NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Files Amendments to Republican Budget Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON –  As the Senate prepares for an all-night vote-a-rama on the Republican reconciliation budget bill agenda that will cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy at the expense of Virginia families, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, filed 21 amendments to the GOP budget proposal to address the needs of working Americans and taking aim at the Trump administration’s lawlessness.
    “As President Trump and Senate Republicans try to move a budget resolution clearing the way to cut taxes for the richest Americans at the expense of the programs working families depend on, it’s important to understand what we’re talking about here: the GOP plans to provide tax breaks for billionaires while slashing health care, education and public safety and doing nothing about the really big problems most Americans are facing, like the rising costs of housing and child care,” said Sen. Warner. “I hope some of my Republican friends will think twice about supporting a budget plan that cuts taxes for the richest and doubles down on the chaos of the Trump-Musk administration.”
    Specifically, Warner’s amendments would:
    Put senators on the record for raising costs, gutting programs American families rely on
    Create a point of order against any reconciliation bill that would not decrease the cost of housing for American families. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to providing benefits to survivors of miners who died due to pneumoconiosis. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would increase monthly student loan costs for borrowers of Federal student loans. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to preserving funding and current staffing levels at the Department of Education. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to providing affordable health care for American families, which may include making permanent the extended and expanded advance premium tax credits. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would increase the cost of child care for United State families. Text
    Create a point of order against any reconciliation legislation that would increase health care costs for children receiving Medicaid. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to prohibiting cuts to critical health programs, which may include preventing the institution of a Medicaid per capita cap policy. Text
    Put senators on the record on combating Trump-Musk lawlessness and corruption
    Establish a deficit-neutral fund relating to protecting the American people from the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, transnational organized crime, and terrorism by prohibiting the mass termination of critical employees in the intelligence community. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation if certain Federal civil service laws are being violated. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to ensuring that employees of the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and elements of the intelligence community are not subject to retaliation and firing due to political preferences of any Presidential administration. Text
    Create a point of order against consideration of reconciliation legislation until the Congressional Budget Office certifies that health, education, research, law enforcement, and foreign aid funding authorized by Congress is not subject to programmatic funding delays, deferrals, or rescissions. Text
    Create a point of order against considering funding legislation for the Office of the President while there is pending litigation alleging a violation of the Take Care Clause. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation that would rescind obligated or awarded amount made available under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Text
    Create a point of order against considering reconciliation legislation during a period during which there is an ongoing violation of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974, as determined by the Comptroller General of the United States. Text
    Create a point of order against consideration of spending or revenue legislation during any period during which there is an ongoing violation of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, as determined by the Comptroller General of the United States. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to protecting duly-enacted appropriations from unconstitutional cancellation by the President. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation during any year in which an employee has been placed in administrative leave for more than a total of 10 work days. Text
    Create a point of order against reconciliation legislation during any period in which there is litigation pending against the President or another Federal officer alleging a violation of certain provisions of title 5, United States Code. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to protecting classified and sensitive information on programs and individuals of the United States from being accessed by DOGE employees. Text
    Establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to prohibiting the closure or relocation of Federal agencies without congressional authorization. Text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Opposes Kash Patel as FBI Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement on his vote opposing the confirmation of Kash Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

    “The person in charge of running America’s most elite and powerful law enforcement agency should be someone with unquestioned character and integrity, a person with vast experience and clear independence who will put the Constitution and public safety first.

    “When a Republican like William Webster, who served as President Reagan’s FBI and CIA Director, says Mr. Patel should not be FBI Director, people, especially Republicans, ought to listen.  Sadly, once again, my colleagues are going along to get along.

    “Kash Patel is by far the most partisan, ideological, and extremist pick for this critical position.  Mr. Patel has no experience as a senior law enforcement officer.  Rather, he was chosen for his submissive fealty to Donald Trump and rabid willingness to serve Trump’s personal interest instead of the public interest. 

    “Mr. Patel’s past actions and statements make clear his focus will be turning the FBI from an apolitical agency into Trump’s politically-motivated police force.  I am deeply concerned that Mr. Patel will abuse the FBI’s resources and direct them against anyone who disagrees with President Trump or declines to carry out Trump’s wishes, including members of the media exercising their First Amendment rights through accurate reporting and ordinary Americans exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and assembly.

    “Even Trump’s own Attorney General from his first term said that Patel would become FBI director over his dead body.  And Trump’s own Vice President and White House counsel from his first term intervened to prevent Patel from being appointed as CIA deputy director.  Having seen his work up close, they had grave concerns about giving Mr. Patel responsibility and authority to enforce the law.

    “And in a stunning move, Mr. Patel has refused to sell his shares of a Chinese company and stands to receive millions of dollars in compensation while he will be responsible for protecting the American people from the threats of Chinese espionage and cybercrime.

    “Mr. Patel routinely spreads misinformation and debunked conspiracies and cannot be trusted to be forthright and truthful to Congress or the American people.  For these reasons and more, he is not fit to lead the FBI.”

    In practice, FBI Directors serve a ten-year term that spans multiple administrations unless they resign, die, or are removed.  Over the last thirty years, there have been just four Senate-confirmed FBI Directors: Louis Freeh; Robert Mueller; James Comey; and Christopher Wray, who President Donald Trump nominated during his first term and who President Joe Biden kept on.

    This marks the first time in his Senate career that Senator Reed voted to oppose a nominee to lead the FBI.  Mr. Patel’s nomination was narrowly approved on a vote of 51-49.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed: Federal Government Must Assist Flood Victims, Invest in Flood Resilience & Reauthorize National Flood Insurance Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – After severe winter storms over the weekend caused major flooding and wind damage across several states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and West Virginia, causing multiple deaths and leaving communities in disrepair, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Committee, said it is important for the federal government to help states recover and assist flood victims and those directly impacted.  

    “When Rhode Island has been hit by major flooding in the past, the federal government has stepped in with real relief and it needs to do the same for people in Kentucky and other states impacted by climate change and severe weather.  These devastating floods are further proof that Congress must act swiftly to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, invest in flood resilience, and double down on clean energy,” said Senator Reed.  “Ordinary Americans can see and feel the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise for themselves.  Climate change is real and is having a widespread, devastating impact.  The federal government can’t bury its head in the sand or drill its way out of this problem, it needs to invest wisely and help communities adapt.”  

    The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was originally established in 1968 and is the principal provider of flood insurance across the United States. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the flood-insurance program and pays NFIP claims.  

    NFIP’s authorization is set to expire on March 14, 2025 unless Congress and President Trump take action.  Project 2025 calls for abolishing the NFIP, which could cause major economic upheaval, disrupting home sales and property insurance nationwide.  

    All fifty states have been or are currently going through a federal-state assessment process with FEMA for how states conduct floodplain management programs for all state-owned properties and state-development projects that are in Special Flood Hazard Areas to determine compliance with the minimum requirements of the NFIP.  

    “Higher seas and stronger storms are already in the forecast and homeowners, renters, businesses, and communities nationwide are at risk of substantial losses due to flooding.  Insurance companies are abandoning entire states due to the risk of climate change driven weather. The National Flood Insurance Program provides a way to protect against such risk and the program should be reauthorized and improved to better protect the public,” said Senator Reed.  “We also need coordinated national action and global leadership on climate change.  President Trump is irresponsibly undoing long-term environmental investments in order to generate bigger tax windfalls for the wealthy.  Instead, we should be focusing on improving the resilience of American communities and our economy by strengthening our infrastructure and protecting natural resources.”  

    Reed noted that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plays a key role monitoring extreme weather, tracking water levels, and informing communities and residents when life-threatening flooding may occur and prompting evacuations.  

    But despite the critical roles that both FEMA and NOAA play, the Trump Administration continues to target these federal agencies for mass-firings and funding cuts that could undercut their ability to protect Americans in future emergencies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich Statement Opposing FBI Director Nominee Kash Patel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement opposing the nomination of Kash Patel for the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

    “Kash Patel has glorified convicted criminals who attacked police officers on January 6, peddled outrageous conspiracy theories, and threatened to defund parts of the FBI while using what remains to exact revenge on President Trump’s political enemies.

    “Mr. Patel was nominated for one reason: To do Donald Trump’s bidding. That’s a direct contradiction of the FBI’s motto: ‘Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity.’ Mr. Patel’s poor judgment and lack of national security experience make him wholly unqualified to keep Americans safe as our FBI Director. For these reasons, I voted no on his nomination.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Join Senate Democrats In Amicus Brief Slamming President Trump’s Lawless Removal Of Inspectors General; Calls For More Transparency Amidst The Chaos Of The Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief on behalf of eight inspectors general who were illegally fired by President Trump at the start of his term. The Senators noted that the role of an inspector general is to ensure the laws enacted by Congress are faithfully executed, and an inspector general cannot be removed without proper notification to the Congress.

    This lawless act is just one of many perpetrated by the current administration. As President Trump continues to break down the roles of checks and balances in this country, he also has dissolved the oversight process. Today, Senate Democrats strongly condemn these firings and are working within the court system to overturn this clear violation of law.

    “In the last month, I’ve heard from thousands of New Mexicans whose lives Donald Trump and Elon Musk have thrown into chaos – from threatening the Social Security seniors depend on to the health care veterans have earned through their service. Now, instead of delivering for American families, Trump and Musk are illegally firing the very people who cut the government waste, fraud, and abuse they claim to want to eliminate,” said Heinrich. “I’m joining this Amicus Brief to stand up for the rule of law and oppose the corruption Trump, Musk, and their unelected billionaire lackeys are trying to get away with.” 

    “In just a few weeks into the Trump administration, New Mexicans are seeing the chaos, confusion, and corruption that President Trump and Elon Musk are inflicting on the American people,” said Luján. “The President and Elon Musk are on a mission to gut the federal workforce, slash critical programs that New Mexicans rely on, and fire the people who are responsible for upholding the rule of law. To hold the President and the Administration accountable, I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues in exposing the President’s illegal firing of inspectors general and blatant disregard for checks and balances.”

    The amicus brief can be seen here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Demand VA Secretary Collins Put Veterans First, Reverse Mass Firings of VA Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) are calling on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated last week who serve veterans and their families nationwide, including critical employees combatting veteran suicide working at the Veterans Crisis Line.

    The Trump Administration’s mass terminations of VA employees, which included a substantive number of veterans and military spouses, comes at a time when VA faces critical staffing shortages and increased demand for its services, such as urgently needed mental health care to reduce the veteran suicide rate. In addition, many of these terminated employees had exemplary performance records and multiple years of work experience in government service.

    “Last week, we were outraged by the Administration’s abrupt and indiscriminate termination of tens of thousands of workers across almost every government agency, including more than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees,” the senators wrote in a letter to the VA Secretary. “We were further disturbed by the manner in which you publicly celebrated this reprehensible announcement – a clear departure from the assurances provided throughout your confirmation process to never ‘balance budgets on the back of veterans’ benefits’ and to always ‘put the veteran first.’ Not only will this latest action put veterans’ care and benefits at risk, but it further confuses, demoralizes, and threatens a VA workforce we need to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise to our veterans and their families who have already sacrificed so much.”

    The senators directly refuted VA Secretary Collins’ vague assurances that these terminations “will not negatively impact VA health care, benefits, or beneficiaries,” by detailing the ways the Trump Administration directives to gut VA’s workforce are already harming veterans:

    • Openings for new clinics have been delayed because VA cannot hire the necessary staff to open their doors, including a VA clinic in Fredericksburg, Virginia;
    • Service lines at VA hospitals and clinics have been halted;
    • Beds and operating rooms at VA facilities have been suspended;
    • Support lines for caregivers have been reduced;
    • Veterans Crisis Line employees have been fired, and suicide prevention training sessions have been postponed or canceled; and
    • Transportation options for disabled veterans, which help ensure veterans can attend regular health care appointments, have been cut back because volunteer drivers are now unable to get credentialed.

    The senators underscored how these terminations are a massive waste of taxpayer dollars that have already been spent recruiting, vetting, and training these VA employees:“Because probationary employees tend to be younger, many of them represented the next generation of VA employees – talented men and women who chose a long-term career path of serving veterans. VA already invested in recruiting and training these individuals because veterans deserve the very best staff possible.”

    The senators continued, “The list of real-life negative impacts of this Administration’s directives is expansive and growing every day. Rather than putting the interests of veterans first, you made your priorities abundantly clear in your statement applauding the mass firings: ‘At VA, we are focused on saving money.’ It’s clear from the slashing of services and benefits this priority is coming directly at the expense of veterans.”

    The senators concluded by calling on Collins to put veterans first and rescind the blanket layoffs of the more than 1,000 VA employees: “With the best interests of veterans in mind, and to ensure VA is capable of carrying out its sacred obligation of behalf of veterans, we urge you to immediately reinstate all of the employees dismissed in the latest indiscriminate terminations and commit to VA employees and veterans that no additional widespread terminations will occur without advanced notification to Congress, a detailed justification, coordination with service-level leadership, and an appropriate assessment of potential impacts on veterans’ health care and benefits. Congress remains ready to collaborate with you, if you are willing to come to the table and put the needs of our veterans above all else.”

    The letter was led by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). In addition to Heinrich and Luján, the letter was also joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    The full text of the senators’ letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM statement in response to the release of deceased hostages held in Gaza

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister made a statement in response to the release of deceased hostages held in Gaza.

    I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Oded Lifschitz after he was taken hostage by terrorists in Gaza, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to his daughter Sharone and his wife Yocheved.

    When I met Sharone in Downing Street, she showed remarkable strength in the face of the most difficult circumstances. The news of her father’s death is a tragedy. It is my hope that the peace he worked to see in the region through his charity work and activism will be achieved.

    My thoughts are also with the Bibas family, who have faced immense pain as they awaited news of Shiri and her sons Kfir and Ariel. 

    We must see all remaining hostages released, and the ceasefire upheld. My government remains committed to working with our international partners to bring an end this suffering and secure a long-term peace in the Middle East.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ChildFund – Don’t Abandon Ukrainian Children Now

    Source: ChildFund New Zealand

    “While the politicians talk, Ukrainian children enter their fourth year of no school and no normal childhood – longer if you include the interruptions of Covid,” says Josie Pagani CEO of ChildFund.
    Thousands of children have relied on the help of New Zealanders and others around the world to make sure they can keep accessing online education, have safe places to play, or learn abroad as their families seek refuge in places like Moldova.
    Many have never set foot in a classroom.
    ChildFund will keep supporting these children, with the help of donations from the New Zealand public, and support from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
    “This is the generation who will have to rebuild Ukraine. They will be the builders, engineers, teachers, and leaders of the future. It’s not just that they deserve to be safe, to learn, to have a future like any other child. It’s also that they are literally the future of Ukraine,” says Josie Pagani.
    Since 2022, ChildFund’s partners implementing the Ukraine Regional Refugee Response have:
    • Reached over 3,700 caregivers and children with psychosocial support and counselling services
    • Provided access to child friendly spaces, supporting access for 2,383 children to play activities and facilities
    • Provided child dedicated food bags to 8,237 children and caregivers
    • Provided access to additional education and training services for 204 children and young people
    • Provided referrals, assistive devices and systems strengthening for 88 children with disabilities and service providers.
    Since Russia invaded, more than 4,000 schools and educational institutions in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed.
    “We are asking New Zealanders to keep supporting these efforts. Ukrainian children need decent food, safe places to learn. They need to be able to play like other children, and get the counselling they so desperately need.”
    “We don’t know how this war will end. But we do know these children will be tasked with rebuilding their country and their communities. They need our support more than ever.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $29 million set aside for Queensland roads and rail crossings

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Roads and rail crossings across Queensland will receive important safety upgrades thanks to almost $29 million in new Albanese Government funding. 

    $14.6 million will go towards 50 high-priority improvements to railway level crossings across the state’s regional road network. Projects will increase safety at these critical junctures, with potential works including upgrades to boom gates, flashing lights, signage, sealing and more. 

    The Albanese Government recognises that local governments are crucial to maintaining and upgrading transport infrastructure.

    A further $14.17 million will help fund the following four new projects under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP):

    • Almost $4.5 million to the Mareeba Shire Council for widening Leadingham Creek Road and upgrading the culvert at Sandy Creek in Dimbulah. 
    • $5 million to theQueensland Department of Transport and Main Roads for a new heavy vehicle rest area on the Kennedy Highway (Cairns–Mareeba) at Koah.
    • Almost $3 million to the Moreton Bay Regional Council for the Caboolture River Road Safety Upgrades in Upper Caboolture & $1.7 million for the O’Mara Road Upgrade at Narangba. 

    The SLRIP is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to support the delivery of safer roads across Australia. 

    Investment for the level crossings falls under the Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF), which aims to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents that have a devastating impact on communities.

    Further information on the information on the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is available here, and Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund here.

    Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:

    “The Albanese Government recognises that local governments are crucial to maintaining and upgrading transport infrastructure.

    “We have increased funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to make sure we continue to invest in better, safer local roads across Queensland and Australia. 

    “We are committed to delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety and in a way that reduces the burden on them, allowing more money to be spent on projects and less on administration.”

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

    “Councils know their local road networks inside out, that’s why we’re backing four much needed roads projects thanks to the additional $14.17 million.

    “But it’s not just roads, our state’s growing dependence on rail transport for freight is why we’re working with the State Government on improving rail crossing safety across Queensland.

    “The $14.6 million worth of funding will support the delivery of low-cost treatments such as boom gates, signage, flashing lights and rumble strips, which aim to better alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional rail crossings.”

     

    Funded projects – Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund:

    Project / Railway crossing

    Project location 

    Jambin Dakenba Road (ID6025)

    Earlsfield

    105 Callemondah Drive (ID6090)

    Callemondah

    105 Callemondah Drive (ID708)

    Callemondah

    Saville Road level crossing improvement works

    Allenview

    Booroondarra Road

    Middlemount

    Bulliwallah Rd Level Crossing Upgrade Project

    Belyando

    Tolmies Road

    Blackwater

    Tryphinia Road

    Locality – Wallaroo

    Stratford Rd Level Crossing Upgrade Project

    Mt Cooloon

    Mourindilla Road

    Dingo

    Robino Road Crossing Light Installation

    Braemeadows

    Camp Creek Road level crossing upgrade to active controls

    Running Creek

    Sarina upgrade

    Sarina

    Jambin Dakenba Road (ID6554)

    Earlsfield

    BSL Greatheads

    Woongarra

    Alma Street Crossing Light Installation

    Halifax

    BSL Managers House

    Qunaba

    BSL Ashfield

    Ashfield

    BSL Klotzs

    Windermere

    BSL Golcherts

    Woongarra

    BSL Bargara School

    Qunaba

    Yarrawonga Road

    Blackwater

    Innisfree Road

    Emerald

    533 Marian – Eton Road Ch 0.344km

    Marion

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 5

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 6

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    Wilson St and Kennedy Development Rd intersection

    Winton

    88A Bowen Developmental Road (Bowen-Collinsville) Ch32.6km

    Bowen

    10G Bruce Highway (St Lawrence – Mackay) Ch142.28km

    Mackay

    10G Bruce Highway (St Lawrence – Mackay) Ch 144.307km

    Mackay

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 1

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 2

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 3

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 4

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 5

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 6

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 7

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 8

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 1

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 2

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 3

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 4

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 7

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 8

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 9

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 10

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    Whitsunday Coast Airport access road (Lascelles Avenue)

    Gunyarra

    Alice Street Mitchell

    Mitchell

    Cunningham Street Dalby

    Dalby

    Nicolson Street Dalby

    Dalby

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber Respond to Appellate Court’s Prompt Order in Huntington Beach Voter ID Lawsuit

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, February 20, 2025

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

    SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. today issued the following statements in response the unanimous order by a three-judge panel of the California Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three, on the petition for writ of mandate that the state filed last week concerning Huntington Beach’s Measure A. Measure A amended the city’s charter to purportedly allow the city to impose additional voting restrictions prohibited by state law for all municipal elections starting in 2026. According to the order, the lower court’s “conclusion that this matter is not ripe for decision is problematic” and the city’s argument that “it had a constitutional right to regulate its own municipal elections free from state interference . . . is also problematic.”

    “We are grateful for, and encouraged by, the appellate court’s prompt action,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Our priority remains the same: making sure that Huntington Beach’s Measure A is struck down as quickly as possible.” 

    “We are pleased with the court’s order and direction this case is headed,” said Secretary of State Shirley Weber. “I look forward to a resolution that protects California voters.”

    In the order, the California Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three, instructs the lower court — the Orange County Superior Court — to notify the appellate court by February 28, 2025 whether it intends to modify its order granting the city’s motion to dismiss the case. If the lower court does not modify its earlier order, the parties are invited to file briefs with the appellate court by March 10, 2025 responding to the appellate court’s tentative analysis.

    In response to the appellate court’s order, the lower court has scheduled a hearing in the case. The hearing is scheduled for February 25, 2025.

    A copy of the appellate court’s order can be found here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: E Split Corp. Renews At-The-Market Equity Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: ENS, ENS.PR.A) E Split Corp. (the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has renewed its at-the-market equity program (“ATM Program”) that allows the Company to issue Class A and Preferred Shares (the “Class A Shares” and “Preferred Shares”, respectively) to the public from time to time, at the Company’s discretion. Any Class A Shares or Preferred Shares sold in the ATM Program will be sold through the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) or any other marketplace in Canada on which the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares are listed, quoted or otherwise traded at the prevailing market price at the time of sale.

    Sales of Class A Shares and Preferred Shares through the ATM Program will be made pursuant to the terms of an equity distribution agreement dated February 14, 2025 (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with National Bank Financial Inc. (the “Agent”). Sales of Class A Shares and Preferred Shares will be made by way of “at-the-market distributions” as defined in National Instrument 44-102 Shelf Distributions on the TSX or on any marketplace for the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares in Canada. Since the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares will be distributed at the prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, prices may vary among purchasers during the period of distribution.

    The ATM Program is being offered pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated February 14, 2025 to the Company’s short form base shelf prospectus dated February 12, 2025. The maximum gross proceeds from the issuance of the shares will be $200,000,000 for each of the Class A and Preferred Shares. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the short form base shelf prospectus may be obtained from your registered financial advisor or from representatives of the Agent and are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.. The volume and timing of distributions under the ATM Program, if any, will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion. The ATM Program will be effective until March 13, 2027, unless terminated prior to such date by the Company.

    The Company intends to use the proceeds from the ATM Program in accordance with the investment objectives and investment strategies of the Company, subject to the investment restrictions of the Company. E Split Corp. invests in a portfolio comprised primarily of common shares of Enbridge Inc. (“Enbridge”), a leading North American oil and gas pipeline, gas processing, and natural gas distribution company. Middlefield Capital Corporation provides investment management advice to the Company.

    The investment objectives for the Class A Shares are to provide holders with non-cumulative monthly cash distributions and to provide holders with the opportunity for capital appreciation potential. The investment objectives for the Preferred Shares are to provide holders with fixed cumulative preferential quarterly cash distributions, currently in the amount of $0.1750 per Preferred Share, and to return the original issue price to holders of Preferred Shares on June 30, 2028.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell shares of the investment funds on the Toronto Stock Exchange or other alternative Canadian trading system (an “exchange”). If the shares are purchased or sold on an exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying shares of the investment fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning shares of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the funds. You can find more detailed information about the fund in the public filings available at www.sedar.com. The indicated rates of return are the historical annual compounded total returns including changes in share value and reinvestment of all distributions and do not take into account certain fees such as redemption costs or income taxes payable by any securityholder that would have reduced returns. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    Certain statements in this press release may be viewed as forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends” (or negative or grammatical variations thereof), or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements including as a result of changes in the general economic and political environment, changes in applicable legislation, and the performance of each fund. There are no assurances the funds can fulfill such forward-looking statements and the funds do not undertake any obligation to update such statements. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing one or more of the funds, many of which are beyond the control of the funds. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Real Estate Split Corp. Renews At-The-Market Equity Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States.

    TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: RS, RS.PR.A) Real Estate Split Corp. (the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has renewed its at-the-market equity program (“ATM Program”) that allows the Company to issue Class A and Preferred Shares (the “Class A Shares” and “Preferred Shares”, respectively) to the public from time to time, at the Company’s discretion. Any Class A Shares or Preferred Shares sold in the ATM Program will be sold through the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) or any other marketplace in Canada on which the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares are listed, quoted or otherwise traded at the prevailing market price at the time of sale.

    Sales of Class A Shares and Preferred Shares through the ATM Program will be made pursuant to the terms of an equity distribution agreement dated February 14, 2025 (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with National Bank Financial Inc. (the “Agent”). Sales of Class A Shares and Preferred Shares will be made by way of “at-the-market distributions” as defined in National Instrument 44-102 Shelf Distributions on the TSX or on any marketplace for the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares in Canada. Since the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares will be distributed at the prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, prices may vary among purchasers during the period of distribution.

    The ATM Program is being offered pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated February 14, 2025 to the Company’s short form base shelf prospectus dated February 12, 2025. The maximum gross proceeds from the issuance of the shares will be $75,000,000 for each of the Class A and Preferred Shares. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the short form base shelf prospectus may be obtained from your registered financial advisor or from representatives of the Agent and are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The volume and timing of distributions under the ATM Program, if any, will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion. The ATM Program will be effective until March 13, 2027, unless terminated prior to such date by the Company.

    The Company intends to use the proceeds from the ATM Program in accordance with the investment objectives and investment strategies of the Company, subject to the investment restrictions of the Company. Real Estate Split Corp. has been designed to provide investors with a diversified, actively managed, high conviction portfolio comprised of issuers operating in the real estate or related sectors, including real estate investment trusts, that are engaged in E-Commerce, data infrastructure as well as the multi-family, retail, office and healthcare sectors. Middlefield Capital Corporation provides investment management advice to the Company.

    The investment objectives for the Class A Shares are to provide holders with non-cumulative monthly cash distributions and to provide holders with the opportunity for capital appreciation potential. On August 17, 2021, the monthly cash distribution was increased to $0.13 per Class A Share from $0.10 per Class A Share. The investment objectives for the Preferred Shares are to provide holders with fixed cumulative preferential quarterly cash distributions, currently in the amount of $0.13125 per Preferred Share, and to return the original issue price to holders of Preferred Shares on December 31, 2025.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell shares of the investment funds on the Toronto Stock Exchange or other alternative Canadian trading system (an “exchange”). If the shares are purchased or sold on an exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying shares of the investment fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning shares of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the funds. You can find more detailed information about the fund in the public filings available at www.sedar.com. The indicated rates of return are the historical annual compounded total returns including changes in share value and reinvestment of all distributions and do not take into account certain fees such as redemption costs or income taxes payable by any securityholder that would have reduced returns. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    Certain statements in this press release may be viewed as forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends” (or negative or grammatical variations thereof), or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements including as a result of changes in the general economic and political environment, changes in applicable legislation, and the performance of each fund. There are no assurances the funds can fulfill such forward-looking statements and the funds do not undertake any obligation to update such statements. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing one or more of the funds, many of which are beyond the control of the funds. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Files Amendments to Republican Budget Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, filed amendments to the Senate Republicans’ budget resolution in an attempt to improve the bill, which currently tees up tax cuts for billionaires by cutting critical funding for programs that Virginians rely on. Republicans are using a legislative process known as “reconciliation,” which allows certain legislation to be expedited and passed in the Senate by a simple majority, avoiding the 60-vote threshold needed for most other legislation. The Senate will begin consideration of the budget resolution later today.
    “I’d like to focus on cutting taxes for the middle-class. Unfortunately, Republicans disagree. Instead, they are coming after your Medicaid and Medicare benefits, your health care, education programs, and other critical funding that Virginians rely on so that they can tee up their tax cuts for billionaires. I’m filing several amendments to safeguard Virginians from President Trump’s proposed tariffs, which would raise costs; protect federal employees who provide essential services to millions of Americans; prevent cuts in funding for community health centers and national security programs; and more. I will be pushing to get votes on my amendments and will do everything I can to stop Republicans from passing policies that hurt Virginians and our economy and make us less safe,” Kaine said.
    Kaine filed a series of amendments, including:
    To cut taxes for middle-class Americans.
    To protect Americans from new, senseless taxes by preventing abuse of emergency authorities to launch trade wars with Canada and Mexico.
    To prevent cuts to federal funding for air traffic safety.
    To prevent the Department of Veterans’ Affairs from reducing its workforce below levels needed to staff and provide services at new or remodeled facilities.
    To prohibit funding for agency efforts to reclassify federal employees in the civil service outside of any schedule not currently in the competitive service.
    To prevent federal agencies and departments from terminating, rescheduling, or furloughing federal workers who are also veterans.
    To prevent federal employees in harm’s way overseas from losing critical protections.
    To protect Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and federal prosecutors from political retribution.
    To deny access to classified materials to anyone without a proper security clearance.
    To protect Virginians who receive health insurance coverage through Medicaid expansion.
    To protect rural hospitals from cuts that would threaten rural communities’ access to health care.
    To protect access to health care services provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers.
    To ensure working families are able to access affordable and high-quality child care.
    To prevent a reduction of programs that support high-quality teacher and school leader preparation.
    To protect seniors and people with disabilities who use long-term services and supports.
    To prevent reductions in staff at the Mine Safety and Health Administration, who ensure miners do not get hurt or die on the job.
    To undo the harm that the January federal funding freeze did to Head Start programs.
    To protect the Pell Grant program from facing cuts or changes to the program that will hurt low- and middle-income students most.
    To prohibit termination of national security programming implemented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
    To prohibit termination of foreign assistance contracts with U.S. farmers or with faith-based organizations.
    To prohibit funding for a new Middle East war in Gaza or appeasement of Russia in Ukraine.
    To prevent cuts to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
    To prevent cuts to voluntary conservation agriculture programs.
    To ensure that much-needed funding comes to Virginia to repair federally maintained trails—such as the Virginia Creeper Trail—impacted by natural disasters in 2024.
    To prohibit any efforts to privatize or defund the United States Postal Service.
    Kaine has spoken out against Republicans’ proposal on the Senate floor and during a Senate Budget Committee markup.
    President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are currently negotiating an extension to Trump’s 2017 tax law, which cut taxes for large corporations and the highest-income earners and substantially increased the federal deficit. They are now proposing broad-based tariffs and massive, across-the-board cuts to federal programs like Medicaid to fund these tax cuts for billionaires. Tax estimates have shown that if fully enacted, Trump’s tariffs could raise costs by $2,500 to nearly $4,000 per household, and American consumers could lose between $46 billion to $78 billion in spending power each year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: States Parties to Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to Hold Third Meeting at Headquarters, 3-7 March

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    NEW YORK, 20 February (Office for Disarmament Affairs) — The third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons will be held at the United Nations Headquarters from 3 to 7 March.  Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin (Kazakhstan) was elected as President.

    The Treaty was adopted on 7 July 2017 at the United Nations and entered into force on 22 January 2021.  It was the first multilateral nuclear disarmament treaty to be negotiated in more than two decades.  United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called the Treaty “an important step towards the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons and a strong demonstration of support for multilateral approaches to nuclear disarmament”.

    The third Meeting of States Parties will hold a thematic debate on the risks for humanity of nuclear conflict and its devastating humanitarian consequences.  States parties will also consider the status and operation of the Treaty, addressing issues related to universality; the total elimination of nuclear weapons; victim assistance, environmental remediation and international cooperation and assistance; and security concerns.  Other topics to be considered include scientific and technical advice for the effective implementation of the Treaty, the complementarity of the Treaty with the existing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime and implementing the gender provisions of the Treaty.

    The Meeting is expected to adopt a political declaration.

    The period since the conclusion of the first Meeting of States Parties in April 2022 saw the appointment of a Scientific Advisory Group, which presented its report (document TPNW/MSP/2023/8) at the second Meeting of States Parties.  Since the second Meeting of States Parties in December 2023, five additional States have become parties to the Treaty.

    The Treaty contains, inter alia, a comprehensive set of prohibitions on participating in any nuclear weapon-related activities.  This includes undertakings not to develop, test, produce, acquire, possess, stockpile, use or threaten to use nuclear weapons.  The Treaty also prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons on national territory, as well as the provision of assistance to any State in the conduct of prohibited activities.

    The Treaty requires States parties to assist individuals affected by the use or testing of nuclear weapons, as well as to take environmental remediation measures in areas under their jurisdiction or control that have been contaminated due to the testing or use of nuclear weapons.  States parties are required to cooperate with one another to facilitate the Treaty’s implementation.

    To date, 73 States have ratified or acceded to the Treaty and 94 have signed it.

    Media Contacts for the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

    United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, UN Secretariat, S-30FW, email:  tpnw@un.org.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni.

    The two leaders highlighted the strong collaboration between Canada and Italy on a range of shared priorities, such as addressing global challenges and opportunities as G7 partners and allies, including in the context of Canada’s G7 Presidency this year.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Meloni discussed their unwavering support for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.

    The prime ministers also spoke about the latest developments in Syria. They stressed the importance of an inclusive Syrian-led political governance structure for the country and expressed hope for a transparent and accountable Syrian government that respects the rule of law and upholds universal human rights.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Meloni highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Italy, including on trade and investment. They agreed to remain in close contact.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Media release: Australian gas industry’s $105 billion boost to the economy – Australian Energy Producers

    Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association

    Headline: Media release: Australian gas industry’s $105 billion boost to the economy – Australian Energy Producers

    New economic analysis by KPMG reaffirms the critical role of the Australian gas industry in powering the national economy, contributing $105 billion annually and supporting 215,000 jobs.

    The ‘Economic Contribution of the Gas Industry’ report, commissioned by Australian Energy Producers, provides a snapshot of the gas industry’s economic contribution using the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

    The analysis shows the Australian gas industry is the most productive sector in Australia, delivering $2.8 million in value-add to the economy per full time equivalent (FTE) worker. It also found the sector contributes $85 billion directly to the economy annually, which represents 3.7 per cent of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the analysis underscored the importance of a strong Australian gas industry for a strong economy.

    “As well as having a critical role in Australia’s energy mix, natural gas is powering the Australian economy through high levels of employment and productivity, spending billions with Australian businesses, and delivering significant state and federal government revenue through taxes and royalties,” Ms McCulloch said.

    In addition to the estimated $17.1 billion paid in taxes and royalties to governments in 2023-‑24, the gas industry contributed $105 billion to Australia’s GDP and supported 215,000 ongoing jobs across the economy in 2021-22.

    The analysis also modelled the flow-on economic returns from additional private sector investment in gas projects, finding that a 5 per cent increase in Australia’s gas production would boost the Australian economy by $10.5 billion and add 1,150 jobs.

    “Supporting private sector investment in new gas projects is not only essential for our energy security, it also delivers significant economic benefits through the economy and a further uplift in Australia’s lagging productivity.

    “With Australia facing gas shortfalls as soon as 2027 on the east coast, removing barriers to gas supply and encouraging investment in new gas projects should be a national priority,” Ms McCulloch said.

    The analysis also found that the industry purchased $33 billion in goods and services from Australian businesses and paid $6 billion in employee salaries.

    Read the KPMG report at energyproducers.au/economiccontribution

    Media Contact: 0434 631 511

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Should pharmacists be able to provide the pill over the counter without a script? We asked 5 experts

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Roth, Health Editor

    Zamrznuti tonovi/Shutterstock

    As we head towards a federal election, the Labor government recently announced a funding package worth A$573 million for women’s health.

    The funding includes $100 million to support two national trials for pharmacies to provide the oral contraceptive pill and treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infections over the counter.

    The question of whether or not pharmacists should be able to provide the oral contraceptive pill without a prescription from a GP has long been a topic of debate.

    We asked five experts for their thoughts. Should pharmacists be able to provide the pill over the counter without a script?

    Four out of five said yes. Here are their detailed responses.

    – ref. Should pharmacists be able to provide the pill over the counter without a script? We asked 5 experts – https://theconversation.com/should-pharmacists-be-able-to-provide-the-pill-over-the-counter-without-a-script-we-asked-5-experts-249840

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Moves to undermine public education in the U.S. should concern Canadians

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Melanie D. Janzen, Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba

    United States President Donald Trump has made a series of high-profile threats against Canada and other countries since his second term began a month ago — but his proposed educational reforms also require serious attention.

    Trump has promised to close the Department of Education, which enforces civil rights in education, sends funding to schools and oversees student loans.

    The Associated Press reported the president’s pick for education secretary, Linda McMahon, has acknowledged that only the U.S. Congress could fully shut down the education department, but she wants to “reorient” it.

    McMahon is expected to be confirmed after her nomination is considered by the full Senate.

    The Legal Defense Fund, an organization that supports racial justice, has expressed concern that McMahon will support reduced federal oversight that will result in undermining civil rights protections and key federal programs.



    Read more:
    Why does Trump want to abolish the Education Department? An anthropologist who studies MAGA explains 4 reasons

    Moves to weaken public education in the United States may seem distant. However, as Canadians have seen with polarization affecting democratically elected school boards, shifts in the U.S. can act like canaries in the coal mine for our own public education systems.

    We address this as researchers and educators whose combined expertise has examined how defunding and policy interventions can erode public education.

    Project 2025 and education

    In recent years, there has been escalating hype that public schools have become sites of political proselytizing as alleged “woke” teachers aim to instil “Marxist attitudes” among youth.

    Trump has, unfortunately, concertedly stoked flames of distrust, particularly among MAGA movement supporters, toward teachers, administrators, curricula and public educational systems.

    The now infamous Project 2025 policy framework has a dedicated chapter outlining drastic educational reformation in the U.S.

    While the president publicly disavowed any formal affiliation with Project 2025, his positions formally outlined in his Agenda 47 Ten Principles for Great Schools Leading to Great Jobs and other public statements are generally indistinguishable from those espoused by Project 2025.



    Read more:
    Trump’s administration seems chaotic, but he’s drawing directly from Project 2025 playbook

    Trump’s 10 Principles

    The 10 principles for educational revision include “restoring parental rights” by allowing parents to vote to appoint local school principals; abolishing teacher tenure, which will undermine teachers’ unions; and introducing merit pay. In addition, there are plans to “create a credentialing body to certify teachers who embrace patriotic values and support the American Way of Life.”

    Trump also aims to bar critical race theory and “gender indoctrination” from public schools. During campaign events, Trump often reiterated his goals to “cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory … and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content ….”

    These ideas have been steadily infiltrating some states’ legislative and school policies. An example is Florida’s re-framing of academic standards to teach that some enslaved people benefited from enslavement. The non-profit Human Rights Campaign Foundation notes that that “of the 489 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in 2024, over 60 per cent — more than 300 bills — focused on youth and education.”

    Smilar attacks seen in Canada

    Trump declared during his inauguration speech that “we have an education system that teaches our children to be ashamed of themselves — in many cases, to hate our country … All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly.”

    Evidently, significant educational reform is a high priority.

    Reforms to the American education system should be cause for concern for Canadians. The overt attacks on public education that we are seeing in the U.S. are already occurring in Canada, albeit often in more insidious and fragmented ways.

    Parental rights rhetoric

    “Parental rights” rhetoric is fuelling movements across Canada that are aimed at delimiting the rights of students to learn about sexual health and understand gender diversity.

    Parents have a multitude of diverse concerns for their children and their interests, and parental engagement is of importance for schools.



    Read more:
    If I could change one thing in education: Community-school partnerships would be top priority

    But these “rights”-based movements fuel public moral panic and fan the flames of neo-conservative agendas.
    The “parental rights” movement capitalizes on rights rhetoric to mobilize only the concerns of the conservative right and their traditional family narratives. This denies other parents’ concerns, and as child advocates have argued, it also violates children’s rights.

    The parental rights movement also aims to undermine school-based sexual health education, which most parents support.

    Across provinces

    In 2023, Saskatchewan passed a Parents’ Bill of Rights requiring parental consent for children under the age of 16 to use a different pronoun or name in school.

    The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission and numerous professors of law denounced the move for pre-emptively using the notwithstanding clause to override rights upheld in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

    We saw similar efforts in New Brunswick and in Manitoba in governing parties’ platforms and recent unsuccessful re-election campaigns.



    Read more:
    New Brunswick’s LGBTQ+ safe schools debate makes false opponents of parents and teachers

    This year, Alberta introduced a more expansive bill banning gender-affirming care for children under the age of 16 and banning trans women and girls from competing in female sports.

    The parental rights rhetoric, a dog-whistle for anti-2SLGBTQ+ views, is not new in Canada. However, it seems to be finding renewed energy, especially in conservative-led provinces.

    Anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric can also found in recent attempts to advocate for book bans (like in Chilliwack B.C. and in Manitoba in 2022) or in protests against Drag Queen story hours (in Ontario in 2023).



    Read more:
    Shifts in how sex and gender identity are defined may alter human rights protections: Canadians deserve to know how and why

    There have also been efforts by national neoconservative organizations to interfere with school board elections, endeavouring to recruit and support anti-trans candidates to run for office.

    Undermining teachers and unions

    Similarly, attempts to undermine teachers and their unions are occurring.

    For example, the Manitoba government recently passed Bill 35. The legislation was introduced under the premise of addressing teacher sexual misconduct, but the bill’s language was broadened to include teacher “competence” and “professionalism.”

    A similar bill was recently passed in Alberta.

    In both examples, governments say they are creating an “arms-length” disciplinary process for teachers. But these reforms have been criticized for weakening teachers’ unions, deprofessionalizing teaching and conflating competence and misconduct — all of which work to expand government regulation and oversight of teachers while undermining unions.

    In Ontario, in 2022 following concerning pandemic interruptions to in-person schooling, the government implemented a mandatory online learning graduation requirement. Procedures exist for students to be opted out, but it’s up to parents or students to specifically request this.

    The requirement has been criticized for reducing teaching staff and increasing the privatization of public schools.

    Strong public schools

    Strong public schools rely on qualified teachers whose professional judgment and autonomy is protected and supported, in part, by teacher unions.

    The events unfolding in the U.S. should act as a warning to Canadians, calling us to pay close attention to what is happening in our local school districts and school boards.

    Being able to understand and identify regressive reform efforts and how they are subverting public education and democracy — as we endeavour to foster and build real relationships in our local school communities — is of urgent and national concern.

    Melanie D. Janzen receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and is a volunteer for People for Public Education Manitoba.

    Jordan Laidlaw is a volunteer for People for Public Education Manitoba.

    – ref. Moves to undermine public education in the U.S. should concern Canadians – https://theconversation.com/moves-to-undermine-public-education-in-the-u-s-should-concern-canadians-245230

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Post-war order facing ‘greatest test since its creation’: UN relief chief

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Humanitarian Aid

    The international system set up among the ashes of the Second World War which established the United Nations and other multilateral institutions is now facing the “greatest test since its creation,” the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator said on Thursday.

    Tom Fletcher was addressing the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) which was set up by the UN General Assembly in the early 1990s as a coordination forum for humanitarian aid worldwide.

    “The humanitarian community confronts a massive funding, morale, and legitimacy crisis,” he said, framing his remarks as personal reflections based on earlier discussions within the IASC.

    “We took time to recognize the devastating impact that funding cuts will have on those we serve, our partners, and our teams,” he continued.

    Without referencing any specific loss in funding – but against the backdrop of a suspension of most humanitarian spending by the new administration in Washington – Mr. Fletcher appealled for the aid community to be “calm, brave, principled, and united.”

    He said they need to make the case strongly for greater international solidarity.

    “We can draw confidence from extraordinary progress made by humanitarians over decades. The mission is right. Our allies are still out there. But the delivery system is struggling. We need to be lighter, faster, and less bureaucratic.”

    Four-point plan

    The UN relief chief said there needed to be four priorities: first, be clear that saving lives is paramount.

    “We agreed to remain independent, neutral, and impartial. This does not mean we do not pick a side: we are on the side of those in greatest need.”

    Secondly, he said duplication and bureaucracy must be pared down under a new “bold plan” of action.

    “Donors must simplify too. We must innovate or become obsolete. We will prioritize robustly and make the toughest choices. I have commissioned urgent work to identify how we could reach the 100 million people in greatest need.”

    ‘Genuine partnership’ with private sector

    He said aid chiefs must find new partners, not just rely on traditional sources and governments. This must include “genuine partnership” with the private sector and the World Bank.

    “I believe there is a movement of billions of people who care, and who want to act in solidarity with those in most need. We should launch a public campaign to fill in the gaps left by governments, targeting the equivalent of 0.7 per cent for each country.”

    Mr. Fletcher said turf wars between agencies need to end with each organization focusing on what it does “uniquely well”.

    Leadership needs to be empowered, he added, with great authority vested in UN Humanitarian Coordinators throughout the system.

    Third, there needs to be more devolution, giving more power and accountability to local partners who are suffering the most from cuts.

    Fourth, aid workers need to defend their work more robustly.

    End impunity

    “We need to call time on the era of impunity: end attacks on civilians and aid workers; and hold perpetrators to account. We must communicate more clearly the impact we have and the cost of inaction, with humanity not institutions at the heart of the story.”

    Humanitarians worldwide are “underfunded, overstretched and under attack,” he declared, but the argument for lifesaving aid has not been lost: “Our cause is mighty, and our movement is strong.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler Issues Statement

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON — Today, former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler issued the following statement after she was sworn in to serve as the 28th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration:

    “I am grateful to President Trump for entrusting me with the privilege and responsibility of serving America’s 34 million small businesses, who are the backbone of our nation’s economy. For four years, Main Street has borne the burden of inflation, unaccountable bureaucracy, excessive regulation, and unchecked fraud, waste, and abuse. It is a new day at the SBA as we begin immediate work to restore the agency to its founding mission of growing small business, fueling free enterprise, and driving economic resilience.

    “There’s no greater honor than to work with President Trump to advance the America First agenda by empowering our entrepreneurs. With a focus on Main Street, Made in America, and accountability, the SBA will help unleash a new golden era for job creators and the communities that rely on them.”

    SBA Administrator Loeffler was sworn in at the SBA headquarters this afternoon in Washington, D.C. A ceremonial swearing-in ceremony will be held at a later date. Follow SBA Administrator Loeffler on X and Instagram.

    # # #

     

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration
    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indian National Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly Victims of Nearly $6 Million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    AUSTIN, Texas – An Indian national was sentenced in a federal court in Austin today to 97 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to court documents, Moinuddin Mohammed, 34, engaged in a conspiracy to launder proceeds of a scheme to defraud elderly victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold. Mohammed was a courier who picked up the cash and gold from vulnerable elderly people. The international conspiracy originated from India and involved the impersonation of government officials in order to convince the victims to turn over millions of dollars from their retirement and savings accounts.

    Multiple victims were contacted by a person claiming to be the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, who told the victims that they were under investigation or at risk of financial loss. The victims were told that they would need to deposit cash, gold or other items of financial value in order to resolve the investigation or prevent the loss. One victim was defrauded of more than $300,000, another was defrauded of approximately $151,500, and a third victim lost a total of approximately $470,000 to the fraud scheme. Nationwide, investigators identified 21 victims who lost a total of nearly $6 million to the scheme.

    In addition to his imprisonment, Mohamed will pay full restitution in the approximate amount of $960,000, forfeits $20,000 in cash that was seized by investigators, and forfeits a money judgement in the amount of $16,000.

    “The significant sentence of this courier for an international fraud scheme sends a strong message that we will investigate and prosecute those at every level of the organization,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Mohammed illegally used the likeness of government officials to prey on and victimize the vulnerable, elderly people in our community, and fraudsters like him will be held accountable.”

    “Mohammed targeted some of our most vulnerable elderly citizens in an effort to line his own pockets and the pockets of foreign fraudsters,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office.  “The FBI continues to see an uptick in financial scams targeting our elderly population and we work every day to bring awareness to our victims and justice to those who perpetuate these devastating schemes. We want to thank our U.S. Attorney’s Office for aggressively pursuing justice for those who fell victim to this scammer. Cases like this are a priority for the FBI and we encourage anyone who has been a victim of a financial scam to contact your local FBI office or go to www.IC3.gov. We also encourage the public to review the FBI’s last report on Elder Fraud to educate yourselves and protect those you love.”

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Henneke prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Inmate Sentenced to Two Additional Years of Prison for Possession of Contraband

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years of imprisonment on his conviction of possession of contraband in prison, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Lafon Ellis, 30, who is currently incarcerated at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center.

    According to information presented to the Court, throughout 2023, Ellis repeatedly possessed contraband and otherwise violated the law through his conduct while imprisoned at the Allegheny County Jail. On February 17, 2023, a search of Ellis’s cell revealed a Schedule I controlled substance commonly referred to as K2. On May 3, 2023, a search of his cell revealed a piece of paper that subsequent testing revealed to be K2. He also had 16 intact Suboxone strips and 57 partial Suboxone strips. On August 9, 2023, a search of Ellis’s cell revealed eight sheets of K2. A search of his cell on December 10, 2023, revealed marijuana, K2, and Suboxone. Additionally, Ellis was the subject of about two dozen other misconduct reports, most of which related to Ellis refusing to obey valid orders, threatening employees, engaging in physical altercations with employees, fighting with other inmates, threatening to kill a correctional officer, and possessing a nail that he was fashioning into a weapon.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Marshals Service and Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ellis.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Targa Resources Corp. Announces Form 10-K Available

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE: TRGP) (“TRGP” or the “Company” or “Targa”) has filed its Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the year ended December 31, 2024. The report may be accessed at www.sec.gov.

    The report is also available in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.targaresources.com, or by going directly to https://www.targaresources.com/investors/financial-information/sec-filings. Hard copies of the report may be ordered free of charge by contacting the Company’s investor relations department by email at investorrelations@targaresources.com, or by phone at (713) 584-1133.

    About Targa Resources Corp.

    Targa Resources Corp. is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent infrastructure companies in North America. The Company owns, operates, acquires and develops a diversified portfolio of complementary domestic midstream infrastructure assets and its operations are critical to the efficient, safe and reliable delivery of energy across the United States and increasingly to the world. The Company’s assets connect natural gas and NGLs to domestic and international markets with growing demand for cleaner fuels and feedstocks. The Company is primarily engaged in the business of: gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and purchasing and selling natural gas; transporting, storing, fractionating, treating, and purchasing and selling NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters; and gathering, storing, terminaling, and purchasing and selling crude oil.

    Targa is a FORTUNE 500 company and is included in the S&P 500.

    For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.targaresources.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our projected financial performance, capital spending and payment of future dividends. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, factors and risks, many of which are outside the Company’s control, which could cause results to differ materially from those expected by management of the Company. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and non-OPEC oil producing countries, weather, political, economic and market conditions, including a decline in the price and market demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, the timing and success of our completion of capital projects and business development efforts, the expected growth of volumes on our systems, the impact of significant public health crises, commodity price volatility due to ongoing or new global conflicts, the impact of disruptions in the bank and capital markets, including those resulting from lack of access to liquidity for banking and financial services firms, and other uncertainties. These and other applicable uncertainties, factors and risks are described more fully in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Targa Investor Relations
    InvestorRelations@targaresources.com
    (713) 584-1133

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/20/2025 Blackburn, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Protect Taxpayers from Penalties Caused by IRS Delays

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the Tax Administration Simplification Act to provide straightforward, taxpayer-focused improvements to streamline tax filing and payment for individuals and small businesses:
    “Taxpayers shouldn’t be penalized when the IRS is delayed in processing their tax returns even though they submitted them on time,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our Tax Administration Simplification Act would shield taxpayers from unfair penalties, streamline tax filing, and provide more flexibility for small businesses.”
    “Small businesses in Nevada are busy enough as it is without having to worry about unfair IRS penalties and burdensome red tape,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation would save time for the hard-working small business owners that are growing our economy and creating jobs in Nevada.”
    TAX ADMINISTRATION SIMPLIFICATION ACT
    The Tax Administration Simplification Act aims to reduce filing burdens and make tax compliance more intuitive by:
    Protecting taxpayers from penalties due to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) delays in electronic filing – Under current law, even if taxpayers submit documents on the due date, they may be considered late unless submitted physically. The bill would extend the existing “mailbox rule” to electronically submitted documents, ensuring they are considered timely based on the date submitted, regardless of potential IRS processing delays. The correction would protect taxpayers from penalties and potential audits stemming from processing lags that are beyond their control.
    Simplifying S-Corp elections for small businesses – Many small business owners miss out on the tax benefits of “S-Corp” status because the current election deadline precedes the deadline for filing their first income tax return. The bill would allow business owners to make an S-Corp election on their first timely filed tax return, providing greater flexibility and reducing unnecessary penalties.
    Standardizing estimated tax deadlines – The bill would also address the confusing, irregular schedule for estimated tax payments, which currently requires payments at inconsistent intervals throughout the year. By moving to evenly spaced quarterly deadlines, the bill would simplify planning and help taxpayers more easily manage and project their income for accurate tax reporting.
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Schmitt Introduce the Dismantle DEI Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced the Dismantle DEI Act,  to codify into law President Trump’s executive actions terminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives. This bill makes Trump’s actions permanent, preventing future administrations from reinstating similar Biden-era DEI policies. 

    “Woke identity politics have impeded American progress for the last time,” said Risch. “President Trump’s executive action to end wasteful DEI initiatives will save taxpayer dollars and elevate individuals with the proper merit to make America great again. The Dismantle DEI Act restores commonsense by ensuring a person’s qualifications and hard work are what qualifies them for a position, not divisive DEI ideology.” 

    “DEI has plagued our federal government, academic institutions, and other aspects of our society for far too long, all while disregarding merit in the process. America is the greatest meritocracy the world has ever seen, and no taxpayer dollars should be wasted on funding this divisive ideology which undercuts the values our country was founded on. President Trump understands that these programs have absolutely no business in the federal government, and I am proud to introduce this critical legislation with Congressman Cloud that will save taxpayer dollars and put a stop to this DEI madness,” said Schmitt. 

    On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14151, “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.” This executive action terminates DEI programs and initiatives throughout all federal departments and agencies, while also compiling a list of those federal contractors and grantees associated with those same programs. President Trump helped reverse many of the Biden administration’s prior executive actions on DEI programs.

    The Dismantle DEI Act helps build on the President’s agenda by:

    • Ensuring all DEI offices are terminated and prohibiting agencies from renaming or repurposing them to continue the same functions under new titles.

    • Barring federal funds from being used for DEI training, grants, or programs—including identity-based quotas and critical race theory.

    • Granting individuals the legal right to challenge any of these violations in court.

    Risch and Schmitt are joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) in introducing this legislation. ?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Growing Alberta’s presence in the Middle East

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Dangerous Cuts to Transportation Workforce, Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Demand Secretary Duffy Prioritize Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 20, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden along with Massachusetts’ U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey pushed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to stop the mass layoffs and firing of essential transportation safety employees. The lawmakers demand the Department of Transportation (DOT) release information regarding the department’s plans to protect passenger’s safety and prevent future crashes.

    In a letter, the lawmakers wrote, “At the Department of Transportation, safety must come first, but that commitment appears in doubt as the Trump administration promotes cost-cutting over protecting the public. By offering to buy out federal employees, ordering government agencies to prepare for mass layoffs, firing employees with critical safety functions, giving Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) free reign to cut the federal workforce, and turning Musk, DOGE, and their unqualified staff loose on the air traffic control system, the Trump administration risks undermining decades of safety improvements. We urge you to cease this dangerous approach to governing and request important information on how the Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to prioritize safety in this environment.” 

    In addition to Merkley, Wyden, and Markey, the letter was signed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).

    Full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government kickstarts work with Scottish Government to boost broadband in rural Scotland, powering Prime Minister’s Plan for Change

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Around 11,000 Scottish homes and businesses to gain access to lightning-fast broadband.

    • First Project Gigabit contract signed to bring fastest broadband networks on the market to rural Scotland 

    • Around 11,000 homes and businesses in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian will be the first to benefit from the Scotland-wide rollout, with further contracts planned for other parts of Scotland this year

    • Supports UK Government plans to raise living standards and grow the economy across the country, including in isolated rural areas, as part of the Plan for Change

    Around 11,000 Scottish homes and businesses will gain access to lightning-fast broadband, as joint efforts by the UK and Scottish governments to supercharge internet access in rural areas across the nation get underway and power the UK Government’s Plan for Change.  

    Rural areas in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian will benefit from gigabit-capable internet upgrades, allowing residents to fulfil day-to-day tasks, from rapid access to health advice through remote hospital consultations to interviewing for jobs and working more flexibly.    

    The upgrades will benefit some of the most remote areas of Scotland and the UK, including Athelstaneford and Innerwick in East Lothian and St Abbs, Broughton and Ettrickbridge in the Scottish Borders.  

    These areas will be among the first in Scotland to benefit from a £26 million contract awarded under Project Gigabit – the UK Government-funded rollout to areas unlikely to receive upgrades through commercial plans due to their challenging location. The contract was awarded to independent Scottish provider GoFibre by the Scottish Government.  

    UK Government Minister for Telecoms and Data Chris Bryant said:

    As technological advancements race ahead and revolutionise our day-to-day lives, we cannot afford to leave anyone behind.

    It is fantastic to see this UK Government-funded gigabit investment being delivered in Scotland for the first time, not only bringing thousands of people the fastest broadband networks on the market and levelling the playing field but also helping us realise our mission to boost economic growth and improve living standards across the whole country, under the PM’s Plan for Change.

    Scottish Government Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:

    Reliable internet connectivity is a vital part of everyday life – allowing people to work flexibly, engage in education and stay connected with loved ones.

    The Scottish Government has successfully implemented digital infrastructure programmes across Scotland to increase broadband speeds and help grow the economy.

    Expanding upon the achievements of the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband and Reaching 100% programmes, we will deliver Project Gigabit in Scotland to provide resilient connections that meet the needs of people and businesses now and into the future.

    One of Scotland’s leading amateur rugby clubs, Melrose Rugby Club, based in the Scottish Borders, has previously been connected to full fibre network by provider GoFibre.  

    Having reliable and fast connection meant the club could stream across the world their annual tournament, the Melrose Sevens. The event, which is held every April in Melrose, is the oldest rugby sevens competition in the world and is watched by tens of thousands of fans across the globe, with teams coming from as far afield as Japan, Hong Kong, Uruguay and South Africa. 

    Malcolm Changleng, Melrose Rugby Club Director, said:

    Getting full fibre connection has been a game changer for our club.

    As well as the 10,000 fans attending the event on the day of the tournament, we got about 60,000 people watching games on YouTube and other online platforms, which is why it’s so important to have good WiFi.

    It’s not just rugby fans watching, but people that have left the Borders to go all over the world. Lots of families from the Borders connect back to the area through the Melrose Rugby Sevens, and we’re proud that we allow people to get a little taste of the Borders on an annual basis.

    This weekend, rugby fans in Melrose will be able to support their national team in the Six Nations, with the club streaming Scotland taking on England at Twickenham on Saturday.  

    Local restaurant, The Hoebridge, is set to grow as a business thanks to the programme – contributing to plans to kickstart economic growth. 

    Kyle Tidd, Co-Owner of The Hoebridge said: 

    This investment in faster broadband would improve our operations. It would enable us to streamline our ordering, payment and online booking systems, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

    Now the £26 million contract is signed, detailed planning and surveying work will begin immediately with the first connections expected in the Autumn.  

    Further contracts to be signed this year will see faster broadband delivered to tens of thousands more premises across Scotland, including Aberdeenshire and the Morayshire Coast, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Orkney and Shetland.    

    For households, gigabit-capable broadband delivers faster speeds and fewer dropouts, providing a gateway to remote working and online education. Unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections won’t slow down at peak times, meaning no more battling for bandwidth with neighbours. Gigabit networks can easily handle over a hundred devices all at once with no buffering, meaning the whole family can seamlessly surf, stream and download at the same time.       

    Project Gigabit will support the UK Government’s plans to kickstart economic growth, creating and supporting thousands of high-paid, high-skilled jobs, empowering industries of all kinds to innovate and increasing productivity by taking up digital technology.    

    It will also ensure people can access vital services they need now and, in the future, from giving patients improved access to healthcare through virtual appointments and remote health monitoring to helping pensioners combat loneliness by catching up with loved ones over higher quality video calls.    

    Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, said: 

    This landmark contract marks a crucial step forward in our mission to end digital inequality across Scotland. By bringing the fastest possible broadband to our rural communities, we’re not just laying cables – we’re opening up new opportunities for local businesses, improving access to education and healthcare. The UK Government, through our Plan for Change, is working to ensure Scotland’s rural communities can benefit from the digital economy and economic growth is seen across the country.

    Neil Conaghan, CEO of GoFibre, said:

    As a Scottish company, born in the Borders, GoFibre is proud to be named as the delivery partner for the first Project Gigabit contract in Scotland, bringing transformative full fibre connectivity to thousands more homes and businesses across the region. This contract award marks a step-change in our ambition and footprint as a major Scottish telecommunications company.

    We have a sterling track record of connecting communities across Scotland to our ultra-fast broadband network. Delivering this project will build on our successful delivery of Project Gigabit contracts in North Northumberland and Teesdale where we are delivering much-needed broadband in rural areas, ahead of schedule. We will bring all that expertise and GoFibre experience to this essential project for people in the Borders and East Lothian.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Enters Into $175 Million Revolving Credit Facility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: KYN) has entered into a $175 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility matures on February 19, 2026 and replaces the Company’s $135 million credit facility that was scheduled to mature on February 20, 2025.

    The interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility may vary between SOFR plus 1.40% and SOFR plus 2.25%, depending on the Company’s asset coverage ratios. Based on the Company’s current asset coverage ratios, the interest rate is SOFR plus 1.40%. The Company will pay a commitment fee of 0.20% per annum on any unused amounts of the Credit Facility. As of February 20, 2025, the Company had $101 million borrowed under the Credit Facility.

    A copy of the credit agreement is available on the Company’s website at www.kaynefunds.com/kyn.

    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.

    The Company pays cash distributions to common stockholders at a rate that may be adjusted from time to time. Distribution amounts are not guaranteed and may vary depending on a number of factors, including changes in portfolio holdings and market conditions. 

    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: Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation Prices Public Offering of $300,000,000 6.340% Notes due 2030

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, CA, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation (NASDAQ: OCSL) (“OCSL” or the “Company”), a specialty finance company, today announced that it has priced an underwritten public offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.340% notes due 2030. The notes will mature on February 27, 2030 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at the Company’s option at any time at par plus a “make-whole” premium, if applicable.

    OCSL expects to use the net proceeds of this offering to reduce its outstanding debt under its revolving credit facilities and for general corporate purposes.

    SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., ING Financial Markets LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, CIBC World Markets Corp., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for this offering. KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., First Citizens Capital Securities, LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., A Stifel Company, R. Seelaus & Co., LLC, B. Riley Securities, Inc., Blaylock Van, LLC, Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, Jefferies LLC and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. are acting as co-managers for this offering. The offering is expected to close on February 27, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of OCSL before investing. The pricing term sheet dated February 20, 2025, the preliminary prospectus supplement dated February 20, 2025 and the accompanying prospectus dated February 7, 2023, each of which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, contain this and other information about the Company and should be read carefully before investing.

    The pricing term sheet, the preliminary prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and this press release are not offers to sell any securities of OCSL and are not soliciting an offer to buy such securities in any jurisdiction where such offer and sale is not permitted.

    The offering may be made only by means of a preliminary prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement (and accompanying prospectus) may be obtained by calling SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. at 1-212-224-5135, BNP Paribas Securities Corp. at 1-800-854-5674, ING Financial Markets LLC at 1-877-446-4930 or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC at 1-800-645-3751.

    About Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation

    Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation (NASDAQ:OCSL) is a specialty finance company dedicated to providing customized one-stop credit solutions to companies with limited access to public or syndicated capital markets. The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation by providing companies with flexible and innovative financing solutions including first and second lien loans, unsecured and mezzanine loans, and preferred equity. The Company is regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and is externally managed by Oaktree Fund Advisors, LLC, an affiliate of Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements because they relate to future events, future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements may include statements as to: future operating results of the Company and distribution projections; business prospects of the Company and the prospects of its portfolio companies; and the impact of the investments that the Company expects to make. In addition, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “plan,” “should,” “estimate,” “project” and “intend” indicate forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release involve risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected, including the uncertainties associated with (i) changes in the economy, financial markets and political environment, including the impacts of inflation and elevated interest rates; (ii) risks associated with possible disruption in the operations of the Company or the economy generally due to terrorism, war or other geopolitical conflict (including the current conflicts in Ukraine and Israel), natural disasters, pandemics or cybersecurity incidents; (iii) future changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation of these laws and regulations by regulatory authorities); (iv) conditions in the Company’s operating areas, particularly with respect to business development companies or regulated investment companies; and (v) other considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company’s publicly disseminated documents and filings. The Company has based the forward-looking statements included in this press release on information available to it on the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that it may make directly to you or through reports that the Company in the future may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

    Contacts
    Investor Relations:
    Oaktree Specialty Lending Corporation
    Dane Kleven
    (213) 356-3260
    ocsl-ir@oaktreecapital.com

    The MIL Network –