McDonald and others conspired to sell fentanyl and cocaine via multiple darknet marketplaces. McDonald operated under the monikers “Malachai Johnson,” “SouthSideOxy,” and “JefeDeMichoacan.” McDonald created, monitored, and maintained the darknet vendor profiles, including by updating drug listings and shipment options, tracking drug orders, and offloading Monero cryptocurrency received as drug deal payments into cryptocurrency wallets that McDonald controlled.

    McDonald recruited and hired accomplices to help package and ship the narcotics they sold on the darknet. McDonald directed and helped these accomplices package and ship the narcotics. McDonald purchased bulk quantities of fentanyl and cocaine and then directed others to complete hundreds of drug sales involving large quantities of both fentanyl and cocaine.

    The FBI and DEA investigated this matter.

    Operation RapTor involves law enforcement actions taken by JCODE member agencies, including the DEA, FBI, FDA OCI, HSI, IRS-CI, and USPIS. Credible reporting from the referenced agencies, in addition to contributions from ATF, Army Criminal Investigation Division, Customs and Border Protection, the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and OFAC, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service, enabled domestic law enforcement actions in support of Operation RapTor. State, local, and other federal agencies also contributed to Operation RapTor investigations through task force participation and regional partnerships, as well as the multi-agency Special Operations Division.

    The investigations leading to Operation RapTor were significantly aided by support and coordination from the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, with valuable assistance from the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Fraud Section, and Office of International Affairs.

    Key international partners include Europol; Eurojust; Austria’s Criminal Intelligence Service with various Provincial Criminal Police Departments (Bundeskriminalamt und Landeskriminalämter); Brazil’s Civil Police of the State of Pará (Polícia Civil do Estado do Pará) and Civil Police of the State of São Paulo (Polícia Civil do Estado do São Paulo); France’s French Customs (Douane), National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale); Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt), Prosecutor’s Office in Cologne – Central Cybercrime Contact Point (Staatsanwaltschaft Köln, Zentral- und Ansprechstelle Cybercrime), Central Criminal Investigation in Oldenburg (Zentrale Kriminalinspektion Oldenburg) various police departments (Dienststellen der Länderpolizeien), and German Customs Investigation (Zollfahndungsämter); the Netherlands’ Team High Tech Crime (National Investigations and Special Operations (NIS) and Post Interventie Team (PIT), National Intelligence, Expertise and Operational Support (NIEO);  Spain’s National Police (Policía Nacional); South Korea’s Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office – Darknet Investigations Unit; Switzerland’s Zurich Cantonal Police (Kantonspolizei Zürich) and Public Prosecutor’s Office II of the Canton of Zurich (Staatsanwaltschaft II); and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

    Federal investigations spanned the United States, and 26 United States Attorneys’ Offices are prosecuting cases, including the Central District of California, the Northern District of California, the Southern District of California, the District of Colorado, the District of Connecticut, the District of Columbia, the Middle District of Florida, the Southern District of Florida, the Middle District of Georgia, the District of Hawaii, the Northern District of Illinois, the Southern District of Indiana, the Eastern District of Kentucky, the District of Massachusetts, the Eastern District of Michigan, the Western District of Michigan, the Eastern District of Missouri, the District of New Jersey, the Southern District of New York, the District of North Dakota, the Northern District of Ohio, the Southern District of Ohio, the Northern District of Oklahoma, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the Western District of Washington.

    The Justice Department established the FBI-led JCODE team to lead and coordinate government efforts to detect, disrupt, and dismantle major criminal enterprises reliant on the darknet for trafficking opioids and other illicit narcotics, along with identifying and dismantling their supply chains.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Seize Record Amounts of Illegal Drugs, Firearms, and Drug Trafficking Proceeds in International Operation Against Darknet Trafficking of Fentanyl and Opioids; 270 Arrested Across Four Continents

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    WASHINGTON — Today, the Attorney General and the Department of Justice’s Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team, and international law enforcement partners announced the results of Operation RapTor, including the arrests of 270 dark web vendors, buyers, and administrators in Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Operation RapTor resulted in the highest number of seizures of any JCODE operation, including more than $200 million in currency and digital assets, over two metric tons of drugs, 144 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics, and over 180 firearms.

    Operation RapTor was a global, coordinated effort by law enforcement in the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia to disrupt fentanyl and opioid trafficking, as well as the sales of other illicit goods and services, on the darknet, or dark web. Operation RapTor builds on the successes of prior years’ operations and takedowns of marketplaces, which resulted in the seizure of darknet infrastructure from Nemesis, Tor2Door, Bohemia, and Kingdom Markets, providing investigators across the world with investigative leads and evidence. JCODE and Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) continue to compile intelligence packages to identify entities of interest. These leads allow U.S. and international law enforcement agencies to identify darknet drug vendors and buyers, resulting in a series of coordinated, but separate, law enforcement investigations, reflected in the statistics announced today. In furtherance of Operation RapTor and in its first action as a JCODE member agency, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) additionally sanctioned Iranian national Behrouz Parsarad for his role as the founder and operator of Nemesis Market following seizure of the market. Parsarad was also indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges related to the illegal business he ran on the dark web.

    “This historic international seizure of firearms, deadly drugs, and illegal funds will save lives,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Criminals cannot hide behind computer screens or seek refuge on the dark web – this Justice Department will identify and eliminate threats to the American people regardless of where they originate.”

    “By cowardly hiding online, these traffickers have wreaked havoc across our country and directly fueled the fentanyl crisis and gun violence impacting our American communities and neighborhoods. But the ease and accessibility of their crimes ends today,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI could not do this work without our partners both at home and abroad, and the staggering success of this year’s record-breaking amount of fentanyl, guns, and drugs seized prove that our efforts are working. Anyone looking to anonymously harm our citizens through illicit darknet trafficking: your days of recklessness are numbered.”

    “These predators who peddled poison on the dark web might have thought they are untouchable — hiding behind screens, pushing fentanyl, fueling overdoses, and cashing in on misery. However, Operation RapTor just proved them wrong,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy. “DEA and our global partners reached across borders, across platforms, and across currencies to rip their networks apart. Let this stand as a warning: no mask, no marketplace, and no digital wallet can hide you from facing justice.”

    “Operation RapTor shows that the dark web is not beyond the reach of law enforcement,” said Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre, Edvardas Šileris. “Through close cooperation and intelligence sharing, officers across three continents identified and arrested suspects, sending a clear message to those who think they can hide in the shadows. Europol will continue working with our partners to make the internet safer for everyone.”

    “This unprecedented operation is a testament to the power of global partnership and the unwavering dedication of our team,” said Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “Working through the JCODE initiative, IRS Criminal Investigation and our international partners led the largest and most impactful takedown to date—seizing over $200 million in assets, removing deadly drugs and weapons from circulation, and holding more than 270 individuals accountable. This critical strike against dark web networks fueling the fentanyl crisis marks a proud moment in our ongoing effort to protect communities worldwide.”

    “This record-breaking operation sends a clear message to every trafficker hiding behind a screen—your anonymity ends where our global reach begins,” said Acting Director Todd Lyons of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “Thanks to the unwavering efforts by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Europol and our international partners, we’re cracking the code of the so-called ‘safe spaces’ for cybercriminals—they are in our sights and we’re not backing down.”

    “Operation RapTor shows what’s possible when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our partners around the world stand united,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the United States Postal Inspection Service. “No matter where criminals hide, we will find them, dismantle their operations, and bring them to justice. This operation was about protecting innocent people from predatory criminals who profit from violence, addiction, and fear. Our commitment is unwavering.”

    “The FDA is committed to continuing its work to disrupt and dismantle the illegal sales of drugs on the dark web, where such sales far too often have tragic consequences,” said Deputy Director Chad Menster of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI). “We will continue to monitor, investigate and bring to justice those who misuse the internet in a quest for profits with reckless disregard for the risk to public health and safety.”  

    The impact of Operation RapTor can be attributed to the tireless work of U.S. and international law enforcement partners. For example:

    On Dec. 16, 2024, Rui-Siang Lin pleaded guilty to charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York of narcotics conspiracy, money laundering, and conspiracy to sell adulterated and misbranded medication for owning and operating Incognito Market, one of the largest narcotics marketplaces on the internet.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Incognito Market was an online narcotics bazaar that started on the dark web in October 2020. Until it shut down in March 2024, Incognito Market sold more than $100 million of narcotics—including hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine. Incognito Market was available globally to anyone with internet access using the Tor web browser on the “dark web” or “darknet.” Incognito Market was designed to facilitate seamless narcotics transactions, incorporating many features of legitimate e-commerce sites such as branding, advertising, and customer service. Upon visiting the site, users were met by a splash page and graphic interface, which is pictured below:

    Figure 1: Incognito Market homepage

    While concealing their identities with a unique username or “moniker,” users were able to search thousands of listings for narcotics of their choice. Incognito Market sold illegal narcotics including heroin, cocaine, LSD, MDMA, oxycodone, methamphetamine, ketamine, and alprazolam, as well as misbranded prescription medication. An example of listings on Incognito market is below:

    Figure 2: Listings for various drugs on the Incognito Market.

    Listings included offerings of prescription medication that was falsely advertised as being authentic. For example, in November 2023, while operating in an undercover capacity on Incognito Market, a law enforcement agent purchased and received several tablets purported to be oxycodone. Testing revealed that these tablets were not oxycodone and were, in fact, fentanyl pills.

    The FBI, HSI, DEA, FDA OCI, and the New York Police Department investigated the case.

    In a second example, in January 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California secured a 17-year sentence for Adan Ruiz, of Orange County, and a 15-year sentence for Omar Navia, of Los Angeles, for supplying fentanyl-laced pills to a drug trafficking ring that sold these drugs to more than 1,000 customers nationwide via the darknet. In imposing the sentences, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter called this case “the most sophisticated fentanyl distribution ring that this court has seen.”

    Navia and Ruiz admitted in their plea agreements that, from at least August 2021 to December 2022, they supplied fentanyl-laced pills to Michael Ta, 26, of Westminster, and Rajiv Srinivasan, 38, of Houston, who used the darknet and encrypted messaging applications to sell more than 120,000 fentanyl-laced pills, 20 pounds of methamphetamine, and other drugs directly to more than 1,000 customers in all 50 states, causing several fatal overdoses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Srinivasan and Ta used the “redlightlabs” darknet account to advertise and sell counterfeit M30 oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and other illicit drugs. Srinivasan also used the encrypted messaging application Wickr to communicate with and sell drugs to customers. Srinivasan received virtual currency as payment for the drugs and then routed that virtual currency through cryptocurrency exchanges.

    The court record also shows that Ta communicated with Srinivasan about drug orders, obtained fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine from sources of supply, stored those drugs in his residence, and mailed out packages with drugs to customers who had ordered them from Srinivasan on the “redlightlabs” account.

    Ta and Srinivasan admitted in their plea agreements to causing the fentanyl overdose deaths of three victims. Both defendants further admitted to distributing fentanyl-laced pills to two additional victims, both of whom suffered fatal drug overdoses shortly after they received the pills from Ta and Srinivasan. Prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum, “The five victims of defendants’ crimes ranged in age from 19 to 51. They lived across the country, from California to Florida, Colorado to Arkansas. Each of the five victims leaves behind a family that has been forever and fundamentally changed by defendants’ actions. [Ta and Srinivasan] also victimized countless others as part of an epidemic of addiction and despair plaguing our district and our country.”

    The FBI investigated this case, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the DEA’s Fayetteville Resident Office, and the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force.

    In a third example, in February 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia charged Joshua Vasquez, Joseph Vasquez, and Rafael Roman by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Joshua Vasquez, Joseph Vasquez, and Roman conspired to sell counterfeit Adderall containing methamphetamine on darknet markets such as Bohemia and Tor2Door. The defendants allegedly sold drugs on darknet marketplaces in exchange for cryptocurrency under the monikers “NuveoDelux,” “Mrjohnson,” and “AllStateRx.”

    According to court documents and statements made in court, these three prolific darknet vendors were collectively responsible for fulfilling over 13,000 drug orders shipped throughout the United States, ranging in size from user quantities, e.g., 5 pills, to “reseller” quantities, e.g., 10,000 pills. Joshua and Joseph Vasquez collectively ran the NuveoDeluxe and AllStateRx accounts. A fourth co-conspirator, Gregory Castillo-Rosario, who was arrested in October 2024, ran the Mrjohnson account. Roman assisted his co-conspirators by pressing counterfeit Adderall pills, packaging them, and distributing drug orders into the mail using the U.S. Postal Service. The conspiracy also laundered funds associated with darknet drug proceeds.

    While executing search warrants in New Jersey and New York, federal law enforcement officers seized more than $330,000, close to 80,000 counterfeit Adderall pills, one firearm, and two industrial pill press machines. Additionally, two vehicles and several pieces of property were seized during the search warrants. An additional 30 kilograms of suspected counterfeit Adderall pills were seized on May 2, 2024, in New York. Photographs of some of the seized items are below: 

    Figure 3: Counterfeit Adderall pills laced with methamphetamine stored in 5-gallon buckets

    Figure 4: Bags ready to be shipped to customers nationwide.

    Figure 5: Illegal pill press machines used by drug traffickers to make counterfeit pharmaceutical pills.

    Figure 6: Trash bags full of counterfeit Adderall pills laced with methamphetamine.

    Joshua Vasquez pleaded guilty on April 24, 2024, and was sentenced on July 25, 2024, to 12 years in prison. Joseph Vasquez pleaded guilty on April 15, 2024, and was sentenced on Aug. 8, 2024, to 10 years in prison. Roman pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024, and was sentenced on Nov. 14, 2024, to 10 years in prison. They all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to create a counterfeit substance and distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

    The FBI, FDA, and USPIS investigated this matter with significant contributions from DEA, HSI, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, the Howell Township Police Department, the Lakewood Township Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Arlington County Police Department, and the New York Police Department.

    In a fourth example, a San Fernando Valley man, Brian McDonald, 23, was sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison in the Central District of California for using darknet marketplaces to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of fentanyl-laced pills and cocaine to buyers nationwide. He admitted in court documents to causing one fatal fentanyl overdose.

    From at least April 2021 until May 2023, McDonald and others conspired to sell fentanyl and cocaine via multiple darknet marketplaces. McDonald operated under the monikers “Malachai Johnson,” “SouthSideOxy,” and “JefeDeMichoacan.” McDonald created, monitored, and maintained the darknet vendor profiles, including by updating drug listings and shipment options, tracking drug orders, and offloading Monero cryptocurrency received as drug deal payments into cryptocurrency wallets that McDonald controlled.

    McDonald recruited and hired accomplices to help package and ship the narcotics they sold on the darknet. McDonald directed and helped these accomplices package and ship the narcotics. McDonald purchased bulk quantities of fentanyl and cocaine and then directed others to complete hundreds of drug sales involving large quantities of both fentanyl and cocaine.

    The FBI and DEA investigated this matter.

    Operation RapTor involves law enforcement actions taken by JCODE member agencies, including the DEA, FBI, FDA OCI, HSI, IRS-CI, and USPIS. Credible reporting from the referenced agencies, in addition to contributions from ATF, Army Criminal Investigation Division, Customs and Border Protection, the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and OFAC, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service, enabled domestic law enforcement actions in support of Operation RapTor. State, local, and other federal agencies also contributed to Operation RapTor investigations through task force participation and regional partnerships, as well as the multi-agency Special Operations Division.

    The investigations leading to Operation RapTor were significantly aided by support and coordination from the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, with valuable assistance from the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Fraud Section, and Office of International Affairs.

    Key international partners include Europol; Eurojust; Austria’s Criminal Intelligence Service with various Provincial Criminal Police Departments (Bundeskriminalamt und Landeskriminalämter); Brazil’s Civil Police of the State of Pará (Polícia Civil do Estado do Pará) and Civil Police of the State of São Paulo (Polícia Civil do Estado do São Paulo); France’s French Customs (Douane), National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale); Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt), Prosecutor’s Office in Cologne – Central Cybercrime Contact Point (Staatsanwaltschaft Köln, Zentral- und Ansprechstelle Cybercrime), Central Criminal Investigation in Oldenburg (Zentrale Kriminalinspektion Oldenburg) various police departments (Dienststellen der Länderpolizeien), and German Customs Investigation (Zollfahndungsämter); the Netherlands’ Team High Tech Crime (National Investigations and Special Operations (NIS) and Post Interventie Team (PIT), National Intelligence, Expertise and Operational Support (NIEO);  Spain’s National Police (Policía Nacional); South Korea’s Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office – Darknet Investigations Unit; Switzerland’s Zurich Cantonal Police (Kantonspolizei Zürich) and Public Prosecutor’s Office II of the Canton of Zurich (Staatsanwaltschaft II); and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

    Federal investigations spanned the United States, and 26 United States Attorneys’ Offices are prosecuting cases, including the Central District of California, the Northern District of California, the Southern District of California, the District of Colorado, the District of Connecticut, the District of Columbia, the Middle District of Florida, the Southern District of Florida, the Middle District of Georgia, the District of Hawaii, the Northern District of Illinois, the Southern District of Indiana, the Eastern District of Kentucky, the District of Massachusetts, the Eastern District of Michigan, the Western District of Michigan, the Eastern District of Missouri, the District of New Jersey, the Southern District of New York, the District of North Dakota, the Northern District of Ohio, the Southern District of Ohio, the Northern District of Oklahoma, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the Western District of Washington.

    The Justice Department established the FBI-led JCODE team to lead and coordinate government efforts to detect, disrupt, and dismantle major criminal enterprises reliant on the darknet for trafficking opioids and other illicit narcotics, along with identifying and dismantling their supply chains.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Frank Elderson: Nature’s bell tolls for thee, economy!

    Source: European Central Bank

    Keynote speech by Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB and Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center

    Leiden, 22 May 2025

    Thank you for inviting me to speak at this annual biodiversity dinner. The wide range of speakers here this evening – on international biodiversity day – is testament to the relevance of biodiversity across disciplines.

    Nature isn’t just the roots and shoots of biologists, macroecologists and natural scientists. Beyond its intrinsic value, nature provides vital services that are relevant for all of us – for entrepreneurs, workers, policymakers and bankers, but also for central bankers and financial supervisors.

    A thriving natural environment provides vital benefits that sustain our well-being and serve as a crucial driving force for the global economy. Think of fertile soils, pollination, timber, fishing stocks, clean water and clean air.

    But we are well aware of the daunting facts that confirm the dire state of ecosystem services. Intensive land use, the climate crisis, pollution, overexploitation and other human pressures are rapidly and severely damaging our natural resources.

    75% of land surface ecosystems and 66% of ocean ecosystems have been damaged, degraded or modified.

    We are using natural resources 1.7 times faster than ecosystems can regenerate them. Consequently, the contribution that nature can make to our economies – and our way of life – is steadily diminishing every day.

    These fateful facts and figures confront us as vividly as Edvard Munch’s iconic scream. Yet, accounting for nature and the services it provides is challenging. What nature provides to the economy is typically not measured directly in statistics like GDP.

    We price portfolios instead of pollinators, we monitor markets instead of mangroves and we watch wages instead of water supplies. However, the reality is that while our economies are heavily reliant on ecosystem services, the economic value of those pollinators, mangroves and water supplies is not sufficiently taken into account.

    Nature is too often still wrongly seen as a free good, readily available and abundant in supply, without opportunity costs. For such a good, there is no market – and therefore no price.

    So, why can’t governments intervene by pricing and creating a market for nature as has been done for emissions?

    Unlike for the climate crisis – which can be quantified through carbon emissions and their direct links to rising temperatures – there is no single metric that can be used to quantify the wide range of ecosystem services.

    What is the common denominator of clean air, fertile soils and coasts protected by mangrove forests? Nature is beautifully complex, but this complexity makes it harder to establish a market for nature than a market for climate, such as the carbon markets created through emissions trading systems.

    For central banks to effectively fulfil their mandates, we need to enhance our capacity to measure the vital services that nature provides to our economy and identify the financial risks caused by the degradation of these services. And while this is admittedly not an easy task, it is encouraging that multiple stakeholders are making progress, including academia, firms and also the ECB. We are enhancing our tools, methodologies and data to assess the economic implications of ecosystems and their degradation. And I am pleased to be able to share some of our latest insights this evening.

    I will argue that while nature services may appear to be freely available, they are in fact not abundant at all and there are substantial costs to using and losing them. Costs that we currently overlook when headlines report on GDP growth.

    Accounting for nature in monetary policy and banking supervision

    Nature being of vital importance for the economy and the financial system is hardly a novel insight. Besides scientists, a number of central banks and prudential supervisors have also been highlighting their interlinkages for several years now.[1] And while the climate crisis has received most of the attention, it is encouraging that work on nature-related risks has also significantly evolved.

    Moreover, the ECB has taken significant steps to account for nature-related risks in the pursuit of its mandate. For instance, we take into account the effects nature degradation can have on banks’ balance sheets. The degradation of nature could damage companies’ production processes and consequently weaken their creditworthiness, which might in turn impair loans granted by banks. In our role as the supervisor of Europe’s largest banks, we therefore aim to ensure that the banks we supervise adequately manage both climate-related and nature-related risks.[2] Encouragingly, we are seeing a growing set of good practices among the banks we supervise in terms of identifying, quantifying and managing nature-related risks.

    But are we fully aware of – and sufficiently alert to – how nature degradation could eventually hit balance sheets?

    Advancing our understanding does not mean that economists and supervisors should start studying ants in Aragon, ladybirds in Lombardy or honeybees in Holland (although it is very important that entomologists do!).

    Instead, central banks and supervisors need to gain a better understanding of just how vulnerable the economy and the financial system are to nature degradation.[3]

    Capturing the risks related to ecosystem degradation

    An ECB study in 2023 found that nearly 75% of banks’ corporate lending goes to firms that are highly dependent on at least one ecosystem service.[4] This finding underscores just how interconnected nature, the economy and the financial system really are.[5] But that study does not tell us exactly how much of our economic activity is at risk, or which economic sectors and regions will be most affected.

    To better understand this impact, the ECB has teamed up with the Resilient Planet Finance Lab at the University of Oxford.

    The interdisciplinary team has developed systemic risk indicators that move beyond dependency analysis to a comprehensive assessment of nature-related financial risks. In essence, this indicator assesses the economic implications of the deteriorating state of ecosystems. It shows how much of the economic value added by a particular industry– what economists call “gross value added” – is at risk when ecosystem services degrade. Tomorrow we will publish a blog post showing some of the preliminary results of our work, but I can already share some findings with you this evening.

    Water – the natural currency underwriting purchases, investments and trades

    Our preliminary findings indicate two things. First, water – too little, too much or too dirty water that is –has been identified as posing the most significant risk to the euro area economy. Losses related to water scarcity, poor water quality and flood protection emerge as the most critical from a value added perspective. Concretely, surface water scarcity alone puts almost 15% of the euro area’s economic output at risk. This is not surprising because water is not just any resource – it is one of the most essential natural resources we possess. Second, agriculture is the most exposed sector, as it would suffer the largest proportional output losses due to a decline in surface water. But other sectors are also likely to be significantly affected.

    Chart 1

    Proportion of national gross value added (GVA) at risk due to surface water scarcity in Europe and globally (supply chain risks)

    Water is, for instance, an indispensable resource in industry. In the Netherlands, industry alone uses over 2.6 trillion litres of fresh water a year.[6] This water usage is more than three times the total annual water consumption of all households in the Netherlands. Water is also essential for energy production, not only in hydropower plants but also in thermal power plants – including nuclear – where it is used for cooling and steam generation. It is consumed in vast quantities for mining and mineral processing, which are crucial for the energy transition, as well as in the construction sector for producing concrete, to name just a few examples.

    The risk posed by water scarcity is not hypothetical, we are already experiencing the impact today. I am sure that many of you remember when the summers of 2018, 2019 and 2020 brought severe droughts and heatwaves even to the Netherlands. In 2018 alone, economic losses in the Netherlands were up to €1.9 billion for agriculture and €155 million for shipping, with widespread but hard-to-quantify damage to ecosystems. This year’s drought is especially alarming: spring 2025 is on track to become the driest ever recorded in the Netherlands, likely surpassing the previous record set nearly 50 years ago. And droughts are only projected to increase further as the climate crisis continues to develop. Worryingly, in the driest scenario an average summer in the 2040s will be about as dry as an extremely dry summer now.

    Effective water management will thus be crucial for sustaining production. However, the risk persists that during periods of drought, production might need to be scaled down. Some industrial processes may become economically unviable and might need to relocate.

    For example, some have even gone as far as to point at a risk that more frequent droughts could render traditional tulip-growing regions such as the Bollenstreek unsuitable for bulb cultivation.[7] This may compel growers to explore better-positioned locations where water is more reliably available to safeguard the iconic Dutch tulip industry.

    Hence, as a consequence of water scarcity, our economies could produce less, and production costs are likely to rise during any inevitable transition phase.

    Let me also point out that biodiversity is a critical – and often underestimated – factor in ensuring the availability and quality of fresh water. Ecosystems such as forests and wetlands regulate the quantity, timing and purity of water flows by stabilising soils and filtering pollutants. Maintaining healthy and diverse ecosystems will be crucial for resilient water provisioning as climate change intensifies, particularly in regions facing growing water stress.

    Beyond these macroeconomic impacts, ecosystem degradation can significantly affect financial stability, for example through the loans that banks grant to households and firms. In essence, the greater the impact on firms, the higher the risk of defaults and the higher the risk on banks’ balance sheets.

    For example, in our research with the University of Oxford we found that more than 34% of banks’ total outstanding nominal amount – over €1.3 trillion – is currently extended to sectors exposed to high water scarcity risk.

    As the next step in our research, we will examine changes in the probability of default in the sectors most affected by dwindling ecosystems. Think about it as stress-testing the resilience of banks’ credit portfolios to nature degradation. We plan to publish these results later this year, complete with a more in-depth analysis on the topic, so stay tuned.

    Multiple stakeholders are taking action

    Encouragingly, our work with the University of Oxford is not an isolated case. We are in fact seeing a wide range of stakeholders taking action to better account for ecosystem services.

    For instance, I hear that our host this evening – the Naturalis Biodiversity Center – has teamed up with banks to combine insights from science and finance to further develop indicators quantifying ecosystem services.

    We are also seeing a growing set of good practices among the banks we supervise in terms of identifying, quantifying and managing nature-related risks. Banks typically conduct materiality assessments to understand where they are most affected. And banks also grapple with the challenge that nature-related risks are difficult to express in a single metric. Once they know where they are exposed, they then typically conduct deep dives on specific topics.

    One bank, for example, has conducted a quantitative scenario analysis to understand how the profitability of its customers could be affected if a water pollution tax were to be implemented.

    Other banks design customer scorecards and engage with the most vulnerable counterparties, sometimes offering small discounts or other incentives when customers meet key performance indicators that increase their resilience.

    It is also encouraging that progress is being made at the international level. The Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) – a network of 145 central banks and supervisors from around the world – has developed a conceptual framework offering central banks and supervisors a common understanding of nature-related financial risks and a principle-based risk assessment approach.[8][9] And the Financial Stability Board recently took stock of supervisory and regulatory initiatives among its members, finding that a growing number of financial authorities are considering the potential implications of nature-related risks for the financial sector.[10]

    So scientists, banks, policymakers and supervisors are in fact taking action. That’s good news. Given the high level of uncertainty regarding impacts, non-linearities, tipping points and irreversibility, continuous scientific input and engagement are essential to determine the transmission channels from nature to our economies.

    Reliable and comparable data are key to managing risks and identifying opportunities

    Before I conclude, let me stress a vital enabler to better measure ecosystem services: data. Closer cooperation with natural scientists can help us better understand the data they have available on the status of nature and the ecosystem services it provides. The National Hub for Biodiversity Information provided by our host tonight is an excellent example.[11]

    Moreover, continuous engagement with the scientific community can also help improve our understanding of non-linearities, tipping points and the irreversibility of the biodiversity crisis.

    Similarly, the availability of reliable and comparable data from companies is essential for us to know where the risks are hiding and where opportunities can be found. Such data can, for example, provide insights into companies’ reliance on fresh water for their production processes. In this context, the reporting requirements in the EU’s sustainable finance framework are not merely a “nice to have”, they are providing indispensable information about financial risks and are a solution to the patchwork of different reporting criteria.

    Does that mean that there is no room for simplification? Does it mean that there is no room to ease the reporting burden on smaller firms?

    Of course not.

    As the ECB noted in its recent opinion[12] on the Commission’s omnibus package, striking the right balance is crucial – the balance between how much data firms report and how many firms are required to do so. Excluding too many firms from the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive may reduce the availability of vital data needed to assess climate-and nature related financial risks.

    So when carefully calibrating a balanced degree of simplification, one should look at what data points we need most and make sure that sufficient companies report on precisely those data. Not only because reliable and comparable data are important for identifying economic impacts and managing financial risks, but also because such data helps identify investment opportunities to unlock a clean, green and competitive European economy.

    Conclusion

    Let me conclude.

    Encouragingly, multiple stakeholders are making progress in better accounting for ecosystem services. That’s good news, and this work must continue. Because dwindling ecosystems are no longer peripheral – they are central to financial stability, the economy and, ultimately, our daily lives.

    When you saw the title of my remarks this evening, some of you might have recognised a reference to John Donne’s poem “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. Donne beautifully expresses that we are all part of a bigger whole: “No man is an island, Entire of itself.”

    Nor is our economy an island – it is not “entire of itself”, it depends on nature.

    If nature’s services suffer,
    And they do!
    Send not to know
    For whom the bell tolls.
    It tolls for thee, ECOnomy!

    Thank you for your attention.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Civil news: explore legal aid opportunities in the West Midlands

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Civil news: explore legal aid opportunities in the West Midlands

    We would like to engage with providers and stakeholders to explore the delivery of HLPAS provision in Kidderminster, Redditch, Hereford, and Worcester.

    We are inviting organisations to register for an online market engagement event. More information on Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) provision and an area guide (specific information) can be found here: Housing Loss Prevention Advice Services 2025 – GOV.UK

    Who can attend the event?

    The event is open to housing and debt providers with an interest in housing provision in Kidderminster, Redditch, Hereford and/or Worcester. We are also inviting representation from a wide variety of key stakeholders.

    We want to have a round table discussion about securing provision in this area. This will cover delivery concerns, views on innovation and alternative delivery methods.

    The online event will take place on Thursday 5 June 4pm – 5pm on Microsoft Teams. Registration deadline is 5pm on Friday 30 May.  Please register your interest via email or to request further information by the address below.

    Further information

    Civil.contracts@justice.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Defence Secretary and General Hockenhull opening remarks

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Defence Secretary and General Hockenhull opening remarks

    Defence Secretary John Healey and General Sir Jim Hockenhull remarks on the Chagos Islands deal signed by the Prime Minister today.

    Defence Secretary John Healey

    Thank you, Prime Minister. 

    As the world becomes more dangerous, the Diego Garcia military base becomes more important.  

    But I want to underline the urgency and uncertainty over the future control of this UK base. 

    Within weeks, we faced new legal rulings which would weaken the UK’s full operational sovereignty over this base, and within just a few years, this irreplaceable military and intelligence base would become inoperable. 

    That’s why we have taken action today.  

    That is why the Prime Minister has signed this treaty today, securing this base for the next 99 years and beyond.  

    Our allied nations are right behind us and behind this deal – the US, Australia, New Zealand, India, Canada.  

    Others want to see this base closed. They want to see this deal collapse – China, Russia, Iran.  

    The value of this deal is beyond doubt.  

    Full control of Diego Garcia for the next 99 years and beyond. 

    Full control and protection of the electromagnetic spectrum that priceless intelligence; communications, sensors; radar; a strengthened buffer zone so we can control the seas and the skies immediately around Diego Garcia and wider islands up to 100 miles – an effective veto over any developments or hostile activities. 

    And with the base in jeopardy, no action was no option, and anyone who would argue to abandon this deal would abandon this base.  So let me be clear, the British people and our British forces are safer today and into the future because of this deal.  

    Thank you.

    General Sir Jim Hockenhull

    Thank you. 

    I think it’s useful to add a military perspective here. 

    The way we see this is very simple: 

    Diego Garcia provides a vital capability to our Armed Forces, to our US allies and for our shared contribution to global security.  

    The geography offers immense and irreplaceable global reach, enabling us to pivot forces westward toward Africa and the Middle East, or eastward towards Southeast Asia and the Pacific. 

    Added to that are the facilities on the base. It has a deep water port for nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers; a runway capable of operating every type of military aircraft, with the logistical support required for modern operations and the satellite and communications infrastructure that the Prime Minister mentioned, it is an unique asset for Britain’s defence and security. 

    It gives us the ability to deploy a wide range of capabilities over a huge geography. 

    Now Diego Garcia provides its worth through the long years of counter terrorism operations and proves its value today by supporting our ability to protect maritime trade, it will be of even greater strategic significance in the future.  

    It helps keeps the United Kingdom safe and prosperous, and it allows us to work closely with our international partners.  The use of Diego Garcia by US forces is a unique contribution to the military relationship between our two countries, and one that underlines the UK’s commitment to burden sharing.  Both our militaries will continue to benefit from our investment in these facilities for the years to come.  Britain projects military power through Such alliances and through assets like this base, which give us a global reach.  I welcome the long term certainty that this treaty brings it will help the British armed forces in our efforts to support stability abroad and security at home.  

    Thank you. Thank you very much.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councillor Teresa Heritage elected as new Mayor of the City and District of St Albans

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Councillor Teresa Heritage has been elected the new Mayor of the City and District of St Albans and will support two charities during her year in office.

    She was made Mayor for 2025/26 at the Annual Meeting of the Council on Wednesday 21 May with Councillor Sue Griffiths becoming Deputy Mayor.

    Mayor Heritage, who succeeds Cllr Jamie Day, will raise money for Community First Responders and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

    She has also decided that the themes of her civic year will be encouraging volunteering and supporting small businesses.

    Mayor Heritage has been a District Councillor since 2002 and represents Harpenden South ward. She is the City’s 481st Mayor with the first having been appointed in 1553.

    She will chair Full Council meetings and represent the City at a variety of events, often involving voluntary and charity groups. 

    Mayor Heritage said:

    It is an honour to be elected to this historic position and I am looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

    During my time in office, I will be promoting volunteering, throwing some light on the selfless work people undertake to strengthen our communities. I will also seek to highlight our local businesses which provide so many jobs and services.

    Pancreatic Cancer UK is a cause close to my heart as the illness recently took away my dear friend Brian Ellis, a former District Councillor.

    Communities First Responders are volunteers, trained to attend local medical emergencies and save lives before an ambulance arrives.

    I will be urging people to donate to these wonderful causes and will start my fund-raising efforts with a sponsored slim.

    To charities and community groups across the District, I say please invite me to your events, so I can highlight your work in encouraging cohesion and inclusivity, so nobody feels left behind.

    Mayor Teresa Heritage

    Teresa has been a District Councillor for 23 years, serving on numerous Committees, and was formerly both a Town and County Councillor.

    Hertfordshire born and bred, she grew up in Borehamwood and went to work for Lloyds Bank after leaving school at 18.

    She later qualified as a Chartered Secretary and began a career in the City, rising to become Assistant Company Secretary and Investor Relations Manager for Lonrho.

    Teresa spent 26 years with Lonrho, being involved in high-profile takeovers and other major business dealings, and later joined a consultancy.

    She has also enjoyed a long career in public service, becoming a District Councillor in 2002 and a County Councillor six years later.

    As a County Councillor, she served in many roles including Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Children’s Services.

    In addition, she became a Mental Health Champion, joined the Royal British Legion and chaired Hertfordshire SSAFA, the armed forces’ charity. 

    Teresa has been heavily involved for many years in community and charity work in Harpenden and is currently President of Harpenden Village Rotary Club.

    She has been a school governor and a founding member of Harpenden Connect and Harpenden Seniors Forum.

    Her husband David, a retired businessman, is a District and Town Councillor. The couple have a son and three grandchildren.

    Deputy Mayor Sue Griffiths

    Sue, who is a District Councillor for Harpenden North ward, was born and raised in Liverpool where she attended university before going into banking.

    Work took her south and she held senior positions with the former Midland Bank, reaching the final of the Young Businesswoman of the Year in 1989.

    Sue later trained as a teacher in Business Studies and gained an MA in Education from the University of Hertfordshire while teaching at Marlborough Science Academy in St Albans.

    She later moved to Sir John Lawes School in Harpenden, where she has lived since 1987, and became Head of Faculty for Business and Economics

    She continues to work in education at Sir John Lawes and as a business lecturer at Oaklands College. 

    Sue is a supporter of Young Enterprise, a national charity to equip young people for the world of work, and has received their long service award.

    She also supports the Open Door homeless shelter in St Albans, cooking regular evening meals as part of a team.

    Her husband Roy is a retired banker and the couple have three children and two grandchildren.

    Charity contacts

    You can find out more information about Communities First Responders, including opportunities for volunteering, here. 

    More information about Pancreatic Cancer UK is available here.

    Pictures: top, the Mayor, Cllr Teresa Heritage; bottom, the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sue Griffiths.

    Contact for the Mayor’s office: Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer, 01727 819544,  mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk.

    Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727-819533,  john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foster families celebrate Foster Care Fortnight with a fun day at Shipley Park

    Source: City of Derby

    Over 260 foster carers, children, and families from across the East Midlands came together for a sunshine-filled day at Shipley Park to celebrate Foster Care Fortnight 2025 — and what a day it was!

    Organised by Foster for East Midlands Councils, made up of Derby City, Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire County, and Derbyshire County Councils – the event was a special way to say thank you to our incredible foster carers and raise awareness about the importance of fostering.

    This year’s theme was “The Power of Relationships”, and it really came to life on the day. Smiles, laughter, and warm conversations were shared everywhere you looked. Friends old and new came together to enjoy games, share stories, and celebrate the strong bonds that make fostering so special.

    Foster carers play a vital role in our community. They provide safe, loving homes for children who cannot live with their birth families – often during very difficult times. Their dedication helps children feel supported, valued, and safe, and it gives them the chance to grow and thrive. The Councils across the East Midlands depend on these incredible individuals to help care for children locally, and this event was just one way of showing how much their hard work is appreciated.

    The event was packed with exciting activities, including a bouncy castle, African drumming, arts and crafts, mini trampoline bouncing, dancing and even kickboxing. There was even a ‘best dressed dog’ competition, as we know our fury friends form part of fostering families too!

    Families also got to take part in a Foster Walk, inspired by the national campaign led by The Fostering Network. Collectively, foster carers and their families walked over 40 miles around the beautiful park, waving fostering flags and showing pride in their community.

    Entertainment came from the amazing Plus One Theatre Group, who brought music, dancing and energy to the stage. Thanks to kind donations from the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) organisation and the food producer SmartParc SERGO Derby, children also enjoyed tasty treats and a free ice cream each – a perfect way to cool down on a sunny day!

    The Ross foster family attending the event said:

    Just wanted to express our appreciation for today’s event. My kids have thoroughly enjoyed it. I know a lot of hard work and effort goes into organising these things and it was totally worth it. Thanks to everyone who has participated.

    Another foster carer family said:

    Congratulations on running a wonderfully successful event!

    A new person considering fostering, came along to the event and they said: 

    Coming to the fostering event was a big step for me, but I’m so glad I did. The child I care for absolutely loved it – we had a fabulous time together. I couldn’t believe everything was free, from the ice cream to the tea, coffee, and all the amazing activities. As I looked around, I found myself thinking, maybe fostering is going to be okay for us. For the first time, I felt like we might really be part of something. I’m already asking what’s next – I want to get more involved.

    Activity provider Rok-Ard Kickboxing team said:

    We had a great time at the event, working with the families and passing on our Kickboxing knowledge, it was lovely seeing a range of individuals taking part.

    Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council’s Cabinet Member for Foster for East Midlands Councils said:

    Foster carers are true champions for children in our community. The love, stability and care they provide helps young people feel safe and confident to move forward in life. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication, and events like this are just one way we can say thank you and show them how valued they are.

    By bringing together foster families and community supporters, the day truly showed the power of caring, connection, and fun. Foster Care Fortnight is more than just a celebration – it’s a reminder of how important foster carers are, and how much they are valued.

    Could you be the one to make a difference? Join the incredible network of foster carers who are changing lives across the East Midlands. Contact Foster for East Midlands, your local council fostering team for Derbyshire, Derby City, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire councils.

    Call 03033 132 950 or visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk to learn more.

    Pictures from the day at Shipley Park

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on housing progress in Oak Bay, West Vancouver

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, has released the following statement regarding advisor reports on housing progress in Oak Bay and West Vancouver:

    “Every community and every local government has a role to play as we work together to solve the housing crisis, and make sure that our children and grandchildren can build a good life in B.C. in homes they can afford.

    “That’s why we have been working closely with municipal councils throughout the province to set housing targets that will strengthen communities for the people who live in them for generations to come.

    “I’ve been encouraged by the work of the majority of councils and the positive changes they have made, which are allowing them to meet or exceed their targets. The housing targets program is working, with more than 16,000 net new homes created in the 30 communities that have housing targets since this work started.

    “In other communities, there is more work to do. Earlier this year, I appointed advisors to review a lack of progress toward issued housing targets in the districts of Oak Bay and West Vancouver. The advisors conducted a two-month review assessing each district’s steps to increasing housing supply, including development approval processes, land-use planning, and housing policies and practices.

    “I have now received and reviewed the advisors’ reports, which have identified recommendations for how these councils can act to streamline processes and deliver homes for people in their communities. I have sent a letter to each district outlining the advisors’ recommendations.

    “In addition, I have notified the councils that I intend to issue the following directives as permitted under the Housing Supply Act, which provides both councils 30 days to submit written comments regarding the directives before they are issued:

    “For Oak Bay, the district must:

    • amend its Development Application Procedures bylaw to delegate minor variances to municipal staff by Jan. 31, 2026, which is consistent with past municipal staff reports and is a practice used in many other jurisdictions; and
    • amend its Parking Facilities bylaw to better align multi-unit residential parking requirements with best practices, to a minimum of one parking stall per unit where the bylaw currently requires a minimum of more than one parking stall per unit, by Jan. 31, 2026.

    “Further, I agree with the advisor’s conclusion that there is no requirement to pursue residential development in Carnarvon Park. In terms of alternative options, I will not be making a directive to pursue specific alternate sites for residential development. I do encourage Oak Bay council to consider these proposed options for their potential to provide much-needed housing, while keeping in mind environmental and other considerations related to these sites.

    “For West Vancouver, the district must:

    • by Dec. 31, 2026, amend its Official Community Plan and zoning bylaws to create a local area plan for the Park Royal-Taylor Way area, with additional, sufficient density to support its housing target order. The plan should enable housing that aligns with best practices for transit-adjacent housing as set out for transit-oriented development areas (TOAs) in the province; and
    • by Sept. 30, 2026, amend its Official Community Plan Bylaw and Zoning Bylaw to modify Local Area Plans to increase density in Ambleside and Dundarave Village.

    “Furthermore, I encourage both districts to review all of the remaining advisor-report recommendations and provide required updates on future progress towards those recommendations.

    “Let me be clear: This is not about punishing communities or removing authority from locally elected municipal councils.

    “The goal of local housing targets is centred around working with municipalities to remove unnecessary barriers to affordability and get more homes built for people faster, and ensuring we are building healthy and economically vibrant neighbourhoods for people. 

    “I look forward to continuing to work with the leaders of all communities to keep making progress, together.”

    Quick Facts:

    • West Vancouver delivered 58 of its 220 net-new units Year 1 housing target.
    • Oak Bay delivered 16 of its 56 net-new units Year 1 housing target.

    Learn More:

    To view the Provincial Advisor Report and Recommendations for the District of Oak Bay, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/OakBayAdvisorsReport.pdf

    To view Kahlon’s letter to the District of Oak Bay, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/OakBayLetter.pdf

    To view Kahlon’s notice to the District of Oak Bay about the appointment of an advisor, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/OakBayNoticeLetter.pdf

    To view the provincial advisor report and recommendations for the District of West Vancouver, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/WestVancouverAdvisorsReport.pdf

    To view Kahlon’s letter to the District of West Vancouver, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/WestVancouverLetter.pdf

    To view Kahlon’s notice to the District of West Vancouver about the appointment of an advisor, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/WestVancouverNoticeLetter.pdf (can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)

    Note: Portions of the reports have been redacted to meet requirements under Section 10 (3) of the act and Division 2 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Contractor’s renewal refused

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn today said that the Buildings Department has refused the application for registration renewal of Aggressive Construction Company which will be removed from the register of general building contractors on June 20.

    The company was involved in three serious incidents, including a fatal incident in 2022 involving the collapse of a tower crane at a construction site at Anderson Road; a fatal incident in July 2020 involving the electrocution of a worker at a construction site at Wang Chin Street; and a fatal incident in October 2023 involving a worker falling from height at a construction site at To Wah Road. These incidents resulted in a total of five deaths.

    As a registered general building contractor, the registration of the company expired in April 2023.

    The department referred the renewal application to the Contractors Registration Committee for interview and assessment in accordance with the Buildings Ordinance.

    The committee is established under the ordinance and its key members are nominated by the relevant building professional registration boards and the industry.

    After interviews, the committee was not satisfied that the authorised signatories of the company were competent and capable in site supervision and safety management to act on behalf of the company for the purpose of the ordinance, and was not satisfied that the contractor had proper site safety management.

    After careful consideration of the committee’s recommendation, the department has decided to refuse the company’s application for registration renewal.

    The department issued a letter to the company today as notification of its removal from the register of general building contractors on June 20, and that it will not be allowed to carry out any building works under the ordinance from that date onwards.

    The company was also requested to inform the authorised persons (APs) of the building sites of the relevant private development projects under its charge in accordance with the law, including submitting to the APs a notice of cessation of appointment, certifying that the building works carried out are in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance and its regulations, and giving a clear account of the scope of the completed building works.

    At the same time, the department also issued a letter to inform the APs responsible for the relevant building sites that the application for renewal of registration of the company has been refused, reminding them that they should make arrangements for the remaining works as soon as possible, including proposing to the owner of the project the appointment of another registered contractor to follow up the outstanding building works.

    The company is currently the main contractor for six development projects, three of which are public housing projects, one is a public works project for the construction of a new Chai Wan Government Complex, one is a subsidised sale housing project on Anderson Road by the Hong Kong Housing Society, while the remaining one is a student and staff dormitory project of the University of Hong Kong on Pok Fu Lam Road.

    With the company being removed from the register of general building contractors, it will no longer be allowed to carry out five of the above-mentioned residential and hostel projects according to the law or contract terms.

    As for the public works project of Chai Wan Government Complex, although it is neither bound by the ordinance or relevant contract terms to employ a contractor from the register of general building contractors for this project, in view of the slow progress over the past months and the fact that the performance of the contractor is far below contract requirements, the relevant works department will terminate the contract as soon as possible in accordance with the contractual mechanism.

    The Housing Authority and the relevant works department will follow up with the company as soon as possible to arrange for a new contractor to take over the project sites within two months of the company leaving the site.

    In order to minimise the impact to current workers and subcontractors, the Government encourages new contractors for the projects concerned to take priority in engaging current workers and subcontractors.

    Additionally, special consultation counters have been set up at ten Regional Offices of the Labour Relations Division under the Labour Department to provide appropriate assistance to affected workers.

    Ms Linn said that refusing the company’s application for renewal of registration is only one of a series of follow-up actions taken by the Government following construction site fatal incidents.

    In 2023, the Buildings Department and the Labour Department instigated prosecutions against the company and related individuals under their respective ordinances regarding the collapse of a tower crane on Anderson Road. The case will be heard in January 2026. The company’s involved authorised signatory was also charged with manslaughter in 2024, which will be heard in July this year.

    As for the other two serious incidents, the company and related individuals were convicted and fined under labour ordinances for the 2020 incident, while the 2023 incident will be heard in July 2025.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation Private Nonprofits Affected by Wildfires

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation of the June 24 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by wildfires occurring June 22-July 8, 2024.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature who suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 3.25% and terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 24.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –