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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Security: PENSACOLA FELON PLEADS GUILTY TO UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARM AND AMMUNITION

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Donavon Idris Ellis, 26, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    Court documents reflect that Ellis was federally convicted in 2021 of three counts of distribution of carfentanil. During a search warrant of Ellis’ residence in March 2024, law enforcement officers found and seized two firearms, boxes of bulk ammunition, and multiple magazines, including a large capacity drum magazine. Ellis admitted to officers that the two firearms would be in his house.

    U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office is committed to supporting the work of our brave local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who keep our communities safe.  We will continue to aggressively prosecute all violations of our laws and hold offenders accountable.”

    Sentencing is currently set for October 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II. Ellis faces up to 15 years in prison.

    The plea was the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pensacola Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ELEVENTH CIRCUIT AFFIRMS 30-YEAR CAREER OFFENDER SENTENCE

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – On July 15, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the 30-year prison sentence of Charles Edward Rowe, 43, of Pensacola, Florida. Rowe pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in October 2021. U.S. District Court Judge T.K. Wetherell, II, concluded that Rowe qualified for sentencing as a “Career Offender” based on prior violent and narcotics-related convictions and sentenced him to 30 years’ imprisonment. Rowe appealed.

    U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The Eleventh Circuit’s ruling this week not only affirms the significant sentence of a serious offender but also establishes that Florida’s drug trafficking statute is a qualifying statute for purposes of determining whether a defendant is a “Career Offender.”  My office will continue to work with our excellent local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to utilize the Career Offender provisions to aggressively pursue repeat criminals and see to it that they receive substantial sentences.”

    This prosecution arose in July 2021, after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Gun Crimes Unit and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at a Pensacola hotel as part of an ongoing investigation. Inside, they found Rowe in possession of distribution amounts of various controlled substances, including over two kilograms of pills containing methamphetamine, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana, as well as a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol and a loaded Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol.

    Rowe challenged his “Career Offender” sentence on appeal, arguing that his prior Florida drug trafficking conviction did not qualify as a predicate controlled substance offense. The Eleventh Circuit disagreed and concluded that the conviction qualified because the Florida trafficking statute criminalized the conduct of possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute them and thus met the requirements of the Career Offender provision. The Eleventh Circuit also rejected Rowe’s challenge to his guilty plea. As a published opinion, the Court’s ruling is binding on all future cases brought in the Eleventh Circuit, which includes all federal district courts in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

    This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jordane New and Former Assistant United States Attorney Robert G. Davies represented the government during the appeal.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Houston Area Men Charged in Murder-for-Hire Plot

    Source: US FBI

    HOUSTON – Three people are expected to appear in federal court on charges related to a conspiracy to commit murder for hire and related offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Michael Seery, 42, Katy, is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho July 24 at 2 p.m. Ricardo Obando Jr., 51, and Matthew Rosas, 24, both of Houston, are currently in state custody on related charges and expected to make their appearances in federal court also at that time.   

    Seery was originally charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and remains in custody. A federal grand jury returned the seven-count superseding indictment July 15. According to the charges, the trio plotted the murder over the course of months and executed their plan in the early morning of Feb. 4. They allegedly shot the victim several times as he was traveling on his way to work.

    He survived but sustained several injuries.  

    If convicted of possession of a firearm silencer in furtherance of a crime of violence or discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, all face up to life in prison with mandatory minimum sentences of 30 and 10 years, respectively. All three are also charged with conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder for hire and use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder for hire resulting in personal injury which carry up to 20 years in federal prison. Seery and Obando are charged with transfer and receipt of a firearm for use in a felony and face up to 10 years, while Seery is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm which carries another 15-year-maximum sentence.

    The FBI, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation with the assistance of Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Brown is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Autonomous drones take flight at NATO-backed competition

    Source: NATO

    From 6-10 July, four teams of seven researchers and professors from universities in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States and Austria challenged each other at the Huntsville UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) and C-UAS (Counter UAS) test range in Alabama, as part of a competition supported by the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme.

    The event, hosted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), was the second of three competitions organised through the SPS-supported “SAPIENCE” initiative, which aims to demonstrate how autonomous drones that cooperate with each other may be used in crisis management scenarios.

    Expanding in scope from the first competition, which took place on 29 and 30 August 2024 in an indoor arena in London, United Kingdom, the Huntsville event required participating teams to develop autonomous drones suitable for outdoor conditions and for a scenario grounded in local conditions: the aftermath of severe storms that generated several tornadoes, which are an annual occurrence in the southeastern United States.

    A flight test range simulated just such a disaster scenario, and the four university teams were assigned tasks such as damage assessments of residential communities, search and rescue for victims, and the delivery of lifesaving medical supplies. They were encouraged to perform these tasks using multiple fully autonomous drones simultaneously, thus demonstrating innovative approaches to the technical challenges of autonomous multi-platform systems.

    The third and final SAPIENCE competition will take place in 2026 in the Netherlands, where the four university teams will build on the lessons learned in London and Huntsville to complete tasks in a scenario combining indoor and outdoor conditions.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: PaladinMining Launches AI Cloud Mining with Dogecoin, Earn Up to $5,100 a Day

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Los Angeles, California, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PaladinMining, a leading platform in the cryptocurrency cloud mining sector, has officially launched its new AI-powered cloud mining system, offering users a streamlined and hardware-free way to earn daily returns in cryptocurrencies. Notably, users can now use Dogecoin to start mining Bitcoin and potentially earn up to $5,100 in daily rewards.

    Originally created as a light-hearted experiment, Dogecoin has evolved into a widely used digital asset, bolstered by community support and high-profile endorsements. With growing interest in passive income opportunities through crypto, PaladinMining’s latest innovation offers a new path for users to leverage their Dogecoin holdings in a sustainable and automated cloud mining environment.

    What Is Dogecoin Cloud Mining?

    Cloud mining enables users to participate in cryptocurrency mining without purchasing or managing physical mining equipment. In Dogecoin cloud mining, providers like PaladinMining process transactions on the Dogecoin blockchain using remote data centers, distributing rewards to users based on their selected contracts.

    Dogecoin mining, while based on a similar proof-of-work model as Bitcoin, differs in several key technical aspects:

    • Algorithm: Dogecoin uses the Scrypt algorithm, optimized for speed and lower energy consumption.
    • Block Time: Faster block times mean quicker transaction confirmations.
    • Difficulty Adjustment: The mining difficulty automatically adjusts based on the number of active miners.
    • Mining Rewards: Rewards are distributed to miners who successfully validate new blocks.

    How to Start Cloud Mining with Dogecoin

    PaladinMining simplifies the process of cloud mining into a few easy steps:

    1. Register on PaladinMining: Create a free account on the official platform.
    2. Select a Mining Contract: Choose from a range of mining packages, all available for purchase using Dogecoin or other cryptocurrencies.

    Here are some of the featured contract options:

    • New User Trial Plan: $100 investment, returns $107 in total.
    • ETC Miner E9 Pro: $1,500 investment, returns $1,680.
    • Bitcoin Miner S21 Pro: $4,300 investment, returns $5,400.80.
    • Bitcoin Miner S21 XP: $7,900 investment, returns $11,028.40.
    • Bitcoin Miner S21 XP (High Capacity): $12,000 investment, returns $19,560.
    • Avalon Air Box – 40ft Container Mining Unit: $28,000 investment, returns $50,400.

    Users can begin receiving returns the day after activating a contract. Once a user’s account balance reaches $100, they can withdraw earnings to a crypto wallet or reinvest into new contracts.

    For more plans, visit www.paladinmining.com.

    About PaladinMining

    Founded in the United Kingdom in 2016, PaladinMining is a legally established cloud mining provider focused on clean energy and AI-based optimization. The platform offers intelligent, one-click mining solutions with an emphasis on safety, efficiency, and user accessibility.

    Key Features:

    • $15 Welcome Bonus upon signup.
    • Daily Earnings without hardware or complex setup.
    • Multiple Supported Cryptocurrencies: DOGE, BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, LTC, USDT (TRC20 & ERC20), and more.
    • Beginner-Friendly Interface and seamless experience for seasoned miners.
    • Affiliate Program with up to 5% referral rewards and bonuses up to $100,000.
    • Zero Hidden Fees and transparent pricing.
    • Fund Security: Assets stored in tier-1 banks and protected with SSL encryption. All investments are insured through AIG.

    Focus on Security and Sustainability

    PaladinMining places a strong emphasis on transparency and user protection. With infrastructure powered by renewable energy, the platform not only reduces its environmental impact but also supports the global movement toward carbon neutrality.

    By combining AI-driven optimization, sustainable practices, and global accessibility, PaladinMining positions itself as a future-forward solution in the cryptocurrency mining landscape.

    Get Started

    Whether you’re new to cryptocurrency or a seasoned investor, PaladinMining provides a low-barrier entry point into the world of cloud mining. To begin, download the official PaladinMining app or visit the website.

    For more information, please visit the official website: https://paladinmining.com/
    Or contact the platform official email: info@paladinmining.com

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sparrow expands coverage to five U.S. states, making it easier than ever for Americans to claim missing money

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sparrow, the secure platform that helps Americans claim missing money in minutes, has officially expanded to five states — with Pennsylvania the newest addition. The company’s fully automated service now supports residents in California, Texas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania, with additional support for Georgia and Florida coming soon.

    With over $80 billion in unclaimed funds sitting idle — and 1 in 7 Americans estimated to have missing money — Sparrow offers a fast, safe, and frustration-free way to recover what’s rightfully yours.

    Using cutting-edge technology and real-time financial data, Sparrow verifies your identity, retrieves the necessary documents on your behalf, and prepares your claim with minimal effort required. What used to take days — and often involved printing, mailing, or even visiting a notary — now takes most users under five minutes.

    “We built Sparrow because the process of claiming lost money felt unnecessarily hard for everyday people,” said Will Nemirovsky, CEO. “I ran into it myself in 2024, trying to claim a small refund — and it took hours of paperwork and frustration. We knew we could make it effortless and secure using modern technology and automation. Expanding to Pennsylvania is especially meaningful for me —it’s where I met my Co-Founder, Jack Goettle.”

    Sparrow is fully licensed, offers risk-free pricing, and is committed to bank-grade encryption and secure data handling. Claims are processed through streamlined workflows that minimize human error and eliminate guesswork. Behind the scenes is a team of fintech veterans working to modernize a system that has failed everyday consumers for decades.

    To date, Sparrow has already helped users reclaim millions of dollars — and they’re just getting started.

    Sparrow offers a success-based model: if your claim isn’t paid, you don’t pay.

    Check if you’re owed money — it only takes a few minutes. Visit www.sparrowclaim.com to get started.

    media@sparrowclaim.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/351dc0b1-58c9-4f0c-9caf-1a595a933ef1
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/547d40f3-d403-4330-8975-b0634e7fa18f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: ’Our Constitution should make us proud to be South African’ – President Ramaphosa

    Source: Government of South Africa

    In a robust Budget Vote debate reply, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the achievements and challenges of South Africa’s young democracy, emphasising the importance of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the country’s world-renowned Constitution. 

    The President’s response to the debate underscored the nation’s democratic progress, with the President pointing out that despite being only 31 years old, the democracy has made substantial improvements in citizens’ lives.

    “We are counted as amongst the few [countries] who have the type of Constitution that we have, that upholds our people’s rights, where our people can even challenge government and take government to court and hope to win. And at times, they win. That is not easily allowed in many other countries, but that is what should make us proud to be South Africans,” he said on Thursday.

    President Cyril Ramaphosa replied to the Presidency Budget Vote in Parliament after a day-long debate that took place yesterday.

    President Ramaphosa noted the significance of the GNU, composed of 10 political parties, which has “continued to hold, even as it has had to weather many a storm”.

    “And yet, despite those differences, the GNU partners have chosen to work together for the common good of all South Africans. It is a Government of National Unity.”

    He also took the time to discuss the country’s advancements in creating a better life for everyone and efforts to tackle historical racial disparities.

    “Yesterday, Honourable [John] Hlophe gave a laundry list of everything wrong in this country, and we are alive to the many challenges that we face. At the same time, we should not lose sight of the fact that this democracy, only 31 years old, has made great progress in improving the quality of life of its citizens, not to the level we want, [but] it has improved the life of its citizens. 

    “Some countries in the world have democracies dating back hundreds, even thousands of years. Our democracy, by comparison, is still very young.” 

    Highlighting concrete achievements, the country’s commander-in-chief cited millions of homes electrified, clean water provided to communities, and public housing for vulnerable populations. 

    He also took the time to address historical economic inequalities, discussing the Carnegie Report’s impact on white economic advancement, cited by the Freedom Front Plus’ Member of Parliament. 

    According to the country’s Head of State, the Carnegie Report into the “poor white problem” is “not a useful guide, as we confront the challenges of the democratic South Africa”.

    He underscored that there was a huge disparity between the resources devoted to white schools and universities, white hospitals and clinics. 

    “More was spent on social grants, housing, agricultural support and social services for whites. When you were dispossessed of your land, it was the State that gave you the land, and today, black people do not have the land, and it is the State that must help them to get that land.”

    The President’s reply also stressed the importance of accountability and collaborative governance, with the Presidency positioned as a strategic coordinator rather than an implementing department. 

    “The Presidency, and indeed the President, does not try accused persons or put them in orange overalls. 

    “The role of the Presidency is to ensure that the work of government departments is coordinated, and that Cabinet decisions and priority programmes are implemented.”

    The President noted that 73% of employment comes from the private sector, underlining the need for government to create an enabling environment for economic growth.

    The debate demonstrated South Africa’s commitment to open dialogue, repeatedly stressing the importance of honest discussion about the country’s past, while working towards a more equitable future. 

    The debate underscored the need for collective action to build a capable, ethical State and improve the quality of life for citizens. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Witnesses In Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing On The Way AI Interacts With Copyrights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    July 16, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing entitled “Too Big to Prosecute?: Examining the AI Industry’s Mass Ingestion of Copyrighted Works for AI Training.” Today’s hearing examined the way AI interacts with intellectual property rights, particularly copyrights.

    Durbin asked Edward Lee, a Law Professor at the Santa Clara University School of Law, about Section 230 in relation to AI.

    “You’re suggesting this is the age of innovation—deep learning deserves special treatment. We’ve been through this argument in Congress before—Section 230—[which] is a good illustration of that. We decided this fledgling industry called the internet just may not have a future [and] we better be careful, so we exempted them from liability. Is that what you’re suggesting?” Durbin asked.

    Professor Lee responded, “not at all,” and continued to highlight the existing Supreme Court precedent on “fair use.” AI companies argue that training their models on copyrighted works does not constitute infringement because that activity falls under the doctrine of “fair use,” which allows limited use of copyrighted works without the permission of the author for purposes such as commentary, parody, teaching, research, and news reporting. Courts determine whether use of a work is fair use on a case-by-case basis. He continued to say there is a fair balance between protecting copyrighted works, authors, and innovation.

    “It looks to me like you’re shifting the burden to the author of the creative work when there’s an assertion of ‘fair use’ here. So, Meta or others can virtually steal this creative product of Mr. Baldacci [an author witness at the hearing] and others, and then he has the responsibility of proving there’s been an economic loss to him as a result?” Durbin asked.

    Professor Lee responded that the initial burden of “fair use” is on the defendant.

    “Why do we have AI? Why are we interested in AI? Clearly it is for a commercial purpose, is it not?” Durbin asked.

    Professor Lee responded, “entirely, for the AI companies.”

    “So, the companies are ultimately the winners in the approach you are taking. Assume we’re in the world of new innovation here and there is a use of someone else’s creative work—the burden is on them to prove they lost money because of that piracy… they can use Mr. Baldacci’s product and make money off of it,” said Durbin.

    Professor Lee responded that if using copyrighted works like Mr. Baldacci’s is considered “fair use,” the direct benefit would be to the AI companies. He continued to say that the United States has a priority in AI development and if we are in an arms race with China, winning the AI race is important.

    “And Mr. Baldacci should be prepared to pay the price for that?” Durbin asked.

    Professor Lee responded, “I would suggest that if it is so easy to generate copies of Mr. Baldacci novels, that should go in the complaint in these lawsuits… we should not throw out the window the established Supreme Court precedent on how to apply ‘fair use.’”

    Video of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

    Durbin then asked Maxwell Pritt, a Partner at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, who represents plaintiffs in Kadrey v. Meta Platforms. In this case, authors, including Richard Kadrey and Sarah Silverman, sued Meta, alleging copyright infringement related to the training of Meta’s LLaMA AI model using copyrighted books. Durbin asked Mr. Pritt about Meta’s use of pirated databases to obtain copyrighted works to train its GenAI model. 

    “Did Meta compensate any of the copyright owners for the use of their works?” Durbin asked.

    Mr. Pritt responded, “No, but Meta did spend money on contributing its processing power to pirate from illicit websites and also to pay Amazon to host pirated data.”

    “How does the downloading and uploading of pirated copyrighted material impact the analysis of whether a copyright infringement could meet the mens rea requirement of willfulness necessary for criminal infringement?” Durbin asked.

    Mr. Pritt responded, “As to willfulness in the civil copyright context, the documents Senator Hawley showed—I think the answer is clear the piracy committed by Meta was knowing and intentional.”

    Video of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Witnesses In Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing On The Way AI Interacts With Copyrights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    July 16, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing entitled “Too Big to Prosecute?: Examining the AI Industry’s Mass Ingestion of Copyrighted Works for AI Training.” Today’s hearing examined the way AI interacts with intellectual property rights, particularly copyrights.

    Durbin asked Edward Lee, a Law Professor at the Santa Clara University School of Law, about Section 230 in relation to AI.

    “You’re suggesting this is the age of innovation—deep learning deserves special treatment. We’ve been through this argument in Congress before—Section 230—[which] is a good illustration of that. We decided this fledgling industry called the internet just may not have a future [and] we better be careful, so we exempted them from liability. Is that what you’re suggesting?” Durbin asked.

    Professor Lee responded, “not at all,” and continued to highlight the existing Supreme Court precedent on “fair use.” AI companies argue that training their models on copyrighted works does not constitute infringement because that activity falls under the doctrine of “fair use,” which allows limited use of copyrighted works without the permission of the author for purposes such as commentary, parody, teaching, research, and news reporting. Courts determine whether use of a work is fair use on a case-by-case basis. He continued to say there is a fair balance between protecting copyrighted works, authors, and innovation.

    “It looks to me like you’re shifting the burden to the author of the creative work when there’s an assertion of ‘fair use’ here. So, Meta or others can virtually steal this creative product of Mr. Baldacci [an author witness at the hearing] and others, and then he has the responsibility of proving there’s been an economic loss to him as a result?” Durbin asked.

    Professor Lee responded that the initial burden of “fair use” is on the defendant.

    “Why do we have AI? Why are we interested in AI? Clearly it is for a commercial purpose, is it not?” Durbin asked.

    Professor Lee responded, “entirely, for the AI companies.”

    “So, the companies are ultimately the winners in the approach you are taking. Assume we’re in the world of new innovation here and there is a use of someone else’s creative work—the burden is on them to prove they lost money because of that piracy… they can use Mr. Baldacci’s product and make money off of it,” said Durbin.

    Professor Lee responded that if using copyrighted works like Mr. Baldacci’s is considered “fair use,” the direct benefit would be to the AI companies. He continued to say that the United States has a priority in AI development and if we are in an arms race with China, winning the AI race is important.

    “And Mr. Baldacci should be prepared to pay the price for that?” Durbin asked.

    Professor Lee responded, “I would suggest that if it is so easy to generate copies of Mr. Baldacci novels, that should go in the complaint in these lawsuits… we should not throw out the window the established Supreme Court precedent on how to apply ‘fair use.’”

    Video of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s first round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

    Durbin then asked Maxwell Pritt, a Partner at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, who represents plaintiffs in Kadrey v. Meta Platforms. In this case, authors, including Richard Kadrey and Sarah Silverman, sued Meta, alleging copyright infringement related to the training of Meta’s LLaMA AI model using copyrighted books. Durbin asked Mr. Pritt about Meta’s use of pirated databases to obtain copyrighted works to train its GenAI model. 

    “Did Meta compensate any of the copyright owners for the use of their works?” Durbin asked.

    Mr. Pritt responded, “No, but Meta did spend money on contributing its processing power to pirate from illicit websites and also to pay Amazon to host pirated data.”

    “How does the downloading and uploading of pirated copyrighted material impact the analysis of whether a copyright infringement could meet the mens rea requirement of willfulness necessary for criminal infringement?” Durbin asked.

    Mr. Pritt responded, “As to willfulness in the civil copyright context, the documents Senator Hawley showed—I think the answer is clear the piracy committed by Meta was knowing and intentional.”

    Video of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Jeanine Pirro To Discuss U.S. Attorney Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    July 16, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after meeting with Jeanine Pirro, nominated to be the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia:
    “I met with Ms. Pirro as I do many nominees when extended a courtesy meeting ahead of potential committee action on their nomination.
    “Ms. Pirro’s record deeply troubles me as she’s considered to be a top law enforcement official. She’s a January 6 apologist, siding with violent insurrectionists over law enforcement by supporting criminal charges against line prosecutors handling insurrection-related cases. She’s an election denialist, recklessly peddling President Trump’s Big Lie despite even her own Fox News producers and executives warning her to reel it in. And ultimately, she’s a Donald Trump loyalist, vengefully attacking his perceived political opponents and showing no willingness to put the rule of law ahead of the President’s wishes.
    “I’m unconvinced she learned the lessons of her failed predecessor Ed Martin. I implore my Republican colleagues to hold a high bar for the top law enforcement officer in our nation’s capital—and reject this nomination.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hampshire and the Solent devolution reaches new milestone

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    The Government has confirmed that it will be progressing with the creation of a new Mayoral County Combined Authority (MCCA) for Hampshire and the Solent. The decision marks a pivotal milestone in the journey toward greater local decision-making and investment for the area.

    Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council, Hampshire County Council, and Isle of Wight Council are working closely with government on the legislative framework that will underpin the new powers to formally establish the new MCCA later this year.

    The proposed MCCA will unlock new opportunities for communities with significant additional funding and powers devolved from central government to the region, with a focus on driving economic growth, investment in infrastructure, transport, and planning.

    Devolution represents a unique opportunity to shape our region’s future. It will enable decisions on transport, housing, skills, and economic growth to be made closer to the people they affect, ensuring that new investment and policy in these areas reflect local priorities.

    This follows the announcement on the introduction of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill across England last week (Thursday 10 July). The bill sets out to achieve the change the public expect by working with communities, not dictating to them.

    Elections for the new Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent MCCA will take place in May 2026.

    Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:

    “Devolution has the potential to benefit Portsmouth residents and businesses and the wider area and deliver extra regional powers and investment in jobs, infrastructure and services.

    “This announcement shows the Government recognises we’re ready to take on more responsibility for the things that matter to people living here. It’s important we now secure the powers that will have the impact we need for our area, so we will continue to work with partners to create a new strategic authority that delivers the best outcomes for residents.”

    Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:

    “Today’s announcement marks a pivotal moment for Southampton and our partner councils. It reflects our shared ambition and readiness to take on greater powers and deliver real benefits for our communities.
    “My predecessor, Councillor Lorna Fielker, worked closely with the Leaders of Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth to be placed on the Devolution Priority Programme. Building on the strong partnership working already in place across the region, this is a historic step forward for local democracy and regional growth — and we’re proud to be part of it.”

    Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said:

    “This is a landmark moment for Hampshire and the wider region, with devolution offering a real opportunity to bring decision-making closer to the people and places it affects most. For our area, this is about unlocking new investment, driving economic growth, and delivering long-term benefits for our communities – giving residents a strong voice in shaping the future of our towns and neighbourhoods. We look forward to working closely with local partners, businesses, and community leaders to turn this opportunity into meaningful change on the ground.”

    Devolution is separate to the Government’s plan for Local Government Reorganisation, which it’s progressing at the same time and would see existing councils replaced by new larger, single councils which cover populations averaging around 500,000 people.

    Read more about both Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation and what they mean for Portsmouth on our website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Marjorie Ngwenya reappointed to the Prudential Regulation Committee

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Marjorie Ngwenya reappointed to the Prudential Regulation Committee

    The Economic Secretary to the Treasury has today confirmed the reappointment of Marjorie Ngwenya as an External Member of the Prudential Regulation Committee (PRC).

    Marjorie will serve a further three-year term, from 5 September 2025 to 4 September 2028.

    The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds, said:

    I am pleased to confirm the reappointment of Marjorie Ngwenya to the Prudential Regulation Committee. During her first term, Marjorie made significant contributions to the Committee’s work, and her continued service will help to ensure that the committee retains the benefit of her extensive industry experience and expertise, so it can deliver on the government’s mission to regulate for growth.

    Further information

    • Marjorie is a former chairperson of the Canon Collins Trust (UK) and a trustee of the Legal Resources Centre (South Africa).
    • Marjorie is a past President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and served on the IFoA’s governing council for eight years. In her executive career, she was a member of the Group Executive Committee of Liberty Group in South Africa, serving as Chief Strategist. Prior to that, she was Chief Risk Officer for Old Mutual’s African Operations.
    • Marjorie has not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.

    About the Prudential Regulation Committee

    The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) supervises banks, insurers and major investment firms. The PRA’s most important decisions are taken by the Prudential Regulation Committee, chaired by the Governor of the Bank of England.  The Committee comprises the Governor of the Bank of England; Deputy Governors for Financial Stability, Markets and Banking, and Prudential Regulation; the Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority; a member appointed by the Governor with the approval of the Chancellor; and six other external members appointed by the Chancellor.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Apple Arcade launches special crossover events featuring SpongeBob SquarePants

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple Arcade launches special crossover events featuring SpongeBob SquarePants

    UPDATE July 17, 2025

    This month, players can dive into special crossover events featuring SpongeBob SquarePants in Snake.io+ and Crossy Road Castle, available exclusively on Apple Arcade. Characters and locations from the iconic series arrive in limited-time events in the two popular games on the service. Fans of the absorbent and yellow and porous pal can also check out a brand-new endless mode in SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit, where they’ll test their skills in increasingly difficult levels to top the leaderboard.

    Apple Arcade brings together more than 200 games and offers exclusive events created in collaboration with some of the industry’s top developers. Iconic characters and fan-favorite games come to life in new ways on the service, bringing a whole new level of fun to players that’s free from ads and in-app purchases.

    Snake.io+ by Kooapps
    In Snake.io+, the hit battle royale game, players can slither their way underwater as they complete a series of missions to unlock four unique skins inspired by SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, and Plankton. This limited-time event is available now and ends August 25.

    Snake.io+ by Kooapps.

    Crossy Road Castle by Hipster Whale
    Crossy Road Castle, the popular co-op platforming party game, is launching a fun update that will have players racing through 40 Bikini Bottom-themed levels as SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, or Sandy — collecting Krabby Patties and avoiding jellyfish. The Krabby Patty Kollectathon event kicks off July 21, followed by the Jellyfish Jam that runs August 4 through August 17.

    Crossy Road Castle by Hipster Whale.

    SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit by Nickelodeon
    Launching today, players can dive into a brand-new endless mode in SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit, a side-scrolling action game where SpongeBob jumps, bounces, slides, and fly-kicks through colorful and dynamic levels. The update will have players test their skills in increasingly difficult levels with no checkpoints and no extra lives to see who can top the leaderboard.

    SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit by Nickelodeon.

    These fun crossover events follow the special appearances of global sensation Bluey in Fruit Ninja Classic+ and Paddington in Crayola Create and Play+ this summer, only on Apple Arcade.
    • Fruit Ninja Classic+ by Halfbrick Studios: The exclusive collaboration with Bluey runs until September 19, bringing four fun-filled events that transform Fruit Ninja Classic+ with Bluey-themed wands, wand powers, dojos, and Easter eggs for fans of all ages to enjoy.
    • Crayola Create and Play+ by Red Games Co.: Paddington brings a suitcase full of creativity to Crayola Create and Play+ through August 26. Explore a British-inspired world designed just for his visit: Whether decorating a suitcase or enjoying a scoop of marmalade ice cream by the sea, this magical summer holiday promises creativity, curiosity, and countless moments of joy.

    Pricing and Availability

    • Apple Arcade is available for $6.99 (U.S.) per month with a one-month free trial. Customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade for free.1
    • Apple Arcade is part of Apple One’s Individual ($19.95 U.S.), Family ($25.95 U.S.), and Premier ($37.95 U.S.) monthly plans, with a one-month free trial.2
    • Arcade Originals are playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. App Store Greats are available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro.
    • An Apple Arcade subscription gives a family of up to six unlimited access to all the games in its catalog.
    • Availability for the 200+ games across devices varies based on hardware and software compatibility. Some content may not be available in all areas.

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    1. This offer is available to new subscribers only. One subscription covers one Family Sharing group. The offer is good for three months after eligible device activation. The plan automatically renews until cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply.
    2. The Apple One free trial includes only services that are not currently used through a free trial or a subscription. The plan automatically renews after the trial until cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Ciscomani, Titus and Cohen Introduce Bipartisan Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani and two congressional colleagues are leading a bipartisan effort aimed at establishing humane policies to care for and manage two iconic animals of the American West, wild horses and burros.

    Ciscomani and Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada, co-chairs of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, were joined last week by Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee in the introduction of  H.R. 4356, the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025. The bill would eliminate the use of helicopters in rounding up wild horses and burros, and require a study into alternative methods for humanely gathering the animals, including workforce opportunities for traditional cowboys.

    “For too long, wild horses and burros have been subjected to dangerous, cruel and costly roundups that often result in the death of the animal,” Ciscomani said. “As an Arizonan and co-chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, I’m proud to support this common sense, bipartisan legislation that would eliminate the use of helicopters during Bureau of Land Management roundups and encourage more humane and cost-effective alternatives to manage these iconic animals.”

    In efforts to control equine populations, the Bureau of Land Management is currently directed to “humanely capture” wild free-roaming horses and burros and set them up for adoption. To assist in the capture, the BLM contracts with private helicopter companies to pursue the horses and burros over long distances, which can be frightening and even deadly to the animals.

    Between 2020 and 2024, these roundup practices have cost taxpayers at least $36.7 million, including over $6 million paid to helicopter roundup contractors in fiscal year 2022 alone. Scientific research has shown that more humane and cost-effective alternatives, like fertility control, are equally effective in controlling equine populations. The BLM currently spends less than four percent of its budget on these methods.

    “Nevada is home to more wild horses than any other state in our country. Tragically, these animals are subjected to taxpayer-funded helicopter roundups and removals that are all too often costly, ineffective, and inhumane,” said Rep. Titus (D-NV). “My legislation would eliminate the use of helicopters in BLM wild horse gathers and require a report to explore the benefits of alternative methods for humanely gathering horses and the workforce opportunities for traditional cowboys. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan proposal that would protect these icons of the American West which remain a source of pride for Nevada residents.”

    Rep. Cohen(D-TN) stated. “As one of the founding co-Chairs of the Wild Horse and Burro Caucus, I’m pleased to co-lead the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act to improve accountability and transparency of how these icons of the West are managed by the Bureau of Land Management.”

    “The Bureau of Land Management is charged with humanely managing our nation’s federally protected wild horses, yet every year we see horrific fatalities during helicopter roundups — from wild mustangs running for their lives on broken legs to foals dying from exhaustion,” said Joanna Grossman, Ph.D., equine program director for the Animal Welfare Institute.“Taxpayer dollars should not be funding this abject cruelty. We are grateful to Reps. Titus, Cohen, and Ciscomani for their leadership on this critical bill that would end the use of helicopter roundups and prioritize a more sustainable, humane path forward.”

    “We commend Representative Dina Titus for her leadership in introducing the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025. This bill is a critical step toward ending the cruel and unnecessary use of helicopters in wild horse roundups and bringing long-overdue transparency to the Bureau of Land Management’s operations through immediate implementation of onboard cameras,” said Suzanne Roy, executive director of American Wild Horse Conservation. “The American public overwhelmingly supports humane, accountable management of our iconic wild herds, and this legislation delivers just that.”

    “Having spent years documenting wild horses across the vast American West—these are icons of our nation that deserve to be cherished and protected,” said Ashley Avis, founder of The Wild Beauty Foundation and director of the Oscar-contending documentary WILD BEAUTY: Mustang Spirit of the West. “I have also witnessed the harrowing reality of helicopter roundups, where these highly intelligent animals are stampeded for miles. There is nothing ethical about the way this is conducted. I applaud Representative Titus, Representative Cohen, and Representative Ciscomani for continuing to fight for these fast-disappearing symbols of freedom—so that every generation of Americans has the chance to see them, wild and free.”

    The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025 has been endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute, the American Wild Horse Conservation, and Wild Beauty Foundation.

    To read the full bill text of H.R. 4356, the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025, click here.

    Congressman Juan Ciscomani is proud to have launched the bipartisan Congressional Wild Horse Caucus earlier this year alongside Reps. David Schweikert (AZ-01), Dina Titus (NV-03), and Steve Cohen (TN-09) to champion the protection of one of America’s most iconic species. The caucus is committed to advancing humane and responsible policies to ensure the long-term care and management of wild horses and burros. Congressman Ciscomani has been a tireless advocate for these majestic animals and remains deeply committed to preserving their place on our public lands for generations to come.

    Read more about the launch of the caucus here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKHO highlights role of seabed mapping in enabling ocean action

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UKHO highlights role of seabed mapping in enabling ocean action

    The UKHO recognises the impact seabed mapping has on enabling ocean action on World Hydrography Day and at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice in June.

    Seabed mapping is the foundational data set for almost all marine activity, it informs safer navigation, sustainable development and management, and smarter decisions about how we use our oceans.

    In recent weeks, the science of hydrography and seabed mapping has been at the forefront of the marine community with the month of June hosting both World Hydrography Day and the United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice.

    Critical to the safe passage of vessels by providing data used to produce navigational charts, seabed mapping is also key for sectors such as offshore energy, fishing and aquaculture, defence, environmental protection and telecommunications.

    Seabed mapping: enabling ocean action

    Recognising the importance of hydrography in our understanding of the ocean, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) established World Hydrography Day which takes place on 21 June each year.

    This year, the IHO selected ‘Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action’ as the theme, identifying how critical seabed data is to the future of our ocean.

    To celebrate this year’s World Hydrography Day, the UKHO unveiled a new video highlighting the importance of seabed mapping and how it enables marine science, defence, planning, environmental sustainability and the Blue Economy. As a global player, the UKHO enables ocean action by sharing seabed data to make decisions with confidence.

    Underlining how integral seabed data is for a vast range of marine activities, the video demonstrates the importance of supporting the sustainable use of our ocean for future generations.

    Learn more about the value of seabed mapping and how it enables ocean action by watching the video:

    Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action │ UK Hydrographic Office

    UN Ocean Conference – ‘Our ocean, our future: united for urgent action’

    The importance of seabed mapping in enabling ocean action was also identified at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice and attended by the UKHO. The conference, held between 9 and 13 June 2025, set out to accelerate action and mobilise stakeholders to find a way to use and conserve the ocean sustainably, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (‘Life below water’).  

    The UN Ocean Conference resulted in a new political declaration, ‘Our ocean, our future: united for urgent action.’ The declaration outlines the need for a variety of collaborative actions, including the key part seabed mapping plays in enabling the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans.

    In paragraph 28, the UNOC declaration summarises:

    We emphasize the critical need for national ocean accounting and mapping of coastal and marine ecosystems, and of the ocean floor, as appropriate, to inform policy decisions, development planning, integrated coastal zone management, and conservation planning.

    Contributing as part of the UK delegation, the UKHO participated in an official IHO side-event in collaboration with many other organisations, such as UNESCO Ocean, Gouvernement Monaco, the French Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOM), the National Hydrographic Agency (Nigeria), Norwegian Mapping Authority, and Schmidt Ocean Institute.

    UK delegation at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, June 2025

    David Parker, Head of Hydrographic Programmes, and Koen Vanstaen, International Hydrographic Portfolio Manager, attended the event on behalf of the UKHO where they discussed the benefits of improved coordination through the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM) and held meetings with our partners from across the globe attending the event.

    Developing a collaborative seabed mapping community

    Led by the UKHO, the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping was set up to establish and support a collaborative seabed mapping community. The UK CSM coordinates the collection, management and access of publicly funded data, resulting in a network of stakeholders and an infrastructure that enables proactive action in support of the UN Ocean Decade.

    The UK CSM brings together over 30 public sector organisations in the UK with an interest in marine geospatial information and data. The community seeks to optimise the investment being made into publicly funded data programmes. It ensures this data is then available to better understand the marine environment, supporting activities such as national security and infrastructure, safe and efficient maritime trade, and sustainable environmental and resource management.

    Find out more about the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping, led by the UKHO by watching our video:

    UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM) │ UK Hydrographic Office

    Through its administration of the UK CSM, the UKHO is actively engaging in actions to support the critical need for seabed mapping data, as set out by the UNOC in Nice this June, further contributing to protecting our oceans and unlocking their value for future generations.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 50,000 free school meals served to pupils as part of York Hungry Minds campaign

    Source: City of York

    Over 50,000 free school meals have been served to children in York as part of the city’s York Hungry Minds campaign since it started in 2024.

    York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal was set up in a bid to address disadvantage and the impact of the cost of living crisis, responding to national evidence suggesting that providing children with healthy, nourishing food can make a significant difference to school attendance, concentration and learning and their physical and mental wellbeing.

    Westfield Primary Community School pupils were the first school to benefit from the free school meals in January 2024, with Burton Green Primary School pupils receiving free breakfasts later that month and Fishergate Primary School joining the pilot in March 2025.

    Around 50 children now attend the free breakfast sessions at Burton Green every day, with school staff reporting a significant improvement in pupils’ attendance and punctuality as a result of the breakfast offer.

    Ash McGann, Principal at the school said:

    “There is a family atmosphere [at the breakfast club] where older children play games with younger children. Children are more focussed and motivated as they have eaten a nutritious meal and also had time with their friends before the structure of lessons.”

    Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

    “There is a wealth of national evidence supporting the positive impact of universal free school meals and it is so heartening to hear about the impact the pilots are having for school pupils in York.

    “Universal Free School Meals are about so much more than food, as the breakfast offer at Burton Green Primary School is showing. Ensuring that children are well fed with healthy, nutritious food, helps children to attend school regularly and concentrate fully in their lessons, which will support their learning and success in school as they grow up.”

    Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said:

    “I am absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to provide 50,000 meals to children in York through the York Hungry Minds initiative. I’d like to thank all those involved in helping to get the universal free school meal pilots up and running, including school and education staff, city partners and the children and their families, who have helped to make the pilots such a positive part of their school day.”

    The free school meals campaign is part of the council’s wider commitment both to address affordability challenges and to ensure that  good health and wellbeing is prioritised as early as possible in residents’ lives – part of the council’s four year plan – One City for all.

    The meals have been made possible thanks to funding from the council and donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Seven year legal battle sees illegal shisha cafe forced to pay back nearly £400k

    Source: City of Manchester

    A cafe under investigation since 2018 for numerous breaches of planning law has been ordered to pay back nearly £400,000 following a failed appeal. 

    In September of 2018, Manchester City Council’s planning team issued an enforcement notice against 360 Cafe, in Wilmslow Road, under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. 

    This was because the Council believed that the premises had illegally changed its use to operate as a shisha lounge, contrary to its original planning permission. The enforcement notice stated that changes to revert the business back to its original purpose had to be completed by December 1 of 2018. 

    Over the intervening two years, between July 2019 and October 2021 the Council attempted on numerous occasions to resolve the issues with the building’s Owners – Cameolord Limited – however, on two occasions the Council, working with officers from HMRC and GMP visited the premises to seize shisha pipes, tobacco and other smoking paraphernalia. 

    In spite of frequent attempts to resolve this issue the Council was forced to take legal action. Working alongside financial investigators at Salford Council, the result was Cameolord being found guilty in absentia at a hearing held at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on March 9, 2023, for failing to comply with the enforcement notice. However, an appeal was lodged against this conviction in September of 2023. 

    But at an appeal hearing the original conviction was upheld and a date was set for sentencing and confiscation hearings, these proceedings concluded on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. 

    Sitting at Manchester Crown Court, His Honour Judge Peter Horgan found the actions of the business to have been “persistent and brazen” as it had continued to access their regular rental payments over the course of the offence period, amounting to £321,433.62. 

    Taking into account the change in the value of money over the period of offending, he concluded that the overall benefit figure from the criminal activity was £383,316.40 and ordered a Confiscation Order in that amount under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. 

    The company was also ordered to pay a fine of £35,000 for the offences and prosecution costs of £23,500 were also awarded. The Defendant was given the maximum period of 3 months to pay these sums.  

    Previously, Mohammad Bashir, 68, of Upper Park Road, Manchester and a Director of the company Cameolord Ltd, pled guilty to an offence under the Town and Planning Act 1990 in March 2023, relating to his failure to resolve the breach; he was ordered to pay a £10,000 fine as well as £1,000 in costs and a £170 victims’ surcharge. 

    Councillor Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development, said: “Nearly seven years after the Council first began proceedings against this business we can finally close the book on this long-running saga. 

    “What could have been a straightforward decision to obey the law and comply with the Council’s reasonable request to comply has now cost this business dearly, with hundreds of thousands of pounds being forfeit, as well as a hefty financial penalty for the director. 

    “Planning law is in place for very good reasons. It protects our community from illegal developments and ensures that businesses cannot chop and change based on a mere whim. I would like to place on record my thanks to our planning and legal team for their hard work and determination to see justice carried out.”  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman David Scott Leads Georgia Delegation Demanding Trump Admin Reverse Termination of Digital Equity Grants

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) led members of the Georgia Delegation in sending a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Acting Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Adam Cassady, opposing the abrupt and illegal termination of State Digital Equity Capacity Grants and Digital Equity Competitive Grants. The letter also demands the immediate disbursement of grant awards and approval of all pending grant applications.

    “The decision to unilaterally terminate funding for broadband services is both illegal and morally wrong,” said Congressman David Scott. “Communities across Georgia count on the Digital Equity Grant Program to gain affordable internet, gain access basic digital tools for telehealth services, education, and job opportunities. Characterization of this vital lifeline as a “woke handout based on race” only proves that the administration has failed to comprehend the goal of the programs or who benefits from its funding. In reality, termination of this grant program will disproportionately harm working-class families, veterans, the elderly, and rural Georgians. The Trump Administration has no right to ignore the law by recklessly and indiscriminately canceling funding opportunities for our communities.”

    Digital equity grants were originally included in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The law allocated $2.75 billion to help underserved communities access affordable high-speed internet. The funding was designed to close the digital divide for veterans, seniors, rural communities, low-income families, incarcerated individuals, people with disabilities, and others.

    Despite being funded by Congress, the Trump Admin unilaterally halted the program in May, falsely labeling it as “unconstitutional” and a “woke handout.” This is a continuation of President Trump’s repeated efforts to illegally terminate funding passed by Congress. It effectively froze already approved grants and ended the review of hundreds of competitive applications, including a $9.9 million application from Clayton County’s Department of Information Technology.

    In the letter, Rep. David Scott led Georgia’s Democratic House lawmakers in urging Secretary Lutnick and Acting Administrator Cassady:

    • Restore digital equity grant funding already awarded
    • Resume Reviewing applications for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program
    • Recognize the immense benefits these investments provide, including job readiness training, access to online healthcare, digital literacy programs, and educational resources.

    View a copy of the letter HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter, Bera Introduce Bill to Strengthen Palliative and Hospice Care Workforce

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

    Headline: Carter, Bera Introduce Bill to Strengthen Palliative and Hospice Care Workforce

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) today introduced the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA), bipartisan legislation to invest in training, education, and research for the palliative care and hospice workforce, allowing more practitioners to enter these in-demand fields. 

    Palliative and hospice care focus on providing comfort and quality of life improvements for those seriously ill, extending quality of life and reducing the length of hospital stays for many patients.

    “Caring for someone living with serious illness or at the end of their life is one of the most compassionate, selfless things one can do, and we must ensure that these heroes have the assistance, training, education, and tools available to provide the highest quality care possible. As a pharmacist, I understand the toll burnout takes on the health care industry, and I am committed to bolstering the workforce so nurses, doctors, and all health care workers can continue to pursue their passion for helping others,” said Rep. Carter.

    “As a doctor, I know how important it is to provide patients with comfort, clarity, and support when they’re facing serious illness,” said Rep. Bera. “The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act is a smart, bipartisan step to ensure more health care professionals are trained to deliver this kind of care. By expanding training programs and strengthening our health care workforce, we will make sure that patients and families have access to the care they need to manage pain, make informed decisions, and live with dignity.”

    In 2001, just 7% of U.S. hospitals with more than 50 beds had a palliative care program, compared with 72% in 2019. Those working in the field, 40% of whom are 56 years of age or older, report high rates of burnout, in response to the increasing number of patients requiring treatment. 

    Reps. Carter and Bera’s bill, which has a Senate companion led by Senators Baldwin and Capito, alleviates these strains through workforce training, education and awareness, and enhanced research.

    “As we face a critical shortage of health professionals with expert knowledge and skills in palliative care, AAHPM applauds Representatives Carter and Bera for their leadership in introducing the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act to ensure all patients facing serious illness or at the end of life can receive high-quality care,” said Kristina Newport, MD FAAHPM, HMDC, Chief Medical Officer of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. “We urge Congress to recognize the importance of a well-trained, interprofessional healthcare team to providing coordinated, person-centered serious illness care and to act now to build a healthcare workforce more closely aligned with America’s evolving healthcare needs. Advancing PCHETA will go a long way towards improving quality of care and quality of life for our nation’s sickest and most vulnerable patients, along with their families and caregivers.”

    “Palliative care treats the whole person, not just the disease. Ensuring health care providers can be trained in this specialized, coordinated form of care and providing funding for robust public education through the Palliative Care Education and Training Act can help increase access to palliative care for cancer patients and make their cancer journey less difficult,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “We commend Reps. Carter and Bera for their leadership and steadfast commitment to palliative care and to improving quality of life for patients, including those impacted by cancer.”

    “Every person living with serious illness or facing the end of life deserves compassionate, expert care that honors their choices and helps them live comfortably on their own terms. The Alliance celebrates Representatives Carter and Bera’s leadership in introducing the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act, which will ensure families have access to the trained professionals they need during life’s most difficult moments. As our population ages, this critical investment in education and training will help us meet the growing demand for quality palliative and hospice care,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO for the National Alliance for Care at Home.

    Supporting Organizations Include: Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Physician Associates, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American College of Surgeons, American Geriatrics Society, American Heart Association, American Psychological Association, American Psychosocial Oncology Society, The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Association for Clinical Oncology, Association of Oncology Social Work, Association of Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Nurses, Association of Professional Chaplains, The California State University Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care, Cambia Health Solutions, Cancer Support Community, CaringKind, Catholic Health Association of the United States, Center to Advance Palliative Care, Children’s National Health System, Coalition for Compassionate Care of California, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Courageous Parents Network, The George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health, GO2 for Lung Cancer, The HAP Foundation, HealthCare Chaplaincy Network, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, LEAD Coalition, LeadingAge, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Motion Picture & Television Fund, National Alliance for Care at Home, National Alliance for Caregiving, National Brain Tumor Society, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, National Marrow Donor Program, National Palliative Care Research Center, National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, National POLST Paradigm, Oncology Nursing Society, Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition, PAs in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Second Wind Dreams, Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network, Society of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacists, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Supportive Care Matters, Susan G. Komen, Trinity Health, West Health Institute, The Alliance for the Advancement of End-of-Life Care, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, Alzheimer’s Orange County, Arizona Association for Home Care, Arizona Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina, California Association for Health Services at Home, The Center for Optimal Aging at Marymount University, Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition, Delaware Association for Home & Community Care, Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association, Georgia Association for Home Health Agencies, Georgia Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Granite State Home Health & Hospice Association (NH), Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Home Care Association of Florida, Home Care Association of NYS, Home Care Association of Washington, Home Care and Hospice Association of Colorado, Homecare and Hospice Association of Utah, Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa, Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York, Hospice Care and Kentucky Home Care Association, Hospice Council of West Virginia, Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts, Idaho Health Care Association, Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Indiana Association for Home, Kokua Mau, LeadingAge California, LeadingAge Georgia, LeadingAge New Jersey/Delaware, LeadingAge Ohio, LifeCircle-South Dakota’s Hospice and Palliative Care Network, Louisiana Mississippi Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association, Michigan HomeCare and Hospice Association, Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care, Missouri Alliance for Home Care, Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care Association, Nebraska Association for Home Healthcare and Hospice, Nebraska Home Care Association, Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice, Ohio Health Care Association, Oklahoma Association for Home Care and Hospice, South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Association, The Oregon Hospice & Palliative Care Association, Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice, Texas ~ New Mexico Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Virginia Association for Home Care and Hospice, VNAs of Vermont, The Washington State Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and West Virginia Council for Home Care and Hospice.

    Read full bill text here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Torres, Lofgren, Jacobs, and Tran Lead Entire CA Democratic Delegation in Demanding Immediate Release of $928 Million Education Funding Owed to California

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    July 17, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Norma Torres (CA-35), Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation (CA-18), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Derek Tran (CA-45), and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-CA) led the entire California Democratic Congressional Delegation in demanding the Department of Education (ED) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately release nearly $7 billion in Congressionally-appropriated funding for K-12 schools and adult education—including $928 million owed to California.

    With the start of the new school year approaching in California, on June 30, 2025, the Trump Administration gave states just one day’s notice that these critical funds would be indefinitely frozen past their typical release on July 1. As a result, California schools are already being forced to roll back programs, lay off staff, and cut services that help students thrive.

    “These programs support some of the most vulnerable and underserved students and communities in California and have been demonstrated to have lifelong benefits to students’ educational attainment, income, and other measures of wellbeing. Each passing day that these funds are unlawfully withheld hurts our schools and students and strains already limited budgets,” said the members. “In California alone, the Trump Administration’s funding freeze is affecting hundreds of thousands of students and educators. For many of California’s school districts, this funding had already been accounted for in school budgets for the upcoming school year. Now, our schools are being forced to delay hiring and reduce resources to help students.”

    The withheld funding includes vital investments in:

    • Reducing class sizes and teacher recruitment and retention, especially in underserved areas.
    • After-school, before-school, and summer learning programs in low-income communities.
    • School-based mental health services, accelerated learning courses, STEM education, and college and career counseling.
    • Academic Support for English learners and children of migrant workers.
    • Adult education and workforce readiness programs.

    With nearly 5.8 million K-12 students in California, the illegal freezing of these Congressionally appropriated funds is already hurting our schools and students. Many school districts had already budgeted for these federal dollars, leaving them scrambling to fill massive funding gaps just weeks before the school year begins.

    “We demand that the Department of Education and the Trump Administration stop holding K-12 student funding hostage and release the nearly $7 billion in funding meant to help our students, teachers, and families, including the $928 million being unlawfully withheld from California,” the members continued. “This illegal freeze in funding is setting our students and schools up for failure. Our teachers, families, and children deserve better than the Trump Administration’s reckless upheaval and chaos.”

    Additional signers of the letter include: Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33); Nanette Barragán (CA-44); Ami Bera (CA-6); Julia Brownley (CA-26); Salud Carbajal (CA-24); Judy Chu (CA-28); Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31); Lou Correa (CA-46); Jim Costa (CA-21); Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10); Laura Friedman (CA-30); John Garamendi (CA-8); Robert Garcia (CA-42); Jimmy Gomez (CA-34); Adam Gray (CA-13); Josh Harder (CA-9); Jared Huffman (CA-2); Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37); Ro Khanna (CA-17); Mike Levin (CA-49); Sam Liccardo (CA-16); Ted Lieu (CA-36); Doris Matsui (CA-7); Dave Min (CA-47); Kevin Mullin (CA-15); Jimmy Panetta (CA-19); Nancy Pelosi (CA-11); Scott Peters (CA-50); Luz Rivas (CA-29); Raul Ruiz (CA-25); Linda Sánchez (CA-38); Brad Sherman (CA-32); Lateefah Simon (CA-12); Eric Swalwell (CA-14); Mark Takano (CA-39); Mike Thompson (CA-4); Juan Vargas (CA-52); Maxine Waters (CA-43); George Whitesides (CA-27).

    Link to full letter

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – Nine people sentenced for the murder of the Catholic priest from Mandalay

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    RVA

    Mandalay (Agenzia Fides) – Nine people accused of the murder of Catholic priest Fr. Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, who was killed on February 14, 2025, have been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a court linked to the Ministry of Justice of the National Unity Government (NUG), the government in exile that leads the Burmese opposition. The 44-year-old priest, belonging to the Archdiocese of Mandalay, was killed by gunmen on the grounds of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, in the Shwe Bo district, in the Sagaing region (see Fides, 15/2/2025).According to initial investigations, the killers were part of local armed groups linked to the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), the Burmese resistance forces that control the so-called “liberated zones” that have been taken away from the control of the Burmese military junta. The PDF are subordinate to the National Unity Government (NUG) in exile, which includes numerous members of the Parliament overthrown by the military junta after the February 2021 coup.Local sources have confirmed to Fides that it was the People’s Defense Forces themselves who tracked down and arrested the attackers. “In a way, the PDF themselves tried to bring the armed men to justice, who, in the current situation of widespread instability, are out of control. However, the reasons for the murder are still unclear,” our sources note. “We know that Father Donald was a man of God, a parish priest dedicated to the people, a good and sincere person who was committed, above all, to the education of children left without school due to the civil war. He had done nothing wrong,” says Father John, a priest in Mandalay. The local Catholic community is moderately satisfied with this sentence, as justice was expected, although “there are still too many unanswered questions. The family would also like more clarity and full justice,” the priest emphasizes.The ruling by the informal court linked to the NUG was possible because in the Sagaing region, affected by clashes between the Burmese army and resistance forces, the state system has collapsed, giving way to the creation of a “parallel state” by the resistance. Although there is no fully defined legal framework, courts operate in the liberated areas with district judges who hold trials based on laws enacted or amended by the army in recent years and international human rights standards. Currently, in these areas, district judges also have the authority to impose the death penalty. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 17/7/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – Rite of Admission: Deacons of Ningbo respond to the Lord’s call with faith and charity

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Ningbo (Agenzia Fides) – The liturgical rite of admission of candidates to the priesthood is not only a celebration of the diocese, but also an opportunity of witness to young people. Thus, the Diocese of Ningbo decided to celebrate two separate solemn liturgies for admission, both presided over by Bishop Francis Xavier Jin Yangke. The two liturgies were celebrated on Thursday, July 11th and Monday, July 14th. During the rite, four diocesan deacons responded to the Lord’s call to the priesthood with faith and charity before their bishop, receiving the faculty to exercise the ministries of acolyte and lector.In his homily, Bishop Jin emphasized that “the ministry of reading the Word consists not only in reciting the Word, but also in being witness to the Word. The acolyte invites seminarians to learn humility and fidelity in serving the altar and their brothers.” Furthermore, the Bishop encouraged the deacons to prepare themselves to exercise the diaconal and priestly ministry with pastoral care when they receive their diaconal and priestly ordination, according to the Lord’s will.”Vocation,” the Bishop of Ningbo insisted, “is not a journey one undertakes alone. There is always a need for dialogue between the soul of the person and the Lord.” The Bishop also invited each baptized person and the entire community to accompany and support the future deacons and priests on their journey, sharing with them their joys, responsibilities, and even difficulties.Many young people from the diocese also took part in the two liturgies. This was a comforting sign for the entire diocesan community, in the hope—as one parish priest emphasized—that even in these circumstances, the seed of new vocations may silently fall in the hearts of many. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 17/7/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU agencies help shut down major hacktivist group

    Source: European Union 2

    NoName057(16) has professed support for the Russian Federation since the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine. Since the start of the war, it has executed multiple DDoS attacks against critical infrastructure during high-level (political) events. The group has also exhibited anti-NATO and anti-U.S. sentiment. During a DDoS attack, a website or online service is flooded with traffic, overloading its capacity and thus making it unavailable. The hacktivist group has executed 14 attacks in Germany, some of them lasting multiple days and affecting around 230 organisations including arms factories, power suppliers and government organisations. Attacks were also executed across Europe during the European elections. In Sweden, authorities and bank websites were targeted, while in Switzerland multiple attacks were carried out during a video message given by the Ukrainian President to the Joint Parliament in June 2023, and during the Peace Summit for Ukraine in June 2024. Most recently, the Netherlands was targeted during the NATO Summit at the end of June.

    To execute their attacks, the group recruited supporters through a messaging service. It is estimated that the hackers were able to mobilise around 4000 users who supported their operations by downloading malware that made it possible for them to participate in the DDoS attacks. The group also built its own botnet using hundreds of servers around the world that increased the attack load, causing more damage.

    Coordination of the many international partners was crucial for the success of the operation. Through Eurojust, authorities were able to coordinate their findings and plan an action day to target the hacktivist group. The Agency ensured that multiple European Investigation Orders and Mutual Legal Assistance processes were executed. During the action day on 15 July, Eurojust coordinated any last-minute judicial requests that were needed during the operation.

    Europol facilitated the information exchange, supported the coordination of the operational activities and provided extended operational analytical support, as well as crypto tracing and forensic support during the lent of the investigation, and coordinated the prevention and awareness raising campaign, released to unidentified yet offenders via messaging apps and social media channels. During the action day, Europol set-up a Command Post at Europol’s headquarters and made available a Virtual Command post for online connection with the in-person Command.

    The investigation culminated in an action day on 15 July where actions targeting the group took place in eight countries. Authorities were able to disrupt of over 100 servers worldwide. Searches took place in Germany, Latvia, Spain, Italy, Czechia, Poland and France to gather evidence for the investigation. Additionally, authorities informed the group and 1100 supporters and 17 administrators about the measures taken and the criminal liability they bear for their actions. Seven international arrest warrants have been issued. Germany issued six warrants which are directed inter alia against suspects living in the Russian Federation. Two suspects are accused of being the main instigators responsible for the activities of NoName057(16). Photos and descriptions of some of the suspects can be found on the websites of Europol and Interpol.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • Czechia: District Prosecutor’s Office of Prague 5; Police, National Counterterrorism, Extremism and Cybercrime Agency (NCTEKK)
    • Estonia: Estonian Police and Border Guard Board
    • Germany: Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Centre; Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA)
    • Finland: Prosecution District of Southern Finland; National Bureau of Investigation – Cybercrime Investigation Unit
    • France: Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office – National Jurisdiction against Organised Crime (JUNALCO) ; National Cyber Unit of the Gendarmerie nationale
    • Latvia: State Police of Latvia – International Cooperation Department & Cybercrime Enforcement Department
    • Lithuania: Prosecutor General’s Office of Lithuania; Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau
    • Netherlands: Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Netherlands and Police of the Netherlands
    • Spain: Investigative Central Court nr. 1 Audiencia Nacional; Audiencia Nacional Prosecutor´s Offices; National Police; Guardia Civil
    • Sweden: Polisen
    • Switzerland: Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland; Federal Office of Police fedpol
    • United States: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cielo Announces Execution and Closing of Amended Settlement Agreement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. (TSXV: CMC; OTC PINK: CWSFF) (“Cielo” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has executed an amended and restated settlement agreement (the “Amended Settlement Agreement”) with Expander Energy Inc. (“Expander”) and certain directors, shareholders and related parties of Expander (collectively and together with Expander, the “Settlement Parties”), and closed the Unwinding (as defined below). The Amended Settlement Agreement replaces a settlement agreement that was executed among Cielo and the Settlement Parties on April 29, 2025, as previously announced, which was initially expected to close on June 13, 2025.

    The Amended Settlement Agreement provides for the effective unwinding (the “Unwinding”), to the extent possible, of certain previously disclosed transactions (the “Transactions”) completed between Cielo and the applicable Settlement Parties, including Expander, pursuant to and in connection with an amended and restated asset purchase agreement dated November 8, 2023, as amended on September 16, 2024 (the “APA”). The Unwinding has closed with an effective date of July 16, 2025, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”) with respect to the Note (as defined below).  

    As part of the Amended Settlement Agreement:

    • Approximately 40 million shares of Cielo (“Common Shares” and such shares, the “Settlement Shares”) have been surrendered by the Settlement Parties to the Company for cancellation. The Settlement Parties may, but will not be obligated to, surrender an additional approximately 20 million Settlement Shares on or before December 31, 2025 for cancellation.
    • All agreements between Cielo and the applicable Settlement Parties, including Expander, including a license agreement (the “License Agreement”) dated November 9, 2023, between the Company and Expander and several service agreements (“Service Agreements”) between the Company and the applicable Settlement Parties, including Expander, have been terminated and the Company has relinquished its interest in those assets it had initially acquired under the APA.
    • Cielo has issued a promissory note and general security agreement in favour of certain of the Settlement Parties, including Expander, in an aggregate amount of C$748,208.79 (the “Payment”), in full and final satisfaction of all and any outstanding fees owing by the Company, the issuance and terms of which are subject to the approval of the Exchange.
    • The Settlement Parties, including Expander, will continue to be bound by a customary 18-month standstill related to, among other things, soliciting proxies and voting of securities of Cielo.
    • The applicable Settlement Parties, including Expander, have agreed to dismiss and/or discontinue all legal proceedings against Cielo.

    The foregoing description of the Amended Settlement Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirely by reference to the Amended Settlement Agreement, a copy of which will be available under Cielo’s profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

    ABOUT CIELO

    Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. is a publicly traded company focused on transforming waste materials into high-value renewable fuels. Cielo seeks to address global waste challenges while contributing to the circular economy and reducing carbon emissions. Cielo is fueling renewable change with a mission to be a leader in the wood by-product-to-fuels industry by using environmentally friendly, economically sustainable and market-ready technologies. Cielo is committed to helping society ‘change the fuel, not the vehicle’, which the Company believes will contribute to generating positive returns for shareholders. Cielo shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “CMC,” as well as on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “CWSFF.”

    For further information please contact:

    Cielo Investor Relations

    Ryan C. Jackson, CEO
    Phone: (403) 348-2972
    Email: investors@cielows.com

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should” or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Cielo, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements and information are based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and are subject to certain factors and assumptions. The Company is making forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, with respect to: the Amended Settlement Agreement and certain terms thereof, including but not limited to the Note, and the Company’s obligations thereunder.

    Investors should continue to review and consider information disseminated through news releases and filed by Cielo on SEDAR+. Although the Company has attempted to identify crucial factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

    Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Cielo’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cielo Announces Execution and Closing of Amended Settlement Agreement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. (TSXV: CMC; OTC PINK: CWSFF) (“Cielo” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has executed an amended and restated settlement agreement (the “Amended Settlement Agreement”) with Expander Energy Inc. (“Expander”) and certain directors, shareholders and related parties of Expander (collectively and together with Expander, the “Settlement Parties”), and closed the Unwinding (as defined below). The Amended Settlement Agreement replaces a settlement agreement that was executed among Cielo and the Settlement Parties on April 29, 2025, as previously announced, which was initially expected to close on June 13, 2025.

    The Amended Settlement Agreement provides for the effective unwinding (the “Unwinding”), to the extent possible, of certain previously disclosed transactions (the “Transactions”) completed between Cielo and the applicable Settlement Parties, including Expander, pursuant to and in connection with an amended and restated asset purchase agreement dated November 8, 2023, as amended on September 16, 2024 (the “APA”). The Unwinding has closed with an effective date of July 16, 2025, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”) with respect to the Note (as defined below).  

    As part of the Amended Settlement Agreement:

    • Approximately 40 million shares of Cielo (“Common Shares” and such shares, the “Settlement Shares”) have been surrendered by the Settlement Parties to the Company for cancellation. The Settlement Parties may, but will not be obligated to, surrender an additional approximately 20 million Settlement Shares on or before December 31, 2025 for cancellation.
    • All agreements between Cielo and the applicable Settlement Parties, including Expander, including a license agreement (the “License Agreement”) dated November 9, 2023, between the Company and Expander and several service agreements (“Service Agreements”) between the Company and the applicable Settlement Parties, including Expander, have been terminated and the Company has relinquished its interest in those assets it had initially acquired under the APA.
    • Cielo has issued a promissory note and general security agreement in favour of certain of the Settlement Parties, including Expander, in an aggregate amount of C$748,208.79 (the “Payment”), in full and final satisfaction of all and any outstanding fees owing by the Company, the issuance and terms of which are subject to the approval of the Exchange.
    • The Settlement Parties, including Expander, will continue to be bound by a customary 18-month standstill related to, among other things, soliciting proxies and voting of securities of Cielo.
    • The applicable Settlement Parties, including Expander, have agreed to dismiss and/or discontinue all legal proceedings against Cielo.

    The foregoing description of the Amended Settlement Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirely by reference to the Amended Settlement Agreement, a copy of which will be available under Cielo’s profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

    ABOUT CIELO

    Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. is a publicly traded company focused on transforming waste materials into high-value renewable fuels. Cielo seeks to address global waste challenges while contributing to the circular economy and reducing carbon emissions. Cielo is fueling renewable change with a mission to be a leader in the wood by-product-to-fuels industry by using environmentally friendly, economically sustainable and market-ready technologies. Cielo is committed to helping society ‘change the fuel, not the vehicle’, which the Company believes will contribute to generating positive returns for shareholders. Cielo shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “CMC,” as well as on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “CWSFF.”

    For further information please contact:

    Cielo Investor Relations

    Ryan C. Jackson, CEO
    Phone: (403) 348-2972
    Email: investors@cielows.com

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should” or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Cielo, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements and information are based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and are subject to certain factors and assumptions. The Company is making forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, with respect to: the Amended Settlement Agreement and certain terms thereof, including but not limited to the Note, and the Company’s obligations thereunder.

    Investors should continue to review and consider information disseminated through news releases and filed by Cielo on SEDAR+. Although the Company has attempted to identify crucial factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

    Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Cielo’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) Market Set to Soar with 26.90% CAGR, Projected to Reach US$ 233.2 Billion by 2032 Amid Growing Demand for Scalable and Cost-Effective IT Solutions: AnalystView Market Insights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, USA, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) market was valued at USD 34,680.33 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 26.90% from 2025 to 2032. DaaS transforms the conventional IT ownership model by offering a subscription-based solution that integrates hardware, software, and managed services into a single, streamlined package.

    DaaS model is transforming how businesses equip their workforce, especially in the era of hybrid and remote work. Rather than purchasing devices outright, companies lease them as part of a service contract that includes setup, maintenance, security, and replacement. This approach simplifies IT asset management, reduces upfront costs, and ensures that devices are consistently updated and secure. For instance, the General Services Administration (GSA) has adopted the DaaS model through its Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). The GSA offers IT hardware and managed services bundles under long-term contracts, helping federal agencies streamline procurement and reduce capital expenditures.

    Access Your Free Sample Report PDF Now @ https://www.analystviewmarketinsights.com/request_sample/AV3807

    Global Device-As-A-Service Market Key Players- Detailed Competitive Insights

    • Accenture PLC
    • Amazon Web Services
    • Apple Inc.
    • Box Inc.
    • Cisco Systems, Inc.
    • Dell Technologies
    • Fujitsu Limited
    • Google LLC
    • HP Inc.
    • IBM Corporation
    • Lenovo Group
    • Microsoft Corporation
    • Oracle Corporation
    • Panasonic Corporation
    • Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    • Xerox Corporation
    • Others

    DaaS Market Insights:

    By 2023, a growing number of medium to large organizations across North America had embraced the Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) model to enhance device provisioning and minimize operational downtime. Government initiatives such as the U.S. GSA’s managed IT services contracts and the UK Crown Commercial Service’s tech leasing frameworks have played a key role in accelerating DaaS adoption. With the ability to scale device fleets rapidly and maintain centralized monitoring and lifecycle management, DaaS is increasingly favored across sectors like finance, education, healthcare, and public administration. 

    In addition to cost and operational benefits, sustainability is becoming a key motivator behind DaaS adoption. Companies increasingly seek ways to reduce electronic waste and improve environmental accountability. DaaS aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by promoting device reuse, refurbishment, and proper recycling. Global tech leaders, such as HP, report that a significant number of Fortune 100 companies are exploring DaaS to meet both IT needs and environmental targets.

    Government agencies are also recognizing DaaS’s potential. A 2023 procurement update from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) highlighted growing interest in DaaS as a strategic solution for federal departments to manage IT assets while meeting sustainability objectives.

    However, the shift to DaaS is not without its challenges. Businesses must evaluate concerns related to data privacy, dependency on vendors, service-level agreement (SLA) reliability, and compatibility with legacy systems. Despite these barriers, the model’s scalability, financial flexibility, and security features are encouraging widespread adoption, especially among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets that benefit from low upfront investment and simplified IT operations.

    North America DaaS Market:
    North America dominated the Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) market in 2024, accounting for over 38% of global revenue. The region benefits from widespread hybrid work adoption and government-driven IT modernization programs. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) actively promotes DaaS contracts across federal agencies, boosting efficiency and reducing upfront costs for public sector IT infrastructure.

    Asia Pacific DaaS Market:
    Asia Pacific is witnessing the fastest DaaS market growth, projected to expand at a CAGR exceeding 29% through 2032. Growth is fueled by rapid digital transformation across India, China, and Southeast Asia. Government programs like India’s Digital India initiative and Smart Cities Mission are increasingly leveraging DaaS for secure, cost-effective device deployment in education, public service, and local governance.

    TABLE OF CONTENT:

    1. Device-as-a-Service Market Overview
    1.1. Study Scope
    1.2. Market Estimation Years
    2. Executive Summary
    2.1. Market Snippet
    2.1.1. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by Device Type
    2.1.2. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by Service Model
    2.1.3. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by Deployment Mode
    2.1.4. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by End-User
    2.1.5. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by Country
    2.1.6. Device-as-a-Service Market Snippet by Region
    2.2. Competitive Insights
    3. Device-as-a-Service Key Market Trends
    3.1. Device-as-a-Service Market Drivers
    3.1.1. Impact Analysis of Market Drivers
    3.2. Device-as-a-Service Market Restraints
    3.2.1. Impact Analysis of Market Restraints
    3.3. Device-as-a-Service Market Opportunities
    3.4. Device-as-a-Service Market Future Trends
    4. Device-as-a-Service Industry Study
    4.1. PEST Analysis
    4.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
    4.3. Growth Prospect Mapping
    4.4. Regulatory Framework Analysis…..

    DaaS Market Competitive Insights:

    The Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) market is highly competitive, driven by global players offering integrated hardware, software, and support services. Accenture PLC leads with strong consulting and managed service capabilities. Amazon Web Services supports cloud-based DaaS platforms. Apple Inc. leverages its hardware ecosystem for enterprise DaaS solutions. Box Inc. enhances DaaS with secure content management. Cisco Systems integrates networking and security features, while Dell Technologies offers comprehensive end-to-end DaaS packages. These companies focus on innovation, scalability, and strategic partnerships to maintain a strong market presence and cater to diverse enterprise and government needs in the evolving digital workplace landscape.

    Map the full market terrain with regional insights, segmented views, consumer intelligence, and competitor studies@

    https://www.analystviewmarketinsights.com/reports/report-highlight-device-as-a-service-market

    Market Segementaion:

    GLOBAL DEVICE-AS-A-SERVICE MARKET, BY DEVICE TYPE- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • Smartphones
    • Laptops
    • Desktops
    • Tablets
    • Wearables

    GLOBAL DEVICE-AS-A-SERVICE MARKET, BY SERVICE MODEL- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • Leasing
    • Subscription
    • Full-service

    GLOBAL DEVICE-AS-A-SERVICE MARKET, BY DEPLOYMENT MODE- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • Cloud-based
    • On-premises

    GLOBAL DEVICE-AS-A-SERVICE MARKET, BY END-USER- MARKET ANALYSIS, 2019 – 2032

    • Enterprises
    • SMBs
    • Individual Consumers

    Reasons to Invest in the Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) Market:

    1. Rising Demand for Scalable IT Infrastructure
    Businesses increasingly require flexible IT solutions to support hybrid and remote work models. DaaS enables organizations to scale device fleets up or down on demand, reducing capital expenditures while maintaining operational agility.

    2. Government Push for Digital Transformation
    Public sector initiatives such as the U.S. GSA’s DaaS contracts and India’s Digital India program are accelerating adoption. These efforts create stable demand and long-term contract opportunities for vendors in the DaaS space.

    3. Built-in Security and Lifecycle Management
    DaaS integrates device provisioning, security updates, and end-of-life recycling into one service. This reduces IT burden and strengthens cybersecurity across enterprises, making it a preferred choice for regulated industries.

    Browse more Report:

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Supreme Court Greenlights Mass Layoffs at ED, New Warren Report Reveals Impact of Trump Administration’s Attacks On Public Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    July 17, 2025
    11 national organizations warn of dangers from dismantling the Department of Education. 
    Warren: “If President Trump succeeds in completely eliminating the Department of Education, millions of students, teachers, and families will pay the price.”
    Text of Report (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released a new 23-page report, “Education At Risk: Frontline Impacts of Trump’s War on Students,” highlighting warnings from 11 major national education and civil rights organizations on the impact of the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education (ED), slashing support to millions of American students, primary and secondary school teachers, administrators, parents, and student loan borrowers. Since the Trump Administration took office, President Trump, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and ED Secretary Linda McMahon have:
    Eliminated hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for ED programs that serve America’s students, families, and educators. 
    Fired nearly half of the department’s employees, severely limiting its ability to support public education around the country.
    Attempted to further dismantle ED by illegally transferring core ED functions to other agencies. 
    In April 2025, Senator Warren asked leading national organizations representing teachers, parents, students, student loan borrowers, and administrators to collect firsthand accounts of the impacts of the administration’s policies. 
    Key findings of Senator Warren’s report include:
    Cuts to the Office of Federal Student Aid staff and student loan programs will limit college attendance and delay borrower access to loans and debt relief.
    According to the American Council on Education, “delayed funding, especially in the instances of student financial aid, can result in the inability of students to enroll for classes and persist through to completion in a timely fashion, causing them to take on more student loan debt to complete their degrees.”

    Dismantling the Office of Civil Rights will impede ED’s ability to ensure that students receive an education free from discrimination.
    According to the National Parents Union, this “leaves 46.413 million students in 27 states and territories without dedicated civil rights investigators in regional offices.”

    Cuts to the Institute of Education Sciences threaten the collection and dissemination of critical federal data.
    ED collects data that helps students and parents get a comprehensive evaluation of the quality and financial cost of colleges and secondary schools. Without this data, the Institute for Higher Education Policy says, “Families would be left without the only reliable federal resource to help them make informed choices about one of the most significant financial and personal decisions of their lives.”

    Plans to transfer responsibilities to other agencies are wasteful and will increase the cost and complexity of performing essential department functions that America’s students and families rely on.
    For example, the National Center for Youth Law notes that President Trump’s proposal to move special education services into the Department of Health and Human Services risks “stripping away decades of hard-won progress for students with disabilities, returning to an outdated medical model that treats disabilities as pathologies to be contained rather than differences to be accommodated.”

    The report reveals that this damage will continue to worsen if the Department of Education is further defunded and dismantled, harming over 62 million students across the country. 
    The organizations that were cited in this report include the American Council on Education (ACE), National Parents Union (NPU), National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC), Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), National Center for Youth Law (NCYL), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), and the Association for Institutional Research (AIR).
    Senator Warren launched the Save Our Schools campaign in a coordinated effort to fight back against President Trump’s attempts to abolish the Department of Education:
    On July 15, 2025, Senators Warren and Sanders, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, urging her to reverse the interest hike on student loan borrowers in the SAVE forbearance. 
    On July 14, 2025, Senator Warren joined a letter to the director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russ Vought, and Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, demanding that the Department of Education stop blocking nearly $7 billion in funds for K-12 schools, including for afterschool programs.
    On July 3, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in submitting an amicus brief for NAACP v. US, arguing to the United States District Court District of Maryland that President Trump’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education violate separation of powers and lack constitutional authority.
    On June 10, 2025, Senator Warren met with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and delivered over 1,000 letters to McMahon that the senator had received from people in all 50 states who were worried about the Secretary’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education.
    On June 9, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in pushing the Acting Inspector General of Department of Education to open an investigation into new information obtained by her office, revealing that DOGE may have gained access to two FSA internal systems, in addition to sensitive borrower data.
    On May 20, 2025, Senator Warren and 27 other senators pushed for full funding for the Office of Federal Student Aid.
    On May 14, 2025, Senator Warren led a Senate forum entitled “Stealing the American Dream: How Trump and Republicans Are Raising Education Costs for Families,” highlighting the consequences of Secretary Linda McMahon’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education and President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” for working- and middle-class students and borrowers.
    On May 13, 2025, Senator Warren agreed to meet with Education Secretary Linda McMahon and promised to bring questions and stories from Americans across the country to highlight how the Trump administration’s attacks on education are hurting American families.
    On May 6, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren highlighted the consequences of President Trump and Secretary Linda McMahon’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education for American families in a Senate forum.
    On April 24, 2025, Senator Warren launched a new investigation into the harms of President Trump’s attacks on the Department of Education, seeking information on the impact of the Trump administration’s actions from the members of twelve leading organizations representing schools, parents, teachers, students, borrowers, and researchers.
    On April 10, 2025, following a request led by Senator Warren, the Department of Education’s Acting Inspector General agreed to open an investigation into the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education.
    On April 2, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mazie Hirono, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding the Department of Government Efficiency’s proposed plan to replace the Department of Education’s federal student aid call centers with generative artificial intelligence chatbots.
    On April 2, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren launched the Save Our Schools campaign to fight back against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and highlight the consequences for every student and public school in America.
    On March 27, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led a letter to Acting Department of Education Inspector General René Rocque requesting they conduct an investigation of the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education.
    On March 20, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders led a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to slash the capacity of Federal Student Aid to handle student aid complaints.
    On February 24, 2025, in a response to Senator Warren, Secretary McMahon gave her first public admission that she “wholeheartedly” agreed with Trump’s plans to abolish the Department of Education.
    On February 11, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim sent Linda McMahon, Secretary-Designate for the U.S. Department of Education, a 12-page letter with 65 questions on McMahon’s policy views in advance of her nomination hearing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Introduces Pensions for All Act to Guarantee Retirement Security for Every American

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, July 17 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today introduced the Pensions for All Act, sweeping legislation that would provide comprehensive retirement coverage to the more than 56 million working-class Americans who currently have no retirement plan through their employer.  
    “We can no longer tolerate a rigged retirement system that allows the CEOs of large corporations to receive massive golden parachutes for themselves, while denying workers a pension after a lifetime of work,” Sanders said. “If we are serious about addressing the retirement crisis in America, corporations must be required to offer all of their workers a traditional pension plan that guarantees a monthly income in retirement. And if corporations refuse to offer a decent retirement plan, their workers must be allowed to receive the same type of pension that every member of Congress receives. If we can guarantee a defined benefit pension plan for members of Congress, we can and we must provide that same level of retirement security to every worker in America.” 
    In our country today, nearly half of older workers between the ages of 55 and 64 have no retirement savings at all and no idea how they will be able to retire with any shred of dignity or respect. 
    “If Congress can provide over $1 trillion in tax breaks for the top 1% and over $900 billion in tax breaks for large corporations, please do not tell me that we cannot afford to make sure that every worker in America can retire with the dignity and the respect they deserve,” Sanders continued.
    Today, more than 22.8% of seniors in the United States live in poverty — compared to just 5.1% in Denmark, 5.8% in France, 12.6% in Germany and 14.8% in Canada. Unacceptably, nearly 22% of seniors in America are trying to survive on less than $15,000 a year while half of our nation’s elderly population makes less than $30,000 a year. 
    The Pensions for All Act would reverse this trend by requiring corporations to either: 
    Provide a traditional pension plan for their workers that is at least equivalent to the plan provided to new members of Congress under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), or
    Pay into the federal retirement system at a level that ensures all of their workers receive the same amount of retirement benefits as Members of Congress.
    Importantly, this legislation would also offer reduced contribution requirements for self-employed workers and small businesses.  
    The bill builds on Sanders’ Social Security Expansion Act, which would increase Social Security benefits by $2,400 a year and fully fund the program for the next 75 years by applying the Social Security payroll tax on all income above $250,000. Together, these bills would finally ensure retirement security for all. 
    The legislation is endorsed by United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA); Alliance for Retired Americans; Just Solutions; Equal Rights Advocates; Popular Democracy in Action; and NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.
    “Fifty years ago, nearly 50% of American workers had a pension. Today, less than 10% do, and nearly half of older workers have no retirement savings at all. That isn’t a flaw in the system—it’s the system working exactly as the wealthy designed it. We’ve gone from being a country that promised security and dignity in old age to being a country that forces people to work until they’re in the grave. After a lifetime of hard work, every American deserves the promise of a secure, dignified retirement—not a future filled with fear, uncertainty, and poverty. Pensions have long been the bedrock of retirement for working-class people, but corporate greed has eroded that foundation. The billionaire class gutted pensions in pursuit of profit, and Washington let it happen. CEOs walk away with golden parachutes while working people walk into retirement with nothing. Meanwhile, every Member of Congress has a guaranteed pension—for life. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for the people who build this country. The retirement crisis is real, and it’s time for Congress to act. Thank you to Senator Bernie Sanders—a leader who knows which side he’s on—for standing up for the working-class,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. 
    Read the bill text here. 
    Read a summary of the bill here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vermont Delegation Secures $22.7 Million Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Award for Winooski River Bridge  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WINOOSKI, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) today announced a $22.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help replace the Winooski River Bridge in Chittenden County. The federal funding, provided through DOT’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program and made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will replace and upgrade travel lanes and incorporate shared-use paths to improve safety on the bridge for cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 
    “Bolstering Vermont’s infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the safety, security, and success of families, workers, and everyone traveling through the Green Mountain State. We’re proud to see this investment of more than $22 million that will make our roads and communities safer,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “The replacement of the Winooski River Bridge will boost northern Vermont’s critical infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and make Winooski more resilient to extreme weather.” 
    “Maintaining safe and reliable public transportation infrastructure one of the most important responsibilities of any government,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “I’m appreciative to our congressional delegation for bringing this much needed funding back home to Vermont.” 
    “This announcement is crucial toward the successful funding package necessary to deliver this complex bridge project,” said Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. “The effort from Vermont’ congressional delegation is greatly appreciated.” 
    The Vermont Congressional Delegation nominated the project for $8 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). 
    The existing Winooski River Bridge, built in 1929, is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. The improved bridge will use durable materials to upgrade the existing infrastructure and create a wider sidewalk for pedestrians to cross safely. The new bridge will also feature improved drainage systems to better withstand extreme weather events driven by climate change—including the flooding that has impacted Vermont for the last three years. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vasquez Leads Bipartisan Border Legislation to Combat Cartels’ Exploitation of American Youth and Crack Down on Smugglers

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the No More Narcos Act and the Stop COYOTES Act, two critical bipartisan bills designed to address the continued threat of organized criminal activity in border communities. The legislation targets drug cartels and human traffickers who exploit vulnerable populations, particularly children, and strengthens law enforcement’s ability to respond through enhanced coordination and accountability.

    “Representing 180 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from law enforcement, educators, and families about the very real challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations in border towns,” said Vasquez. “My bipartisan bills strengthen our ability to disrupt cartel activity, protect our kids from exploitation, and equip local law enforcement with the tools and coordination they need to keep communities safe.”

    The No More Narcos Act creates a coordinated educational campaign led by the Department of Justice in partnership with the DEA, DHS, the Department of Education, and other federal, state, and tribal agencies. The campaign will directly engage middle and high school students within 100 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border about the dangers of working with cartels and other Transnational Criminal Organizations. This legislation was introduced with Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and is supported by the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico.

    The Stop COYOTES Act improves public safety by imposing harsher penalties against human smugglers and fentanyl traffickers while also improving information sharing and reporting between DHS and local law enforcement along the border. Under the bill, DHS must report on trafficking trends, smuggling routes, and cartel activity — ensuring that local communities have the data they need to respond in real time. This legislation was introduced with Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX). 

    Both bills are supported by the Sunland Park Police Department and Las Cruces Police Department. 

    “For too long, dangerous criminals have exploited our border crisis to traffic innocent children and smuggle deadly narcotics into our nation,” said McCaul. “It’s time we finally put a stop to these predators and ensure law enforcement agencies have the information-sharing infrastructure to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. I am proud to co-lead this bill alongside Rep. Vasquez to protect innocent children across Texas and support our local law enforcement officers as they work to counter cartel-sponsored crime.”

    “New Mexico’s educators are on the frontlines of keeping our communities safe, and we know that protecting our students from the influence of criminal organizations requires both vigilance and leadership. We applaud Congressman Vasquez for continuing to prioritize student safety through action, not just words, and we remain committed to supporting efforts that safeguard the wellbeing of every student in our schools,” said Whitney Holland, President of AFT New Mexico.

    “Border communities such as Sunland Park, New Mexico, are on the front lines of problems posed by human smugglers, fentanyl traffickers, and cartels seeking to recruit American teens,” said Chief Eric Lopez, Sunland Park Police Department. “Through these bills, Rep. Vasquez is leading on the sort of real-world solutions that will crack down on criminals to actually make our schools and streets safer. Working collaboratively with a common goal will ensure our border region stays safe and continues to thrive.”

    “I thank Congressman Vasquez for prioritizing the needs of New Mexicans and working in a bipartisan way to find solutions that will support law enforcement and improve public safety,” said Chief Jeremy Story, Las Cruces Police Department. “These bills strike the right balance between prevention, education, and enforcement, and they send a strong message that exploiting our kids or flooding our communities with fentanyl will not be tolerated.”

    Vasquez is committed to delivering smart, bipartisan solutions that protect New Mexico’s youth, disrupt criminal networks, and strengthen the resilience of border communities. Earlier this year, Vasquez led a bipartisan letter to the State Department supporting efforts to combat cartels and urging the Department to work collaboratively with border communities while protecting cross-border trade. He also backed legislation to crack down on dangerous car chases in border communities. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –