NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: NORTHAMPTON COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Highlight Efforts to Support Pennsylvania Brewers and Small Businesses in the Face of Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 02, 2025 – Bethlehem, PA

    ADVISORY – NORTHAMPTON COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Highlight Efforts to Support Pennsylvania Brewers and Small Businesses in the Face of Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty

    Governor Josh Shapiro will visit Fegley’s Bethlehem Brew Works to highlight his Administration’s actions to grow Pennsylvania’s economy, support small businesses, and invest in our Main Streets as the federal government enacts tariffs on a wide range of products which drive up costs for consumers and businesses.

    Earlier today, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Redding visited Metzler Forest Products in Mifflin County to announce a new agricultural innovation grant that is helping Pennsylvania hardwood companies expand their operations. Pennsylvania is the top exporter of hardwood lumber and forest products in the country.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Mayor Willie Reynolds
    Representative Steve Samuelson
    Representative Jeanne McNeill
    Jeff Fegley, Owner of Fegley’s Brew Works

    WHEN:
    TOMORROW, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 1:15 PM

    WHERE:
    Fegley’s Bethlehem Brew Works 559 Main Street #101 Bethlehem PA, 18018

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seven Sentenced for Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Operation

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

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Seven people have been sentenced for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that spanned from Baltimore to the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

    The indictment, returned in January 2024 against Gary Brown, Jr., and eighty-one others, charged the defendants with distributing substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

    Those sentenced this week include:

    • James Beau Baker, age 29, of Charles Town, West Virginia, sentenced to 97 months;
    • Amanda Nicole Albert, 32, of Knoxville, Maryland, sentenced to 46 months in prison;
    • Kendall Axavier Baker, age 32, of Winchester, Virginia, sentenced to time served;
    • Kaitlyn Ashley Knight, age 32, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, sentenced to three years’ probation;
    • Ryan Brennan, age 33, of Strasburg, Virginia, sentenced to five years’ probation;
    • April Dawn Wentzell, age 37, of Ranson, West Virginia,  sentenced to time served;
    • Aaron Joshua James, age 31, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, sentenced to 70 months in prison;

    Of the 82 defendants, 80 have been convicted. Including today’s seven, 44 defendants have been sentenced. One defendant, Charles Delroy Singletary, age 44, of Baltimore, Maryland, remains a fugitive.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.

    U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

    Investigative agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh Field Division and Baltimore Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service;  the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia).

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Introduces Bill to End Costly Taxpayer Subsidies for Electric Vehicles

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    April 1st, 2025
     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
     
     
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the End Taxpayer Subsidies for Electric Vehicles Act. The End Taxpayer Subsidies for Electric Vehicles Act would eliminate costly government subsidies, allowing the electric vehicle (EV) market to compete on a level playing field while saving taxpayers billions of dollars. A companion bill is being led by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA 05.) in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “For too long, the federal government has picked winners and losers in the auto industry, forcing hardworking Americans to subsidize expensive electric vehicles that many cannot afford,” said Dr. Paul. “The End Taxpayer Subsidies for Electric Vehicles Act restores competition in the EV market by ending taxpayer-funded handouts.”
    Key Provisions of the End Taxpayer Subsidies for Electric Vehicles Act:
    Cuts Federal Spending – Eliminates the Clean Vehicle Credit, saving billions and reducing the national debt.
    Boosts Market Competition – Encourages automakers to innovate and cut EV costs without taxpayer-funded incentives.
    Ensures Tax Fairness – Prevents subsidies that mainly benefit the wealthy, protecting lower and middle-income taxpayers.
    Supports Auto & Energy Jobs – Levels the playing field for gas, hybrid, and EV markets while preserving industry jobs.
    You can read it HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 04/1/2025 Blackburn, Scott, Cruz Introduce BOLIVAR Act to Hold Illegitimate Maduro Regime Accountable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Banning Operations and Leases with the Illegitimate Venezuelan Authoritarian Regime (BOLIVAR) Act. This legislation holds Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro accountable by prohibiting federal agencies from doing business with anyone that supports the oppressive Maduro regime.
    This builds on the efforts of President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to hold the illegitimate Maduro regime accountable by reversing Biden’s appeasement policies and tightening economic pressure on the Maduro regime and its criminal enterprises.
    “The Maduro regime is a fraudulent and oppressive dictatorship, and U.S. business dealings with Venezuela should not lend legitimacy to this government, which contradicts our democratic values,” said Senator Blackburn. “The BOLIVAR Act would prevent U.S. federal agencies from contracting with entities linked to the Maduro regime, severing financial support and weakening Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian hold on Venezuela.”
    “Nicolás Maduro is an illegitimate, murderous dictator who oppresses the people of Venezuela, deprives them of freedoms, and steals elections from the rightful president, Edmundo González, and leader María Corina Machado. Maduro stands against everything the United States stands for, and he cannot remain in power. President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are moving quickly to reverse the appeasement and dangerous policies of the Biden administration, which have emboldened and enriched the regime for years now, and are taking significant action to hold the regime accountable and to stop Maduro from benefitting off Venezuela’s natural resources while the nation’s people suffer. We must keep up the pressure on the regime to FINALLY get Maduro out of power and bring freedom to the Venezuelan people by passing my BOLIVAR Act. This will build on our actions by preventing any federal agencies from doing business with anyone who chooses to do businesses with the murderous Maduro regime. It’s time to finally get this bill passed and signed into law to cut Maduro off from every last resource, get him and his thugs out of power, and bring a new day of freedom to Venezuela,” said Senator Scott.
    “Maduro is a tyrant and despot, and his regime poses acute risks to American national security and to the freedoms of the people of Venezuela. The regime is enabled and enriched through international contracts with global companies, and it is squarely in the interests of the United States to limit those contracts and hold those companies accountable. I urge my colleagues to take swift action to advance this bill,” said Senator Cruz.
    The BOLIVAR Act:
    Prohibits federal agencies from awarding U.S. government contracts with companies that are engaged in business with the Maduro regime.
    The prohibition would only apply to contracts entered into on or after the bill’s enactment.
    Provides for necessary exceptions, including for rendering humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
    Allows the Secretary of State to waive the restriction when in the national interest of the U.S.
    Read the bill text HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Provides Unaudited Balance Sheet Information and Announces Its Net Asset Value and Asset Coverage Ratios as of March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: KYN) today provided a summary unaudited statement of assets and liabilities and announced its net asset value and asset coverage ratios under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as of March 31, 2025.

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company’s net assets were $2.5 billion, and its net asset value per share was $14.64. As of March 31, 2025, the Company’s asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 639% and the Company’s asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to total leverage (debt and preferred stock) was 486%.

     STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
    MARCH 31, 2025   // (UNAUDITED)
        (in millions)
    Investments   $ 3,447.3  
    Cash and cash equivalents     17.2  
    Accrued income     2.5  
    Other assets     1.1  
    Total assets     3,468.1  
         
    Credit facility     78.0  
    Notes     409.7  
    Unamortized notes issuance costs     (2.6 )
    Preferred stock     153.6  
    Unamortized preferred stock issuance costs     (1.2 )
    Total leverage     637.5  
         
    Other liabilities     8.6  
    Current tax liability, net     1.8  
    Deferred tax liability, net     344.3  
    Total liabilities     354.7  
         
    Net assets   $ 2,475.9  
     

    The Company had 169,126,038 common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2025.

    Long-term investments were comprised of Midstream Energy Companies (95%), Utility Companies (2%) and Other (3%).  

    The Company’s ten largest holdings by issuer at March 31, 2025 were:

            Amount
    (in millions)
    		 % Long Term
    Investments
    1. The Williams Companies, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)   $361.5   10.5 %
    2. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (Midstream Energy Company)     353.6   10.3 %
    3. Energy Transfer LP (Midstream Energy Company)     345.7   10.0 %
    4. MPLX LP (Midstream Energy Company)     329.7   9.6 %
    5. Cheniere Energy, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)     265.2   7.7 %
    6. Kinder Morgan, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)     223.1   6.5 %
    7. Targa Resources Corp. (Midstream Energy Company)     203.0   5.9 %
    8. ONEOK, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)     201.6   5.8 %
    9. TC Energy Corporation (Midstream Energy Company)     159.1   4.6 %
    10. Western Midstream Partners, LP (Midstream Energy Company)     150.5   4.4 %

    Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice. The mention of specific securities is not a recommendation or solicitation for any person to buy, sell or hold any particular security. You can obtain a complete listing of holdings by viewing the Company’s most recent quarterly or annual report.

    Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KYN) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE. The Company’s investment objective is to provide a high after-tax total return with an emphasis on making cash distributions to stockholders. KYN intends to achieve this objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies. See Glossary of Key Terms in the Company’s most recent quarterly report for a description of these investment categories and the meaning of capitalized terms.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Nothing contained in this press release is intended to recommend any investment policy or investment strategy or consider any investor’s specific objectives or circumstances. Before investing, please consult with your investment, tax, or legal adviser regarding your individual circumstances.

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This communication contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events. These and other statements not relating strictly to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties. These risks include but are not limited to changes in economic and political conditions; regulatory and legal changes; energy industry risk; leverage risk; valuation risk; interest rate risk; tax risk; and other risks discussed in detail in the Company’s filings with the SEC, available at www.kaynefunds.com or www.sec.gov. Actual events could differ materially from these statements or our present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Kayne Anderson undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. There is no assurance that the Company’s investment objectives will be attained.

    Contact investor relations at 877-657-3863 or cef@kayneanderson.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Barry Lyndon at 50: why Kubrick’s most overlooked masterpiece deserves another viewing

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nathan Abrams, Professor of Film Studies, Bangor University

    Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, struggled at the box office when it was released. It remains one of the director’s most under-appreciated films. Unlike 2001: A Space Odyssey or The Shining, which have been endlessly dissected in books and essays, Barry Lyndon has received relatively little scholarly attention – just a single book.

    Perhaps its cool reception can be traced to its slow, contemplative pacing, its meticulously crafted but emotionally restrained storytelling, or its three-hour runtime. It also arrived at an inopportune moment, in the same year as Jaws, a film that would reshape Hollywood forever.

    Yet, Barry Lyndon deserves a second look, not only as one of Kubrick’s most visually striking films but also as an intensely personal project that offers rare insight into the director himself.

    The film follows the rise and fall of Redmond Barry, an ambitious Irishman who reinvents himself as Barry Lyndon in his pursuit of wealth and status. After fleeing his homeland following a duel, Barry navigates the treacherous world of 18th-century Europe.

    He serves as a soldier, a gambler and ultimately marries into aristocracy. However, his social ascent is marred by personal missteps, betrayals and the cold realities of high society.

    The project was born out of failure. Kubrick had spent years preparing for a grand epic about Napoleon, amassing an enormous archive of research and developing meticulous pre-production plans.

    But no studio was willing to finance the project. Unwilling to abandon his obsession with the late 18th century, he turned instead to The Luck of Barry Lyndon, a lesser-known 1844 novel by William Makepeace Thackeray.

    The Barry Lyndon trailer.

    The choice of Thackeray was in keeping with his taste for English writers like Arthur C. Clarke (2001) and Anthony Burgess (A Clockwork Orange). But this was a leap.

    Those previous writers were contemporaries and, Paths of Glory and Spartacus apart, nearly all of Kubrick’s previous films took place in the recent past, near present, or the future. Now he would try his hand at what would essentially be a costume drama. He would be recreating the past rather than creating the future.

    Some saw Barry Lyndon as a mere consolation prize. The film critic Alexander Walker called it a project “born on the rebound,” while production designer Ken Adam described it as a “dress rehearsal” for Napoleon. But Kubrick’s fascination with the Napoleonic era was evident in the film’s DNA.

    Thackeray himself had been fascinated by the French emperor, incorporating him into his novel, Vanity Fair, and writing The Second Funeral of Napoleon in 1841. Barry Lyndon draws heavily from the same historical themes, exploring the illusions and brutal realities of social ambition.

    What captivated Kubrick about Thackeray was his ability to expose the cruelty beneath the polished facade of aristocratic life. The rigid etiquette of the 18th century – a period described variously as an age of gentility, sensibility and enlightenment – demanded an emotional detachment that fascinated the director.

    Thackeray was, in many ways, a 19th-century sociologist, dissecting the class system, conspicuous consumption and the mercenary nature of marriage. These themes resonated deeply with Kubrick, whose films often explored power structures, status and manipulation.

    An outsider’s perspective

    Some critics have noticed a similarity between Kubrick and his lead character. As an American Jew living in north London, married to a German woman, Kubrick felt one step removed from the society around him, perhaps even somewhat of a social pariah. Ryan O’Neal’s casting as Barry was largely a commercial necessity – Kubrick needed a bankable star – but it also added a personal layer.

    Like Kubrick, O’Neal’s Barry is an outsider, the lone American in a European cast, a social climber forever out of place. The novel’s narrator observes that “those who’ve never been out of their country…” lack a certain perspective. It was something that Kubrick, a Bronx-born autodidact who had taught himself everything from chess to classical music, could surely relate to.

    The battle scene from Barry Lyndon.

    This theme of the outsider striving for greatness runs through much of Kubrick’s work. In 1960, he spoke admiringly of “the outsider who is passionately committed to action against the social order,” whether criminals, maniacs, revolutionaries, or dreamers.

    From Johnny Clay in The Killing, to Colonel Dax in Paths of Glory, and from Spartacus to Alex DeLarge in A Clockwork Orange, Kubrick’s protagonists are often men on the fringes of society. Barry Lyndon fits this mould perfectly, though his ambitions ultimately lead to his downfall.



    Read more:
    Stanley Kubrick redefined: recent research challenges myths to reveal the man behind the legend

    But Barry Lyndon is also, unexpectedly, one of Kubrick’s most emotional films. For all its detachment, it contains what might be his most heartbreaking scene, namely Barry’s devastation at the death of his son. In this moment, the film’s rigid, painterly compositions soften, revealing a rare vulnerability in Kubrick’s work.

    Ultimately, Barry Lyndon was more than a historical exercise. It was a deeply personal film, pursued at great financial and artistic risk. Kubrick created a film that is as much about social mobility and exile as it is about 18th-century Europe. If 2001 is a space odyssey, Barry Lyndon is a spatial odyssey, a film that turns the past into something mesmerising yet achingly real.

    Nathan Abrams receives and has previously received external funding, including government funding, foundation, charity and research council grants for this and similar work.

    – ref. Barry Lyndon at 50: why Kubrick’s most overlooked masterpiece deserves another viewing – https://theconversation.com/barry-lyndon-at-50-why-kubricks-most-overlooked-masterpiece-deserves-another-viewing-248484

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: McClellan, Sykes, Warner Reintroduce Bill to Improve Access to Healthy Foods, Eliminate Food Deserts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it: Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (OH-13) reintroduced the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act. This legislation would provide incentives to food providers to expand access to healthy foods in underserved communities and reduce the number of food deserts nationwide. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) reintroduced the Senate companion bill.

    “We all know that hungry children cannot learn and reach their full potential. That’s why it’s so important to have affordable, healthy food close to home,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Unfortunately, too many families in Virginia live in food deserts and struggle to feed their children healthy food. I’m grateful to Rep. Sykes and Sen. Warner for their work to bridge this gap and empower families with the resources they need to grow and thrive.”

    Currently, an estimated 18.8 million Americans live in what the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classifies as a food desert — not living within a mile of a grocery store in urban communities or 10 miles of a grocery store in rural areas. The lack of healthy food options has devastating effects on the health of communities, leading to higher incidence of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 

    “No American should be denied access to healthy, nutritious foods simply because of the zip code they live in. The Healthy Food Access for All Americans would encourage food providers to establish grocery stores, food banks, and farmers markets in traditionally underserved communities to help ensure all Americans, no matter where they live, can put fresh, affordable food on the table,” said Congresswoman Sykes. “This commonsense legislation will combat food insecurity in our communities and ensure families and children have the nutritious, healthy food they need to thrive.”

    “Fresh and nutritious foods are a cornerstone of health and wellbeing, but too many families in Virginia and across America live in places where these foods are out of reach,” said Senator Warner. “This legislation will help us fight food deserts by incentivizing grocery stores to come to communities that have the hardest time accessing fresh produce.”

    Specifically, the Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act — which defines a grocery market as a retail sales store with at least 35 percent of its selection (or forecasted selection) dedicated to selling fresh produce, poultry, dairy, and deli items — would encourage investment in food deserts across the country that have a poverty rate of 20 percent or higher, or a median family income of less than 80 percent of the median for the state or metro area.

    It would grant tax credits or grants to food providers who service low-access communities and attain a “Special Access Food Provider” (SAFP) certification through the Treasury Department. Incentives would be awarded based on the following structure:

    • New Store Construction – Companies that construct new grocery stores in a food desert will receive a one time 15 percent tax credit after receiving certification.
    • Retrofitting Existing Structures – Companies that make retrofits to an existing store’s healthy food sections can receive a one time 10 percent tax credit after the repairs certify the store as an SAFP.
    • Food Banks – Certified food banks that build new (permanent) structures in food deserts will be eligible to receive a one time grant for 15 percent of their construction costs.
    • Temporary Access Merchants – Certified temporary access merchants (i.e. mobile markets, farmers markets, and some food banks) that are 501(c)(3)s will receive grants for 10 percent of their annual operating costs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Lawler and Tenney Reintroduce Bill to Halt Ranked Choice Voting

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C. – 4/1/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) reintroduced legislation that would prevent the spread of ranked choice voting, a misguided policy that dilutes the voice of voters in elections across the country. The One Vote One Choice Act ensures that federal elections maintain a clear and straightforward process that protects voter confidence and preserves the integrity of our democratic system, in both the states and in the District of Columbia. 

    “For centuries, citizens of the United States have been able to cast their votes with one vote and one voice,” said Congressman Lawler. “But in recent years, there has been an effort to enact ranked choice voting, a method which distorts election outcomes.”

    “In 2021’s mayoral primary in New York City, voters had to wait weeks to discover who won, which, in turn, undermined voter confidence in the result,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “Outcomes like that are problematic for everyone and are exactly why we need to ban the practice of ranked choice voting at the federal level. Ensuring confidence in our elections is a critical function of a democratic republic, and I’m proud to introduce this bill to accomplish that goal.”

    “Not only does rank choice voting cause chaos and confusion, but it leads to distorted outcomes and results that do not demonstrate the will of the voters. By banning rank-choice voting, we will ensure that Americans can 1

    have confidence in the outcome of our elections. As chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, I will continue to support legislation like the One Vote, One Choice Act, which increases transparency, accessibility, and confidence in our electoral process,” said Congresswoman Tenney (NY-24).

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    Full text of the bill can be found here:

    One Vote One Choice Act 

    One Vote One Choice – District of Columbia

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER REVEALS: WITH TRUMP’S DESTRUCTIVE TARIFFS SET TO START TOMORROW, THE COST TO UPSTATE NY IS A $7 BILLION GUT PUNCH, WITH $6,000+ IN HIGHER PRICES FOR FAMILIES PER YEAR; SENATOR SAYS WE MUST…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Tuesday, April 1, 2025
    Contact: Ryan Martin, 202-680-0427
    SCHUMER REVEALS: WITH TRUMP’S DESTRUCTIVE TARIFFS SET TO START TOMORROW, REVEALS THE COST TO UPSTATE NY IS A $7 BILLION GUT PUNCH , WITH $6,000+ IN HIGHER PRICES FOR FAMILIES PER YEAR; SENATOR SAYS WE MUST STOP DAMAGING TRADE WAR WITH ALLIES LIKE CANADA AND PROTECT NY FAMILIES, BUSINESSES & JOBS
    Trump’s Tariffs – Set To Start Tomorrow – Could Raise Prices On New Yorkers As Much As $6,500 For Gas, Groceries, Cars And Everyday Goods – All While Decimating Small Businesses, Killing Good-Paying Jobs, Shrinking 401K’s And Damaging Upstate NY’s Vital Tourism Industry
    Schumer Says Stock Market Is Already Hitting Lowest Point In Years Due To Trump Tariff Chaos, Hurting Upstate Seniors’ Retirements – And Leading To Fears Of A Recession
    Schumer: Trump’s Tariffs Mean Higher Prices, Lower Life Savings And Lost Jobs For Upstate Families
    With President Trump’s “Liberation Day” for his destructive tariffs set to start tomorrow, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today revealed data on the devastating impacts of this unstrategic and damaging tariff war on Upstate New York’s families, small businesses, and jobs – increasing costs for families by up to $6,500 for gas, groceries, cars, and common goods and potentially impacting 150,000+ jobs in directly targeted industries across Upstate New York. The senator said he has gotten calls from farmers, worried workers, and factory owners scrambling in the face of coming tariffs, and said it will be NY businesses, seniors and working- and middle-class class families who will be footing the bill for this tariff war  – in the form of higher prices, a slower economy and shrinking life savings.
    “Tomorrow Trump says he will begin imposing his destructive sweeping tariffs, and if that happens it will be a gut punch to Upstate NY’s economy. Plain and simple, Trump’s tariffs are a tax increase on Upstate New York, a massive new destructive national sales tax for all of America,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump’s tariff war has already created chaos, and the economic uncertainty is causing the stock market to fall, hurting seniors’ retirements, cratering consumer confidence, and jeopardizing the jobs of thousands of New Yorkers. If this tariff war continues, it could devastate Upstate NY’s economy in ways we haven’t seen since the height of the pandemic. President Trump has said straight up that he doesn’t care if prices go up – Well, I do. I am all for addressing trade imbalances. In fact, Trump should be spending far more time going after China’s long-standing trade cheating that has robbed upstate NY of jobs for far too long, rather than picking a trade war with Canada that will only cost more NY jobs and drive up prices for everyone.”
    Schumer explained that consumers bear the cost of tariffs, and Trump’s tariff war is expected to increase costs for American families by up to $6,500 according to the latest analysis of his sweeping plans. According to the Yale Budget Lab, this would increase costs for the average American family by up to:
    Schumer added, “Trump’s tariffs are already slowing sales, and tourism from Canada is down, hurting Upstate’s restaurants and Main Streets. No matter which way you slice it, costs are going to sky rocket for consumers. If you’re in Upstate New York, you’ll feel it first, and worse than just about anywhere in the country. We need everyone, especially NY Republicans, to stand up against Trump’s senseless, job-killing, cost-increasing tax on Upstate New Yorkers.”
    Rising costs will force families to reconsider how they spend their money, which is already causing consumer confidence to plummet said Schumer, and NY families and businesses are expected to pay approximately $7.17 billion total due to Trump’s tariffs, including and $568 million on steel and aluminum.
    According to the New York Times, nearly 8 million Americans work in industries targeted by Trump’s tariffs, including approximately 159,400 in Upstate New York. A regional breakdown of jobs in industries directly impacted by tariffs based on the New York Times analysis can be found below, which does not even account for all the related jobs such as the tourism industry that are also being impacted by the damage of this trade war:

    NY Region

    Jobs In Industries Directly Targeted by Tariffs Most At Risk

    Capital Region

    14,400

    Western New York

    30,100

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    33,200

    Central New York

    16,100

    Hudson Valley

    27,800

    Southern Tier

    17,300

    Mohawk Valley

    10,000

    North Country

    6,100

    UPSTATE NY TOTAL

    155,000

    Canada is New York State’s top importer and exporter, last year importing $20.5 billion of goods from Canada and exporting $17.4 billion. 70% of Canadian imports are used to manufacture American-made products. Every day, $2.5 billion worth of goods cross the United States-Canada border. People across Upstate New York will especially feel the impact of Trump’s tariffs on Canada given the interconnection of Upstate NY’s economy and trade with Canada.

    What Upstate NY Will See

    Impacts

    Increasing costs for businesses in every industry

    $6 billion in lumber and wood products for the U.S. homebuilding industry came from Canada in 2024, exacerbating costs for affordable housing.

    Canadian tourism slowing down, hurting local businesses

    The Canadian government is encouraging Canadians to boycott travel to the United States, according to the New York Times. Maine has been seeing significant cancellations and Upstate New York could be next on the chopping block, which would have devastating impacts especially with the summer tourist season rapidly approaching.
    45% of Quebecois who had planned vacations in the U.S. this year were now canceling those plans, leading to $3 billion in lost revenue for U.S. businesses, according to the Quebec Tourism Industry Alliance.
    Car crossings from Canada through Plattsburgh in the North Country were down 16% from February 2024, according to the Albany Times Union. There is a projected overall 21% reduction in American travel from Canada.

    Higher costs at the grocery store for families and local restaurants

    Canada leads in exports of grain, livestock and meats, poultry, and more, according to CNN. In 2023, the United States imported about $40 billion in agricultural food products from Canada, ranging from baked goods to canola oil, according to Eater.
    70% of maple syrup globally comes from Canada, and more than 60% of maple exports went to the United States which would get more expensive, according to the New York Times.
    The price of beef could rise because Canadian ranchers are afraid of Trump’s tariffs and shrinking cattle herds, according to Reuters. Beef and pork account for nearly $4 billion in Canadian imports, according to Eater.
    The price of groceries could increase by $185 – or approximately 3% – every year, according to Eater.

    Nearly 160,000 Upstate New York jobs in industries targeted by tariffs at risk, plus many more in related industries like tourism

    Over 680,000 New York jobs depend on trade with Canada. Nearly 160,000 jobs in Upstate New York are in industries directly targeted by Trump’s tariffs and at risk, according to the New York Times.
    The U.S. Travel Association warned that even a 10% reduction in Canadian travelers would translate to $2.1 billion in lost spending and jeopardize 140,000 hospitality jobs nationwide, according to Forbes, many of which would be in Upstate NY as one of the most popular close by destinations.

    Higher electricity, heating, and gas bills for our families, small businesses, and manufacturers

    Electricity is a $7 billion commodity market in New York, and the state imports hundreds of millions of dollars of Canadian electricity annually.
    While the amount varies by month and year, the reliable clean power imported from Canadian dams is critical, and a tariff on Canadian electricity imports would likely raise rates for New Yorkers.
    In response to the Schumer-Hochul letter to New York energy regulators on the tariffs, agency staff assert that electricity costs could increase by $42 to $105 million per year, and that:
    Gasoline prices could increase by $26 million per year
    Heating oil costs could increase by $57 million per year
    Diesel costs could increase by $48 million per year
    Propane costs could increase by $16 million per year; and
    Natural gas costs could increase by $4.4 million per year

    Trump has already delayed the start of his tariffs twice, creating uncertainty for families and small businesses and triggering volatility for the American economy. Trump’s tariff uncertainty is causing the stock market to fall, hurting Upstate New York seniors’ retirements. According to Bloomberg, the stock market rout has intensified in anticipation of Trump’s next tariff rollout, with concerns about recessions leaving the S&P 500 Index on track for its worst quarter compared to the rest of the world since the 1980s.
    Trump in February declared an emergency on fentanyl, which is how he is justifying tariffs on goods from Canada. Schumer explained that less than 0.2% of fentanyl entering the United States comes from Canada, and instead of helping combat the fentanyl crisis, these tariffs will only harm American families, small businesses, and jobs. Schumer said the Senate will vote on a resolution later today terminating Trump’s national emergency that is justifying his destructive tariffs that would require Republican support.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Announces New Hires, Staff Changes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) announced new hires and staff changes in his Washington, D.C., and Idaho Falls offices.
    David Pace joined Crapo’s Idaho Falls office as Press Secretary.  David was a reporter with East Idaho News and has previously worked at the Standard Journal and Post Register.  He is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.  David graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in communications and public relations and minors in Middle Eastern studies and business management.
    Casey Jones, a native of Boise, joined Crapo’s Washington, D.C., office as Staff Assistant and IT Assistant.  She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in elementary education.
    Jameson Parker joined the Washington, D.C., office as Legislative Correspondent.  Jameson holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona.  He previously worked for Representative Michael Burgess (R-Texas).  He will cover education, pro-life, veterans, small business and health care issues.
    Kennedy Cummins, a Murtaugh native, has been promoted to Staff Assistant and D.C. Office Manager.  Kennedy first joined Crapo’s Boise office as an intern last fall and was serving a second internship in the D.C. office.  She is a senior at Boise State University studying political science.
    Matthew Mondello has been promoted to Legislative Assistant.  Matthew previously served the Crapo office as a Legislative Aide.  He graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in politics.  As a Legislative Assistant, Matthew is responsible for health care, labor, veterans, small business and education issues.
    Matthew Favero has been promoted to Legislative Correspondent.  He previously served as Staff Assistant and intern.  Matthew holds a degree in American studies from Brigham Young University.  As Legislative Correspondent, Matthew is responsible for semiconductor, energy, public lands and agriculture issues.
    Grant Auman has been promoted to Legislative Correspondent.  He previously served as Staff Assistant and intern.  Grant holds degrees in political science, economics and Spanish from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  As Legislative Correspondent, he is responsible for banking, tax, budget, telecommunications and judiciary issues.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US files civil forfeiture complaint for $47 million in proceeds from Iranian oil sale following ICE investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON – An investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has resulted in a civil forfeiture complaint alleging that $47 million in proceeds from the sale of nearly one million barrels of Iranian petroleum is forfeitable as property of, or affording a person a source of influence over, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or its Qods Force, designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

    The forfeiture was announced by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso; Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., for the District of Columbia; and FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston, Sr. of the Minneapolis Field Office.

    “Through the work of HSI’s Counterproliferation Investigations group, alongside the FBI, the U.S. government has seized $47 million worth of funds allegedly meant for terrorist groups intent on causing catastrophic harm,” said ICE HSI New York acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso. “The expertise of HSI personnel, coupled with federal law enforcement’s whole-of-government approach, ensures the wellbeing of the United States and our innocent foreign counterparts, alike. We are relentlessly utilizing every tool at our disposal in pursuit of any and all security threats.”

    The forfeiture complaint alleges a scheme between 2022 and 2024 to facilitate the shipment, storage, and sale of Iranian petroleum product for the benefit of the IRGC and IRGC-QF. The facilitators used deceptive practices to masquerade the Iranian oil as Malaysian, including by manipulating the tanker’s automatic identification system to conceal that it onboarded the oil from a port in Iran. The facilitators presented falsified documents to the Croatian storage facility and port authority, claiming that the oil was Malaysian. The facilitators paid for storage fees associated with the oil’s storage at the Croatian facility in U.S. dollars, transactions that were conducted through U.S. financial institutions that would have refused the transactions had they known they were associated with Iranian oil. The petroleum product was sold in 2024, and the United States seized $47 million in proceeds from that sale.

    The civil forfeiture complaint further alleges that the petroleum product constitutes the property of the National Iranian Oil Company, which has perpetuated a federal crime of terrorism by providing material support to the IRGC and IRGC-QF. As alleged, profits from petroleum product sales support the IRGC’s full range of malign activities, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, support for terrorism, and both domestic and international human rights abuses.

    “We will aggressively enforce U.S. sanctions against Iran, in furtherance of President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “With the continued seizures of Iranian oil and U.S. dollar profits, we are sending a clear message to Iran that bypassing the sanctions put in place by the U.S. Government is not as easy as playing a shell game with tankers filled with oil. We remain committed to thwarting Iran’s devious attempts, and to deprive its terrorists of the funding they desire.”

    “The FBI will not allow hostile regimes to evade U.S. sanctions or exploit our financial systems to fund designated terrorist organizations,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Winston. “The FBI, alongside our partners, will relentlessly enforce U.S. sanctions against Iran and safeguard U.S. national security by disrupting illicit networks that seek to profit from sanctioned oil sales.”

    Funds successfully forfeited with a connection to a state sponsor of terrorism may in whole or in part be directed to the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund.

    ICE HSI New York and FBI Minneapolis Field Office are investigating the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Stop Woke Activist Judges from Unconstitutional Judicial Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and their colleagues to introduce the Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 (JRCA). The bill would limit federal court orders to parties directly before the court – ending the practice of universal injunctions and clarifying the constitutional role of the judicial branch.
    Under this legislation, parties seeking nationwide relief would be required to file a class action lawsuit. The bill would amend the Administrative Procedure Act and the Declaratory Judgment Act to limit courts’ decisions to the parties before them, and make temporary restraining orders (TROs) immediately appealable.  
    “President Trump has exposed the fact that our courts are full of woke activist judges who think they were elected President. But they were not,” said Senator Tuberville. “More than 77 million Americans voted for President Trump and his agenda – and liberal judges should not be allowed to issue injunctions on policies they do not agree with. We need our justice system to focus on upholding the Constitution, not pushing an agenda. If judges have a problem with that, they can run for political office.” 
    “For a number of years, but particularly in the last few months, we’ve increasingly seen sweeping orders from individual district judges that dictate national policy. Our Founders saw an important role for the judiciary, but the Constitution limits judges to exercising power over ‘cases’ or ‘controversies.’ Judges are not policymakers, and allowing them to assume this role is very dangerous,” Senator Grassley said. “The Judicial Relief Clarification Act clarifies the scope of judicial power and resolves illegitimate judicial infringement upon the executive branch. It’s a commonsense bill that’s needed to provide long-term constitutional clarity and curb district courts’ growing tendency to overstep by issuing sweeping, nationwide orders.”
    The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).
    Read the bill here and a fact sheet here.
    BACKGROUND:  Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution limits courts to deciding “cases” or “controversies.” Nevertheless, it has become increasingly common for federal judges to issue sweeping “universal injunctions” that apply even to people who are not before the court. Universal injunctions defy two centuries of historic precedent. Scholars have found no clear record of such an order before 1963 – they have only become common in the last decade. In the first two months of President Trump’s second term, district court judges have issued more universal injunctions against his policies than the Biden administration experienced in four years.
    Concern about this recent practice spans the ideological spectrum. In 2020, Justices Gorsuch and Thomas explained: “By their nature, universal injunctions tend to force judges into making rushed, high-stakes, low-information decisions.” In 2022, Justice Kagan said: “It just can’t be right that one district judge can stop a nationwide policy in its tracks and leave it stopped for the years that it takes to go through the normal process.”
    The Supreme Court can and should end this practice, but has failed to do so. However, Article III gives Congress the authority to establish, organize and regulate the jurisdiction of federal courts. 
    Congress has also enacted rules governing the review of agency actions through the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (APA). Under Section 706 of the APA, a person or entity that claims to have been unlawfully harmed by a federal agency action may seek relief in federal court. Currently, many courts interpret the APA to allow for a single district judge to vacate agency actions for everyone, including parties that are not before the court.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Calls for Healthier Options for Students at Ag Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today,U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Dr. Eve Stoody, Director of Nutrition Guidance and Analysis Division at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, during a Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Ag) hearing. Sen. Tuberville asked Dr. Moody about the important role dairy plays in children’s development. As a founding member of the Senate Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, Sen. Tuberville noted the many health benefits that come from a calcium-rich diet and expressed support for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, which would add 2% and whole milk options back in schools.
    Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below and watch on YouTube and Rumble.

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Doctor, for being here today.
    My former profession was working with students and kids. I traveled to hundreds and hundreds of high schools across the country in all 50 states. I ate at [cafeteria] lunch rooms and the food [was mostly] atrocious. [In] 2010, we did basically do away with milk for some reason [that] I can’t imagine. I’ve got a new granddaughter. My [daughter-in-law] is breastfeeding. We looked at the formula that we could have been feeding my new granddaughter. [If] we wanna do away with something, we [should] do away with that because it’s nothing but sugar. We’re going to look at something that’s so important to our kids growing up and their physical attributes of growing up to an adult, we’re looking at [the] possibility of milk being detrimental [to our kids’ development]. [It is] mind boggling to me, but I guess there’s a lot more smarter people. You know, I used to have a training table for players all of our athletes, and you put milk, and you put tea, you put water out there—they’d drink the milk, [the] athletes. And there’s a reason that they look a lot better than a lot of our kids nowadays. But at the end of the day, we have to make a decision, what’s better [for our kids]? I can’t believe we’re even getting involved in this. 
    But, you know, science improves and changes over time. We know that our nutrition standards should not be what they were in 2010. They have to change—have to change. As nutrition and science data has changed, can you discuss the [2025] Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s conclusions on dairy consumption’s effect on children?”
    STOODY: “And just to clarify, just to make sure I heard you correctly, you were referencing the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Yes, ma’am.”
    STOODY: “Thank you. The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee did an extensive review. They are convened as an external advisory committee. And the 2025 Committee had 20 members. They did an extensive review on all aspects of the diet, including dairy, data analysis, a number of systematic reviews, and food pattern modeling. At the end of the day, they looked at a lot of new evidence. There is evidence that’s looking at food sources of saturated fat, so […] dairy that has different amounts of saturated fat, these different types that are exactly the conversation today. They also did a number of food pattern modeling analyses. And what that does is [it] looks at what happens if you change the amount of dairy in a pattern. At the end of the day, they found that you can’t reduce the amount of dairy in a dietary pattern – that the amount that’s recommended still holds and that’s in large part because of all the nutrients that dairy provides. It’s a good source and the major source of Calcium, Vitamin D, and about a dozen other nutrients in the diet. At the end of the day, their recommendations to the Departments, and I’ll note that […] that is our advice to the Departments. We’re informing the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines. But their advice was to maintain the current guidance. Now we are at a point in [both] Secretary Rollins and Kennedy have acknowledged their commitment to supporting the development of the Dietary Guidelines to be released later this year. And they have also discussed doing a line-by-line review of the Committee’s report and basing the next edition of the dietary guidelines on science. So, there will, I expect, be a lot more discussion related to the topic of dairy as well as other aspects of the diet. But at the end of the day, I think the […] 2025 Committee continued to emphasize the importance of dairy in a healthy dietary pattern.”
    TUBERVILLE: “So, at the end of the day, don’t you agree that any milk—2%, whole milk—is much better for our kids growing up than soda?”
    STOODY: “Yes. I think the point of the Dietary Guidelines is that there is flexibility. There’s a number of different options within the dairy food group and whether that be fat free, low fat, reduced fat, whole milk, it’s important to make selections that are right, that support individual needs and preferences, and in that context of the larger dietary pattern.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Continues to Champion Cryptocurrency, Calls President Trump the “Crypto President”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) reintroduced two pieces of legislation related to protecting American cryptocurrency.
    Senator Tuberville’s first bill, the Financial Freedom Act, would reverse a Biden-era memo from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that limits options for where Americans can invest their retirement earnings. The Financial Freedom Act would allow Americans to choose how they want to invest their money, including in crypto.
    “The Biden administration was hellbent on controlling every aspect of Americans’ lives,” said Senator Tuberville. “Meddling in 401(k) investments through overregulation restrains financial growth and restricts personal liberty. The federal government, which is $36 trillion debt, shouldn’t be telling anyone how to invest their money. My bill ensures that hardworking Americans have the financial freedom to make decisions about how to invest their retirement savings.”
    Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) is a cosponsor of this legislation.
    Senator Tuberville’s second bill, the Prohibiting Foreign Adversary Interference in Cryptocurrency Markets Act, would prohibit the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from registering a digital commodity platform that is owned in whole or in part by an entity organized or established in China. It also requires the CFTC to revoke the registration of any digital commodity platform in the event an entity with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) acquires all or any part of the ownership of the entity.
    Digital commodity platforms collect and store personally identifiable information — including Social Security numbers, mailing addresses, and sensitive financial account data — of their users. Allowing entities based in the PRC to access this information raises serious concerns related to investor protection, data privacy, national security, sanctions compliance, and anti-money laundering efforts. Companies based in the PRC all ultimately answer to the CCP.
    “For four years, the Biden administration put America last – bowing to China at every turn and allowing our adversaries to get ahead,” said Senator Tuberville. “Thanks to President Trump, those days are over. Crypto is the future and we have to make sure our markets are protected from bad actors like China who want to destroy us. This critical bill will protect our markets and make Americans safer.”
    Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) is a cosponsor of this legislation.
    Senator Tuberville discussed his legislation on Fox Business with Larry Kudlow.
    BACKGROUND:
    FINANCIAL FREEDOM ACT
    The Financial Freedom Act would reverse regulatory guidance released by the Employee Benefits Security Administration, an agency inside of U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The guidance attempts to bar 401(k) investors from investing in cryptocurrency and undermines the ability of 401(k) plans to offer brokerage windows, which give retirement plan participants the ability to personally control how their assets are invested.
    The DOL guidance threatens that employers and investment firms could be subject to investigation and enforcement actions should they allow individuals using brokerage windows to invest in cryptocurrency. Senator Tuberville’s bill would bar such investigations and enforcement actions, opening the door for Americans to invest their savings in investments of their choice. 
    Senator Tuberville has consistently been an outspoken advocate in Congress for personal financial freedom. 
    Senator Tuberville previously introduced the Financial Freedom Act in the 117th Congress and penned an op-ed warning against government infringement on personal investment decisions.
    Senator Tuberville spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Financial Freedom Act.
    Senator Tuberville joined 36 of his U.S. Senate colleagues in introducing the Fair Access to Banking Act, a bill to protect fair access to financial services by preventing banks and financial institutions from discriminating against law-abiding businesses.
    Senator Tuberville added his support to a resolution that would challenge the Biden administration’s rule to allow retirement fund managers to consider and prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors while making retirement investment decisions.
    Senator Tuberville introduced legislation to protect Americans’ financial privacy against government surveillance.
    Prohibiting Foreign Adversary Interference in Cryptocurrency Markets Act
    The CCP’s efforts to mine data and surveil the public are well known, and decisive action is needed to safeguard the American people. Under current law, U.S. regulators have limited tools to block the purchase of a U.S. digital commodity platform by a CCP-tied entity. The Prohibiting Foreign Adversary Interference in Cryptocurrency Markets Act will help to wall off the burgeoning U.S. digital asset industry from Chinese interference and help to ensure continued American leadership in financial innovation. 
    Senator Tuberville believes the CCP seeks to overtake the United States as the top global superpower and that America must face China’s growing military and non-military threats with clear-eyed resolve.
    Since assuming office in the U.S. Senate in 2021, Senator Tuberville has led and supported numerous efforts to protect American investments, intellectual property, and national security from China.
    Senator Tuberville led the call for an investigation into Webull Financial, LLC and Moomoo, Inc. – two Chinese-owned stock trading apps operating in the United States that are registered with the SEC and FINRA.
    Both apps are widely used by American investors and freely collect and store sensitive information about users, including Social Security numbers, mailing addresses, and financial account data.
    In May 2023, Senator Tuberville sent a letter to SEC Chair Gary Gensler and FINRA President and CEO Robert Cook calling for oversight of the trading platforms due to the potential CCP access of American user data. In the letter, Senator Tuberville asked for answers to critical questions about the ability of the SEC and FINRA to examine the Chinese companies’ compliance with U.S. law.
    In March 2023, Senator Tuberville led a congressional delegation to Panama to discuss countering China’s growing influence in the region.
    On the trip, Senator Tuberville met with American and Panamanian officials to strategize ways to combat Chinese attempts to control the Panama Canal, which would give China enormous influence over global supply chains.
    To curb Chinese influence in the economy, Senator Tuberville introduced legislation to ban members of the CCP from receiving B-1 and B-2 visas to the United States for vacation and non-official government business.
    The CCP is responsible for trillions of dollars of intellectual property theft each year. To curb growing foreign influence and crime and discourage other Chinese nationals from joining the CCP, the bill cosponsored by Senator Tuberville would bar all 93 million CCP members from entering the United States using nonimmigrant B-1 and B-2 visas.
    Senator Tuberville believes the retirement savings of our military and federal government employees, known as the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), should not be invested in the economies of our adversaries, such as China.
    Senator Tuberville wrote about this issue in the Wall Street Journal in a column entitled, “I’ll Keep Veterans’ Pensions Safe From Communism” and discussed the issue on Fox Business.
    Senator Tuberville continued the push for accountability from the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) surrounding the board’s policy on foreign investments. 
    Senator Tuberville placed a hold on nominees to the FRTIB until the nominees provided clarification regarding foreign investment policies, which forced the nominees to commit to opposing TSP investment in China.
    MORE:
    Tuberville Questions CFTC Chairman on Taxation of Cryptocurrency and the Need for a Regulatory Framework for Cryptocurrency
    Tuberville Leads Letter Calling for DOJ, SEC Investigation into China-Tied Crypto Firm Prometheum, Inc.
    Tuberville Leads Bipartisan Bill to Block CCP Ownership of American Crypto Companies
    Tuberville, Lummis Work to Establish Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
    Tuberville Takes Action to Protect Conservatives, Taxpayers from Political Discrimination by Banks
    ICYMI: Tuberville in Daily Caller: A Fed-Controlled Digital Dollar Could Mean The End Of Freedom In America
    Tuberville Reintroduces Bill to Keep the Government Out of Americans’ Investment Decisions 
    WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Support Grows for Tuberville’s Legislation to Protect 401(k) Investment Freedom
    Tuberville Continues Push to Protect Retirement Savers’ Financial Freedom
    New Tuberville Legislation Promotes Financial Freedom for 401(k) Investors
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell to Vote NO on Advancing Social Security Commissioner Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    04.01.25
    Cantwell to Vote NO on Advancing Social Security Commissioner Nominee
    Cantwell: “Social Security is no place to slash and burn. It’s a contract with the American people. It should be kept.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, spoke against advancing Frank Bisignano – President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration – at a Senate Finance Committee Executive Session. The committee will hold their vote to advance Bisignano’s nomination soon.  
    “We have an administration represented with DOGE, who think that they’re going to come in here and find billions of dollars that they can take out of Social Security and give to tax breaks to billionaires and corporations,” said Sen. Cantwell. “He’s not being hired because he’s an expert on Social Security. He’s being hired because somebody thinks he’s going to come in here and basically get billions of dollars out of Social Security to give to a tax bill.”
    At today’s Senate Finance Committee Executive Session, Sen. Cantwell explained that her constituent, who was incorrectly presumed dead shortly after Elon Musk installed his DOGE team at the Social Security Administration, has been forced to “wage war” against the SSA to correct this mistake:
    “Social Security wrongfully declared one of my constituents, Ned Johnson, dead. His monthly benefit was withheld. Thousands of dollars in previously paid benefits were clawed back out of his joint account he shares with his wife. The erroneous determination set off a bureaucratic nightmare, and ultimately, he had to wait in line at the Federal Building.”
    Sen. Cantwell continued, “Why does he have to wage a war just to get his Social Security benefits? We cannot afford more of this thinking in this position. We need to make sure that we know the answers, and I do not believe that we have them today.”
    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks today with Bisignano are available HERE, audio HERE, and a full transcript is HERE.

    “The taxpayers that pay into the program do so throughout their lives, and they want the government to live up to that obligation and take care of them,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Overwhelmingly, Americans support Social Security. A recent AARP poll found that 85% of Americans want Social Security benefits maintained or increased. And that shows that that’s everybody, that’s not just Democrats or people who remember how Social Security got created. This is everybody. This is Democrats, Republicans, independents.”
    In the State of Washington, 1.4 million people receive Social Security. Below is a breakdown of Social Security recipients by county:

    County

    Number of Social Security Recipients

    King Co.

    312,000+

    Spokane Co.

    115,000+

    Clark Co.

    98,000+

    Yakima Co.

    46,000+

    *County data sourced from SSA.gov*
    Sen. Cantwell has been a long-standing champion for Social Security and protecting Washingtonian’s benefits. In December 2024, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored and voted to pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed two Social Security policies that unfairly limited payments for people who also receive a pension from a job that is not covered by Social Security, as well as their surviving spouses and widow(ers). In 2018, Sen. Cantwell introduced and voted to pass the Tribal Social Security Fairness Act to correct a long-standing inequity in the Social Security Act that prevents elected tribal leaders from contributing to and accessing Social Security benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces the Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act for 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    Legislation defunds federal efforts to interfere in local zoning through Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing and other means  
     
    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced the Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act, a bill which denies all federal funding for implementing the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Final Rule” and any other race or equity-based schemes to altar socioeconomic outcomes at the federal level. The legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ).
    “Every American should be free to choose where to live, and every community should be free to zone its neighborhoods and compete for new residents according to its distinct values,” said Sen. Lee. “I congratulate President Trump and HUD Secretary Scott Turner for ending this egregious Obama-era attempt at social engineering, and my legislation would ban such misguided policies in the future.” 
    “Overreaching housing regulations first imposed by Barack Obama and re-upped by Joe Biden have extorted communities into giving up control of local zoning decisions while driving up the cost of affordable housing,” said Rep. Gosar.“By rejecting intrusive Washington, D.C. mandates, I am proud to support Senator Lee’s efforts to codify into law the recent decision by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to repeal the onerous Obama-Biden rules that have punished neighborhoods for refusing to fall in line with big government’s takeover of our communities.”
    BACKGROUND 
    During the Obama administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule (AFFH) for the purposes of creating a framework to manufacture “equitable” socioeconomic outcomes from local zoning decisions that would not otherwise occur in a free market without federal government mandates. President Trump repealed the rule in 2020, but HUD under President Biden re-implemented the rule in 2021, forcing President Trump, via HUD Secretary Scott Turner, to terminate the AFFH rule again just a few weeks ago.
    The Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act restricts the use of federal funds to implement AFFH rulemaking in the future and requires federal officials to find ways to restore principles of Federalism:
    • No Federal funds may be used to design, build, maintain, utilize, or provide access to a federal database of geospatial information on community racial disparities or disparities in access to affordable housing.
    • HUD is required to consult with state/local government and public housing agencies to develop recommendations to further the purposes and policies of the Fair Housing Act in ways other than through new federal regulations. This is meant to be a report on the federalism issues within the current public housing regime.
    You can read the one-pager HERE. 
    You can read the bill text HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Phillips 66 completes acquisition of EPIC NGL

    Source: Phillips

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) announced today the completion of its previously announced acquisition of EPIC Y-Grade GP, LLC and EPIC Y-Grade, LP, which own various subsidiaries and long-haul natural gas liquids pipelines, fractionation facilities and distribution systems (“EPIC NGL”) for total cash consideration of approximately $2.2 billion.
    “This transaction strengthens our position as a leading integrated downstream energy provider,” said Don Baldridge, Phillips 66 executive vice president of Midstream & Chemicals. “We are evolving our portfolio and enhancing our ability to provide seamless and efficient delivery of energy products. Phillips 66 will offer producers unparalleled flow assurance, while advancing a strategy that is expected to deliver attractive returns and create long-term value for our shareholders.”
    The EPIC NGL business consists of two fractionators (170 MBD) near Corpus Christi, Texas, approximately 350 miles of purity distribution pipelines and an approximately 885-mile NGL pipeline (175 MBD) linking production supplies in the Delaware, Midland and Eagle Ford basins to fractionation complexes and the Phillips 66 Sweeny Hub.
    The expansion project from 175 MBD to 225 MBD for the NGL pipeline is expected to be completed in the second quarter. A second expansion to increase capacity to 350 MBD has already been sanctioned with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
    The acquired assets connect Permian production to Gulf Coast refiners, petrochemical companies and export markets, and are highly integrated with the Phillips 66 asset base.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.

    Cautionary Statement for the Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 — This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “anticipated,” “committed,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: the possibility that Phillips 66 may not fully realize the expected benefits of the completed transaction; the risk of any unexpected costs or expenses resulting from the completed transaction; changes in governmental policies or laws that relate to our operations, including regulations that seek to limit or restrict refining, marketing and midstream operations or regulate profits, pricing, or taxation of our products or feedstocks, or other regulations that restrict feedstock imports or product exports; our ability to timely obtain or maintain permits necessary for projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum, renewable fuels and natural gas prices, and refining, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for renewable fuels; potential liability from pending or future litigation; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under existing or future environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs for constructing, modifying or operating our facilities; our ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that we have announced or may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting our products; the level and success of drilling and production volumes around our midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; lack of, or disruptions in, adequate and reliable transportation for our products; failure to complete construction of capital projects on time or within budget; our ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with laws; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets, which may also impact our ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends; potential disruption of our operations due to accidents, weather events, including as a result of climate change, acts of terrorism or cyberattacks; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including armed hostilities (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), expropriation of assets, and other diplomatic developments; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and property and equipment and/or strategic decisions with respect to our asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of environmental rules and regulations; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates); political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to our business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of equity affiliates we do not control; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting our businesses generally as set forth in Phillips 66’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev discussed bilateral cooperation projects with Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    April 1, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    April 1, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    April 1, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    April 1, 2025

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    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi

    In Windhoek (Namibia), Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far Eastern Federal District, Co-Chairman of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation Yuri Trutnev held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musawyi. The development of Russian-Namibian relations, including strengthening trade and economic ties, were discussed at the meeting.

    “The friendship between our countries continues to develop within the framework of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. We have been able to achieve impressive results. In 2024, an almost twofold increase in bilateral trade was recorded. I hope that we will continue to work in the same atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation that has accompanied the relations between our two countries all these years,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    The 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission, which is planned to be held in Windhoek, was discussed.

    Yuri Trutnev recalled that following the 10th meeting of the commission, plans were outlined for further coordinated work aimed at achieving significant progress in bilateral business cooperation. Following the discussions, the Russian Government gave specific instructions to relevant departments and organizations so that they could carry out the necessary work to implement the decisions recorded in the final protocol. In turn, the Russian side expects prompt practical implementation of the outlined plans from its Namibian partners.

    “There is still a lot of work to be done,” noted Yuri Trutnev.

    Summing up the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the intention of the Russian side to develop bilateral ties. “We will develop relations between our countries and are waiting for proposals from the Namibian side to hold a meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. Our countries have long maintained friendly relations, and Russia will continue to be a reliable friend of Namibia,” concluded Yuri Trutnev.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev and the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin discussed issues of ecology and agriculture in the region

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin

    April 1, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin

    April 1, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin

    April 1, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin. The parties summed up the results of the implementation of the national project “Ecology” in the region and discussed readiness to implement the new national project “Ecological Well-being”.

    Within the framework of the national project “Ecology”, the Donetsk People’s Republic participated in three federal projects: “Integrated system of handling municipal solid waste”, “Preservation of unique water bodies”, “Preservation of forests”. Under the new national project “Ecological well-being” for 2025, more than 150 million rubles are planned to be allocated for the region. In the DPR, activities of four federal projects will be implemented: “General cleaning”, “Closed-loop economy”, “Water of Russia”, “Preservation of forests”.

    The meeting also discussed preparations for the sowing campaign this year. Denis Pushilin noted that livestock production indicators are growing in the region’s agricultural sector. In 2024, milk production increased compared to the previous year and reached more than 48 thousand tons.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: It is necessary to increase the efficiency of monitoring the use of subsoil licenses

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting dedicated to the subsoil fund management system

    April 1, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting dedicated to the subsoil fund management system

    April 1, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting dedicated to the subsoil fund management system

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting dedicated to the subsoil fund management system. The Deputy Prime Minister discussed with the heads of relevant departments the factors influencing the high-quality and full implementation of mineral extraction licenses by subsoil users.

    “Mining is one of the leading sectors of our country’s economy. At the same time, uninterrupted mining requires continuous exploration and prospecting. This is the only way to guarantee sufficient reserves in the future. Despite the fact that the conditions for obtaining licenses are clearly regulated by law, practice shows that a number of companies do not fully fulfill their obligations. To improve existing mechanisms, it is necessary not only to use direct regulation, but also to set up economic incentive instruments so that companies have an interest,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The meeting discussed the effectiveness of the application procedure for issuing licenses for geological exploration of subsoil. Since the launch of such a mechanism in 2014, companies have invested about 100 billion rubles, about 700 deposits have been discovered, and reserves of key types of resources have increased. However, a negative consequence has been cases of companies obtaining licenses without the necessary capital and competencies. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Rosnedra will have to assess the current mechanism for each type of mineral resource.

    Dmitry Patrushev emphasized the need to improve the efficiency and coverage of monitoring the use of licenses, as well as the digitalization and automation of industry processes in this area.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: 2.5 thousand students will receive 1 million rubles each for the implementation of technological startups

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko: 2.5 thousand students will receive 1 million rubles each for the implementation of technological startups. On the right is the Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov

    The Ministry of Education and Science has announced a competition for grants called “Student Startup.” Applications can be submitted until May 20 atofficial website of the project.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that the number of grant recipients increases annually.

    “President Vladimir Putin emphasizes that the share of youth technology entrepreneurship in the country’s economy should increase significantly in the coming years. The Government is currently implementing a number of measures aimed at this, including expanding the grant program for student startups. In 2025, 2.5 thousand students will receive grants of 1 million rubles to implement their ideas – 500 more than the year before. Absolutely all university students can participate in the competition. I am confident that such opportunities will allow young talents to reveal their potential and contribute to the technological future of Russia,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko also emphasized that over the entire period of the Student Startup grant competition, since 2022, 4.5 thousand startups have been supported. This competition is one of the seven tools of the University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform, which this year was included in the new federal project Technologies of the national project Effective and Competitive Economy.

    “Over three years, the competition has attracted more than 18,000 students from all over the country. If at the start of the project we received over 4,000 applications, then in 2024 their number doubled. This year, postgraduate students and residents of scientific organizations will be able to join the competition for the first time. Their involvement in the creation of technological startups will allow us to establish even closer ties between research institutes and businesses, shorten the path from an idea to its transformation into a real technology or product,” said Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov.

    The selection of projects for the Student Startup competition is carried out in seven thematic tracks, most of which correspond to priority areas of scientific and technological development in Russia: digital technologies, medicine and health-preserving technologies, chemical technologies and new materials, new devices and intelligent production technologies, biotechnology, resource-saving energy, creative industries. In 2024, the largest number of applications were submitted for digital technologies.

    If they win the competition, participants will have to register a legal entity, develop a business plan and launch a website for their startup.

    The operator of the Student Startup competition is the Innovation Assistance Fund. Detailed information is available on the competition page https: //fashi.ru/studstartend/ and in the competition regulations.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: The expansion of the dimensions of the overpass on the Adler bypass has been completed

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Marat Khusnullin: The expansion of the dimensions of the overpass on the Adler bypass has been completed

    April 1, 2025

    Marat Khusnullin: The expansion of the dimensions of the overpass on the Adler bypass has been completed

    April 1, 2025

    Marat Khusnullin: The expansion of the dimensions of the overpass on the Adler bypass has been completed

    April 1, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Marat Khusnullin: The expansion of the dimensions of the overpass on the Adler bypass has been completed

    The Adler bypass will become part of a prospective highway from the M-4 Don highway to Sochi and will connect the village of Kudepsta with the village of Vysokoye. The existing overpass at the 6th km of the A-149 Adler – Krasnaya Polyana road has been expanded at the construction site. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “Road construction is an important part of our daily work. This is due to the fact that roads are an important and integral element that guarantees the comprehensive development of territories. The connectivity of territories and the safety of citizens on short and long-distance trips depend on their quality and reliability. Thus, on the instructions of the President, we are building bypasses of cities, which help reduce travel time, relieve the street and road network of transit transport and improve the environmental situation. Among them is the Adler bypass, which will connect the Kudepsta microdistrict and the village of Vysokoye. As part of the project, the overpass on the 6th km of the A-149 Adler – Krasnaya Polyana highway is being reconstructed. Specialists have already completed the installation of all metal consoles, thanks to which the dimensions of the structure were increased from one to two lanes. The artificial structure will be part of the future interchange at the Eastern Portal of the Adler Bypass and will later become an integral part of the prospective highway connecting the M-4 “Don” highway with the city of Sochi,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    Today, road workers have started the next stage: transferring sections of the overpass from temporary to permanent supports, laying networks, and installing noise barriers. Road workers will begin laying layers of asphalt on the overpass using the integrated Superpave technology in the near future. This innovative approach is aimed at creating asphalt concrete surfaces that are resistant to cracking due to temperature fluctuations, deformation, and fatigue failure.

    The launch of traffic on the overpass in both directions for guests and residents of Sochi is planned for the beginning of the tourist season.

    Chairman of the Board of the state-owned company Avtodor Vyacheslav Petushenko added that the construction of the Adler bypass is divided into several stages.

    “Currently, as part of Stage IV in Kudepsta, we have completed the driving of pile foundations and grillages for 30% of the supports of future artificial structures. The height of some supports of the new bridge crossing over the river has already reached the height of the Kudepsta viaduct on the A-147 highway. It is important to note that the project is complex, since it is being implemented in mountainous terrain and dense urban development. This requires the use of special engineering solutions. Thus, at the Eastern Portal near Ivanovskaya Street, we have completed the driving of all 23 bored piles with frames made of fiberglass reinforcement. They will help to contain the slope when the tunnel boring machine cuts into it. In road construction, this technology is used quite rarely – and mainly in the construction of tunnels,” said Vyacheslav Petushenko.

    The high-speed road bypassing Adler will significantly reduce travel time to Sochi airport and Krasnaya Polyana, and will remove transit transport from the resort area of Adler. In addition, the implementation of the project will improve the environmental situation of the Black Sea coast and give an additional impetus to the development of the tourism potential of the southern regions.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Press Conference by Security Council President on Programme of Work for April

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The Security Council in April will convene two of its annual meetings on peacekeeping operations and on displaced persons and refugees at a “particular time for multilateralism” as “we are confronting a number of crises, including armed conflicts and funding”, its President for the month told reporters at a Headquarters conference today.

    “All of this is compelling multilateralism to think long and hard about its methods and about its capacities to tackle the challenges which it was established to address,” said Jérôme Bonnafont (France), who took up the French ambassadorship on 17 March and whose delegation holds the 15-member organ’s rotating presidency for this month.

    The above-mentioned meetings will convene on 7 April and 28 April focusing on peacekeeping operations and refugees and displaced persons, respectively.  On 2 April, the Council is also set to hold a briefing on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

    Mr. Bonnafont told reporters that the UN’s principles are not just fundamental, “they are the bedrock of the multilateral system and international law”.  And in the Security Council, they must be harnessed for global peace and security.

    On the Ukrainian front, he said the question now is whether discussions will produce a ceasefire that leads to a just and lasting peace, underpinned by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.  This must ensure respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.  “The Council must guide proceedings towards that outcome,” he stressed.

    In the Middle East, “we cannot rule out a regional escalation”, he warned, adding that the Council, on 29 April, will hold a meeting on the matter to be chaired by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.  The Council will also meet on Lebanon, Syria and Libya in April.

    The 15-member organ will focus on Africa, as well, holding several meetings throughout the month on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and South Sudan, where entire populations have been compelled to flee, the French Permanent Representative said.  In the Americas region, the Council will hold a briefing on 21 April on Haiti, where there is “pressing need” for a UN mission, he added.

    Asked about the ceasefire in Ukraine, he said that the UN must support a peace that is based on the UN Charter, also noting relevant Council resolutions adopted last month.  “What is going on right now between the United States, Ukraine and the Russian Federation” must be “pushed in the right direction by the UN”, he went on to add.

    When asked about what “tools” the UN and European Union have in their toolbox to push talks in the right direction, he said that support to Ukraine from Europe is multifaceted.  “We are on the side of Ukraine which was aggressed by Russia,” he reiterated, also adding that Europe is financially and militarily supporting Kyiv, as well.

    Answering about Council “relevancy” in a time of protracted wars in Ukraine and Gaza, he said that the Council is actively working to develop processes, but that “there is no magical wand” to put an end to wars.  The Council has a mandate to support processes and deploy operations.  “It is no easy task,” he went on to emphasize, underscoring the importance of “political dynamics” to support peace on the ground.

    On Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and whether there could be a ceasefire achieved in April, he said work is being done to convince Hamas to liberate hostages with dignity.  Clearly, the bombing needs to stop, he said, urging Israeli forces to return to a ceasefire and calling on all parties to return to logic.  In the medium term, the international community must start preparing for Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.

    Asked about the security situation in Haiti, he said that the UN must deploy a mission there, but doing so is contingent on sufficient financing and logistical arrangements.  The security situation in that country, he stressed, is very complex and challenging.

    As to whether the Council will consider sanctioning Rwandan parties for their involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he said that mediation efforts are currently being supported including by Angola and Qatar.  The Council did express its view on the urgency of a ceasefire a few days ago, he noted.

    Responding to a question about protecting Syria’s minorities, he said the Council demanded that Syrian authorities act “as is expected of them, namely that they respect the civilian population and minorities”.  There is a transitional government in Syria “made up of people from different groups”.  For Syria to see a definitive return to peace, it must respect its own diversity and must be inclusive, he said.

    On the bombing of Lebanon, he said it is a very critical moment for Beirut, “which has a chance to engage in efforts for a lasting peace” and become a peaceful country that can coexist with its neighbours.

    For the full programme of work, please see:  www.un.org/securitycouncil/events/calendar.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Shapiro Stands With Pennsylvania Hardwoods Companies in Mifflin County to Highlight Commonwealth’s Investments in Agriculture Industry

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 01, 2025 – Reedsville, PA

    Governor Shapiro Stands With Pennsylvania Hardwoods Companies in Mifflin County to Highlight Commonwealth’s Investments in Agriculture Industry

    Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Metzler Forest Products in Mifflin County to highlight how strategic Commonwealth investments – like the Shapiro Administration’s first-in-the-nation Agricultural Innovation Grant Program – are strengthening Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. These investments provide grants, loans, and technical support to farmers and businesses adopting cutting-edge technologies, spurring growth, improving efficiency, and ensuring Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of the industry. During the visit, the Governor and Secretary Redding toured the facility to see how Metzler will use its $550,000 in grant funding – announced in January – to enhance biochar production, improve energy efficiency, and expand its manufacturing capabilities.

    Governor Shapiro’s visit comes amid growing economic uncertainty over new federal tariffs, particularly impacting Pennsylvania’s nation-leading hardwoods industry, which plays a critical role in the Commonwealth’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Since taking office, the Governor has placed significant emphasis on supporting and growing Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry – bringing Democrats and Republicans together to invest in new technologies, strengthen supply chains, and drive economic growth for farmers and producers. He remains committed to ensuring Pennsylvania’s farmers have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed. The Commonwealth is home to 50,000 farms, contributing $132 billion to the economy and supporting nearly 600,000 jobs.

    “From day one, my Administration has stood up for Pennsylvania’s farmers and our ag sector – investing in innovation, expanding opportunity, and cutting costs. While the federal government imposes policies that hurt our economy, Pennsylvania is leading the way in driving economic growth – investing in agricultural innovation, supporting our manufacturers, and delivering real results for farmers and their families,” said Governor Shapiro. “Tariffs are taxes, plain and simple. They make it harder for our farmers to do business, weaken their competitiveness in key markets, and trigger retaliatory tariffs on Pennsylvania goods. The last thing Pennsylvanians need is Washington, D.C., raising taxes and driving up costs I will keep working to cut costs, lower taxes, and create more economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.”

    Speaker list:
    Nate Metzler, General Manager, Metzler Forest Products
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Stephanie Phillips-Taggart, Executive Director, Keystone Wood Products Association
    Nick Gilson, Founder & CEO, Gilson Snow
    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
    Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Presidential Message on National Financial Literacy Month, 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    The foundation of American economic prosperity is a society empowered with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions to achieve the American Dream.  During National Financial Literacy Month, we commit to providing critical resources for every American, young and old, helping them invest in a brighter, more secure future.
    Financial independence allows each of us the opportunity to diligently save and freely invest in our robust, and rapidly evolving economy.  As part of my recent effort to strengthen American leadership in digital financial technology, my Administration is supporting the responsible growth and use of digital assets, blockchain technology, and related technologies across all sectors of the economy.  The United States is the best, most innovative  in the world, and we want everyone to invest in, and reap the benefits of, expanding our nation’s prosperity.
    Research shows financial literacy leads to greater investments, higher retirement savings, and ultimately more household wealth.  It is essential for fostering a healthy and efficient marketplace.  The Financial Literacy and Education Commission is a body chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury and comprised of the heads of 23 federal agencies and the White House Domestic Policy Council.  The Commission plays a pivotal role in financial literacy by assessing the effectiveness of financial education programs and promoting practices that empower American families.
    Upon taking office, I took immediate action to end the cost-of-living crisis, ordering all federal agencies to untangle the economy from crippling regulatory overreach—delivering long overdue relief to hardworking American families.  Under my leadership, we will continue to strengthen and support American families by eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security while extending the historic tax cuts from my first term.  We are also deregulating and collaborating with employers and local partners to help Americans build more secure and prosperous futures for themselves and their families.
    We will never stop fighting to put more money back in the pockets of our overburdened taxpayers and to end the waste, fraud, and abuse in Government. With enhanced financial literacy, Americans are forging their own economic destinies free from unnecessary government interference.  As President, I will revive the American Dream, turning it from a relic of the past to a promise for the future in our new Golden Age.
    During this National Financial Literacy Month, I urge families, communities, schools, and institutions to commit to bolstering their financial knowledge.  There are amazing resources available to you and your family through the Department of the Treasury’s website that will assist you in making sound financial decisions.  Together, we can all protect each American’s right to economic freedom, securing the promise of prosperity for generations to come.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Meeting of the Weimar+ – ministers back just and lasting peace in Ukraine

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    Published on April 1, 2025

    Joint statement by the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (March 31, 2025)

    Three days after the anniversary of the Bucha massacre, we reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, building on our Warsaw Declaration of 19 November, our Berlin Declaration of 12 December and our Paris Declaration of 12 February.

    Ukraine has shown its strong commitment to peace, also by agreeing to a full ceasefire without preconditions. However, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has not ceased. Instead of imposing new conditions and launching continued attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure that cause more and more victims, Russia must now show it is serious about ending its war. We call on Russia to stop its delaying tactics and reciprocate by agreeing without delay, as Ukraine has done, to an immediate, unconditional ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We need to see progress within a clear timeframe.

    Building on the recent meetings in Paris and London, we took forward the discussion on how best to support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which is vital for Ukraine, for Europe and for the whole international community.

    We remain committed to further political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine, together with our international partners. To this end, we will strengthen Ukraine through significant short- and long-term military support, also in the framework of Capability Coalitions and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which will hold its next meeting on 11 April. Many European partners, including the members of this group, have made substantive additional pledges to support Ukraine militarily and are planning similar commitments in the future.

    We also stand ready to apply further pressure on Russia using all tools available, including by adopting new sanctions, to hinder its ability to wage its war of aggression and to ensure Ukraine is placed in the best position possible to secure a just and lasting peace. We reiterate that Russia’s assets should remain immobilized until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused.

    We are also strongly committed to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The progress made on establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, within the framework of the Council of Europe, is an important step.

    A credible pathway to peace must include humanitarian relief efforts, notably the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilians and the return of all Ukrainian children and other civilians unlawfully deported and transferred to Russia and Belarus.

    We support efforts for a ceasefire that can lead to the establishment of a just and lasting peace. We welcome recent progress to define the essential elements for a viable and sustainable ceasefire, including a clear framework of monitoring and verification.

    Peace must be sustainable, backed by effective guarantees to prevent further acts of aggression. Real, robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine are an indispensable element of a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraine’s sovereign right to determine its security relationships with its partners, and on the duty of the international community to prevent future Russian aggression. We stand ready to play a leading role in this regard.

    Peace must be just, and Russia’s war of aggression cannot end with a reward to the aggressor. There can be no agreement that compromises on Euro-Atlantic security and the independence, sovereignty territorial integrity of Ukraine. We will not accept any agreement that restricts Ukraine’s military and defence industry or the military presence of partner countries in Ukraine.

    We stand ready to do our share in order to achieve this peace. Europe now provides almost two-thirds of all support to Ukraine, and 60% of military aid. We reiterate our ironclad commitment to NATO as the bedrock of Euro-Atlantic security and commit to take on greater responsibility for the future of the security and defence of the European continent, aiming at a significant result at the summit in The Hague.

    We reiterate the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny and to defend its democracy. Ukraine’s future is in Europe and in the European Union, and Ukraine’s future is crucial for the security of Europe. Europe must be fully involved in the negotiations and will make its own decisions.

    We remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners.

    We reaffirm our commitment to our democratic values, and to further engage with our global partners in order to promote together a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the universal principles of the United Nations Charter.

    We reaffirm that Europe must assume more responsibility for its own security and become better equipped and deal with immediate and future challenges. (…)./.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Introduce Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United Ruling, Get Dark Money out of Politics

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to overturn the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United v. FEC decision, which overturned key federal campaign finance restrictions and enabled political entities to spend unlimited money to influence elections. The “Democracy for All” Amendment would also overturn other far-reaching judicial decisions around campaign finance that wrongfully equated money with free speech and unfairly determined that mega corporations have the same First Amendment rights as people.
    “Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision, billionaires like Elon Musk have been pouring unlimited amounts of dark money in an effort to influence elections – increasing Washington gridlock,” said Senator Rosen. “Nevadans are sick and tired of mega-corporations and dark money special interest groups spending huge sums to influence our elections. Our Constitutional amendment will help root out dark money and limit excessive corporate campaign spending. I’ll keep pushing to pass this commonsense legislation that strengthens our democracy.”
    Senator Rosen has been a leading voice in the fight to clean up Washington and make it work for Nevadans. Last year, her bipartisan No CORRUPTION Act became law, barring Members of Congress from collecting taxpayer-funded pensions if they are convicted of felonies related to their official duties.
    Last Congress, Senator Rosen announced her support for legislation to reduce lobbyist influence in Washington and increase transparency and accountability in Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Colleagues Call on Attorney General to Appoint Special Counsel to Investigate Trump Administration’s National Security Breach

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined Senate colleagues in sending a letter urging U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to appoint a Special Counsel to thoroughly and impartially investigate whether any of the government officials involved in the disclosure of classified material over an unclassified messaging app violated federal criminal law. On March 24, The Atlantic’s editor in chief reported that President Trump’s National Security Advisor Michael Waltz had included him in a group text chain with several high-ranking national security officials where highly sensitive, classified information was shared and discussed over Signal on unsecure, internet-connected smartphones. The Trump Administration has repeatedly refused to acknowledge wrongdoing and it has indicated that it is not interested in thoroughly investigating what happened.
    “These officials conducted a highly sensitive discussion, including of clearly classified or controlled information, over the commercial messaging app Signal, including in some instances on personal devices and while traveling in foreign countries, rather than using the secure U.S. government channels and facilities that are designed and required for the sharing of such information,” wrote the senators. “Despite subsequent claims to the contrary by you, President Trump, and several of the officials involved, including in testimony before Congress, some of the information they shared and discussed over Signal would almost certainly be considered classified or, at a minimum, controlled, prior to and in the immediate aftermath of an impending strike.”
    “During your confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, you assured the American people that everyone will be held to ‘an equal, fair system of justice’ if you were confirmed as Attorney General, and that ‘no one is above the law,” they continued. “As the individuals most seriously implicated in this incident include senior officials at the highest levels, including several of your fellow cabinet members, appointment of a Special Counsel is necessary to ensure that the investigation and any ensuing prosecutions are fair, impartial, and independent and that no official, regardless of seniority or political affiliation, is above the law. The people of this country deserve the assurance that this matter will be taken seriously and addressed swiftly. To do so, we urge you to appoint a Special Counsel immediately.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Since the disclosure of this national security breach was made public, Senator Rosen has been working to get to the bottom of this violation of security protocols that put the lives of U.S. troops at greater risk. Last week, she led 15 of her Senate colleagues in a letter calling on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold hearings to fully investigate this national security breach. Senator Rosen also released a statement strongly criticizing this inexcusable failure that could have endangered American lives, and called for disciplinary action on the matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo: Surging violence as armed groups target civilians in the east, Human Rights Council hears

    Source: United Nations 2

    Human Rights

    Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with 602 victims of extrajudicial or summary executions in North and South Kivu recorded over just two months, the Human Rights Council heard on Tuesday.

    The grim revelation emerged during a high-level discussion at the UN in Geneva on the human rights situation in DRC.

    ​​The Council – the UN’s foremost human rights forum – also heard updates on allegations of ongoing abuses in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

    Surging violence

    Despite best efforts, armed groups including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel forces have made major recent gains – occupying cities such as Goma and Bukavu – causing mass displacement.

    Conflict-related sexual violence “is being committed by all parties,” warned UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, citing a 270 per cent spike in reported cases since January.

    “Any plans for a sustainable peace must tackle the root causes of the conflict, including the illegal exploitation of the national wealth that lies in natural resources,” she said, also calling for action against hate speech and corruption.

    She underscored the alarming scale of the crisis: nearly 26 million people face food insecurity, and over 7.8 million are now displaced nationwide. In the east – where multiple armed groups have battled national forces and allied militia for years – more than 1.6 million children are out of school.

    Renewed conflict and repression in South Sudan

    Turning to South Sudan, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) Global Operations Division Director, Maarit Kohonen Sheriff, painted a stark picture of escalating violence and political tension.

    She noted a “severe security, human rights and humanitarian crisis,” including deadly attacks in Upper Nile State and aerial bombardments that have displaced civilians and destroyed infrastructure.

    The Council heard that arrests and detentions linked to political affiliations, including members of the leading opposition militia, known as the SPLM-IO, have raised serious concerns, with some detainees held without access to legal representation or external monitoring.

    “The recent house arrest of First Vice President, Riek Machar is alarming,” Ms. Sheriff said, warning of threats to the 2018 power-sharing arrangement under the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

    Despite some progress – including new transitional justice laws and the creation of a human rights defenders’ network in Unity State – civic space remains severely restricted, and documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence have risen by 72 per cent compared to the previous year.

    Urgent funding needs

    Efforts to train prosecutors and police on investigating sexual violence were highlighted as positive, but Ms. Sheriff emphasised the urgent need for funding and international support.

    “Human rights technical cooperation efforts will only bear fruit if the parties in South Sudan recommit to the peace agreement,” she said.

    The international community must continue to support nation-building efforts and help “prevent a relapse into civil war,” she further emphasised.

    Fragile gains in Central African Republic

    The Council also heard updates from the Central African Republic (CAR), with Ms. Sheriff recognising the Government’s progress in adopting policies to promote human rights, including new protections for human rights defenders.

    Nevertheless, she stressed that the situation “remains difficult”, with violations still being committed by all parties to the conflict.

    Ms. Sheriff highlighted atrocities by armed groups such as the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé militia in Haut-Oubangui, compounded by spillover violence from Sudan

    “An effective decentralisation process is essential for responsible governance,” she told the Council, urging inclusive local elections and more civic participation, especially by women and youth.

    Transparent justice

    Independent Expert Yao Agbetse echoed her call, urging full implementation of national reforms and increased transparency in justice. While noting progress, he warned that rights violations remain widespread, particularly in areas under armed group control.

    CAR’s Justice Minister, Arnaud Djoubaye Abazene, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to extending judicial institutions across the country.

    “The population is thirsty for justice,” he said, citing efforts to expand courts and upcoming local elections as signs of resolve.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Proclaims April Sikh Heritage Month

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 1, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed April as Sikh Heritage Month. This month is dedicated to recognizing and honouring the rich culture, history and contributions of the Sikh community.

    “Our government values the cultural richness, hard work and community spirit that the Sikh community contributes to Saskatchewan,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “That is why I am pleased to announce that today the Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed the month of April as Sikh Heritage Month.”

    Sikh Heritage Month provides opportunities to learn about Sikh culture and traditions while educating future generations. It is also a time to recognize the contributions the Sikh communities have made to our province in various fields such as business, arts, education and public service.

    “Sikh Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the rich history, culture and contributions of the Sikh community,” Guru Nanak Free Kitchen Regina and Calgary Founder Sandeep Sandhu said. “It reminds us of the values of equality, service and compassion, and celebrates the resilience and strength of a diverse community that continues to shape our shared future.”

    Throughout the month, various events and activities will take place in communities across the province.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –