NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI: StoneX Group Inc. Announces Pricing of $625.0 Million of Senior Secured Notes due 2032

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StoneX Group Inc. (the “Company” or “StoneX”; NASDAQ: SNEX), today announced the pricing of a previously announced offering of $625.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2032 (the “Notes”) to be issued by its wholly-owned subsidiary, StoneX Escrow Issuer LLC. The Notes and the related Note guarantees are being offered in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and to certain persons outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The offering is expected to close on or about July 8, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    StoneX Escrow Issuer LLC, which was created solely to issue the Notes in connection with the Merger (as defined below), will deposit the gross proceeds of the offering into a segregated escrow account (the “Escrowed Proceeds”) until the date that certain escrow release conditions are satisfied. Upon the closing of the Company’s proposed acquisition (the “Merger”) of R.J. O’Brien (“RJO”), StoneX Escrow Issuer LLC will merge with and into the Company, and the Escrowed Proceeds will be released. The Company will thereupon assume the obligations under the Notes. Upon the closing of the Merger and release of the Escrowed Proceeds, the Company intends to use the proceeds from the offering together with cash on hand to pay the purchase price and related fees, costs, premiums and expenses in connection with Merger.

    Until the completion of the Merger, the Notes will not be guaranteed and will be secured only by a senior secured first priority lien on the Escrowed Proceeds. Upon the closing of the Merger, the Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured second lien basis by each of the Company’s existing and future subsidiaries that guarantees indebtedness under the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility and certain other senior indebtedness. The guarantees are subject to release under specified circumstances. Upon the closing of the Merger, the Notes and the related guarantees will be secured on a second priority basis by liens on substantially all of the Company’s and the guarantors’ property and assets, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens. The liens on the Company’s and the guarantors’ assets that secure the Notes and the related guarantees will be contractually subordinated to the liens on the Company’s and the guarantors’ assets that secure the Company’s and the guarantors’ existing and future first lien obligations, including indebtedness under the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility, as a result of an intercreditor agreement among the collateral agent for the Notes, the agent for the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility and the collateral agent for the Company’s existing senior secured notes due 2031. The Notes are expected to pay interest semi-annually, in arrears, at a rate of 6.875% per annum. This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, the related guarantees or any other security, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any offers of the Notes and the related guarantees will be made only by means of a private offering memorandum.

    The offer and sale of the Notes and related guarantees have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and the Notes and related guarantees may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or applicable exemptions from registration requirements.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking” statements and “safe harbor statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including those described in StoneX’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and not on historical facts. Examples of these statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed acquisition of RJO, including expected synergies and future financial and operating results, the plans, objectives, expectations and intentions of StoneX after the acquisition, the expected timing to close the acquisition, closing of the offering and expected use of proceeds. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Therefore, we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include the risks related to the proposed acquisition and the integration of RJO as well as the risks and other factors described in StoneX’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In providing forward-looking statements, StoneX is not undertaking any duty or obligation to update these statements publicly as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. If StoneX updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those other forward-looking statements.

    About StoneX Group Inc.

    StoneX Group Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates a global financial services network that connects companies, organizations, traders and investors to the global market ecosystem through a unique blend of digital platforms, end-to-end clearing and execution services, high touch service and deep expertise. The Company strives to be the one trusted partner to its clients, providing its network, product and services to allow them to pursue trading opportunities, manage their market risks, make investments and improve their business performance. A Fortune-100 company headquartered in New York City and listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (NASDAQ: SNEX), StoneX Group Inc. and its more than 4,700 employees serve more than 54,000 commercial, institutional, and global payments clients, and more than 400,000 self-directed/retail accounts, from more than 80 offices spread across six continents.

    StoneX Group Inc.
    Investor inquiries:
    Kevin Murphy
    (212) 403 – 7296
    kevin.murphy@stonex.com

    SNEX-G

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lucas GC Limited Announces Closing of Follow-On Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lucas GC Limited (NASDAQ: LGCL) (“Lucas” or the “Company”), an artificial intelligence (“AI”) technology-driven Platform-as-a-Service (“PaaS”) company with proprietary technologies applied to the human resources and insurance industry verticals, today announced the closing of its “best efforts” follow-on offering (the “Offering”) of 32,150,000 ordinary shares, par value US$0.000005 per share, of the Company (the “Ordinary Shares”) at a public offering price of US$0.20 per share, for total gross proceeds of US$6,430,000 before deducting placement agent’s fee and offering expenses.

    AC Sunshine Securities LLC acted as the placement agent for the Offering.

    A registration statement related to the Offering has been filed with, and declared effective by, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    This offering was made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. The final prospectus relating to the Offering was filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the final prospectus may be obtained from AC Sunshine Securities LLC, 200 E. Robinson Street Suite 295, Orlando, FL 32801.

    About Lucas GC Limited
    With 19 granted U.S. and Chinese patents and over 75 registered software copyrights in the AI, data analytics and blockchain technologies, Lucas GC Limited is an AI technology-driven PaaS company with over 780,320 agents working on its platform. Lucas’ technologies have been applied to the human resources and insurance industry verticals. For more information, please visit: https://www.lucasgc.com/.

    For Investor Inquiries and Media Contact:
    https://www.lucasgc.com/ 
    ir@lucasgc.com 
    T: 818-741-0923

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salinas Statement on Trump’s Strikes on Iran

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Congresswoman Andrea Salinas’ statement on Trump’s strikes on Iran: 

    “Donald Trump’s decision to attack Iran is unauthorized and unconstitutional. Any future involvement needs to be debated and approved by Congress, especially if it involves our service members.

    I will continue to uphold the oath I swore to defend the Constitution and the security of the United States.

    Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon and preventing a nuclear armed Iran is a shared priority both for the United States, Israel and our allies.

    However, we cannot allow any president to involve us in another open-ended war without constitutional authority.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salinas Statement on Trump’s Strikes on Iran

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Congresswoman Andrea Salinas’ statement on Trump’s strikes on Iran: 

    “Donald Trump’s decision to attack Iran is unauthorized and unconstitutional. Any future involvement needs to be debated and approved by Congress, especially if it involves our service members.

    I will continue to uphold the oath I swore to defend the Constitution and the security of the United States.

    Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon and preventing a nuclear armed Iran is a shared priority both for the United States, Israel and our allies.

    However, we cannot allow any president to involve us in another open-ended war without constitutional authority.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on Escalating Tensions Between the US and Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement amid rising tensions in the Middle East as Iran launched missiles at U.S. Military bases in Iraq and Qatar in response to U.S. attacks. 

    “Due to the reckless and unconstitutional military actions of this administration, the American people are now at risk. Trump said he would be a ‘peacemaker’ and is clearly betraying that promise and the voters who put their trust in his administration. Instead of negotiating peace agreements in our existing wars, he has now launched the United States into another dangerous war, with potentially devastating consequences for both our servicemembers and civilians.

    “When Trump ordered bombing in Iran, there was no imminent threat to the United States from Iran that necessitated action without Congressional authorization. This is not our war to fight. Even Trump’s own Director of National Intelligence told Congress that Iran was not on the verge of building a nuclear weapon, nor were they threatening the U.S. or servicemembers in the region. The longer-term consequences of these strikes, including to the American people, will be severe.

    “Congress has the sole power to declare war in the absence of imminent threats — that is not only because we are elected directly by the people and represent each district’s will, but also so that reckless decisions are not made. Trump’s actions in Iran are clearly an act of war and put our national security and the safety of U.S. troops at risk, as we saw today when Iran launched retaliatory missiles at our bases in Qatar. My thoughts are with the servicemembers now in harm’s way and their families.

    “In direct contradiction of his own Cabinet officials, Trump has also made it clear that this war is, in fact, about ‘regime change.’ Regime change led by outside forces has rarely been successful and is exactly how the U.S. got into an eight-year war in Iraq that killed 4,000 American troops and cost untold U.S. taxpayer dollars. The American people—including those who voted for Donald Trump—have been clear that they do not want another forever war. It is absolutely essential that Congress immediately vote on a War Powers Resolution to rein in this Administration and ensure our country is not put into even more dangerous wars.

    “Now is the time for diplomacy. Experts have been clear across the board that these strikes will only encourage Iran to weaponize in secret. Instead of reactionary attacks, we should be working to negotiate an end to dangerous levels of enrichment and ensure inspection of sites in Iran.”

    Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley, Clark, Warren, Trahan Stand with Planned Parenthood, Condemn Proposed Cuts to Reproductive Health Care Under GOP’s Big Ugly Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Ahead of Dobbs Anniversary, Lawmakers Slam GOP Budget That Slashes Health Care Coverage, Defunds Planned Parenthood

    Pressley Shines Light on the Life-Saving Work of Planned Parenthood, Underscores Critical Need to Confront Converging Black Maternal Mortality and Reproductive Justice Crises that Cost Adriana Smith her Life

    Video

    BOSTON – Today, ahead of the third anniversary of the Dobbs decision that dismantled the basic right to abortion care, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, and the women of the Massachusetts delegation, Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts President Dominique Lee for a press conference in solidarity with Planned Parenthood as they collectively fight to stop Republicans’ latest attack on reproductive freedom in the GOP’s Big, Ugly Bill.

    Their advocacy comes as Donald Trump and Republicans are advancing a cruel budget reconciliation bill that would defund Planned Parenthood health centers, bar private health insurers on the ACA marketplace from offering abortion coverage, and slash Medicaid health care coverage — leaving over 300,000 Massachusetts residents unable to access basic health care services.

    “As we mark three years since the devastating day the Supreme Court denied us our bodily autonomy and ripped away the basic right to abortion care in America, we recommit to fighting for families across this country to access the basic medical care they need to survive, to be safe in birth, to be treated with human dignity,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair of the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “It starts by defeating Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill – their shameful reconciliation bill that would put necessary health care further out of reach for millions of people and would drastically defund Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood clinics across this nation are quite literally saving lives – often the only option for miles for life saving cancer screenings, affordable birth control, and compassionate prenatal care. We will never yield to Trump and Republicans’ agenda to make America a nation of forced birth – this is not an inevitability, and I’m proud to join Whip Clark, Senator Warren, and Congresswoman Trahan in standing with Planned Parenthood in our fight to restore true bodily autonomy and reproductive justice.”

    “Tomorrow will mark three years since Trump’s Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. For three years, the Republicans have marched nonstop toward their ultimate goal of a national abortion ban — with total control over women’s health care in every state, including Massachusetts,” said Whip Clark. “And now, we have their Big, Ugly Betrayal of Women Budget, which will impose the single biggest health care cut in our country’s history and inflict the biggest assault on women’s health care since Dobbs. To put it simply, this is a life-and-death fight every day. Republicans are choosing to make life harder and more expensive and more dangerous for America’s 170 million women and girls. All to help America’s 900 billionaires.”

    “Since Trump’s Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, we’ve seen a new form of hell at every turn. Now, Republicans in Congress are on track to pass a bill that amounts to a backdoor ban on abortion — even in states where it’s protected. Republicans’ bill to cut Medicaid and defund Planned Parenthood is a one-two punch to women across the country, and we are not going to let them get away with it,” said Senator Warren.

    “Three years ago, Donald Trump’s Supreme Court opened the floodgates to extreme abortion bans in GOP-controlled states across the country – bans that criminalize doctors, endanger women’s lives, and force survivors of rape to carry pregnancies against their will,” said Rep. Trahan. “Now, Republicans in Washington are trying to punish states like Massachusetts for protecting access to abortion by withholding federal health care funding for families who need it most. It’s a coordinated effort to force every state to fall in line with Trump’s anti-abortion, anti-woman agenda, and we have to do everything in our power to stop it from passing.”

    “The so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ is a backdoor abortion ban, even in safe-haven states like Massachusetts,” said Dominique Lee, president of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. “This bill would ‘defund’ Planned Parenthood by blocking Medicaid reimbursement, which could impact half of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts’ budget. PPLM serves more than 30,000 patients annually, and nearly 40% of them are on Medicaid. If this bill passes, it won’t matter that abortion is legal here. People could lose access to abortion, birth control, STI testing, cancer screenings and other care from the provider they trust most. Planned Parenthood will not abandon our patients, our staff, or our communities, but we need everyone with us to help stop this attack on people’s health and freedom.”

    A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s opening remarks is available below and the video is available here.

    Transcript: Pressley, Clark, Warren, Trahan Stand with Planned Parenthood, Condemn Proposed Cuts to Reproductive Health Care Under GOP’s Big Ugly Bill
    Boston, MA
    June 23, 2025

    Good morning. In a couple of days, our daughter, Cora, will turn 17, and as we’re looking at colleges, you know, one factor that shapes that decision – and it’s a key factor – is where she’ll be able to access healthcare. That’s now a part of our calculus and our decision-making. 

    This morning, she asked me, in the wake of recent events in the Middle East, “Are we going to be okay?”

    She has shared with me her concerns for classmates who are immigrants, who have expressed anxiety and fear about going away for a vacation, and whether or not they’ll be able to come back into the country – and they were born here. 

    So every day that she asks me, “Are we going to be okay?” – it becomes harder and harder to answer that question with confidence that “Yes, we will be.”

    But standing here shoulder-to-shoulder with my colleagues, you certainly fortify me in this work and in that belief that we will be okay and we will get to the other side of this. Thank you all for being here today. 

    I want to echo the sentiment offered by our Whip a moment ago that Congress should do everything in its power to reign in Trump and to prevent an endless war in Iran. 

    I want to underscore the urgency of protecting our reproductive freedom – I reiterate this in my role as the Co-Chair of the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus. 

    So we have to do everything to protect our reproductive freedom and preventing Republicans’ shameful – and it is shameful – reconciliation bill from putting necessary health care further out of reach for millions of Americans.

    When we say an abortion ban, what does that really mean? 

    A nation of forced birth. 

    A nation of forced birth – what could be more violent than that? 

    What could be more void of common sense and compassion in a country that does not yet have universal childcare, paid leave – an administration that seems to be hostile towards women, attacking our freedoms at every turn, degrading Head Start.

    There are 80 million Medicaid recipients in this country. 40% of births in this country are covered by Medicaid. 

    So I want to say thank you to our partners in good at Planned Parenthood, who labor in love day in and day out, navigating a very perilous and unpredictable terrain. Thank you for showing up for Massachusetts to provide our constituents with essential health care. 

    And I’ll just share when I came here in 1992 to, you know, pursue a higher learning – in a city where I did not know a soul – and found myself experiencing debilitating pain, I came to Planned Parenthood and was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. 

    And I was met with compassion and community and embrace, and that meant everything. 

    Again, I did not know a soul. I knew no one. But I knew that I could get answers and help with Planned Parenthood. 

    Later, as a survivor of campus sexual assault, I also returned to Planned Parenthood for counseling and STI testing. So I just want to personally, again, just express my heartfelt gratitude for the entire team here, from your security to providers and the like.

    Every time we’re in Washington and folks across the aisle – mostly, but not only, white men – start to attack the critical work of Planned Parenthood, I know the moment they open their mouth that they’ve never sat across from a dedicated Planned Parenthood provider or patient, because if they had, they would understand the vital importance of this work.

    Planned Parenthood is often the only accessible health care provider for families. In the Massachusetts seventh, we are fortunate to have a real density of health care services – but in many parts of the country, the only place you can access care for miles is a Planned Parenthood. 

    And Planned Parenthood clinics across this nation are quite literally saving lives. Planned Parenthood is often the only option for miles for life saving cancer screenings.

    Regardless of zip code, they are the trusted provider folks turn to for preventative and routine medical care. Planned Parenthood is the place you can go to to get affordable birth control and compassionate prenatal care. 

    The attacks on Planned Parenthood are nothing new. In this moment, they are far more coordinated and sinister than we have ever seen, however. 

    Those who aim to rob people of this essential health care in their communities are using every tool – the courts, complicit state houses in many states, and notably this Big Ugly Bill in Congress. 

    Imagine having the full power and authority of the United States government, controlling the White House and the Senate, and you choose to go after cancer screenings for mothers.

    The cruelty is the point.

    At this point, Republicans can’t deny that they’re actually in the business of making people across America sicker, poor and more vulnerable. 

    I walked in here today with a heavy heart, with Adriana Smith on my mind. 

    Adriana Smith was a 30-year-old nurse and the mother to a vibrant six-year-old when she experienced debilitating headaches – her pain was dismissed, not believed. She was sent home from the hospital without the care she needed. She woke up gasping for air, arrived at the hospital, and shortly thereafter, was declared brain dead. The blood clots the doctors had missed had claimed her life. 

    But to be a black woman in America means that not only was Adriana’s pain dismissed and her son robbed of a mother – no, because of an extreme abortion ban in Georgia, the hospital stated that they could not take her off of life support.

    And because she was nine weeks pregnant when she was declared brain dead, about a month past a missed period, the hospital would not allow Adriana’s family to make sensitive end of life medical decisions for their loved one. The hospital made her body an incubator. 

    This week, baby Chance was delivered by a posthumous emergency C section and remains in the NICU. Adriana’s family was finally able to lay her to rest and to pick up the pieces as they navigate their deep grief. 

    I wish I could say that Adriana’s story is a horrific anomaly, but we are experiencing up close the converging crises of black maternal mortality and denials of essential abortion care in this post Dobbs decision world.

    None of us are free until all of us are free. 

    So this week, as we mark the three years since the devastating day the Supreme Court denied us our bodily autonomy and ripped away the basic right to abortion care in America, we recommit to fighting for families across this country to access the basic medical care they need to survive, to be safe in birth, to be treated with human dignity. 

    This is not an inevitability. 

    A more just America is possible, and it starts by defeating this Big Ugly Bill before it dismantles essential health care in America. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HARRISBURG – State Treasurer Announces Second Round of Money Match Checks Issued to Pennsylvanians

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 24, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – HARRISBURG – State Treasurer Announces Second Round of Money Match Checks Issued to Pennsylvanians

    Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity will announce that the second round of Pennsylvania Money Match checks, totaling more than $9.2 million, have been issued and will encourage Pennsylvanians to cash them. Pennsylvania Money Match is a new program that allows Treasury to return certain unclaimed property to rightful owners automatically.

    WHAT:
    A press conference to announce the mailing of the second round of checks as part of Treasury’s Pennsylvania Money Match Program to return unclaimed property automatically to rightful owners. Treasurer Garrity, Senator Frank Farry (R-6) and Representative Ryan Bizzarro (D-3) will give remarks. Media is invited to attend.

    WHO:
    Treasurer Stacy Garrity
    Sen. Frank Farry (R-6)
    Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-3)
    Nina Hard, Pennsylvania Money Match check recipient

    WHEN:
    Tuesday, June 24, 2025
    11:00 a.m.

    WHERE:
    Capitol Media Center
    State Capitol, Room 01 – East Wing
    Harrisburg PA, 17120

    NOTE:
    If you’re unable to attend, video and images from the event will be available on pacast.

    Media contact:
    Heidi Havens, Director of Public Affairs, 717-884-4761 or hhavens@patreasury.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DAUPHIN COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Join LeSean McCoy, Local Leaders for Ribbon Cutting at New Affordable Housing Development in Uptown Harrisburg

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 24, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – DAUPHIN COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Join LeSean McCoy, Local Leaders for Ribbon Cutting at New Affordable Housing Development in Uptown Harrisburg

    Governor Josh Shapiro will join LeSean McCoy, state and local leaders, developers, and community members to celebrate the ribbon cutting of JMB Gardens, a newly developed 41-unit, $16.7 million affordable housing community in uptown Harrisburg.

    Developed by Vice Capital, LLC – the real estate investment and development firm led by Harrisburg native and former NFL player LeSean McCoy – JMB Gardens is a major investment in affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization in the city.

    Supported by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), the project delivers safe, affordable housing for Harrisburg families and reflects the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring more Pennsylvanians have a safe, affordable place to live.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    LeSean McCoy, Owner, Vice Capital, LLC
    Robin Weissmann, PHFA Executive Director and CEO
    Senator Patty Kim
    Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams
    Brian Hudson, former PHFA Executive Director

    WHERE:
    JMB Gardens
    2309 N. 6th Street
    Harrisburg, PA 17110

    WHEN:
    Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phones numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul to Host 2025 Fall Service Academy Information Fair for Kentucky Students

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
    Dr. Rand Paul to Host 2025 Fall Service Academy Information Fair for Kentucky Students
    A very rewarding aspect of representing our Commonwealth is the opportunity to nominate young men and women from across the state to attend our nation’s prestigious service academies.
    I will be hosting a 2025 Fall Service Academy Information Fair for Kentucky students on Thursday, August 28th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. CST.
    Please RSVP to my State Office at (270) 782-8303.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Diversified Energy and Carlyle Enter Strategic Partnership to Invest in Up to $2 Billion of PDP Energy Assets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. and NEW YORK, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE: DEC; NYSE: DEC) (“Diversified,” or “DEC”), a leading publicly traded natural gas and liquids production company, and global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) have today announced a strategic partnership to invest in up to $2 billion in existing proved developed producing (PDP) natural gas and oil assets across the United States.

    This exclusive partnership will combine Carlyle’s deep credit and structuring expertise, led by Carlyle’s asset-backed finance (ABF) team, with Diversified’s market-leading operating capabilities and differentiated business model of acquiring and optimizing portfolios of existing long-life oil and gas assets to generate reliable production and consistent cash flow.

    The partnership enhances Diversified’s access to capital in an attractive acquisition market. Under the terms of the agreement, Diversified will serve as the operator and servicer of the newly acquired assets. As investments occur, Carlyle intends to pursue opportunities to securitize these assets, seeking to unlock long-term, resilient financing for this critical segment of the nation’s energy infrastructure.

    “We are excited to partner with Carlyle, a leader in the asset-backed finance space. This arrangement significantly enhances our ability to pursue and scale strategic acquisitions in what we believe is a highly compelling environment for PDP asset consolidation,” said Rusty Hutson, Jr., CEO of Diversified Energy. “We continue to see a robust pipeline of opportunities and the growing need for operational scale and efficiency. With Carlyle’s support, we are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends while aiming to generate sustainable cash flow and value for our shareholders.”

    “Diversified is a leading operator of long-life energy assets and a pioneer in bringing PDP securitizations to institutional markets,” said Akhil Bansal, Head of Asset-Backed Finance at Carlyle. “We are excited to bring institutional capital to high-quality, cash-yielding energy assets that are core to US domestic energy production and energy security. This partnership underscores Carlyle’s ability to originate differentiated investment opportunities through proprietary sourcing channels and seek access to stable, yield-oriented energy exposure.”

    Carlyle Asset-Backed Finance (“Carlyle ABF”) is a group within Carlyle’s Global Credit platform focused on private fixed income and asset-backed investments. The highly experienced team leverages the knowledge, sourcing, structuring, and breadth of the entire Carlyle investment platform to help deliver tailored asset-focused financing solutions to businesses, specialty finance companies, banks, asset managers, and other originators and owners of diversified pools of assets. Carlyle ABF has deployed approximately $8 billion since 2021 and has approximately $9 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025.

    About Diversified Energy Company PLC
    Diversified is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing, and well retirement. Through our differentiated strategy, we acquire existing, long-life assets and invest in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Recognized by ratings agencies and organizations for our sustainability leadership, this solutions-oriented, stewardship approach makes Diversified the Right Company at the Right Time to responsibly produce energy, deliver reliable free cash flow, and generate shareholder value.

    About Carlyle
    Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across its business and conducts its operations through three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit, and Carlyle AlpInvest. With $453 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2025, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies, and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,300 people in 29 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group

    Media Contacts

    Diversified Energy Company PLC
    Doug Kris
    Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
    (973) 856 2757
    dkris@dgoc.com

    Carlyle
    Kristen Ashton
    Corporate Communications
    (212) 813-4763
    Kristen.ashton@carlyle.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This announcement contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the expected results of the strategic partnership and future results, which speak only as of the date of this release. They reflect Diversified’s current expectations and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the factors described in Diversified’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Liquidia Receives $50 Million from Healthcare Royalty (HCRx) Following First Commercial Sale of YUTREPIA™

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MORRISVILLE, N.C., June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Liquidia Corporation (NASDAQ: LQDA), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease, today announced the receipt of an additional $50.0 million under its sixth amendment to its financing agreement (HCR Agreement) with Healthcare Royalty (HCRx) upon the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina denying United Therapeutics Corporation’s request for a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order in its complaint filed against Liquidia and the first commercial sale of YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) inhalation powder.

    Michael Kaseta, Liquidia’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are grateful for the continued partnership with HCRx and pleased with the early stages of YUTREPIA’s launch. The proceeds from HCRx will further accelerate our launch execution, advance our clinical pipeline, and support the expansion of future manufacturing operations, including the build-out of our newly leased manufacturing facility. Our early momentum and strong financial position reinforce our belief in Liquidia’s ability to achieve profitability without the need for additional capital.”

    Clarke Futch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HCRx added: “Today’s news reflects an important milestone in Liquidia’s commercial execution of YUTREPIA and further strengthens our confidence in the company’s long-term vision. We are pleased to support Liquidia as it further advances the commercial launch of YUTREPIA and prepares to expand future manufacturing capabilities to meet growing market demand in the years ahead.”

    Under the terms of the HCR agreement, Liquidia has now received $175.0 million of the $200.0 million in total potential funding. An additional $25.0 million remains available upon the mutual agreement of the parties, if Liquidia achieves aggregate net sales of YUTREPIA in excess of $100.0 million at any time on or prior to June 30, 2026. The additional $50.0 million that HCRx funded is subject to a fixed payment schedule through 2033. Aggregate payments to HCRx are capped at 175% of the total amounts funded. A true-up payment may be required if HCRx’s internal rate of return falls below a minimum threshold on the date the cap is reached, which is 13% for this funding of $50.0 million.

    About Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
    Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, chronic, progressive disease caused by narrowing, thickening or stiffening of the pulmonary arteries that can lead to right heart failure and eventually death. Currently, an estimated 45,000 patients are diagnosed and treated in the United States. There is currently no cure for PAH, so the goals of existing treatments are to alleviate symptoms, maintain or improve functional class, delay disease progression, and improve quality of life.

    About Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Interstitial Lung Disease (PH-ILD)
    Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD) includes a diverse collection of up to 200 different pulmonary diseases, including interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, connective tissue disease-related ILD, and chronic pulmonary fibrosis with emphysema (CPFE) among others. Any level of PH in ILD patients is associated with poor 3-year survival. A current estimate of PH-ILD prevalence in the United States is greater than 60,000 patients, though population size in many of these underlying ILD diseases is not yet known due to factors including underdiagnosis and lack of approved treatments until March 2021, when inhaled treprostinil was first approved for this indication.

    About YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) Inhalation Powder 
    YUTREPIA is an inhaled dry-powder formulation of treprostinil delivered through a convenient, low-effort, palm-sized device. YUTREPIA was designed using Liquidia’s PRINT® technology, which enables the development of drug particles that are precise and uniform in size, shape and composition, and that are engineered for enhanced deposition in the lung following oral inhalation. Liquidia has completed the INSPIRE trial (NCT03399604), or Investigation of the Safety and Pharmacology of Dry Powder Inhalation of Treprostinil, an open-label, multi-center phase 3 clinical study of YUTREPIA in patients diagnosed with PAH who are naïve to inhaled treprostinil or who are transitioning from Tyvaso® (nebulized treprostinil). YUTREPIA is currently being studied in the ASCENT trial (NCT06129240), or An Open-Label ProSpective MultiCENTer Study to Evaluate Safety and Tolerability of Dry Powder Inhaled Treprostinil in PH, with the objective of informing YUTREPIA’s dosing and tolerability profile in patients with PH-ILD. YUTREPIA was previously referred to as LIQ861 in investigational studies.

    INDICATION
    YUTREPIA (treprostinil) inhalation powder is a prostacyclin analog indicated for the treatment of:

    • Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; WHO Group 1) to improve exercise ability. Studies establishing effectiveness predominately included patients with NYHA Functional Class III symptoms and etiologies of idiopathic or heritable PAH (56%) or PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (33%).
    • Pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD; WHO Group 3) to improve exercise ability. The study establishing effectiveness predominately included patients with etiologies of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) (45%) inclusive of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) (25%), and WHO Group 3 connective tissue disease (22%).

    SELECTED SAFETY INFORMATION: WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 

    • Treprostinil is a pulmonary and systemic vasodilator. In patients with low systemic arterial pressure, treatment with Treprostinil may produce symptomatic hypotension.
    • Treprostinil inhibits platelet aggregation and increases the risk of bleeding.
    • Co-administration of a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8 enzyme inhibitor (e.g., gemfibrozil) may increase exposure (both Cmax and AUC) to treprostinil. Co-administration of a CYP2C8 enzyme inducer (e.g., rifampin) may decrease exposure to treprostinil. Increased exposure is likely to increase adverse events associated with treprostinil administration, whereas decreased exposure is likely to reduce clinical effectiveness.
    • Like other inhaled prostaglandins, YUTREPIA may cause acute bronchospasm. Patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other bronchial hyperreactivity, are at increased risk for bronchospasm. Ensure that such patients are treated optimally for reactive airway disease prior to and during treatment. 
    • Most common adverse reactions with YUTREPIA (≥10%) are cough, headache, throat irritation and dizziness.

    Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use for YUTREPIA (treprostinil) inhalation powder are available at YUTREPIA.com.

    About Liquidia Corporation
    Liquidia Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease. The company’s current focus spans the development and commercialization of products in pulmonary hypertension and other applications of its proprietary PRINT® Technology. PRINT enabled the creation of YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) inhalation powder, a drug that has been approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PHILD). The company is also developing L606, an investigational sustained-release formulation of treprostinil administered twice-daily with a next-generation nebulizer and currently markets generic Treprostinil Injection for the treatment of PAH. To learn more about Liquidia, please visit www.liquidia.com.

    About HealthCare Royalty
    HealthCare Royalty is a leading royalty acquisition company focused on commercial or near-commercial biopharmaceutical products. With offices in Stamford, Conn., San Francisco, Boston, London and Miami. HCRx has invested $5+ billion in over 90 biopharmaceutical products since inception. For more information, visit https://www.hcrx.com. HEALTHCARE ROYALTY® and HCRx® are registered trademarks of HealthCare Royalty Management, LLC.

    Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, our strategic and financial initiatives, our business strategy and plans and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding clinical trials, clinical studies and other clinical work (including the funding therefor, anticipated patient enrollment, safety data, study data, trial outcomes, timing or associated costs), regulatory applications and related submission contents and timelines; our ability to successfully commercialize our products, including YUTREPIA, for which we obtain FDA or other regulatory authority approval; the acceptance by the market of our products, including YUTREPIA, and their potential pricing and/or reimbursement by third-party payors, if approved (in the case of our product candidates) and whether such acceptance is sufficient to support continued commercialization or development of our products; the successful development or commercialization of our products, including YUTREPIA; our revenue from product sales and whether or not we may become profitable in the near term, or at all; future competitive or other market factors that may adversely affect the commercial potential for YUTREPIA; and our ability to execute on our strategic or financial initiatives, involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied herein. Despite the approval of YUTREPIA by the FDA, it is possible that commercialization of YUTREPIA may be blocked or delayed in connection with legal proceedings that have been initiated or that may in the future be initiated, or we may be required to pay damages, including royalties, in connection with our commercial launch, as a result of these legal proceedings. We may be unable to achieve the net sales milestone necessary to receive additional funding under the HCRx agreement and, even if we do achieve the net sales milestone, additional funding is contingent upon the agreement of both HCRx and us. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks discussed in our filings with the SEC, as well as a number of uncertainties and assumptions. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and our industry has inherent risks. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that these goals will be achieved, and we undertake no duty to update our goals or to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Tyvaso® is a registered trademark of United Therapeutics Corporation.

    Contact Information

    Investors:
    Jason Adair
    Chief Business Officer
    919.328.4350
    Jason.adair@liquidia.com

    Media:
    Patrick Wallace
    Director, Corporate Communications
    919.328.4383
    patrick.wallace@liquidia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canadian community foundations rally to support local news, calling it essential to democracy

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Magda Konieczna, Associate Professor of Journalism, Concordia University

    A couple of weeks ago, a neighbour mentioned our son’s school might be moving. I couldn’t find anything about this online.

    But I did find plenty of news from down south. While the erosion of democracy in the United States is something to pay attention to, some news outlets appear to be capitalizing on its sensational aspects.

    When Donald Trump and Elon Musk get into an online fistfight, local news can seem like the less glamorous cousin.

    But there’s really not much we can do about American democracy.

    A poster on a lamp post that says ‘Good News is Coming.’
    Jon Tyson/Unsplash, CC BY

    Still, U.S. media reports have contributed to news burnout. Many Canadians are tuning out from their regular news sources. Forty per cent of Canadians responding to a survey from the 2025 Reuters Digital News Report said they were sometimes or often avoiding the news, as compared to 28 per cent eight years earlier.

    Hearing about problems we can’t do much about is disempowering, according to a study on solutions journalism. Researchers found that readers who were treated as active civic participants rather than passive consumers felt more empowered.

    The news about my kid’s school is something that profoundly impacts my family. And I can do something about it, at least in theory. I can attend public meetings and organize my neighbours to take a stand, in hopes of affecting the outcome of the discussions.

    Local news can help me do that. It’s the very stuff that can help rebuild frayed community ties and mis- and disinformation. Without access to quality local news, malicious entities can more easily step into communities with misinformation designed to sway or mislead.

    Voter turnout is higher in places with more newspapers. Local journalists act as news brokers, ensuring the flow of information, which is essential to fulfilling the information needs of communities. We know that when less local news is present, communities become more polarized, and that polarization leads to increased sharing of misinformation.

    But local news is increasingly in trouble. Local news outlets are closing — 566 across Canada, to be precise, between 2008 and April 2025. That’s compared to the 283 that opened and remain in operation in that same period, according to the Local News Research Project.

    Rallying to support local news

    My recent report for The Canadian Philanthropy Partnership Research Network, “In Defense of the Local: How Community Foundations Across Canada are Supporting Local News” describes an increasingly popular way to support these local news outlets.

    Through case studies, I documented — along with my research assistant, Jessica Botelho-Urbanski, and supported by our research team at OCADU — the early signs of a growing movement of Canadian community foundations supporting local journalism.

    Community foundations across Canada are becoming ever more aware that many of the issues they care about, like building just and sustainable communities, are connected to the availability of local journalism.

    And some communities are starting to fund their local news outlets.

    For example, the Toronto Foundation made a rare, 10-year commitment to support The Local, a non-profit news outlet founded in 2019 that describes itself as “unabashedly Toronto, reporting from corners of the city that are too often ignored or misunderstood.”

    Screenshot of a story on ‘Moss Park’ from the digital news outlet The Local.
    The Local

    Sharon Avery, Toronto Foundation’s president and CEO, says the organization hadn’t spent much time prioritizing journalism because “the dots have not been connected …that a healthy local journalism equals a healthy community.” But she grew convinced of the essential links between local news and democracy, and realized local news is a powerful tool.

    The Winnipeg Foundation has been interested in local news for a while. Most recently, it funded the salary for one reporter, shared between Winnipeg’s The Free Press, a major local newspaper, and The Narwhal, an environmentally focused digital news startup that had been looking to expand its coverage in the Prairies.

    This kind of collaboration can improve the quality of work produced while also increasing the attention garnered by the resulting journalism in a way that is truly a win-win for all partners.

    How to support local journalism

    All of this is happening alongside government support, delivered through solutions like the Local Journalism Initiative, which funds journalists to report on under-covered topics, and the Canadian Journalism Labour Tax Credit, which covers a portion of salaries of eligible journalists.

    Our report also includes recommendations on how place-based foundations can turn these initiatives into a movement to support local journalism. Community foundations could start by getting to know their local news ecosystems. What news organizations exist? What audiences do they serve?

    They should also consider policies to direct some of their ad spending to local media, following the lead of the provincial government in Ontario, which has its four largest agencies allocate at least one-quarter of their annual advertising budgets to Ontario publishers.

    Perhaps the most powerful — and most challenging — of our recommendations includes working with other local players to set up a community news fund.

    This would enable funders to pay into a pool allocated to local news. This approach has generated millions for local news ecosystems in the U.S., Europe and South America.

    Community foundations have the power to promote journalistic collaboration, which can help to combat mis- and disinformation.

    To improve the quality of life and information for Canadians from coast to coast to coast, supporting local journalism is a must.

    The contribution of the research assistant on the report described here was funded by a SSHRC grant obtained by the Canadian philanthropy partnership research network (PhiLab). The work was also supported by the Cultural Policy Hub at OCADU.

    – ref. Canadian community foundations rally to support local news, calling it essential to democracy – https://theconversation.com/canadian-community-foundations-rally-to-support-local-news-calling-it-essential-to-democracy-257873

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Presidents of both parties have launched military action without Congress declaring war − Trump’s bombing of Iran is just the latest

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sarah Burns, Associate Professor of Political Science, Rochester Institute of Technology

    President Donald Trump is seen on a monitor in the White House press briefing room on June 21, 2025, after the U.S. military strike on three sites in Iran. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    In the wake of the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, 2025, many congressional Democrats and a few Republicans have objected to President Donald Trump’s failure to seek congressional approval before conducting military operations.

    They note that Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war and say that section required Trump to seek prior authorization for military action.

    The Trump administration disagrees. “This is not a war against Iran,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, implying that the action did not require approval by Congress. That’s the same view held by most modern presidents and their lawyers in the Office of Legal Counsel: Article 2 of the Constitution allows the president to use the military in certain situations without prior approval from Congress.

    By this reading of the text, presidents, as commander in chief, claim the power to unilaterally order the military to initiate small-scale operations for a short duration. Members of Congress may object to that claim, but they have done little to limit presidents’ unilateralism. What little they have done has not been effective.

    As I’ve demonstrated in my research, even though the 1973 War Powers Resolution attempted to constrain presidential power after the disasters of the Vietnam War, it contains many loopholes that presidents have exploited to act unilaterally. For example, it allows presidents to engage in military operations without congressional approval for up to 90 days. And more recent congressional resolutions have broadened executive control even further.

    President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the U.S. declaration of war against Japan on Dec. 8, 1941.
    U.S. National Archives

    A long tradition of executive authority

    Presidents can even overcome the loopholes in the War Powers Resolution if the operation lasts longer than 90 days. In 2011, a State Department lawyer argued that airstrikes in Libya could continue beyond the War Powers Resolution’s 90-day time limit because there were no ground troops involved. By that logic, any future president could carry out an indefinite bombing campaign with no congressional oversight.

    While every president has bristled at congressional restraints on their actions, presidents since Franklin D. Roosevelt have successfully circumvented them by citing vague concerns like “national security,” “regional security” or the need to “prevent a humanitarian disaster” when launching military operations. While members of Congress always take issue with these actions, they never hold presidents accountable by passing legislation restraining him.

    President Trump’s decision to bomb Iranian nuclear sites without consulting Congress falls in line with precedent from both Democratic and Republican leaders for decades.

    Much like his predecessors, Trump did not, and likely will not, provide Congress with more concrete information about the legality of his actions. Nor are congressional lawmakers effectively holding him accountable.

    The push-and-pull between Congress and the president over military operations dates back to the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, which led Congress to declare war on Japan. Before then, Congress had prevented the U.S. from joining World War II by enforcing an arms embargo and refusing to help the Allies prior to the attack on Hawaii. But afterward, Congress began allowing the president to take more control over the military.

    During the Cold War, rather than returning to a balanced debate between the branches, Congress continued to relinquish those powers.

    Congress never authorized the war in Korea; Harry Truman used a U.N. Security Council resolution as legal justification. Congress’ vote explicitly opposing the invasion of Cambodia didn’t stop Richard Nixon from doing it anyway. Even after the Cold War, Bill Clinton regularly acted unilaterally to address humanitarian crises or the continued threat from leaders like Saddam Hussein. He sent the military to Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo, among other places.

    After 9/11, Congress quickly gave up more of its power. A week after those attacks, Congress passed a sweeping Authorization for Use of Military Force, giving the president permission to “use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.”

    In a follow-up 2002 authorization, Congress went even further, allowing the president to “use the Armed Forces … as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to defend national security … against the continuing threat posed by Iraq.” This approach provides few, if any, congressional checks on the control of military affairs exercised by the president.

    In the two decades since those authorizations, four presidents have used them to justify all manner of military action, from targeted killings of terrorists to the years long fight against the Islamic State group.

    Congress regularly discusses terminating those authorizations, but has yet to do so. If Congress did, the loopholes in the original War Powers Resolution would still exist.

    While President Biden claimed he supported the repeal of the authorizations, and supported more congressional oversight of military actions, Trump has made no such claims. Instead, he has claimed even more sweeping authority to act without any permission from Congress.

    As recently as 2024, Biden used the 2002 authorization as a legal rationale for the targeted killing of Iranian-backed militiamen in Iraq, a strike condemned by Iraqi leaders.

    Those actions may have ruffled congressional feathers, but they were in keeping with a long U.S. tradition of targeting members of terrorist groups and protecting members of the military serving in a conflict zone.

    Demonstrators outside the U.S. Capitol in January 2020 call on Congress to limit the president’s powers to use the military.
    AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

    Threats of war

    During his first presidential term in 2020, Trump ordered a lethal drone strike against a respected member of the Iranian government, Major General Qassim Soleimani, the head of Iran’s equivalent of the CIA, without consulting Congress or publicly providing proof of why the attack was necessary, even to this day.

    Tensions – and fears of war – spiked but then slowly faded when Iran responded with missile attacks on two U.S. bases in Iraq.

    Now, the U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites have revived both fears of war and renewed questions about the president’s authority to unilaterally engage in military action. Presidents since the 1970s, however, have effectively managed to dodge definitive answers to those questions – demonstrating both the power inherent in their position and the unwillingness among members of the legislative branch to reclaim their coequal status.

    This article is an updated version of a story published on Jan. 24, 2024.

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

    – ref. Presidents of both parties have launched military action without Congress declaring war − Trump’s bombing of Iran is just the latest – https://theconversation.com/presidents-of-both-parties-have-launched-military-action-without-congress-declaring-war-trumps-bombing-of-iran-is-just-the-latest-259636

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Comments on Passing of Fred Smith

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement regarding the passing of FedEx founder, Fred Smith:

    “I was saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Fred Smith, whose pioneering entrepreneurship helped transform how the world does business. Fred’s vision led FedEx from domestic delivery to the cutting edge of global logistics.

    “Fred’s distinguished corporate leadership, along with his decorated combat service as a U.S. Marine, attracted repeated calls to serve his country in government at the highest levels. But continuing to lead half a million employees, generous philanthropic efforts, and a growing brood of grandchildren kept our friend busy doing what he loved. My thoughts are with Fred’s wife, Diane, and their family as they mourn a great man.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HHS Secretary Kennedy, CMS Administrator Oz Secure Industry Pledge to Fix Broken Prior Authorization System

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    WASHINGTON, DC—JUNE 23, 2025—U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz today met with industry leaders to discuss their pledge to streamline and improve the prior authorization processes for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid Managed Care, Health Insurance Marketplace® and commercial plans covering nearly eight out of 10 Americans. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Cocaine Following a Wiretap Investigation

    Source: US FBI

    Baltimore, Maryland – Travis Sentell Howell, 46, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to distributing 80 kilograms of cocaine.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division.

    According to the guilty plea, beginning in fall 2022, the FBI and DEA investigated a drug trafficking conspiracy involving several individuals distributing cocaine in the Baltimore area, including Howell. During the investigation, investigators obtained court-authorized wiretaps for Howell’s phones.  Investigators intercepted telephone calls during which Howell and co-conspirators used coded language to discuss distributing cocaine, arranging meetings, and obtaining cash proceeds from the conspiracy.  Based on wiretaps and surveillance work, law enforcement observed Howell and co-conspirators conducting suspected drug transactions in various locations in Baltimore.

    Investigators learned that, during the conspiracy, Howell obtained kilogram quantities of cocaine from the west coast.  After the cocaine arrived, Howell redistributed it to customers in the Baltimore area.  He paid for the cocaine by, among other things, traveling to the west coast and providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to couriers.

    On June 4, 2024, investigators executed federal search warrants on several residences associated with suspected members of the drug trafficking organization, including a residence associated with Howell.  During the search, investigators recovered approximately $13,182 in cash, a money counter, gold Rolex watch, and other jewelry.  At the locations associated with other members of the conspiracy, investigators recovered more than five kilograms of cocaine, a pill press and pill press parts, empty glassine wrappers, gas mask, Narcan, cutting agents, digital scales, and cash.

    After the execution of the search warrant, Howell acknowledged that for multiple years he received multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine and redistributed it to other individuals in the Baltimore area.  Howell stated that during the time of the investigation, he obtained approximately 80 kilograms of cocaine and redistributed it to other individuals.  He also explained that during a trip to Los Angeles, the week before the search warrant, Howell transported $180,000 of U.S. Currency, which he provided as payment for cocaine to transport back to Baltimore for distribution.  Howell admitted that he made multiple short trips to Los Angeles, which he explained was to provide payment for cocaine and that all payments were for at least $100,000 or more.

    The parties agree that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Howell will be sentenced to nine years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for August 18.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and DEA for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Simpkins who is prosecuting the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Peever Man Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting His Spouse and Causing Serious Bodily Injury

    Source: US FBI

    ABERDEEN – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Peever, South Dakota, man for Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

    On June 16, 2025, Terry Wayne Sterling Heminger, age 27, was sentenced to five years and ten months in federal prison with three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

    Heminger was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. He pleaded guilty on September 30, 2024. His conviction stemmed from an incident on December 23, 2022, when Heminger assaulted his spouse with a hammer. The victim sustained serious bodily injuries to her skull resulting in complete vision loss in one eye and 54% loss in the other. The victim also had to undergo the placement of several metal plates to treat the injuries.

    This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.

    Heminger was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: It’s time to face an uncomfortable truth: maybe our pampered pets would be better off without us

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nancy Cushing, Associate professor, University of Newcastle

    ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images

    Pet-keeping is often promoted for the benefits it brings humans. A close association with another animal can provide us with a sense of purpose and a daily dose of joy. It can aid our health, make us more conscientious and even help us form relationships with other humans.

    But the situation is perhaps not as rosy for the animal itself. Domesticated animals often live longer than their free-living counterparts, but the quality of those lives can be compromised. Pets can be fed processed foods that can lead to obesity. Many are denied a sexual life and experience of parenthood. Exercise can be limited, isolation is common and boredom must be endured.

    In the worst cases, pets suffer due to selective breeding practices, physical abuse and unethical commercial breeding.

    Is this the best life for the species we feel closest to? This question was raised for me when I heard the story of Valerie, the dachshund recaptured in April this year after almost 18 months living on her own on South Australia’s Karta Pintingga/Kangaroo Island.

    Is being a pet the best life for the species we feel closest to?
    Oleksandr Rupeta/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Valerie: the story that captivated a nation

    Valerie, a miniature dachshund, escaped into the bush during a camping trip on Kangaroo Island in November 2023. After several days of searching, her bereft humans returned to their home in New South Wales. They assumed the tiny dog, who had lived her life as a “little princess”, was gone forever.

    Fast-forward a year, and sightings were reported on the island of a small dog wearing a pink collar. Word spread and volunteers renewed the search. A wildlife rescue group designed a purpose-built trap, fitting it out with items from Valerie’s former home.

    After several weeks, a remotely controlled gate clattered shut behind Valerie and she was caught.

    Cue great celebrations. The searchers were triumphant and the family was delighted. Social media lit up. It was a canine reenactment of one of settler Australia’s enduring narratives: the lost child rescued from the hostile bush.

    A dog’s-eye view

    But imagine if Valerie’s story was told from a more dog-centred perspective. Valerie found herself alone in a strange place and took the opportunity to run away. She embarked on a new life in which she was responsible for herself and could exercise the intelligence inherited from her boar-hunting ancestors.

    No longer required to be a good girl, Valerie applied her own judgement – that notorious dachshund “stubbornness” – to evade predators, fill her stomach and pass her days.

    Some commentators assumed Valerie must have been fed by anonymous benefactors – reflecting a widely held view that pets have limited abilities.

    Veterinary experts, however, said her diet likely consisted of small birds, mammals and reptiles she killed herself – as well as roadkill, other carrion and faeces.

    Valerie was clearly good at life on the lam. Unlike the human competitors in the series Alone Australia, she did not waste away when left in an island wilderness. Instead, she gained 1.8 kg of muscle – and was so stocky she no longer fit the old harness her humans brought to collect her. She had literally outgrown her former bonds.

    Valerie could have sought shelter with the island’s humans at any time, but chose not to. She had to be actively trapped. Once returned to her humans, she needed time to reacclimatise to life as a pet.

    Not all missing pets thrive in the wild. But all this raises the question of whether Valerie’s rescue would be better understood as a forced return from a full life of freedom, to a diminished existence in captivity?

    A long history of pets thriving in the wild

    Other examples exist which suggest an animal’s best life can take place outside the constraints of being a pet.

    Exotic parrots have fled lives in cages to form urban flocks. In the United States, 25 species initially imported as pets have set up set up self-sustaining, free-living populations across 23 states.

    Or take the red-eared slider turtle, which is native to parts of the US and Mexico. It’s illegal to keep the turtles as pets in Australia, but some of those smuggled in have later been released into urban wetlands where they have established large and widespread populations.

    Cats are perhaps the most notorious example of escaped pets thriving on their own in Australia. They numbers in the millions, in habitats from cities to the Simpson Desert to the Snowy Mountains, showing how little they need human assistance.

    One mark of their success is their prodigious size. At up to 7kg, free-living cats can be more than twice the weight of the average domestic cat.

    Around the world, exotic former companion mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects have all established populations large enough to pose problems for other species.

    Rethinking animals as pets

    Of course, I am not advocating that pets be released to the wild, creating new problems. But I do believe current pet-keeping practices are due for reconsideration.

    A dramatic solution would be to take the animal out of the pet relationship. Social robots that look like seals and teddy bears are already available to welcome you home, mirror your emotions and offer up cuddles without the cost to other animals.

    A less radical option is to rethink the idea of animals as “pets” and instead see them as equals.

    Some people already enjoy these unforced bonds. Magpies, for example, are known to have strong allegiances with each other and are sometimes willing to extend those connections to humans in multi-species friendships.

    As for Valerie, she did make “her little happy sounds” when reunited with her humans. But she might look back with nostalgia to her 529 days of freedom on Kangaroo Island.

    Nancy Cushing receives funding from the State Library of New South Wales as the Coral Thomas Fellow. She is a member of the executive committee of the Australian Historical Association.

    – ref. It’s time to face an uncomfortable truth: maybe our pampered pets would be better off without us – https://theconversation.com/its-time-to-face-an-uncomfortable-truth-maybe-our-pampered-pets-would-be-better-off-without-us-256903

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Ninepoint Partners Announces June 2025 Cash Distributions for ETF Series Securities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (“Ninepoint Partners”) today announced the June 2025 cash distributions for its ETF Series securities. The record date for the distributions is June 30, 2025. All distributions are payable on July 8, 2025.

    The per-unit June 2025 distributions are detailed below:


    About Ninepoint Partners

    Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.

    For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    Ninepoint Partners LP is the investment manager to the Ninepoint Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees (if any), and other expenses all may be associated with investing in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not resident in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Fund may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.

    Please note that distribution factors (breakdown between income, capital gains and return of capital) can only be calculated when a fund has reached its year-end. Distribution information should not be relied upon for income tax reporting purposes as this is only a component of total distributions for the year. For accurate distribution amounts for the purpose of filing an income tax return, please refer to the appropriate T3/T5 slips for that particular taxation year. Please refer to the prospectus or offering memorandum of each Fund for details of the Fund’s distribution policy.

    The payment of distributions and distribution breakdown, if applicable, is not guaranteed and may fluctuate. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a Fund’s performance, rate of return, or yield. If distributions paid by the Fund are greater than the performance of the Fund, then an investor’s original investment will shrink. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a Fund and income and dividends earned by a Fund are taxable in the year they are paid. An investor’s adjusted cost base will be reduced by the amount of any returns of capital. If an investor’s adjusted cost base goes below zero, then capital gains tax will have to be paid on the amount below zero.

    Sales Inquiries:

    Ninepoint Partners LP
    Neil Ross
    416-945-6227
    nross@ninepoint.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ninepoint Partners Announces Estimated June 2025 Cash Distributions for Ninepoint Cash Management Fund – ETF Series

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (“Ninepoint Partners”) today announced the estimated June 2025 cash distribution for the ETF Series of Ninepoint Cash Management Fund (the “Fund”). Ninepoint Partners expects to issue a press release on or about June 27, 2025, which will provide the final distribution rate. The record date for the cash distribution is June 30, 2025, payable on July 8, 2025.

    All estimates in this document are based on the accounting data as of June 20, 2025. Due to subscriptions and/or redemptions and/or other factors, the final June 2025 distribution may differ from these estimates and the difference could be material. The information included in this letter is for reference purposes only. Please reconcile all information against your official client statements. This is not intended to be a statement for official tax reporting purposes or any form of tax advice.

    The actual taxable amounts of distributions for 2025, including the tax characteristics of the distributions, will be reported to CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. in early 2026. Securityholders can contact their brokerage firm for this information.

    The per-unit estimated June 2025 distribution is detailed below:

    Ninepoint ETF Series Ticker Cash Distribution per
    unit    		 Notional Distribution
    per unit    		 CUSIP
    Ninepoint Cash
    Management Fund    		 NSAV $0.12556 $0.00000 65443X105


    About Ninepoint Partners

    Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.

    For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    Ninepoint Partners LP is the investment manager to the Ninepoint Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees (if any), and other expenses all may be associated with investing in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not resident in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Fund may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.

    Please note that distribution factors (breakdown between income, capital gains and return of capital) can only be calculated when a fund has reached its year-end. Distribution information should not be relied upon for income tax reporting purposes as this is only a component of total distributions for the year. For accurate distribution amounts for the purpose of filing an income tax return, please refer to the appropriate T3/T5 slips for that particular taxation year. Please refer to the prospectus or offering memorandum of each Fund for details of the Fund’s distribution policy.

    The payment of distributions and distribution breakdown, if applicable, is not guaranteed and may fluctuate. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a Fund’s performance, rate of return, or yield. If distributions paid by the Fund are greater than the performance of the Fund, then an investor’s original investment will shrink. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a Fund and income and dividends earned by a Fund are taxable in the year they are paid. An investor’s adjusted cost base will be reduced by the amount of any returns of capital. If an investor’s adjusted cost base goes below zero, then capital gains tax will have to be paid on the amount below zero.

    Sales Inquiries:

    Ninepoint Partners LP
    Neil Ross
    416-945-6227
    nross@ninepoint.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Eureka Acquisition Corp Announces Postponement of the Extraordinary General Meeting to June 30, 2025 and Extension of Redemption Request Deadline

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Eureka Acquisition Corp (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EURK), a blank check company, today announced that its previously announced extraordinary general meeting in lieu of an annual general meeting of shareholders (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”) will be postponed from 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on June 25, 2025 to 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on June 30, 2025 (the “Postponement”) to allow the Company additional time to engage with shareholders.

    The Extraordinary General Meeting is to be held for the purpose of considering and voting on, among other proposals, a proposal to amend the Company’s current charter to provide that the Company has until July 3, 2025 to complete a business combination and may elect to extend up to twelve times, each by a one-month extension, for a total of up to twelve months to July 3, 2026.

    The record date for determining the Company shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting remains the close of business on May 23, 2025 (the “Record Date”). Shareholders as of the Record Date can vote, even if they have subsequently sold their shares. Shareholders who have previously submitted their proxies or otherwise voted and who do not want to change their vote need not to take any action. Shareholders who have not yet done so are encouraged to vote as soon as possible.

    As a result of the Postponement, the previously disclosed deadline of June 23, 2025 (two business days before the Extraordinary General Meeting, as originally scheduled) for delivery of redemption requests from the Company’s shareholders to the Company’s transfer agent has been extended to June 26, 2025 (two business days before the postponed Extraordinary General Meeting). Shareholders who wish to withdraw their previously submitted redemption request may do so prior to the postponed Extraordinary General Meeting by requesting that the Company’s transfer agent return such shares by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 26, 2025.

    There is no change to the location, the record date, or any of the other proposals to be acted upon at the Extraordinary General Meeting.

    If you have questions regarding the certification of your position or delivery of your shares, please contact:

    Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
    1 State Street 30th Floor
    New York, NY 10004-1561
    E-mail: spacredemptions@continentalstock.com

    The Company’s shareholders who have questions regarding the Postponement, the Extraordinary General Meeting, or would like to request documents may contact the Company’s proxy solicitor, Advantage Proxy, Inc., at (877) 870-8565, or banks and brokers can call (206) 870-8565, or by email at ksmith@advantageproxy.com.

    About Eureka Acquisition Corp

    Eureka Acquisition Corp is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “assumes,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “seeks,” or other similar expressions. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the date of the Extraordinary General Meeting and the redemption request deadline. These statements are based on current expectations on the date of this press release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ significantly. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new developments or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    On June 3, 2025, the Company filed a definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the Extraordinary General Meeting. The Company will amend and supplement the definitive proxy statement to provide information about the Postponement and the redemption request deadline. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THE COMPANY FILES WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the definitive proxy statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto) and other documents filed with the SEC through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by contacting the Company’s proxy solicitor.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    The Company and its respective directors and officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting. Additional information regarding the identity of these potential participants and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the definitive proxy statement. You may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above.

    Contact Information:
    Fen Zhang
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
    Email: eric.zhang@hercules.global
    Tel: +86 135 0189 0555

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ILUS Provides Shareholder Podcast Update on Strategic Progress Across Its Portfolio Companies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ilustrato Pictures International Inc. (OTC: ILUS) (“ILUS” or the “Company”), a mergers and acquisitions company focused on acquiring and scaling businesses in the public safety and industrial sectors, today released a shareholder podcast updating its progress, strategic shifts, and operational milestones across its portfolio companies.

    ILUS shared key updates regarding operational restructuring, financial improvements, and strategic goals as it enters a new phase of focused, scalable growth.

    To listen to the full shareholder podcast, please visit: https://youtu.be/d5DA9IPffK0

    ILUS Company Overview: Reset, Refocus, and Rebuild

    After navigating two challenging years in 2023 and 2024, ILUS is entering a new chapter of strategic growth and consolidation. Key themes from the shareholder podcast included:

    • Audits: ILUS and SAML have transitioned to a U.S.-based auditing firm, enhancing compliance and aligning with future uplisting goals. The company is currently finalizing a comprehensive two-year re-audit and related consolidations to bring all financial filings fully up to date.
    • Business Model Realignment: ILUS has restructured several legacy operations and consolidated its footprint, including relocating core operations to a central facility in Jacksonville, Florida, to streamline production and reduce costs.
    • Strategic Value Creation: ILUS continues to evaluate uplist, spinoffs, partnerships, and dividend-based structures to unlock and return shareholder value.

    ILUS also highlighted its positions in external entities, including Fusion Fuel Green PLC (Nasdaq: HTOO). Additionally, the podcast introduced ILUV Capital, a business development company (BDC) under consideration that may operate alongside ILUS to deliver alternative pathways for a return for ILUS Shareholders should it materialize.

    Portfolio Highlights

    SAML to ILUS Industries Transition

    SAML, an ILUS portfolio company, is currently undergoing a rebranding process:

    • A name change to ILUS Industries is underway.
    • Nick Link is serving as interim CEO, with the search for a permanent CEO currently in progress.
    • ILUS Industries will provide a focused platform for vertical growth and additional merger activity.

    Emergency Response Technologies (ERT)

    Will sit as a subsidiary under ILUS Industries, controlled by ILUS Industries

    ERT remains a core pillar of ILUS’s strategy, advancing innovation in the fire, public safety, and industrial markets.

    • Firebug Product Line: Production is underway at the Jacksonville facility, focused on wildfire response, battery fire suppression, and public safety, which will also alleviate any tariff risk.
    • E-Raptor EV Range: The desk top R&D and new design of the new electric vehicle are complete. Production will begin in Serbia, with partial U.S. assembly at ILUS’s Jacksonville site.
    • Expansion into Vertical Markets: ERT is actively developing distribution networks and product offerings in the industrial, safety, and agricultural sectors for this product and will seek an acquisition of a distribution network for this product.

    Fusion Fuel Green (HTOO)

    ILUS recently completed the sale of QIND to Fusion Fuel Green PLC (Nasdaq: HTOO):

    • As part of the realignment, JP Backwell transitioned from SAML to assume the role of CEO at HTOO.
    • ILUS now holds approximately 35 million shares of Nasdaq-listed HTOO equity as an asset on its Balance Sheet while:
      • The transaction eliminated QIND’s debt from ILUS’s balance sheet and relieved ILUS of related consolidation and reporting burdens.
      • ILUS retains indirect exposure to QIND’s future performance.

    Replay Solutions (Resource Recovery & E-Waste)

    A wholly owned subsidiary of ILUS Industries

    Replay is now launching its environmentally sustainable operations:

    • E-waste processing is set to begin in Serbia, with future expansion planned into additional regions, including Egypt, the UAE, and later the USA in 2026.
    • Equipment and machinery have been manufactured and are awaiting shipment to operational locations.
    • Has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Dubai-based refinery for the potential acquisition of a substantial volume of marine sludge oil, intended for processing into recycled oil products and lubricants. Additionally, Replay is conducting due diligence on a second acquisition target. There is no guarantee that either of these acquisitions will materialize.
    • Research and development are underway for a tyre pyrolysis facility to diversify Replay’s recycling capabilities, for the conversion of tyres into oil and lubricants.

    Strategic and Financial Outlook

    • ILUS has materially strengthened its financial position through the QIND/ HTOO transaction and strategic restructuring.
    • The organization now manages a portfolio of increasingly bankable businesses supporting improved capital access.
    • With enhanced balance sheet strength and operational scale, ILUS is increasingly improving and readying itself for a potential IPO or uplist in the future.
    • ILUS intends to establish a BDC company called As ILUV Capital either within ILUS or standalone, with ILUS Shareholders receiving benefits in some way to be defined. As this matures, ILUS may be in a position to explore dividends or share buybacks, consistent with its vision of long-term shareholder return.

    Summary and Closing Remarks

    • ILUS has postponed the upcoming shareholder meeting to ensure stronger participation and alignment.
    • With two difficult years behind it, ILUS is focused on ensuring the next three years reflect sustained growth, transparency, and execution.
    • ILUS management expressed gratitude for shareholders’ support and patience and looks forward to connecting in person during planned meetings later this year.

    For further information on ILUS, please see its communication channels:

    Website: https://ilus-group.com
    X: @ILUS_INTL
    Email: IR@Ilus-Group.com
    Source: ILUS

    Contact:
    IR@Ilus-group.com
    (917) 522-3202)

    Forward-Looking Statement

    Certain information set forth in this press release contains “forward-looking information”, including “future-oriented financial information” and “financial outlook”, under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company’s business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company’s vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company’s projects; (vi) completion of the Company’s projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vii) renewal of the Company’s current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (viii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management’s beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has provided guidance to issuers regarding the use of social media to disclose material nonpublic information. In this regard, investors and others should note that we announce material financial information via official Press Releases, in addition to SEC filings, press releases, Questions & Answers sessions, public conference calls, and webcasts also may take time from time to time. We use these channels as well as social media to communicate with the public about our company, our services, and other issues. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, considering the SEC’s guidance, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the following social & media channels: Website: https://ilus-group.com X: @ILUS_INTL

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cipher Mining Commences Bitcoin Mining at Black Pearl Data Center

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Successfully energizes 300 MW Black Pearl site

    Commences hashing at 150 MW Black Pearl Phase I

    Total Cipher hashrate currently at ~16 EH/s and expected to increase to ~23.1 EH/s during the third quarter

    NEW YORK, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cipher Mining Inc. (NASDAQ: CIFR) (“Cipher” or the “Company”), a leader in the development of industrial-scale data centers, today announced the successful energization and commencement of hashing at its Black Pearl site.

    Hashrate currently generated at the site is ~2.5 EH/s and will continue to grow through the third quarter of 2025 as new mining rigs are delivered in scheduled batches, gradually replacing legacy units. Upon completion of this installation, Phase I is expected to reach a hashrate of ~9.6 EH/s, bringing Cipher’s total self-mining hashrate across all sites to ~23.1 EH/s.

    “We’re proud to be mining bitcoin ahead of schedule at Black Pearl, following the safe and efficient delivery of a best-in-class data center in just 16 months,” said Tyler Page, CEO. “As we continue to expand our mining footprint, the disciplined operations that underpin our positioning as one of the industry’s lowest-cost producers of bitcoin will remain a key advantage.”

    Cipher now operates five data centers dedicated to bitcoin mining, with a pipeline of 2.6 GW expected to be used for HPC hosting or bitcoin mining applications.

    Mining rigs energized and hashing at Black Pearl

    Fully developed Phase I infrastructure at Black Pearl

    About Cipher

    Cipher is focused on the development and operation of industrial-scale data centers for bitcoin mining and HPC hosting. Cipher aims to be a market leader in innovation, including in bitcoin mining growth, data center construction and as a hosting partner to the world’s largest HPC companies. To learn more about Cipher, please visit https://www.ciphermining.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws of the United States. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions. Any statements made in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, such as, statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations regarding its planned business model and strategy, its bitcoin mining and HPC data center development, timing and likelihood of success, capacity, functionality and timing of operation of data centers, expectations regarding the operations of data centers, such as projected hashrate, and management plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “seeks,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “future,” “forecasts,” “opportunity,” “predicts,” “potential,” “would,” “will likely result,” “continue,” and similar expressions (including the negative versions of such words or expressions).

    These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Cipher and its management, are inherently uncertain. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: volatility in the price of Cipher’s securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and regulated industry in which Cipher operates, Cipher’s evolving business model and strategy and efforts it may make to modify aspects of its business model or engage in various strategic initiatives, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Cipher’s business, and the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and to identify and realize additional opportunities. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Cipher’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 25, 2025, and in Cipher’s subsequent filings with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Cipher assumes no obligation and, except as required by law, does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Website Disclosure

    The company maintains a dedicated investor website at https://investors.ciphermining.com/investors (“Investors’ Website”). Financial and other important information regarding the Company is routinely posted on and accessible through the Investors Website. Cipher uses its Investors’ Website as a distribution channel of material information about the Company, including through press releases, investor presentations, reports and notices of upcoming events. Cipher intends to utilize its Investors’ Website as a channel of distribution to reach public investors and as a means of disclosing material non-public information for complying with disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. In addition, you may sign up to automatically receive email alerts and other information about the Company by visiting the “Email Alerts” option under the Investors Resources section of Cipher’s Investors’ Website and submitting your email address.

    Contacts:
    Investor Contact:
    Courtney Knight
    Head of Investor Relations at Cipher Mining
    Courtney.knight@ciphermining.com

    Media Contact:
    Ryan Dicovitsky / Kendal Till
    Dukas Linden Public Relations
    CipherMining@DLPR.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c5c5f8c4-e8eb-40bb-a27e-6e6807da5e3a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b8bd673-375b-4ed8-8db8-944c373fb32a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Laundering Proceeds of $16M Hospice Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A California man pleaded guilty today to laundering more than $4.6 million in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud Medicare of nearly $16 million through sham hospice companies.

    According to court documents, Mihran Panosyan, 46, of Winnetka, worked with others to launder the proceeds of a massive Medicare fraud scheme, transferring the fraudulently obtained funds between multiple accounts before spending them. The scheme comprised three parts. First, three of Panosyan’s co-defendants used the identities of foreign nationals no longer in the United States to operate several sham hospice companies. Panosyan and his co-defendants maintained fraudulent identification documents, bank accounts, checkbooks, and credit and debit cards in the names of purported foreign owners. Second, the co-defendants caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice services for patients who were not terminally ill and who never requested nor received hospice services. As a result, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million. Third, Panosyan and his co-defendants laundered the proceeds of the scheme to conceal the source of the funds and their control over them. Panosyan transferred proceeds of the Medicare fraud between accounts in the names of the purported foreign owners, the sham hospices, and other shell corporations, laundering more than $4.6 million in fraudulently obtained funds that he used to purchase real estate, pay for private school for his minor child, and pay for other personal expenses.

    Panosyan pleaded guilty to money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 8. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Panosyan’s co-defendant, Petros Fichidzhyan, previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. Last month, Fichidzhyan was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Trial against the other three defendants in this case is scheduled to begin July 29.

    The guilty plea today is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Michael Bacharach, Sarah E. Edwards, and Allison L. McGuire of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara B. Vavere of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California is handling asset forfeiture.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Welcomes More than $7 Million for Granite State Projects Through Northern Border Regional Commission

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    Grantee

    Purpose

    Amount

    Coos County Family Health Services

    To relocate and expand Coos County Family Health Services’ existing North Country dental clinic to a location in downtown Berlin. This new construction is the result of increased demand from the expansion of the adult Medicaid dental benefits in New Hampshire in 2023. The facility will be approximately 3,000 square feet, fully handicapped accessible, equipped for the work of visiting dental surgeons or other specialists, and feature space for student training of dental professionals.

    $222,437

    HealthFirst Family Care Center

    To renovate a recently acquired 2200 sq ft neighboring building, and connect it to their 7500 sq ft existing facility. This expansion is motivated by the 200 new patient requests per month that HealthFirst received in 2024. In the same year, the Franklin location served 3,054 patients with 7,961 visits. Of these patients, 1,679 were low-income. The expansion will add 5-10 permanent new full-time positions.

    $1,000,000

    Town of Boscawen – Feasibility Study

    The Town of Boscawen is pursuing funds from the NH Park’s Land & Water Conservation Fund, for which they have received preliminary approval. This feasibility project will produce an engineered site plan, surveying, architectural services, and meet other technical requirements for the grant. Through the full funding from NHDP, the project will culminate in a 50×30′ timber framed outdoor picnic pavilion, a Merrimack River overlook, new restroom facilities, major redesign and reconstruction of the park access road, additional parking, and full ADA accessibility to existing and new facilities.

    $39,000

    Franconia Children’s Center

    Franconia Children’s Center will acquire the building they have rented for over a decade and renovate that building to bring it up to current standards. This will allow them to add 30 new childcare slots. They are one of four centers within a 30-mile radius that accepts children under the age of three. Their service area includes 73 employers. Without acquisition, the trust that owns the building will sell the property and displace the childcare center, preserving an important childcare resource in the Franconia area.

    $428,629.72

    Town of Newport- Unity Road Waterlines

    The Town of Newport will continue a Phase 2 replacement of water lines on Unity Road, with the final goal of replacing nearly 4000 feet of line. Much of the existing system is over 100 years old, with some portions having been replaced in the 1960s. This water line is the sole water distribution system connecting the Gilman Pond and Pollards Mill sources to the downtown. It serves over 1600 homes and businesses, including Sturm Ruger, a local employer that employees 1200 people in the region.

    $512,000

    New Hampshire Boat Museum

    The NH Boat Museum will renovate their 6,500 sq ft main floor, to include community educational and meeting spaces, flexible exhibition spaces, offices, and conference areas. This is a Phase 2 renovation, building on a successful Phase 1 renovation in 2024 that increased their number of visitors, group tours, and venue events by 50%. The renovation will allow the museum to accept new community space uses, for which they presently do not have capacity. In addition to community meeting space, the renovation would allow for year-round operation of the museum. The facility is located in Moultonborough’s West Village Overlay District, slated for further economic and housing development.

    $250,000

    Littleton Community Center

    Littleton Community Center will renovate the carriage house adjacent to their main house behind Main St in Littleton. This project will revitalize the carriage house, repairing the roof and some structural issues, as well as work on the grounds and the installation of energy efficient HVAC, gutters, fire/security systems, and internet/ AV utilities. This will enable the community center to host large events of between 50-100 people.

    $1,000,000

    Town of Bow – Bow Mills Redevelopment Feasibility Project

    This project would determine the feasibility of a municipal water line extension, to activate 175 acres of developable land in the South St/Exit 1 area of Bow. Funds will support public engagement processes to better understand community priorities around the types of development planned. This project seeks to capitalize on the NH DOT I-89 Exit 1 redesign and reconstruction, which would construct direct driveway access to the development area from the exit ramp.

    $52,265

    Franklin Pierce University

    Franklin Pierce University will expand their wastewater treatment facilities in light of new environmental regulations, adding a third Rapid Infiltration Basin. This will increase their capacity for future occupancy and usage. Franklin Pierce currently enrolls around 1000 undergraduate students annually, 250 of whom are receiving training for healthcare roles in nursing, as physicians’ assistants, and in physical therapy.

    $960,000

    Town of Groton – Salt and Sand Sheds

    The Town of Groton will construct salt and sand sheds on the property of their recently USDA funded Public Works Building. The Public Works Building was originally slated to include these sheds, but budget constraints resulted in the project being phased, to pursue additional funding. Relocation of their sheds and public works building became necessary following increased flooding in their current location.

    $125,000

    Town of Plymouth – Low Service Zone Tank Replacement

    The Town of Plymouth will replace one of two large water tanks serving numerous businesses, various public service providers, a significant portion of Plymouth State University’s campus, and most shops and restaurants along Main St. The 2.5-million-gallon concrete storage tank receives water pulled up by a well pumping facility. It was constructed in 1972 and relined in 2009, but a 2015 assessment demonstrated significant deterioration, and a 2023 assessment showed critical deterioration.

    $1,000,000

    Partnership for Public Health

    The Partnership for Public Health will renovate their existing community public health building in Laconia to make it ADA-compliant, install new electrical & HVAC systems and enhance operational security through both physical security systems and a generator. This renovation will ultimately reduce operational costs, increase their capacity, and improve emergency response capabilities for the emergency preparedness group hosted by PPH. In addition, PPH offers health education, drug use prevention, chronic disease management, and resource navigation programs.

    $399,050

    Newport Chamber of Commerce

    The Newport Chamber of Commerce will renovate their historic railroad station, built in 1897, into a Welcome Center and home for the Chamber of Commerce, which presently has no dedicated space in the town. The railroad station is located just behind the center of Newport’s Main Street. The renovation will include a rental space to support the costs of maintaining the building, and as a community resource and meeting space. The project will bridge the Town’s Main Street to other local amenities, such as the Community Center, Meadow Park, Community Garden, Dog Park, and the Newport-Claremont rail trail.

    $500,000

    Main Roof Replacement – John Hay Estate at the Fells

    The Fells nonprofit will replace the roof of the Main House at the John Hay Estate, built in 1891. The roof was last replaced in the early 1990s. This project would shingle the roof in historical wood shingles and fix sections of copper roofing. The Estate hosts arts events, educational programs, weddings and ceremonies, and family festivals. Open to the public year-round, the estate has around 10,000 visitors each year. In addition to the property being open for nature hikes, they host around 30 classes, workshops and other programs annually, specializing in ecology, nature, horticulture, history, and art.

    $127,200

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Call on GOP to Drop Health Care Cuts that will Saddle More Working Families with Medical Debt

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) today urged their colleagues to reject proposed Republican Medicaid cuts that are projected to inflict severe harm on millions of families, citing a new analysis estimating that the GOP’s plans to slash health care would push 5.4 million people – including 2.2 million people currently on Medicaid and 3.2 million people with coverage through the Affordable Care Act – into medical debt and increase the total medical debt that Americans owe by $50 billion – a 15 percent jump.

    “Health coverage is prevention. It’s not just treating illness; it’s protecting families from financial ruin. Republicans are trying to gut Medicaid to give tax breaks to the wealthy, and working families will pay the price with their health, their homes, and their financial futures. We should be focused on expanding access to health care and lowering costs, not ripping coverage away and sticking people with thousands of dollars in new debt. We’re calling on our Republican colleagues to drop this dangerous proposal before it’s too late,” said the senators.

    Recent analysis published by Third Way, a centrist think tank, found that families losing coverage because of the Republican health care cuts could see their medical debt increase by as much as $22,800. The analysis found that, if the GOP plan is enacted, 107,001 more people in Virginia will be saddled with medical debt, and the amount of medical debt across Virginia would increase by $1,001,789,466.

    Medical debt already affects 100 million people in the U.S., amounting to $269 billion in unpaid medical bills. According to a recent Gallup survey, 31 million Americans report having to borrow nearly $74 billion between 2023 and 2024 to pay for health care, and 58 percent of Americans believe they would experience medical debt if faced with a health event. Despite that, Republicans in Congress are pushing a package that, if enacted, will impose the largest cuts to health care in U.S. history and lead to 16 million people in the U.S. losing health insurance coverage.

    Sens. Warner and Kaine have been sounding the alarm about the effects of the GOP plan on Virginia families if Republicans in Congress continue to insist on gutting vital programs in order to pay for tax breaks for the richest Americans, noting that the GOP bill would strip health insurance from more than 302,000 Virginians, cut SNAP benefits, raise energy costs for Virginia households, jeopardize more than 20,000 Virginia jobs, raise taxes on minimum wage workers while giving the richest 0.1% a $188,000 tax cut, make tax filing more expensive, explode the deficit, and devastate rural communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Staff Issues No-Action Letter Extension Regarding Non-U.S. Swap Dealers

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    CFTC Staff Issues No-Action Letter Extension Regarding Non-U.S. Swap Dealers | CFTC

    /PressRoom/PressReleases/9088-25
    Skip to main content

    June 23, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Division of Market Oversight today issued a no-action letter extending the no-action position of CFTC Letter No. 22-14 concerning certain swap reporting requirements of Part 45 and Part 46 of the CFTC’s regulations.  

    The letter applies to certain non-U.S. swap dealers and non-U.S. major swap participants established in Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Switzerland or the United Kingdom, that are not part of an affiliated group in which the ultimate parent entity is a U.S. swap dealer, U.S. major swap participant, U.S. bank, U.S. financial holding company or U.S. bank holding company.  

    -CFTC-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State fire marshal mobilizes two task forces through Immediate Response

    Source: US State of Oregon

    he Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing two structural task forces from Lane and Marion counties through Immediate Response to the Upper Applegate Fire in Jackson County. The fire was reported on Wednesday off Upper Applegate Road south of the town of Ruch.

    Firefighters and resources from the Applegate Fire District, other Rogue Valley fire agencies, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Oregon Department of Forestry are on scene working to stop the fire. As of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the fire was estimated to be 120 acres in size and growing. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, several air resources have been ordered including several helicopters and two large air tankers.

    These two task forces being mobilized will be added capacity for the Applegate Fire District to provide added structural protection.

    “This is our third mobilization this month, a clear signal that wildfire season is here,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We need to do everything we can as Oregonians to be wildfire aware. This fire season has been devastating already with the tragic loss of homes in the Gorge and a second conflagration earlier this week in Jefferson County. Please help our firefighters by following local restrictions.”

    The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has issued levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices for those living near the fire. Evacuation information can be found here.

    The Oregon State Fire Marshal can send resources through Immediate Response without having the Emergency Conflagration Act invoked. The goal of this response tool is to surge resources to prevent costly wildfires.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Nonprofit Founder and Accountant Charged with Stealing Over $100 Million From Special Needs Victims

    Source: US FBI

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Leo John Govoni (67, Clearwater) and John Leo Witeck (60, Tampa) in connection with a fraud scheme that involved stealing more than $100 million from, and ultimately bankrupting, a non-profit organization in Clearwater that managed funds for vulnerable individuals with special needs and disabilities.

    Govoni and Witeck are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, three counts of mail fraud, six counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Govoni is also charged separately with one count of bank fraud, one count of illegal monetary transaction, and one count of making a false bankruptcy declaration. The bank fraud offense carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. Each count of wire fraud, mail fraud, conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, and the money laundering conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. The illegal monetary transaction count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and the false bankruptcy declaration carries a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment. 

    According to the indictment and court documents, around the year 2000, Govoni co-founded the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration (CSNT), a non-profit that managed funds for individuals with disabilities and other special needs, including those who received settlements, court awards, and other payments. CSNT grew to be one of the largest administrators of special needs trusts in the country, with beneficiaries located in Florida and nationwide. As of February 2024, CSNT managed more than 2,100 special needs trusts containing approximately $200 million in assets.

    As alleged in the indictment, from June 2009 through May 2025, Govoni, Witeck, and their co-conspirators solicited, stole, and misappropriated CSNT client-beneficiary funds—which they treated as a slush fund to enrich themselves and others—and concealed their illegal activities through complex financial transactions and deceit, including sending fraudulent account statements with false balances to disabled victims and their families. Govoni allegedly used stolen money to purchase real estate, travel via private jet, fund a brewery, make deposits in his personal bank accounts, and pay debts. In February 2024, CSNT filed for bankruptcy and disclosed that more than $100 million in client-beneficiary funds was missing from its trust accounts.

    Govoni is also charged with bank fraud related to a $3 million mortgage refinance loan and the alleged laundering of $205,054 of the fraud proceeds to pay off a home equity line of credit on his residence. Govoni is further alleged to have made false declarations to the bankruptcy court related to the CSNT bankruptcy proceedings.

    “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U. S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “The fraud alleged in this nationwide scheme is unfathomable. Due to the diligence and interagency collaboration by our dedicated law enforcement partners, these crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “The subjects charged are accused of creating a slush fund to divert millions of dollars away from a nonprofit organization helping people with special needs,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Not only were the organization’s resources drained, but the accused subjects betrayed the trust of the community and ultimately bankrupted a lifeline for vulnerable families. The FBI will not tolerate the exploitation of charitable missions for personal enrichment.”

    “The scale and audacity of the alleged fraud in this case are deeply troubling,” said Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS. “Stealing funds intended to protect and support people with special needs is as cruel as it is criminal. IRS-CI special agents are dedicated to uncovering complex financial schemes, especially those that prey on the most vulnerable in our society.”

    “The defendant disrupted access to critical services for individuals with disabilities and defrauded federal health care programs with the sole purpose of financing a life of extravagance,” stated Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, will continue to hold those who’s illicit actions seek to assail enrollees and the nation’s federal health care programs fully accountable.”

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Peresie and Michael Gordon and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Lyndie Freeman of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Nonprofit Founder and Accountant Charged with Stealing Over $100 Million From Special Needs Victims

    Source: US FBI

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Leo John Govoni (67, Clearwater) and John Leo Witeck (60, Tampa) in connection with a fraud scheme that involved stealing more than $100 million from, and ultimately bankrupting, a non-profit organization in Clearwater that managed funds for vulnerable individuals with special needs and disabilities.

    Govoni and Witeck are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, three counts of mail fraud, six counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Govoni is also charged separately with one count of bank fraud, one count of illegal monetary transaction, and one count of making a false bankruptcy declaration. The bank fraud offense carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. Each count of wire fraud, mail fraud, conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, and the money laundering conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. The illegal monetary transaction count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and the false bankruptcy declaration carries a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment. 

    According to the indictment and court documents, around the year 2000, Govoni co-founded the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration (CSNT), a non-profit that managed funds for individuals with disabilities and other special needs, including those who received settlements, court awards, and other payments. CSNT grew to be one of the largest administrators of special needs trusts in the country, with beneficiaries located in Florida and nationwide. As of February 2024, CSNT managed more than 2,100 special needs trusts containing approximately $200 million in assets.

    As alleged in the indictment, from June 2009 through May 2025, Govoni, Witeck, and their co-conspirators solicited, stole, and misappropriated CSNT client-beneficiary funds—which they treated as a slush fund to enrich themselves and others—and concealed their illegal activities through complex financial transactions and deceit, including sending fraudulent account statements with false balances to disabled victims and their families. Govoni allegedly used stolen money to purchase real estate, travel via private jet, fund a brewery, make deposits in his personal bank accounts, and pay debts. In February 2024, CSNT filed for bankruptcy and disclosed that more than $100 million in client-beneficiary funds was missing from its trust accounts.

    Govoni is also charged with bank fraud related to a $3 million mortgage refinance loan and the alleged laundering of $205,054 of the fraud proceeds to pay off a home equity line of credit on his residence. Govoni is further alleged to have made false declarations to the bankruptcy court related to the CSNT bankruptcy proceedings.

    “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U. S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “The fraud alleged in this nationwide scheme is unfathomable. Due to the diligence and interagency collaboration by our dedicated law enforcement partners, these crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “The subjects charged are accused of creating a slush fund to divert millions of dollars away from a nonprofit organization helping people with special needs,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Not only were the organization’s resources drained, but the accused subjects betrayed the trust of the community and ultimately bankrupted a lifeline for vulnerable families. The FBI will not tolerate the exploitation of charitable missions for personal enrichment.”

    “The scale and audacity of the alleged fraud in this case are deeply troubling,” said Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS. “Stealing funds intended to protect and support people with special needs is as cruel as it is criminal. IRS-CI special agents are dedicated to uncovering complex financial schemes, especially those that prey on the most vulnerable in our society.”

    “The defendant disrupted access to critical services for individuals with disabilities and defrauded federal health care programs with the sole purpose of financing a life of extravagance,” stated Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, will continue to hold those who’s illicit actions seek to assail enrollees and the nation’s federal health care programs fully accountable.”

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Peresie and Michael Gordon and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Lyndie Freeman of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

    MIL Security OSI –