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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI: Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines awards $20 million to support Minnesota communities through the Member Impact Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Des Moines, Iowa, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) has awarded $20 million to 174 financial institution members to be distributed alongside their own grant contributions to hundreds of eligible not-for-profit and government organizations in Minnesota.

    Funding was made possible through the Member Impact Fund, a matching grant program designed to amplify FHLB Des Moines member financial institutions’ donations that provide critical financial support for affordable housing and community development initiatives in targeted areas of the FHLB Des Moines district.

    With 798 applications awarded, FHLB Des Moines matched $3 for every $1 contributed by a member institution. These combined grants range from $10,000 to $1,000,000.

    Since its launch in 2023, the Member Impact Fund has supported affordable housing and community development with more than $70 million in grants from FHLB Des Moines, resulting in combined grants of over $95 million. Every eligible grant application has been awarded funds.

    “The Member Impact Fund enables our members to directly support local organizations who matter to them, creating value and a profound impact in their own communities,” said Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “The commitment of our members to champion their local organizations inspires us all.” 

    FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions to more than 1,200 members to support mortgage lending, economic development and affordable housing in the communities they serve. Member Impact Fund awards are given in partnership with FHLB Des Moines member financial institutions to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to serve the affordable housing or community development needs of their communities.

    ###

    About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines

    The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member financial institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement.

    FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland News – Follow kauri dieback hygiene protocols, NRC urges

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    Visitors and locals in Northland are being urged to follow simple hygiene protocols to protect the region’s iconic native forests from kauri dieback.
    Jack Craw, chair of the Northland Regional Council’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, says kauri dieback remains one of the most significant threats to native forests.
    Councillor Craw was speaking in the wake of the recent completion of a 400-metre section of track upgraded at Tuariki Road, Bream Tail, another milestone in a five-year effort supported primarily by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Tiakina Kauri programme.
    However, he says despite significant investment by central and local government around the region, including two new hygiene stations the regional council had installed last year in Whangārei’s Mair Park and at nearby Vale Rd at a cost of nearly $20,000, many people were still failing to follow simple biosecurity protocols.
    “Kauri dieback is not an abstract threat…it’s happening now,” says Cr Craw. “Unfortunately, our staff estimate that in places as many as seven out of 10 people are ignoring hygiene stations.”
    “When spoken to, some even say, ‘I’m local, my shoes are clean,’ but that kind of attitude risks the future of one of our most iconic tree species.” “Once this disease gets into an area, it’s there for good, we simply cannot stop it.”
    He says the consequences of kauri dieback are already visible around Northland.
    “Areas like Kaiwaka and Kauri Mountain are seeing trees succumb to the disease, and with kauri standing within 60 metres of Tāne Mahuta – New Zealand’s most famous giant – it’s crucial that locals and visitors alike comply with hygiene protocols.”
    Councillor Craw says the council’s message to people is simple: “Clean your boots, use the hygiene stations, and help safeguard New Zealand’s ancient forests before it’s too late.”
    That messaging was even more important with the onset of winter and the increased risks of shifting mud and soil around on footwear.
    Councillor Craw says while he’s reluctant to single out a particular group of forest users, runners are often the worst offenders.
    “In some places, they literally just jump over the older ‘barrel and grate’ hygiene stations.”
    He says when approached by regional council staff, many people claimed they haven’t seen signs about kauri dieback.
    “Parents and families tend to be more mindful, but education remains key.”
    He says with large areas of tracks upgraded and boardwalks installed across Northland through government funding in recent years, the push to protect those forests needed to be matched with public cooperation.
    “We’re fortunate to have strong support from the wider council and MPI, but we need everyone to play their part.” “Kauri is integral to our national identity, particularly here in Northland, and it’s up to us to ensure its survival.”
    He says more information about kauri dieback can be found at: www.kauriprotection.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers – Save our sheep billboards hit Wellington

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers have taken the fight for the future of New Zealand sheep farming to the streets of Wellington, with bold digital billboards visible directly from Ministers’ Beehive offices.
    The message to politicians is clear and concise: sheep are not the problem – stop planting productive farmland in pine trees for carbon credits.
    “We wanted this campaign to be bold and directly in politicians’ faces. That’s the only way we’re going to get their attention,” Federated Farmers meat & wool chair Toby Williams says.
    “Sheep farming is in crisis. We need the Government to urgently wake up to the impact poor policy is having on our farming families and rural communities.
    “Each year we’re losing tens of thousands of hectares of productive farmland.
    “Where sheep and lambs once grazed there’s now nothing but pine trees as far as the eye can see.”
    Between 2017 and 2024, more than 260,000 hectares of productive sheep farming land were plastered in pine trees – never to return to pasture.
    In just one generation New Zealand has lost over two-thirds of our national flock, reducing from over 70 million sheep in 1982 to fewer than 25 million sheep today.
    “Our national flock is declining by almost a million sheep every year and the number one driver is carbon forestry,” Williams says.
    “Farms are being converted to forestry because Government policy is screwing the scrum and making it more profitable to plant pine trees than to farm sheep.
    “The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is effectively subsidising pine trees to offset fossil fuel emissions, and that’s pushing farming families off the land and destroying rural communities.”
    New Zealand is the only country in the world that allows 100% carbon offsetting through forestry, with other countries recognising the risk and putting restrictions in place.
    Federated Farmers is now calling on the Government to urgently review the ETS and fix the rules to either limit or stop the offsetting of fossil fuel emissions with forestry.
    You can sign the petition at www.saveoursheep.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Powrsuit Founders Wow at Soda’s Women in Business Expo

    Source: Soda Inc.
    More than 150 female entrepreneurs and business owners attended Soda’s Women in Business Expo last week with guest speakers – Hatch and Powrsuit founders, Kristen Lunman and Natalie Ferguson – sharing insights around fear, failure and the importance of mindset.
    Sponsored by Deloitte, the expo was an opportunity for female business owners and founders to be inspired, network with like-minded women in business and learn more about business support options available in Aotearoa New Zealand.
    Soda General Manager Anna Devcich says: “Soda connects business owners and entrepreneurs with government support and funding to help their businesses thrive. We’re also passionate about supporting women in business so our Women in Business Expo is an opportunity for female business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders to connect and learn in a welcoming and supportive environment.
    “As a business owner or founder, it’s vital to access the right support and make connections that allow you to grow – as an individual and as a business. Soda’s Women in Business Expo creates a space where women can do just that.
    “Nat and Kristen from Powrsuit shared some powerful messages with our audience about the importance of mindset and the value of learning through doing. As founders of a career accelerator (among other successful businesses), their advice really hit the mark.”
    Held in The Atrium at Wintec House, organisations at the expo included Craigs Women’s Wealth, Deloitte, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Finance NZ, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, NZ Entrepreneur, New Zealand Growth Capital Partners, On Your Terms NZ, Osbaldiston Lane, Powrsuit, Rocketspark, RWA Lawyers, She by Shan, Soda, Takatini Waikato District Economic Development, Te Whatu Ora: National Public Health Service, Waikato Waahine Collective and Waipā District Council.
    Soda’s Regional Business Partner contract has recently been extended for a further two years, so Soda looks forward to continuing to support Waikato businesses.
    ABOUT SODA
    Soda helps businesses achieve their goals and create success. We connect entrepreneurs, business owners and key decision makers with the right people, tools, resources and programmes to accelerate business growth. Based in Hamilton, Soda is the Waikato’s Regional Business Partner (RBP), connecting business owners with government funding and support.
    ABOUT POWRSUIT
    Kristen Lunman and Natalie Ferguson are the co-founders and directors of Powrsuit – a career accelerator for women at every stage (with a space for allies, too). Combining bite-sized learning and micro-networking, Powrsuit takes professional development out of to-do lists and into weekly routines. With over 700 members across NZ, Australia, North America and Europe (and a handful in Singapore!), Powrsuit’s research-backed approach delivers a tangible return on investment. After six months, 82% of members increase self-leadership skills and 28% take a tangible step forward in their careers.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Vasquez Raises Concerns Over Lack of Information for Hunters and Outdoorsmen’s Access to the Militarized Portion of the Border

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) raised serious concerns about the growing militarization of the borderlands in New Mexico.

    In late April, the Administration transferred control of approximately 400 square miles along the U.S.-Mexico border to the United States Army, designating the area as a national defense zone. Since the designation, hunters, residents, and local governments have expressed confusion over access to public lands, raising concerns about public land use, enforcement boundaries, and the need for transparent communication from federal agencies.

    Vasquez, who represents the entirety of New Mexico’s border with Mexico, emphasized that recent troop deployments have created militarized zones and restricted public access to federal lands traditionally used for recreation, hunting, and community activities.

    WATCH: VASQUEZ SEEKS CLARITY ON MILITARY PRESENCE ALONG NEW MEXICO BORDER

    “I represent 180 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, and the recent troop deployment to the border has created a military zone that has taken over the management of federal public lands,” said Vasquez. “I have a deer hunt this year in an area where I’m no longer able to hunt or enter. It’s become unclear where the boundaries of this military zone actually start and where they end.”

    Vasquez called on Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Army Chief of Staff General Randy George to provide transparency and guidance to local governments and residents affected.

    “It’s unclear not just to hunters or people who enjoy the land, but also to local governments—county commissioners of those counties,” Vasquez said. “How fast can we get the information on where these military border zones actually exist? And when can Americans expect answers about whether they will be apprehended or arrested within these border zones?”

    As an advocate for border policies that respect the rights of local residents and maintain access to public lands, Vasquez reaffirmed his commitment to working with federal and local officials to ensure transparency, protect public access, and uphold the rights of border communities.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: 4 June 2025 Delegation from Qatar visited Republic of Kalmykia to discuss joint tourism and investment projects A delegation from the State of Qatar, led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Thani, visited the Republic of Kalmykia as part of a fact-finding tour aimed at studying the region’s natural and tourism potential, as well as developing international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development. The visit was the result of active work by the Qatari delegation at the Caucasus Investment Forum on 25–27 May, where issues related to the development of Russian-Qatari trade, economic, environmental and investment projects were discussed. During the visit Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Thani met with Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia.

    Source: Eastern Economic Forum

    4 June 2025

    Delegation from Qatar visited Republic of Kalmykia to discuss joint tourism and investment projects

    A delegation from the State of Qatar, led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Thani, visited the Republic of Kalmykia as part of a fact-finding tour aimed at studying the region’s natural and tourism potential, as well as developing international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development. The visit was the result of active work by the Qatari delegation at the Caucasus Investment Forum on 25–27 May, where issues related to the development of Russian-Qatari trade, economic, environmental and investment projects were discussed. During the visit Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Thani met with Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia.

     

    “Qatar rightfully holds a special place on the list of Russia’s strategic partners. Our relations are rooted in years of friendship, cooperation, and implementation of joint projects. For us, this visit is not just a sign of attention from our partners in Qatar, but a symbol of strengthened cooperation between our states. Kalmykia has unique natural resources, a rich cultural heritage and a desire for open international dialogue. Developing ties with one of the leading countries in the Persian Gulf opens up new horizons not only in the field of environmental protection and investment, but also in the humanitarian sphere, through the strengthening of cultural dialogue and mutual respect. The visit of the Qatari ambassador is an opportunity to introduce our friends to the region’s potential and meaningfully contribute to strengthening of our relationship,” noted Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia.

    The visit included a tour of Kalmykia’s national parks, an introduction to the region’s unique ecosystems, such as the Black Earth Nature Reserve, singing sand dunes, the coast of Lake Rosovoye, as well as the region’s wildlife, including saigas, horses, and camels. The programme was designed to give participants a chance to get a feel for the soul of Kalmykia: guests got to not just see the region, but really experience its atmosphere and learn about the traditions and beauty that make Kalmykia so special.

     

    “We express our sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and friendship of the people of Kalmykia. Today’s meeting reflects the bilateral efforts to strengthen friendly and neighbourly relations between the countries. The close and trusting relations between the leaders of our countries serve as a solid foundation for the implementation of joint projects in the fields of environment, sustainable development, and the exchange of tourist flows,” said Ambassador of the State of Qatar Ahmed Nasser Al-Thani.

    It is important to note that the State of Qatar has been taking part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) since 2021, when it participated as a guest country. This status opens up broad opportunities for deepening economic, cultural and tourism cooperation between the two countries. In 2025, a representative delegation from Qatar will also take part in the SPIEF, which will be held from 18 to 21 June. In addition, a Russia – Qatar business forum was held in Moscow in April, organized with the support of the Roscongress Foundation and government agencies of both countries. The event became an important platform for discussing promising areas of cooperation and strengthening business ties between the two countries.

    The visit of the delegation from the State of Qatar to Kalmykia is an example of effective practice in getting to know Russian regions, which helps to reveal their unique natural and tourist potential. Such fact-finding tours create a foundation for promoting Russian tourist programmes in the global market, attract investment in regional infrastructure, and contribute to the recognition of Russian culture.

    “We express our gratitude to the Ambassador of the State of Qatar for his visit to Kalmykia and for supporting friendly and neighbourly relations between our countries. It is very important to develop international cooperation and showcase the unique nature of Russian regions so that people from different countries can discover the beauty and richness of our country. Exchanging experience with foreign partners helps to introduce best practices in nature conservation and create eco-friendly tourist routes. For example, programmes are already being implemented in Kamchatka where tourists can see rare birds, enjoy the unique nature of the region, as well as learn about methods of protecting them, developed with the participation of international experts. Such cooperation helps to foster a responsible attitude towards nature and supports long-term efforts to preserve unique ecosystems,” emphasized Shukhrat Razakov, Advisor to the Director General for International Cooperation and Tourism at the Kamchatka Falcon Centre.

    Such initiatives aimed at promoting regions and expanding tourism opportunities are reflected and supported by major professional platforms organized by the Roscongress Foundation. One such event is the Let’s Travel! Russian Tourism Forum, which will be held from 10 to 15 June 2025 at VDNKh in Moscow. This Forum brings together experts, regional representatives, and international partners. It provides a unique opportunity to present new routes, exchange experiences, and build effective cooperation for the development of domestic and international tourism.

    Read more

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in diplomacy to strengthen economic ties

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Asure Partners with PensionBee to Offer Retirement Account Rollover Services to Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas and NEW YORK, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Asure Software (NASDAQ: ASUR), a leading provider of cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) software and solutions, today announced its strategic partnership with PensionBee (LON: PBEE), a digital-first retirement provider specializing in simplifying retirement savings. This collaboration empowers employees of Asure’s payroll and HR customers to seamlessly roll over their disparate or forgotten 401(k) and IRA accounts into a single, easy-to-manage retirement savings plan with PensionBee. 

    Through this partnership, Asure continues its mission to deliver big-company benefits to small and mid-sized organizations, leveling the playing field with innovative solutions that simplify employee financial wellness. PensionBee’s user-friendly platform will allow employees of Asure’s payroll clients to consolidate their existing retirement accounts into one streamlined account, making it easier than ever to manage and grow their savings.

    “At Asure, we’re committed to bringing the benefits of innovative HR and payroll solutions to small and mid-sized businesses,” said Pat Goepel, Asure Chairman & CEO. “Our marketplace partnership with PensionBee is a perfect example of how we are democratizing financial wellness by offering streamlined retirement savings solutions that are typically reserved for larger enterprises.”

    Known for its straightforward, consumer-friendly services, PensionBee empowers employees to effortlessly enroll in, consolidate, and manage their retirement savings plans. The award-winning provider offers a robust selection of retirement accounts geared towards everyday savers.

    “When individuals are starting or leaving jobs or navigating other significant life changes, retirement savings should be top of mind,” said Romi Savova, CEO of PensionBee. “Our partnership with Asure allows us to reach millions of Americans at precisely the right moment, connecting more employees with flexible and modern retirement solutions.”

    PensionBee is the latest to join Asure’s Partner Marketplace, which gives Asure clients access to a variety of value-added software and services designed to enhance business operations and employee satisfaction.

    About Asure
    Asure (NASDAQ: ASUR) provides cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) software solutions that assist organizations of all sizes in streamlining their HCM processes. Asure’s suite of HCM solutions includes HR, payroll, time and attendance, benefits administration, payroll tax management, and talent management. The company’s approach to HR compliance services incorporates AI technology to enhance scalability and efficiency while prioritizing client interactions. For more information, please visit www.asuresoftware.com. 

    About PensionBee
    PensionBee (LON: PBEE) is a leading online retirement provider, helping people easily consolidate, manage, and grow their retirement savings. The company manages approximately $8 billion in assets and serves over 275,000 customers globally, with a focus on simplicity, transparency, and accessibility.

    Notes
    The information provided in this announcement, including any projections for investment returns and future performance, is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. PensionBee is not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of this information. Projections and forecasts are based on assumptions and current market conditions, which are subject to change.

    Contact Information:
    Patrick McKillop 
    Vice President, Investor Relations  
    617-335-5058
    patrick.mckillop@asuresoftware.com

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Capricorn Mutual Selects Duck Creek Technologies as Their New Core Insurance Delivery Technology Partner

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the global provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, has announced a new SaaS core insurance delivery technology partnership with Capricorn Mutual, the protection arm of one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest member-owned organizations, Capricorn.

    Duck Creek’s full-suite, including Policy, Rating, Billing, Claims and Clarity (data and insights), served via the OnDemand cloud-delivery platform, will replace Capricorn Mutual’s incumbent legacy technology stack, empowering the business to deliver enhanced commercial and domestic coverage products and experiences to more of Capricorn’s 30,000 small and medium auto business members.

    “As a member-based organisation, strengthening our members’ businesses by delivering high-quality service and value is our priority,” said Rod Scanlon, Chief Executive Officer of Risk Services. “We believe that Duck Creek provides the technology platform we need to deliver on this commitment, now and into the future.”

    With their auto-trade members operating in a dynamic and high-risk environment, Capricorn Mutual needed a core delivery solution that supported their strategy of deepening relationships with members, uplifting processes to deliver best-in-class experiences, and continually improving products, services and risk management.

    “We identified that technology should be a key enabler of our business strategy and objectives. Duck Creek enables us to enhance our automation capabilities, improve workflows and integrate our insurance system with our other member benefits solutions,” said Mr. Scanlon. “Duck Creek’s evergreen and modular SaaS solutions provide a clean and intuitive team and member experience and a powerful rating engine. The Duck Creek platform offered us all the functionality and capabilities we could need to achieve these strategies.”

    Mr. Scanlon added, “The ease of implementation and extremely natural and intelligent user interface decreases our teams training time on the system, which allow us to deliver more value to members sooner, with lower associated delivery costs.”

    Christian Erickson, General Manager APAC Duck Creek, said of the new partnership, “We’re thrilled to welcome Capricorn Mutual to the Duck Creek flock. Throughout the selection process, Capricorn Mutual rigorously reviewed and tested the range of solutions available in-market to ensure that their members would receive the best experiences and outcomes possible. Duck Creek is privileged to be recognized as the leading solution and we look forward to helping Capricorn Mutual build even deeper member relations.”

    About Duck Creek Technologies   
    Duck Creek Technologies is the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.

    Media Contacts:   
    Marianne Dempsey/Tara Stred   
    duckcreek@threeringsinc.com 

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Descartes Announces Fiscal 2026 First Quarter Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Record Services Revenues

    WATERLOO, Ontario and ATLANTA, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Descartes Systems Group Inc. (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX) announced its financial results for its fiscal 2026 first quarter (Q1FY26). All financial results referenced are in United States (US) currency and, unless otherwise indicated, are determined in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

    “Our first quarter of fiscal 2026 showed strong annual growth, consistent with our communicated plans,” said Edward J. Ryan, Descartes’ CEO. “This is a challenging and uncertain economic and trade environment for shippers, carriers and logistics services providers. They face challenges on how, when, or if, to react to changes in global trade relationships, tariffs, sanctions and economic forecasts. We continue to see strong interest in our domain expertise and our solutions to help companies navigate the complex trade landscape. We remain committed to growing our business with prudent investments and cost discipline to build the premier network and technology for logistics-intensive businesses.”

    Q1FY26 Financial Results
    As described in more detail below, key financial highlights for Descartes’ Q1FY26 included:

    • Revenues of $168.7 million, up 12% from $151.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 (Q1FY25) and up 1% from $167.5 million in the previous quarter (Q4FY25);
    • Revenues were comprised of services revenues of $156.6 million (93% of total revenues), professional services and other revenues of $11.8 million (7% of total revenues) and license revenues of $0.3 million (less than 1% of total revenues). Services revenues were up 14% from $137.8 million in Q1FY25 and consistent with $156.5 million in Q4FY25;
    • Cash provided by operating activities of $53.6 million, down from $63.7 million in Q1FY25 and down from $60.7 million in Q4FY25;
    • Income from operations of $46.2 million, up 9% from $42.4 million in Q1FY25 and down from $47.1 million in Q4FY25;
    • Net income of $36.2 million, up 4% from $34.7 million in Q1FY25 and down from $37.4 million in Q4FY25. Net income as a percentage of revenues was 21%, compared to 23% in Q1FY25 and 22% in Q4FY25;
    • Earnings per share on a diluted basis of $0.41, up 2% from $0.40 in Q1FY25 and down from $0.43 in Q4FY25; and
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $75.1 million, up 12% from $67.0 million in Q1FY25 and consistent with $75.0 million in Q4FY25. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues was 45%, compared to 44% in Q1FY25 and 45% in Q4FY25.

    Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues are non-GAAP financial measures provided as a complement to financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. We define Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation (for which we include related fees and taxes) and other charges (for which we include restructuring charges, acquisition-related expenses, and contingent consideration incurred due to better-than-expected performance from acquisitions). These items are considered by management to be outside Descartes’ ongoing operational results. We define Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues as the quotient, expressed as a percentage, from dividing Adjusted EBITDA for a period by revenues for the corresponding period. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues to net income determined in accordance with GAAP is provided later in this release.

    The following table summarizes Descartes’ results in the categories specified below over the past 5 fiscal quarters (unaudited; dollar amounts, other than per share amounts, in millions):

      Q1
    FY26
    Q4
    FY25
    Q3
    FY25
    Q2
    FY25
    Q1
    FY25
    Revenues 168.7 167.5 168.8 163.4 151.3
    Services revenues 156.6 156.5 149.7 146.2 137.8
    Gross margin 76% 76% 74% 75% 77%
    Cash provided by operating activities 53.6 60.7 60.1 34.7 63.7
    Income from operations 46.2 47.1 45.8 45.9 42.4
    Net income 36.2 37.4 36.6 34.7 34.7
    Net income as a % of revenues 21% 22% 22% 21% 23%
    Earnings per diluted share 0.41 0.43 0.42 0.40 0.40
    Adjusted EBITDA 75.1 75.0 72.1 70.6 67.0
    Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenues 45% 45% 43% 43% 44%
               

    Cash Position
    At April 30, 2025, Descartes had $176.4 million in cash. Cash decreased by $59.7 million in Q1FY26. The table set forth below provides a summary of cash flows for Q1FY26 in millions of dollars:

      Q1FY26
    Cash provided by operating activities 53.6
    Additions to property and equipment (1.9)
    Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired (112.3)
    Issuances of common shares, net of issuance costs 3.6
    Payment of withholding taxes on net share settlements (6.5)
    Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash 3.8
    Net change in cash (59.7)
    Cash, beginning of period 236.1
    Cash, end of period 176.4
       

    Acquisition of 3GTMS
    On March 24, 2025, Descartes acquired all of the shares of 3GTMS, a leading provider of transportation management solutions. The purchase price for the acquisition was approximately $112.7 million, net of cash acquired, which was funded from cash on hand.

    Cost Reduction Initiatives
    Considering the economic and global trade uncertainty many Descartes customers are facing, Descartes has undertaken cost reduction initiatives designed to reduce its cost base. The plan is designed to reduce Descartes’ global workforce by approximately 7% and eliminate various other operating expenses. As a result, Descartes expects to incur restructuring charges of approximately $4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 (Q2FY26), which will also impact cash generated from operations in Q2FY26. Once completed, Descartes anticipates annualized cost savings of approximately $15 million.

    Management Update
    Descartes is pleased to announce the appointment of William Green as Executive Vice President, Global Sales. Mr. Green has served as Descartes’ Senior Vice President for North American Sales since August 2020. Mr. Green has previously held senior commercial roles at Salesforce, PROLIFIQ and CDC Software (now Aptean). “We’re excited for Bill to extend his leadership of our growth successes in North America to our global commercial operations,” said Mr. Ryan.

    Andrew Roszko, Descartes’ Chief Commercial Officer, will depart the company in Q2FY26 to pursue another opportunity. Mr. Roszko was appointed EVP Global Sales in February 2019 and appointed Chief Commercial Officer in June 2022. “Andrew has been a valuable contributor to Descartes’ commercial development. We wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Mr. Ryan.

    Conference Call
    Members of Descartes’ executive management team will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results at 5:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 4. Designated numbers are +1 289 514 5100 for North America and +1 800 717 1738 for international, using conference ID 26605.

    The company will simultaneously conduct an audio webcast on the Descartes website at www.descartes.com/descartes/investor-relations. Phone conference dial-in or webcast login is required approximately 10 minutes beforehand.

    Replays of the conference call will be available until June 11, 2025, by dialing +1 289 819 1325 or Toll-Free for North America using +1 888 660 6264 with Playback Passcode: 26605#. An archived replay of the webcast will be available at www.descartes.com/descartes/investor-relations.

    About Descartes

    Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

    Descartes Investor Contact
    Laurie McCauley                                                                     
    (519) 746-2969
    investor@descartes.com

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that relates to Descartes’ expectations concerning future revenues and earnings, and our projections for any future reductions in expenses or growth in margins and generation of cash; our assessment of the potential impact of geopolitical events, such as the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine (the “Russia-Ukraine Conflict”), and between Israel and Hamas (“Israel-Hamas Conflict”), or other potentially catastrophic events, on our business, results of operations and financial condition; our assessment of the potential impact of tariffs, sanctions and other actions by individual countries on global trade and our business; continued growth and acquisitions including our assessment of any increased opportunity for our products and services as a result of trends in the logistics and supply chain industries; rate of profitable growth and Adjusted EBITDA margin operating range; demand for Descartes’ solutions; growth of Descartes’ Global Logistics Network (“GLN”); customer buying patterns; customer expectations of Descartes; development of the GLN and the benefits thereof to customers; and other matters. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions including the following: global shipment volumes continuing at levels generally consistent with those experienced historically; the Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Israel-Hamas Conflict not having a material negative impact on shipment volumes or on the demand for the products and services of Descartes by its customers and the ability of those customers to continue to pay for those products and services; countries continuing to implement and enforce existing and additional customs and security regulations relating to the provision of electronic information for imports and exports; countries continuing to implement and enforce existing and additional trade restrictions and sanctioned party lists with respect to doing business with certain countries, organizations, entities and individuals; Descartes’ continued operation of a secure and reliable business network; the stability of general economic and market conditions, currency exchange rates, and interest rates; equity and debt markets continuing to provide Descartes with access to capital; Descartes’ continued ability to identify and source attractive and executable business combination opportunities; Descartes’ ability to develop solutions that keep pace with the continuing changes in technology, and our continued compliance with third party intellectual property rights. These assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Descartes, or developments in Descartes’ business or industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, Descartes’ ability to successfully identify and execute on acquisitions and to integrate acquired businesses and assets, and to predict expenses associated with and revenues from acquisitions; the impact of network failures, information security breaches or other cyber-security threats; disruptions in the movement of freight and a decline in shipment volumes including as a result of the impact of current and future trade barriers, including tariffs, further protectionist measures and reactive countermeasure or contagious illness outbreaks; a deterioration of general economic conditions or instability in the financial markets accompanied by a decrease in spending by our customers; the ability to attract and retain key personnel and the ability to manage the departure of key personnel and the transition of our executive management team; changes in trade or transportation regulations that currently require customers to use services such as those offered by Descartes; changes in customer behaviour and expectations; Descartes’ ability to successfully design and develop enhancements to our products and solutions; departures of key customers; the impact of foreign currency exchange rates; Descartes’ ability to retain or obtain sufficient capital in addition to its debt facility to execute on its business strategy, including its acquisition strategy; disruptions in the movement of freight; the potential for future goodwill or intangible asset impairment as a result of other-than-temporary decreases in Descartes’ market capitalization; and other factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada, including Descartes’ most recently filed Management’s Discussion and Analysis. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues

    We prepare and release quarterly unaudited and annual audited financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. We also disclose and discuss certain non-GAAP financial information, used to evaluate our performance, in this and other earnings releases and investor conference calls as a complement to results provided in accordance with GAAP. We believe that current shareholders and potential investors in our company use non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, in making investment decisions about our company and measuring our operational results.

    The term “Adjusted EBITDA” refers to a financial measure that we define as earnings before certain charges that management considers to be non-operating expenses and which consist of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation (for which we include related fees and taxes) and other charges (for which we include restructuring charges, acquisition-related expenses, and contingent consideration incurred due to better-than-expected performance from acquisitions). Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues divides Adjusted EBITDA for a period by the revenues for the corresponding period and expresses the quotient as a percentage.

    Management considers these non-operating expenses to be outside the scope of Descartes’ ongoing operations and the related expenses are not used by management to measure operations. Accordingly, these expenses are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, which we reference to both measure our operations and as a basis of comparison of our operations from period-to-period. Management believes that investors and financial analysts measure our business on the same basis, and we are providing the Adjusted EBITDA financial metric to assist in this evaluation and to provide a higher level of transparency into how we measure our own business. However, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues are non-GAAP financial measures and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues should not be construed as a substitute for net income determined in accordance with GAAP or other non-GAAP measures that may be used by other companies, such as EBITDA. The use of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues does have limitations. In particular, we have completed six acquisitions since the beginning of fiscal 2025 and may complete additional acquisitions in the future that will result in acquisition-related expenses and restructuring charges. As these acquisition-related expenses and restructuring charges may continue as we pursue our consolidation strategy, some investors may consider these charges and expenses as a recurring part of operations rather than expenses that are not part of operations.

    The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues to net income reported in our unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for Q1FY26, Q4FY25, Q3FY25, Q2FY25, and Q1FY25, which we believe is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

      Q1FY26 Q4FY25 Q3FY25 Q2FY25 Q1FY25
    Net income, as reported on Consolidated Statements of Operations 36.2 37.4 36.6 34.7 34.7
    Adjustments to reconcile to Adjusted EBITDA:          
    Interest expense 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3
    Investment income (1.9) (1.9) (2.9) (2.7) (4.1)
    Income tax expense 11.7 11.4 11.9 13.6 11.5
    Depreciation expense 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4
    Amortization of intangible assets 19.1 19.4 17.5 17.4 15.0
    Stock-based compensation and related taxes 4.9 5.4 5.6 5.8 4.3
    Other charges 3.4 1.6 1.8 0.2 3.9
    Adjusted EBITDA 75.1 75.0 72.1 70.6 67.0
               
    Revenues 168.7 167.5 168.8 163.4 151.3
    Net income as % of revenues 21% 22% 22% 21% 23%
    Adjusted EBITDA as % of revenues 45% 45% 43% 43% 44%
               
    The Descartes Systems Group Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (US dollars in thousands; US GAAP; Unaudited)
         
      April 30, January 31,
      2025 2025
    ASSETS    
    CURRENT ASSETS    
    Cash 176,411 236,138
    Accounts receivable (net)    
    Trade 60,456 53,953
    Other 15,646 16,931
    Prepaid expenses and other 43,100 45,544
      295,613 352,566
    OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS 27,366 24,887
    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 13,944 12,481
    RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS 7,721 7,623
    DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 4,867 3,802
    INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET 368,122 321,270
    GOODWILL 992,257 924,755
      1,709,890 1,647,384
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
    CURRENT LIABILITIES    
    Accounts payable 23,154 20,650
    Accrued liabilities 73,151 79,656
    Lease obligations 3,402 3,178
    Income taxes payable 9,535 9,313
    Deferred revenue 109,608 104,230
      218,850 217,027
    LEASE OBLIGATIONS 4,533 4,718
    DEFERRED REVENUE 2,196 978
    INCOME TAXES PAYABLE 6,540 5,531
    DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 25,834 34,127
      257,953 262,381
         
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
    Common shares – unlimited shares authorized; Shares issued and outstanding totaled 85,782,830 at April 30, 2025 (January 31, 2025 – 85,605,969) 574,816 568,339
    Additional paid-in capital 498,092 503,133
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss (21,243) (50,497)
    Retained earnings 400,272 364,028
      1,451,937 1,385,003
      1,709,890 1,647,384
         
    The Descartes Systems Group Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (US dollars in thousands, except per share and weighted average share amounts; US GAAP; Unaudited)
       
      Three Months Ended
      April 30, April 30,
      2025 2024
         
    REVENUES 168,739 151,348
    COST OF REVENUES (exclusive of amortization presented separately below) 39,747 35,413
    GROSS MARGIN 128,992 115,935
    EXPENSES    
    Sales and marketing 18,850 17,471
    Research and development 25,069 22,191
    General and administrative 16,312 14,948
    Other charges 3,449 3,918
    Amortization of intangible assets 19,114 15,024
      82,794 73,552
    INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 46,198 42,383
    INTEREST EXPENSE (236) (273)
    INVESTMENT INCOME 1,962 4,059
    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 47,924 46,169
    INCOME TAX EXPENSE (RECOVERY)    
    Current 12,251 12,318
    Deferred (571) (816)
      11,680 11,502
    NET INCOME 36,244 34,667
    EARNINGS PER SHARE    
    Basic 0.42 0.41
    Diluted 0.41 0.40
    WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (thousands)    
    Basic 85,677 85,274
    Diluted 87,577 87,116
         
    The Descartes Systems Group Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (US dollars in thousands; US GAAP; Unaudited)
       
      Three Months Ended
      April 30, April 30,
      2025 2024
    OPERATING ACTIVITIES    
    Net income 36,244 34,667
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:    
    Depreciation 1,450 1,358
    Amortization of intangible assets 19,114 15,024
    Stock-based compensation expense 4,366 3,769
    Other non-cash operating activities (34) 96
    Deferred tax recovery (571) (816)
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities (6,966) 9,643
    Cash provided by operating activities 53,603 63,741
    INVESTING ACTIVITIES    
    Additions to property and equipment (1,862) (1,764)
    Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired (112,327) (139,973)
    Cash used in investing activities (114,189) (141,737)
    FINANCING ACTIVITIES    
    Payment of debt issuance costs (38) (38)
    Issuance of common shares for cash, net of issuance costs 3,558 4,231
    Payment of withholding taxes on net share settlements (6,487) (6,745)
    Cash used in financing activities (2,967) (2,552)
    Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash 3,826 (1,482)
    Decrease in cash (59,727) (82,030)
    Cash, beginning of period 236,138 320,952
    Cash, end of period 176,411 238,922
         

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Australian kids BYO lunches to school. There is a healthier way to feed students

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liesel Spencer, Associate Professor, School of Law, Western Sydney University

    Getty Images/ courtneyk

    Australian parents will be familiar with this school morning routine: hastily making sandwiches or squeezing leftovers into containers, grabbing a snack from the cupboard and a piece of fruit from the counter.

    This would be unheard of in many other countries, including Finland, Sweden, Scotland, Wales, Brazil and India, which provide free daily school meals to every child.

    Australia is one of the few high-income countries that does not provide children with a daily nutritious meal at school.

    As families increasingly face food insecurity and a cost-of-living crisis, here’s how school lunches could help.

    School lunches are important

    During the week, children get a third of their daily food intake at school. What they eat during school hours has a significant impact on their health.

    Australian children have much higher rates of obesity than children in countries with healthy lunch programs.

    As children’s diets affect physical and cognitive development, and mental health, poor diet can also affect academic performance.

    International research shows universal school meal programs – where all children are provided with a healthy meal at school each day – can improve both health and educational outcomes for students.

    The problem with BYO lunchboxes

    In Australia, children either bring a packed lunch or buy food at the school canteen. But the vast majority of these lunches don’t meet kids’ dietary needs.

    As a 2022 Flinders University report notes, more than 80% of Australian primary school lunches are of poor nutritional quality. Half of students’ school-day food intake comes from junk food and fewer than one in ten students eat enough vegetables.

    While these figures are based on 2011–2012 data, subsequent national survey data does not show significant improvements in children’s healthy diet indicators, including fruit and vegetable consumption. Time pressures on carers mean pre-packaged food can be a default lunchbox choice.

    At the same time, many families with school students are not able to provide their children with healthy lunches. Food insecurity — not having regular access to enough safe, healthy and affordable food — affects an estimated 58% of Australian households with children, and 69% of single-parent households.

    Hot weather also raises food safety concerns, as it’s hard to keep fresh food cool in schoolbags.

    School meals programs in Australia

    There are some historical examples of providing food to children at school in Australia. This includes the school milk program which ran from 1950s to 1970s. There were also wartime experiments in the 1940s. For example, the Oslo lunch (a cheese and salad sandwich on wholemeal bread, with milk and fruit) was provided at school to improve the health of children.

    Today, there is a patchwork of school food programs run by not-for-profit organisations providing breakfast and/or lunch, and various schemes, including kitchen garden and school greenhouse programs.

    There are also pilot schemes providing hot meals. For example, in Tasmania, the current pilot school lunch program feeds children in participating schools a hot lunch on some days of the week with state government support. Evaluation of the program showed strong benefits: healthier eating, calmer classrooms, better social connections from eating lunch together, and less food waste.

    The 2023 parliamentary inquiry into food security recommended the federal government work with states and territories to consider the feasibility of a school meals program.

    In May, the South Australian parliament opened an inquiry into programs in preschools and schools to ensure children and young people don’t go hungry during the day.

    What would it take to introduce school meals?

    Rolling out universal school meal programs across Australian schools would require cooperation between government and private sectors.

    It could build on what already exists – including canteens, school gardens, food relief and breakfast clubs – to create a more consistent and inclusive system.

    There’s a strong evidence base to guide this, both from Australian pilot programs and international examples.

    Decisions would have to be made about regulation and funding – whether to opt for a federally-funded and regulated scheme with federal and state cooperation, or a state-by-state scheme.

    Funding mechanisms from international models include fully government-funded, caregiver-paid (but with subsidies for disadvantaged families) and cost-sharing arrangements between government and families.

    Costs per child per day are around A$10, factoring in economies of scale. Some pilot programs report lower costs of around $5, but involve volunteer labour.

    More research is needed to determine parent and community attitudes and model these funding options, including preventative health benefits.

    Delivery models may also vary depending on each school’s size, location and infrastructure. This could include onsite food preparation, central kitchens delivering pre-prepared meals, or partnerships with not-for-profit providers.

    Ultimately, providing food at school could save parents valuable time and stress, and ensure all Australian students can access the health and education benefits of a nutritious school meal.

    Liesel Spencer has undertaken volunteer work for the Federation of Canteens in Schools (Australia).

    Miriam Williams has undertaken volunteer work for the Federation of Canteens in Schools (Australia).

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

    – ref. Australian kids BYO lunches to school. There is a healthier way to feed students – https://theconversation.com/australian-kids-byo-lunches-to-school-there-is-a-healthier-way-to-feed-students-257465

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Slams Lutnick for Decimation of NOAA, Illegal Cancellation of Digital Equity Act Funding, More

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s Q&A with Sec. Lutnick***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick at a Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on the president’s fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Department. Senator Murray slammed what’s happening at the Department and President Trump’s thoughtless tariffs, and grilled Secretary Lutnick on the Department’s decision to completely eliminate the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund in the budget request, the Department’s failure to submit required budget justifications to the Committee, and the Trump administration’s decision to cancel billions of dollars of funding from Senator Murray’s Digital Equity Act which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.

    In opening comments, Vice Chair Murray said:

    “You know, over the law few months, I am deeply concerned because we have seen: mass firings at NOAA that are really, seriously jeopardizing the weather forecasting that we all count on; funds have been frozen; grants and contracts have been abruptly cancelled; and agencies that were created by Congress in a bipartisan way have been shuttered unilaterally—really ignoring the law—and sweeping, thoughtless tariffs that are crunching small businesses and raising costs for families.

    “And we have even seen President Trump illegally block some emergency funding House Republicans included in their yearlong CR which has cut off funding your Department counts on for trade fairness, export controls, NOAA satellites, and more.

    “So, needless to say: I don’t think any of this helps advance the Department’s mission to spur economic growth and strengthen America’s competitiveness, and it does leaves me very seriously concerned about whether the Department is going to be able to carry out its job.

    “Now, before I turn to my questions, I do want to quickly raise your decision to cancel $48 million in Tech Hub funding for the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center in Eastern Washington and Idaho—alongside several other hubs. We had a chance to talk about this yesterday, but I want you to know I have a lot more questions than I think you answered.

    “This hub is really a partnership of industry, academia, the military, and governments at all levels. Cancelling that funding and further delaying progress at the tech hub really damages our defense industrial base and limits our ability to compete with China, as I told you yesterday. So, that is unacceptable, and I look forward to you resolving that as soon as possible.”

    [TRUMP REQUESTS TO ELIMINATE SALMON RECOVERY PROGRAM]

    Senator Murray began by explaining how important NOAA is to our nation’s fisheries and how important salmon are to Washington state’s way of life, calling out President Trump’s request to zero out funding for a key salmon program: “Now, I do want to ask you while you’re here, one of the agencies you oversee is NOAA. It is absolutely essential to supporting sustainable fisheries, protecting our natural resources, and making sure that we have accurate weather forecasts. Cutting away at NOAA—as you have been doing and as your budget proposes to do further—is going to do serious harm. Among other cuts, your budget would completely eliminate the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund. That would be a catastrophic failure—it would abandon our communities, our Tribes, and our industries who rely on salmon. And across the Pacific Northwest, salmon are not just fish—they are a way of life, and they are foundational to our economy and our culture. So, I would like you to explain quickly why you proposed that cut, and I want to ask you, did you consult with our Tribes or fishing communities who count on it before making that decision?”

    Secretary Lutnick replied, “The issues are that we do the same thing in multiple ways in NOAA. We have not cut any hydrologists, which are the people who study the water.”

    “You eliminated the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund. That is what I’m precisely asking you about. Did you talk to our tribes or fishermen before you did that?” Senator Murray pressed.

    “Of course,” responded Secretary Lutnick.

    Senator Murray said, “Well, I have spoken to the tribes, I’ve talked to the scientists, I’ve talked to the fishermen. No one—no one—in the Pacific Northwest supports those cuts. And I want everyone to know I will not vote for an appropriations bill that eliminates that funding.”

    [LACK OF TRANSPARENCY]

    Senator Murray then asked about the Department failure to present full budget justifications to Congress, “Now, staying on NOAA facilities like the Northwest Fishery Science Center, which is in Seattle, are really in dire need of investment. For this reason, this CJS Appropriations Subcommittee has long included language requiring the Secretary of Commerce to include the cost estimates for NOAA construction projects of more than $5 million, in the congressional budget justification materials, as well as the 5-year cost estimates for those projects. Are you aware of that requirement?”

    “My understanding is we filed our budget according to the CR with exact precision,” Secretary Lutnick replied.

    “Well, have you submitted the Department’s FY26 congressional budget justification? It did not include the list of projects, which it’s required to do,” asked Senator Murray.

    Secretary Lutnick continued to dodge, “My understanding is the CR had certain obligations for us, and we followed them with precision. That’s my understanding.”

    Senator Murray pushed back, “Well, the fact is that you are required by law to submit the NOAA PAC [Procurement, Acquisition and Construction] construction list to Congress with the budget. That wasn’t done. Can we get that list by Friday?”

    “I’ll happily take a look at it. And if it’s required, of course, I will send it,” said Secretary Lutnick.

    Senator Murray responded, “Okay. It is required.”

    [ATTACKS ON DIGITAL EQUITY ACT]

    Senator Murray turned her questions about President Trump’s recent announcement he is illegally planning to cancel Digital Equity Act grants, “Mr. Secretary, I wrote a law, it was called the Digital Equity Act, to help close the digital divide—and it passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. Now, the Administration has arbitrarily cancelled billions of dollars for the Digital Equity Act, claiming it’s unconstitutional. This is a program that every state, Democrat and Republican, has applied for—every single state in the country. It distributes laptops in Iowa. It helped people get back online after Hurricane Helene washed away computers and phones in western North Carolina. It’s a program in rural Alabama where they taught seniors—including some who have never used a computer—how to use the internet. I want to ask you, has the Supreme Court declared this bipartisan law unconstitutional? Has any judge?”

    Secretary Lutnick sidestepped the question, “It will go through the courts and the courts will decide.”

    “No one has declared this unconstitutional—no one. Your job, Mr. Secretary, is to carry out the law that Congress has passed. You don’t get to keep laptops from our kids, because the President doesn’t care about kids in rural communities. My advice to you here—it is a law, it is not unconstitutional, and I would urge you to get those digital equity dollars out the door and save everyone the legal fees, because the law is very clear,” emphasized Senator Murray.

    [TRUMP’S THOUGHTLESS TRADE WAR]

    Senator Murray concluded by saying, “I just have a few seconds left, and I before I finish, I do want to underscore my state, Washington state, is one of the most trade dependent states in the nation. 40% of our jobs are connected to international trade and President Trump and your Department continue to pursue this chaotic tariff policy that businesses in my state stand to lose billions of dollars. I have heard from businesses across my state, from manufacturers, from small retailers. They are struggling to absorb the cost increases on everything from napkins to car parts. And this uncertainty has really left them scrambling which has delayed investments and caused serious supply chain disruptions, especially at our ports. These actions, in addition, have really harmed our relationships with our key allies like Canada. I heard Senator Collins here earlier talking about Maine being their neighbor—it is our neighbor in Washington state. They are one of our biggest trading partners. And let me be clear, this is causing chaos, disruption, anger. And we have got to get this resolved because farmers, our people and our small businesses and our communities, are really hurting.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Israel’s new aid system is inhumane. Israel needs to end its restrictions on aid now: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Israel’s new aid system is inhumane. Israel needs to end its restrictions on aid now: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the E10 draft UN Security Council resolution on Gaza.

    The United Kingdom voted in favour of this resolution today because the intolerable situation in Gaza needs to end.

    We are determined to see an end to this war, secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas and alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation for Palestinians in Gaza. 

    This Israeli Government’s decisions to expand its military operations in Gaza and severely restrict aid are unjustifiable, disproportionate and counterproductive, and the UK completely opposes them.

    The Israeli Government says it has opened up aid access with its new system.

    But Palestinians, desperate to feed their families, have been killed as they try to reach the very few aid sites that have been permitted by Israel. 

    This is inhumane.

    We support the UN’s call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable.

    Israel needs to end its restrictions on aid now: let the UN and humanitarians do their job to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity.

    President, we regret that the Council was unable to reach consensus today, but we remain committed to the vision of this text.

    We will continue to strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. 

    A ceasefire is the best way to secure the release of all remaining hostages and achieve a long-term political solution.

    And we repeat our condemnation of the heinous attack by Hamas on 7th October and demand that it release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally. Hamas can have no role in the future governance of Gaza.

    A two-state solution is the only way to bring the long-lasting peace, stability and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve. 

    We welcome France and Saudi Arabia’s leadership in chairing an international conference later this month.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Trump’s Tax Cut Bill Will Increase Deficit by $2.4 Trillion – Congressional Budget Office

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NEW YORK, June 4 (Xinhua) — The U.S. Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan agency, on Wednesday released an analysis projecting that President Donald Trump’s tax cut bill will reduce tax revenues by $3.7 trillion, increasing the federal budget deficit by $2.4 trillion over the next decade.

    The report, published on the agency’s website on June 4 but dated May 20, also projects that if the bill is passed, the number of people without health insurance would increase by 10.9 million, including 1.4 million people who are in the country without legal status and who use government-funded programs.

    The document, which D. Trump and Republican lawmakers call a “big, beautiful” bill, was passed by the House of Representatives (lower chamber) of the US Congress with a narrow majority of votes and is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate (upper chamber). –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fish & Game reforms to modernise organisation

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Reforms to modernise and strengthen Fish & Game New Zealand will improve the national management of hunting and fishing resources and advocacy, while maintaining local control over local fishing and hunting rules, Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has announced. 

    “I want to make it as easy as possible for Kiwis to go hunting and fishing in New Zealand. This long overdue reform to Fish & Game will refocus the organisation on its core job of managing our sport fishing and game bird resources and implement a more professional approach to national decision making,” Mr Meager says.

    “It is important to our economy that Fish & Game is a well-functioning, highly effective and efficient organisation. Licence holders are estimated to spend up to $138 million every year, and our hunting and fishing resources are the envy of the world, drawing in tourists from across the globe. 

    “Previous reviews have made clear current legislation is not fit for purpose, resulting in internal dysfunction, wasted revenue on duplicated activities and staff, variable governance practices, disconnect from licence holders and local advocacy which has overstepped the mark. These long-standing issues must be addressed.”

    The reforms will make several key changes, including:

    • Clarifying the roles and responsibilities so that regional Fish & Game councils focus on delivering hunting and fishing opportunities on the ground, with the New Zealand Council responsible for administrative tasks and policies.
    • Shifting to a nationalised fee collection system to reduce double handling of licence fees and ensuring funding follows the demand on the resource.
    • Making more licence holders eligible to vote and stand in Fish & Game elections and requiring councillors to comply with professional standards.
    • Requiring Fish & Game councils to better consider the interests of other stakeholders such as farmers and the aviation sector in decision-making.
    • Requiring a national policy around advocacy and restricting court proceedings to within that policy.

    A stand-alone Fish & Game Act will be created, to better recognise the organisation’s contribution to helping New Zealanders hunt and fish.

    “Sports fishing and game bird hunting are well-established traditions and important recreational pastimes for Kiwis. They have positive impacts on our regional economies and create wider benefits for tourism, wellbeing and our environment – making it even more crucial its regulator is modern and credible”, Mr Meager says.

    Legislation will be introduced this year, and the Select Committee will provide an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to provide feedback on the proposals.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Woodside’s North West Shelf approval is by no means a one-off. Here are 6 other giant gas projects to watch

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Hepburn, Professor, Deakin Law School, Deakin University

    GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images

    The federal government’s decision to extend the life of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas plant in Western Australia has been condemned as a climate disaster.

    The gas lobby claims more gas is needed to secure energy supplies, pointing to predicted gas shortages in parts of Australia in the short term. But given most proposed gas projects are directed at the export market, the problem is likely to persist.

    And the science is clear: no fossil fuel projects can be opened if the world is to avoid catastrophic climate change.

    Despite this, a slew of polluting gas projects are either poised to begin operating in Australia, or lie firmly in the sights of industry.

    How Australia’s gas contributes to climate change

    Gas production in Australia harms the climate in two ways.

    The first is via “fugitive” emissions – leaks and unintentional releases that occur when gas is being extracted, processed and transported. These emissions are typically methane, which traps more heat in the atmosphere per molecule than carbon dioxide.

    Fugitive emissions count towards Australia’s greenhouse gas accounts, comprising about 6% of our total emissions.

    So, government approval for new gas projects undermines Australia’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions. Labor enshrined this goal in legislation in its previous term of government, and all states and territories have also adopted it.

    The second climate harm occurs when Australia’s gas is burned for energy overseas. Those emissions do not count towards our national emissions accounts, but they substantially contribute to global warming.

    Under national environment law, the federal government is not required to consider the potential harm a project might cause to the global climate. This loophole means fossil fuel developments can continue to win government backing.

    Below, I outline six of the biggest gas projects Australia has in the pipeline.

    1. Barossa Gas Project

    This A$5.6 billion project by energy giant Santos is located in the Timor Sea, about 300km north of Darwin. The Australian government’s offshore energy regulator approved it in April this year.

    The project will extract gas from the Barossa field and transport it to a liquified natural gas (LNG) facility in Darwin for processing and export.

    The venture would reportedly be among the worst polluting oil and gas projects in the world. On one estimate, it would release about 380 million tonnes of climate pollution over its 25-year life.

    2. Scarborough Pluto Train 2

    Pluto Train 2 is an extension of Woodside’s existing Scarborough project, centred around a gas field about 375km off WA’s Pilbara coast. A 430-kilometre pipeline would connect that gas to a second LNG train at a facility near Karratha. “Train” refers to the unit in a plant that turns natural gas into liquid.

    The project has federal and state approval. It is about 80% complete and scheduled to begin operating by next year. According to Climate Analytics, the expansion would create about 9.2 million tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent each year.

    3. Surat Phase 2

    This coal seam gas project in Gladstone, Queensland, would be operated by Arrow energy – a joint venture between Shell and PetroChina.

    It involves substantially expanding existing gas fields by building up to 450 new production wells. The project is expected to supply 130 million cubic feet of gas each day at its peak, and has been opposed by environment groups.

    4. Narrabri Gas Project

    This $3.6 billion Santos project in northwest New South Wales involves drilling up to 850 coal seam gas wells over 95,000 hectares. The National Native Title Tribunal last month ruled leases for the project could be granted, leaving Santos only a few regulatory barriers to clear.

    Environmental groups and Traditional Owners say the project threatens water resources, biodiversity and Indigenous sites. However, the tribunal found the project’s benefits to energy reliability outweighed those concerns.

    5. Beetaloo Basin

    The Beetaloo Basin is located 500km southeast of Darwin. It covers 28,000 kilometres and is estimated to contain up to 500 trillion cubic feet of gas. A number of companies are vying for the right to develop the huge resource.

    It is predicted to emit up to 1.2 billion tonnes over 25 years. A CSIRO report says Beetaloo could be tapped without adding to Australia’s net emissions. However, experts say the report was too optimistic and relies far too heavily on carbon offsets.

    6. Browse Basin

    Browse Basin, 425 kilometres north of Broome off WA, is considered Australia’s biggest reserve of untapped conventional gas.

    Woodside plans to develop the Browse gas fields, but the area is remote and difficult to access. According to the ABC, Woodside’s North West Shelf project is considered the last hope for extracting the valuable resource.

    Environmental groups say the project, if approved, would emit 1.6 billion tonnes of climate pollution – three times Australia’s current annual emissions.

    The basin is also located near the pristine Scott Reef, a significant coral reef ecosystem.

    A major disconnect

    The projects listed above, if they proceed, weaken Australia’s efforts to reach its emission reduction goals. And their overall climate impact is truly frightening.

    The re-elected Labor government has pledged to revisit attempts to reform national environment laws. This presents a prime opportunity to ensure the climate harms of fossil fuel projects are key to environmental decision making.

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

    – ref. Woodside’s North West Shelf approval is by no means a one-off. Here are 6 other giant gas projects to watch – https://theconversation.com/woodsides-north-west-shelf-approval-is-by-no-means-a-one-off-here-are-6-other-giant-gas-projects-to-watch-257899

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Transocean Ltd. Announces Exercise of $100 Million Option for Harsh Environment Semisubmersible

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) (“Transocean”) today announced that a two-well option was exercised for the Transocean Spitsbergen in Norway. The program is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026 in direct continuation of the rig’s current program and contribute approximately $100 million in backlog, excluding additional services.

    About Transocean

    Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. The company specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world.

    Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 32 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 24 ultra-deepwater floaters and eight harsh environment floaters.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements described herein that are not historical facts 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. These statements could contain words such as “possible,” “intend,” “will,” “if,” “expect,” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are beyond our control, and many cases, cannot be predicted. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, estimated duration of customer contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates and locations, planned shipyard projects and other out-of-service time, sales of drilling units, the cost and timing of mobilizations and reactivations, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with international operations, actions by customers and other third parties, the fluctuation of current and future prices of oil and gas, the global and regional supply and demand for oil and gas, the intention to scrap certain drilling rigs, the effects of the spread of and mitigation efforts by governments, businesses and individuals related to contagious illnesses, and other factors, including those and other risks discussed in the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in the company’s other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC’s website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. We expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs with regard to the statement or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. All non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations to the most comparative GAAP measure are displayed in quantitative schedules on the company’s website at: www.deepwater.com.

    This press release, or referenced documents, do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and do not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”) or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of Transocean and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of Transocean.

    Analyst Contact:
    Alison Johnson
    +1 713-232-7214

    Media Contact:
    Pam Easton
    +1 713-232-7647

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI | Fox News — SEN BILL HAGERTY: Nashville is not a sanctuary city. I won’t let that happen

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    ‘Illegal aliens are facing justice. They are being sent home. And violent criminals, who are here illegally, will no longer plague our communities…The American people, the people of Tennessee and the brave men and women of ICE deserve much better. I look forward to seeing this commitment upheld.’

    SEN BILL HAGERTY: Nashville is not a sanctuary city. I won’t let that happen
    By: Senator Bill Hagerty
    June 4, 2025
    Link here.

    Nashville mayor condemns arrests of illegal immigrants. Now, ICE agents are targets of doxxing.

    Nashville is not, nor is any other city in Tennessee, a sanctuary city. I intend to make certain that remains the case.  

    In May in Nashville, ICE conducted a successful operation with Tennessee Highway Patrol to arrest 196 criminal illegal aliens, including a convicted rapist and a suspected murderer. 

    While I have received every assurance that Nashville and every other city in Tennessee will work in a cooperative manner with law enforcement, make no mistake: I will make certain those commitments are not just lip service. 

    After the operation, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell condemned ICE’s good work, promoted a fund to provide support dollars for illegal immigrants and their families in Nashville, and even updated an executive order to fast-track the collection of all Nashville government employees’ interactions with ICE. 

    The mayor’s executive order has – unsurprisingly – led to the doxxing of ICE agents, who have faced a 413% increase in assaults against them while on the job. In Nashville, we know that activists are monitoring ICE activity in the city and alerting each other of ICE’s movements using encrypted group chats. 

    Did these groups see the doxxed ICE agents’ personal information? How will they use it? How does the mayor ensure these lists of ICE agents do not end up in the wrong hands? These are all questions we shouldn’t have to ask, but now we do. 

    The cloud of confusion that has arisen from this misstep is unfortunate, and the facts need to be made clear: the state of Tennessee is a state that stands for law enforcement and the protection of its citizens. 

    The leftwing media is adding fuel to the fire. For example, New York Times opinion writer Margaret Renkl explicitly compares ICE raids in Nashville to the Jim Crow South and the Trail of Tears. Her article – littered with cherry-picked stories from immigrant activists – uses such ridiculous words as “hunt” to suggest that what is happening in my state is not legal. Let me be clear: the only illegality is from those who chose to cross the border illegally. 

    We know where this all leads: In 2019, an Antifa activist attempted to firebomb an ICE facility in Tacoma, Washington. Thankfully, he was stopped before he could succeed. But his intentions and motivation were clear. In his manifesto, he slandered ICE as “the forces of evil,” and compared their detention facilities to “concentration camp[s].” 

    Even when such rhetoric from the media and mismanagement on the part of local officials does not inspire acts of domestic terrorism, it still leads to harassment and threats against ICE and other federal law enforcement officers. 

    In the first Trump presidency, the left shamelessly engaged in doxxing of ICE agents, sharing their personal information in an effort to intimidate them out of their jobs, or even cause direct harm to them. Such private information was even shared by college professors, published by WikiLeaks, and disseminated by the far-left domestic terrorist organization Antifa.

    Now that President Donald Trump is back in office, activists have resumed this dangerous tactic. Even state lawmakers have joined in on efforts to expose ICE officers’ identities, with Tennessee Democrat state Representative Aftyn Behn filming herself gleefully stalking ICE agents. 

    Trump’s historic re-election made it clear: the American people support his immigration agenda, including the removal and deportation of criminal illegal aliens from our communities. Yet some, like Nashville Mayor O’Connell, whether intentional or not, are inhibiting the president’s mission. This will not stand. 

    The Trump administration and the men and women of ICE have a Herculean task before them in cleaning up what former President Joe Biden facilitated: the largest invasion of our Southern border in history. 

    For four years, we watched Biden sacrifice our national sovereignty to allow millions to illegally flood our country. Unsurprisingly, this illegal tsunami included murderers, rapists, human traffickers, drug smugglers, people on terrorist watch lists, and more. Today, ICE is working overtime to remove these criminals and make our communities safer. 

    Here’s the reality: Illegal aliens are facing justice. They are being sent home. And violent criminals, who are here illegally, will no longer plague our communities. 

    O’Connell should take care to empower ICE and local law enforcement to remove illegal aliens from our communities, not endanger them. The American people, the people of Tennessee and the brave men and women of ICE deserve much better. I look forward to seeing this commitment upheld. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss Budget Reconciliation, Chinese Nationals’ Arrests

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking and Foreign Relations Committees, joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to discuss the budget reconciliation package, along with two Chinese nationals charged with smuggling and potential agroterrorism.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Partial Transcript

    Hagerty on the need to pass the budget reconciliation package: “We certainly do respect the effort that Elon undertook with respect to government efficiency. We all want to see cost reductions, but I tell you: my number one goal is to avoid what would otherwise be a greater than $4 trillion tax increase on Americans. I talked with Kevin Hassett yesterday, the National Economic Advisor at the White House. Were that to happen, were we not to pass this, we’d have over $4.2 trillion tax increase on America that would cut GDP growth negative six percent. Certainly, the nation, the world, doesn’t need to see that happen. One of the overarching aims here is to create certainty in our tax code to stimulate more capital investment. That’s exactly what will happen if we pass this. And Leader [John] Thune is right, the Congressional Budget Office essentially conducted malpractice last time in 2017 when they tried to estimate the impact of that Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. They missed it by a trillion dollars of revenue. I’m very optimistic; this will help reduce the deficit.”

    Hagerty on the prospective positive financial impacts of the budget reconciliation package: “As I talk to CEOs around the country, they want to make investments here in America, but they need certainty in terms of the rule set. We can deliver that through this bill. We need to do it quickly. And if we do it quickly, we’ll be able to see a 2026 that’s going to be an incredible move forward, lots more capital investment. That capital investment begets more employment. That employment and jobs begets more economic activity. It’s a positive feedback loop that will make America grow at a great degree, much higher than the 1.8 percent that the Congressional Budget Office predicts. And if we’re at three percent or better, we’re going to see that deficit begin to close much more rapidly.”

    Hagerty on the arrest of two Chinese nationals for smuggling and potential agroterrorism: “We need to be extremely careful, particularly when you think about the movement that we’ve had with Chinese nationals, particularly those affiliated with the [People’s Liberation Army], moving into our university system. That was precisely the case here. And we need to be very, very careful about who comes in, what they’re bringing with them. And make no mistake, and I’m so pleased that [FBI Director] Kash Patel [is] in the position he’s in, because he’s seeing right through all of this. Make no mistake: the Chinese Communist Party is not our friend. This sort of infiltration, this act of agroterrorism is the last thing we need to see on American soil. And the only way to prevent it is by waking up and realizing that we’ve got to be extraordinarily careful as we allow anybody to come into this country.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: Over the course of a year, systematic work has been established to ensure the effective functioning of treatment facilities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    “The task of improving the health of the country’s water bodies was set by the President of Russia. Of course, the result of this work is of the utmost importance and determines the quality of life of people. Systematization of problems, development of individual action plans, control and on-site events allowed us to significantly increase the pace of implementation of projects for the construction and commissioning of treatment facilities. Of course, we must not only maintain this momentum, but also increase it. In addition to completing the construction, we must be sure that the commissioned facilities meet the regulatory indicators for wastewater treatment. To this end, Rosprirodnadzor regularly conducts inspections for each facility. Also, digital information and analytical resources of the incident operate around the clock for effective monitoring and timely management decisions,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the established format of work has proven its effectiveness. As an example, a conclusion was recently received on reaching the standard indicators of two large-scale facilities – treatment facilities in Irkutsk and Shchyolkovo near Moscow. At the same time, the facility in Irkutsk became the flagship – it was the first in the Baikal natural territory to reach the purification standards.

    Dmitry Patrushev noted that the experience gained will definitely be taken into account when implementing the national project “Ecological Well-being” launched in 2025. In particular, the competitive selection will be carried out on the basis of a comprehensive calculation of the effectiveness of each specific project, and the treatment facility will be considered commissioned only after receiving a positive conclusion from Rosprirodnadzor. To strengthen the responsibility of the subjects of the Russian Federation for the quality of project implementation, the bar for regional co-financing will be raised.

    The Deputy Prime Minister reported that over the past year, important changes have been made to the regulatory framework for the construction and operation of treatment facilities. In May, the Government approved rules that gave regions the opportunity to establish fishery standards for water quality, taking into account the specifics of individual water bodies. A regulation on interdepartmental interaction in the construction of treatment facilities has also been developed.

    Following the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed federal agencies to conduct a series of training seminars with the regions to provide the necessary methodological assistance, including explaining the procedure for selecting projects for participation in the new national project “Environmental Well-Being”. The practice of on-site events to monitor the work will continue.

    Incident No. 55 “Wastewater Treatment Facilities” was created on June 15, 2024 to coordinate work on the construction and reconstruction of wastewater treatment facilities implemented within the framework of the national project “Ecology”, as well as to ensure the operation of these facilities with the achievement of the parameters of standard wastewater treatment. Currently, work is being considered at 145 facilities in 19 regions.

    When working in the incident format, a special project management system is used, which is deployed on the basis of the Government Coordination Center. It allows for prompt coordination of the actions of participants and monitoring of project implementation in real time.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: The IT industry’s contribution to the Russian economy amounted to 6%

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko presented the results of monitoring the IT industry for 2024. The presentation took place as part of a meeting with digital transformation leaders at the Digital Industry of Industrial Russia conference in Nizhny Novgorod.

    “Today, digital is everywhere – in public administration, the economy, the social sphere. And the basis of these changes is the developments of our IT companies. The IT industry is actively developing. This is evident, among other things, from the solutions presented at CIPR. At the same time, there was previously no reliable and unified model for assessing the industry that would show the real picture and dynamics. We presented an approach based on departmental data on accredited IT companies. It has been verified by businesses and specialized institutes. Thus, the contribution of the IT industry to Russia’s GDP in terms of gross value added was 6%. This is many times more than previously presented estimates, because they did not include data on large technology companies with a non-core OKVED code. Based on comprehensive and regular monitoring of the IT industry, it is also proposed to analyze the effectiveness of government support measures,” said Dmitry Grigorenko.

    In the developed methodology, the IT industry is understood as a set of companies included in the register of accredited organizations operating in the field of information technology (register of IT companies). Aggregated data from the Federal Tax Service, as well as data from the Ministry of Digital Development, the Bank of Russia, the Federal Customs Service and Rosstat are used to monitor the IT industry.

    An independent methodology for assessing the IT industry was developed by ANO Digital Economy with the support of the Ministry of Digital Development. According to the results of 2024, the contribution of accredited IT companies to the Russian economy amounted to 6%. The IT industry is actively supported by the state, and for every ruble of state support invested, 2 rubles were received in taxes.

    Monitoring is planned to be carried out on an ongoing basis with the possibility of expanding the list of indicators.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Thanks General Assembly for Approving Climate Mitigation Legislation

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today is thanking both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly for approving legislation containing a package of initiatives aimed at protecting the environment, including by taking steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and also to encourage the growth of the clean energy economy and green jobs.

    The legislation is House Bill 5004, An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.

    “Connecticut is proud to be a climate leader and this legislation helps keep our state on track to improve our air quality and meet our climate goals,” Governor Lamont said. “Notably, it increases the tools available in our state that will attract business growth in the clean energy sector and the associated jobs that they support. I applaud the legislature for approving this bill and I look forward to signing it when it is transmitted to my desk.”

    As required under legislative rules, now that the bill has been approved by both chambers of the General Assembly it will be transmitted to the nonpartisan Legislative Commissioners’ Office for engrossing and supervision of printing in its final form. Once engrossed, it is required to go through an approval process by the Office of the House Clerk, the Office of the Senate Clerk, and the Office of the Secretary of the State before it can finally be transmitted to the governor for his signature. This engrossing and approval process usually takes several days to complete.

    Upon receiving the bill, the Office of the Governor will make an announcement when a date has been selected for it to be signed by the governor.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Skipping straws, biking to work: do our small actions still matter for the planet?

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Soon after I first joined Greenpeace in the 2010s, I realized I had a steep learning curve ahead of me. I just didn’t expect that learning eco-conscious living (weighing the environmental impact of everyday choices such as what to eat, bring, do, or throw away) would feel like such a crash course. Back then it was about walking the talk, as is expected of everyone in environmental campaigning. It felt mandatory, and I often felt obliged to be performative.

    I still remember where the unease came from. I’d known quite a bit about how massive the climate crisis was and how deeply it’s tied to systems that were already failing us in the Global South. Basically, we’re just trying to survive the climate crisis and all other symptoms of unjust, oppressive systems, in an economy that limits our choices (do you know how insufferable it is to commute in Metro Manila, how dangerous it could be to bike, or how largely inaccessible and expensive plant-based meals are?) And yet somehow, we are the ones expected to go the extra mile to save the planet? That didn’t sit right with me. 

    This conflictedness only deepened as I learned more about the “grand narrative of guilt” pushed by corporations. These are tropes that are, when placed alongside reality, paradoxical at best (think recycling and carbon footprints — when only 9% of plastic waste has ever been recycled, and just 57 companies were responsible for 80% of global fossil fuel and cement-related CO₂ emissions from 2016 to 2022). 

    There should be no doubt that these narratives were designed to deflect responsibility for corporations’ massive environmental, social, cultural, and economic impacts and shift the attention onto us instead. After years of exposure, this messaging sticks in one’s head like the voice of a controlling, gaslighting ex: How much plastic packaging is in that bag of groceries? Was that vacation really worth the environmental cost of flying? You say you care about the planet, so why are you still eating meat?

    Surely we wouldn’t want to play into the corporate guilt-tripping narrative. At one point, I wondered if the best act of defiance might be to live our most convenient lives unapologetically and focus all our energy on actions that more directly contribute to driving system change. By this, I mean civic and public engagement efforts such as signing petitions, joining protests, or voting for environmentally conscious leaders.

    Yet one of our constant reminders at Greenpeace is this: every action counts. And each time I am reminded, I don’t doubt it. Perhaps because even though I know the narrative of individual responsibility is marred by greedy intentions, it still wouldn’t feel right to dismiss personal action completely. I’ve seen small actions spark change in people again and again, from a community leader forming a flood response group, to a youth activist organizing artivism workshops or meetups for exchanging climate stories. 

    Over time, I realized personal actions are not meant to carry the weight of the world, just as they’re not the end goal. Even so, when done consistently and taken as part of something larger, they are powerful and can push the needle toward systemic change, in more ways than one. Here are some little epiphanies on my end:

    Habits can start or hasten culture shifts. Everyday habits like refusing single-use plastic, choosing to bike to work, or eating less meat can shift culture. Culture shifts don’t always have to start in boardrooms or policy halls. In fact, they usually begin in communities, where an individual or a group quietly leads by example, and challenges what’s normal. 

    A gateway to deeper engagement. Lifestyle shifts can lead to deeper involvement in the advocacy, especially as people seek like-minded friends and learn more about the issues. And the more they know about the campaigns, the more confident they become and the more willing to share their time and energy to the cause.

    Walking the talk as a strategy. For many of us in environmental campaigning, walking the talk is not just a moral stance. It is a strategic choice that strengthens our credibility and demonstrates integrity. It shows that our demands for change are reflected in the way we live and act. This kind of alignment matters, and is also why we call on the national government to turn their climate pronouncements on the international stage into consistent and concrete action at home.

    Igniting creative resistance. The saying “necessity is the mother of invention” holds true in movement building as well. When faced with challenges, including environmental ones, people find ways to be resourceful. They collaborate, adapt, and respond. And whether intentionally or not, many end up contributing through the skills, talents, and tools they have in support of collective action.

    Reclaiming identity through agency. Realizing one’s agency often begins at a personal level. Along the way, individual actions can become a means to reconnect with culture and history, to affirm one’s values, and to commit to the kind of person one aspires to be. It also becomes a way of unlearning environmentally harmful practices promoted by corporations. For example, sari-sari store (small neighborhood store) owners who joined Greenpeace’s Kuha Sa Tingi project reconnected with the original Filipino “tingi” culture (the practice of buying goods in small, affordable, quantities) through reuse and refill systems.

    Making power listen. Collective personal actions can create pressure for decision-makers, institutions, and even corporations to act. They may not replace structural change, but they send clear signals, if not outright communicate, public demand for solutions which in due course can unlock systemic change. 


    You might want to check out Greenpeace Philippines’ petition called Courage for Climate, a drive in support of real policy and legal solutions in the pursuit of climate justice.

    Courage for Climate

    The climate crisis may seem hopeless, but now is the time for courage, not despair. Join Filipino communities taking bold action for our planet.

    Make an Act of Courage Today!

    MIL OSI NGO –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlights skilled workforce training on America at Work tour

    Source: US Department of Labor

    EDISON, NJ – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her America at Work listening tour this week with visits to Long Island, New York, and Edison, New Jersey, where she met with apprentices and observed hands-on training in welding, framing, and acoustical work.

    “Our nation’s skilled workforce is thriving under President Trump’s leadership, with thousands of new jobs created on Long Island and in New Jersey since he took office,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “This week, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of investments in top-notch training programs that drive local economic growth. When we invest in skills and opportunity, we empower men and women to build better lives for themselves and their families. I appreciate Congressmen Garbarino, LaLota, and Kean hosting me on my America at Work tour and will continue working with them to Make America Skilled Again.”

    “Long Island has long been a leader in workforce innovation, and today’s visit showcased the strong partnerships between labor, education, and government that are building pathways to good-paying jobs for local workers,” said Rep. Andrew Garbarino. “From apprentices learning the trades at Local 290 to advanced technical training programs at Suffolk County Community College, these initiatives are not only equipping our workforce with the skills they need – they’re also strengthening Long Island’s economic future. I thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for making the trip and recognizing the importance of continued investment in our skilled workforce.”

    “Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s visit to Suffolk County and her engagement with Long Island’s blue-collar labor leaders highlight the new Republican Party’s commitment to supporting both business growth and hardworking Americans through fair wages, safe working conditions, and expanded opportunities,” said Rep. Nick LaLota. “To keep our region competitive, we must continue investing in workforce development and modern infrastructure. In Congress, I’ll keep fighting for commonsense solutions that strengthen job training, connect workers to good-paying careers, and grow Long Island’s economy from the ground up.”

    New York

    Joined by Reps. Garbarino and LaLota, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters Local 290 Training Center in Hauppauge, where she observed hands-on technical instruction in welding, framing, and acoustical work. She also engaged with apprentices to discuss the importance of developing practical skills. 

    Later, they toured Suffolk County Community College’s National Offshore Wind Training Center in Brentwood, a state-of-the-art program preparing local workers for careers in the emerging offshore wind industry. The group also toured specialized training facilities focused on fire awareness, sea survival, and working-at-heights safety – critical for ensuring safe and effective operations in offshore environments.

    The Secretary concluded her Long Island stop with a roundtable discussion hosted by the Society for Human Resource Management to discuss strategies for building workplaces that help both people and businesses thrive.

    New Jersey

    In Edison, the Secretary visited the Northeast Carpenters Training Center in Edison with Rep. Kean. This state-of-the-art, union-owned facility, part of the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers, provides hands-on training in carpentry, millwright work, cabinetmaking, and floor laying. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer emphasized the importance of developing pathways to success through high-quality workforce development programs that equip apprentices with the resources they need to excel.

    “From construction and manufacturing to transportation infrastructure, everything built in New Jersey is built by the hands of dedicated tradesmen and women,” said Rep. Tom Kean Jr. “Today’s visit to the Northeast Carpenters Training Center, alongside Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, was an incredible opportunity to see the next generation of skilled laborers in action. The center’s workforce development programs show how strong partnerships between labor, industry, and educators equip students with the skills, leadership, and safety training they need to succeed on the job and return home safely to their families each night. As we invest in infrastructure, innovation, and nationwide projects, New Jersey will continue to lead the way due to its strong and skilled workforce. I want to thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for her continued leadership and for visiting the great Garden State.”

    Secretary Chavez-DeRemer launched her America at Work listening tour in early April to bring real-world feedback from American workers to policymakers in Washington. Recent stops have included visits to Colorado and Arizona, highlighting best practices and successful workforce development initiatives across the country.

    Learn more about Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s efforts to strengthen America’s skilled workforce.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Public Sector Workers Demand Fix to Healthcare Affordability Crisis

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    TRENTON, N.J. – Thousands of public sector and State workers gathered at the New Jersey State House Annex today to deliver a message to state lawmakers to put a stop to skyrocketing healthcare costs for New Jersey’s public sector workforce.

    Since 2022, healthcare premiums for State workers have increased by 40% while local government workers have seen a 59% compounded increase. The premium increases are putting a huge strain on workers and on the healthcare system itself and are a key driver of the affordability crisis in New Jersey. A typical local government employee earning $65,000 is currently paying over $8,000 for a family plan. With the most recent increases in premiums, that same employee is paying almost $9,500 for that same plan in 2025, effectively eliminating any negotiated salary increase.

    A coalition of labor unions, including the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, AFSCME NJ, AAUP-AFT, AFT New Jersey, the Council of New Jersey State Colleges, URA-AFT, HPAE, IFPTE, and others, is fighting for legislation to make healthcare more affordable, require fair pricing for healthcare services, and improve the governance and transparency of the State healthcare plan.

    “New Jersey’s public sector workers keep our state running every single day, and they should not be punished with unaffordable healthcare costs,” said Dennis Trainor, CWA District 1 Vice President. “It’s time for lawmakers to take real action to rein in healthcare profiteering and deliver the affordability, transparency, and accountability that public workers—and all New Jerseyans—deserve.”

    Public sector union workers are fighting for common-sense cost control and solutions like claims auditing, enforcing existing contracts with insurance carriers, and fair pricing that would rein in the costs of care overall, generating enormous savings for the State, local governments, and workers.

    “What’s not to like about this proposal?” asked New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech. “It has produced massive savings in other states and could save New Jersey taxpayers $1.1 billion annually. It helps to control ever-increasing property taxes by slowing down out-of-control increases in health insurance premiums for public employees. It provides much-needed relief to workers who, during a time of historic inflation, are seeing every penny of their raises get eaten up by double-digit increases in health insurance premiums. Considering the dire condition of the State Health Benefits Plan, I urge the legislature to pass this bill now,” he concluded.

    “When we say healthcare, we mean justice. I stand with my brothers and sisters because together, we can make healthcare affordable, accessible, and equitable for everyone,” said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (District 15). “No one should have to choose between getting treatment and paying the mortgage, the rent, or the light bill. That’s why I show up. That’s why I fight! Let’s END Chapter 78 TOGETHER!”

    “Healthcare costs in New Jersey have skyrocketed, and proposed federal Medicaid cuts would rip away healthcare from hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans—especially children, seniors, and people with disabilities,” said Assemblyman Cody Miller (District 4). “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for their medicine or doctor’s visit. That’s why we’re fighting to pass legislation that puts patients before profits. We can make New Jersey a leader in affordable, quality healthcare for every resident.”

    “The ever-increasing healthcare costs have devastating financial and emotional effects for our members in the State Benefits Health Program. New Jersey’s working families deserve better. Reference-based pricing in healthcare will provide a fair-market standard that ensures transparency, cost reduction, affordability, and quality healthcare,” said Susanna Tardi, Ph.D., the Executive Vice President of Higher Education, AFTNJ.

    “The State needs to embrace the common-sense reforms that public sector unions have been offering for years,” said Steve Tully, AFSCME NJ Executive Director. “These reforms will ensure the long-term stability of the State Health Benefits Plan while making healthcare more affordable for workers and the taxpayers.”

    “Healthcare is a human right, and New Jersey public workers need high-quality, affordable coverage to safeguard our health and the rest of the state,” said Christine O’Connell, President of the Union of Rutgers Administrators-American Federation of Teachers, Local 1766. “Public workers have provided countless practical solutions to lower healthcare costs. These common-sense reforms are reflected in the legislative proposal we are calling for today, which is fair for workers, good for the public, and will serve the state more efficiently and effectively than plans being developed by health insurance companies generating profit by denying preventative and necessary medical care.”

    “Across New Jersey’s public colleges and universities, faculty—both full-time and part-time—dedicate themselves to the mission of higher education, often contingent workers putting in hours that match or exceed full-time roles. Yet too many are now forced to choose between keeping their healthcare and paying their bills. Premiums in the State Health Benefits Program have surged, putting enormous pressure on those who already qualify while leaving others, like adjunct faculty, completely priced out of access,” said Tom Raggio, Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union. “Healthcare is not a luxury. It is a human right. This crisis exposes the broken structure of a system where workers who serve our students and institutions are either burdened by unaffordable costs or locked out entirely. We need bold reform—one that not only reins in rising premiums but ensures that all faculty, including adjuncts, are eligible for quality, affordable healthcare based on the work they do—not based on their ability to buy into the system at an unsustainable cost.”

    “This legislation seeks to contain consumer pricing with no reduction in benefits, while increasing oversight and transparency at minimal cost to the state,” said HPAE President Debbie White. “It would help contain the spiraling costs of health insurance for our public workers.“

    ###

    About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Voxtur Provides Company Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and TAMPA, Fla., June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Voxtur Analytics Corp. (TSXV: VXTR; OTCQB: VXTRF) (“Voxtur” or the “Company”), a North American technology company creating a more transparent and accessible real estate lending ecosystem, today issued a letter from Ryan Marshall, the Company’s CEO.

    “Over the past year, Voxtur has undergone profound transformation in the face of relentless challenges both internal and external. While our most recent financial statements contain disclosures that may appear stark when viewed in isolation, the underlying reality is more nuanced.

    From the outset, we acknowledged the difficult decisions that would be required, especially amid rapidly contracting mortgage and real estate markets. These headwinds have strained revenue and made our internal realignment a long and complex journey, not a quick fix. Through it all, our team has shown incredible resolve, working long hours and staying committed to preserving the trust of key partners such as our clients and creditors.

    We have remained focused on long-term sustainability, not on short-sighted wins or unsustainable growth. The pressures we face including market-driven, operational, and legal, have required us to make hard pivots in order to protect what matters most: our people, our shareholders, and our creditors.

    Today, many of our historical inefficiencies have been addressed. The total value of these cost reductions continues and has not yet been fully reflected in the financials. With that, we are moving forward with renewed focus and urgency to rebuild momentum and drive profitable growth. Subsequent to the first quarter of 2025, Voxtur’s Executive Chairman waived his salary going forward, the financial impact of which will begin to be reflected in the second quarter of this year.

    In addition, as part of the strategic review process initiated in January 2025, the Company has received multiple Letters of Interest. While transactions are inherently complex and require time to execute, we are encouraged by the progress made to date. These developments mark important steps toward securing a more sustainable debt structure and achieving positive EBITDA. These are key priorities in our efforts to preserve and enhance long-term value for all stakeholders.

    We are aware that certain legal proceedings involving the Company have become a matter of public record through court filings. While we recognize there may be interest in these matters, in line with Company policy, and consistent with our obligations under applicable securities laws, we do not comment on ongoing legal matters outside of required disclosures.

    We intend to hold a shareholder update and Q&A session at the appropriate time, subject to the timing of material developments and applicable disclosure requirements.

    We remain driven by the opportunity to defy expectations. Our drive, combined with the resilience of the team and the potential of our platform, is what will carry us through this difficult time. Thank you for your continued patience and support.”

    Sincerely – Ryan Marshall, Voxtur CEO

    About Voxtur

    Voxtur is a proptech company. The company offers targeted data analytics to simplify the multifaceted aspects of the lending lifecycle for investors, lenders, government agencies and servicers. Voxtur’s proprietary data hub and workflow platforms more accurately and efficiently value real estate assets, providing critical due diligence that enables market participants to effectively originate, trade, or service defaults on mortgage loans. As an independent and transparent mortgage technology provider, the company offers primary and secondary market solutions in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.voxtur.com. 

    Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking information”) which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Company’s future growth, financial performance and objectives and the Company’s strategic initiatives, plans, business prospects and opportunities. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and the Company’s financial and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. By their very nature, forward-looking statements require management to make assumptions and involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future events, performance or results, and give rise to the possibility that management’s predictions, forecasts, projections, expectations or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that the assumptions may not be correct and that the Company’s future growth, financial performance and objectives and the Company’s strategic initiatives, plans, business prospects and opportunities, including the duration, impact of and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, will not occur or be achieved. Any information contained herein that is not based on historical facts may be deemed to constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information may be based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release, and may be identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar expressions. Forward-looking information may include but is not limited to the anticipated financial performance of the Company and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the information is provided. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance, or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information include but are not limited to: additional costs related to acquisitions, integration of acquired businesses, and implementation of new products; changing global financial conditions, especially in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic; reliance on specific key employees and customers to maintain business operations; competition within the Company’s industry; a risk in technological failure, failure to implement technological upgrades, or failure to implement new technological products in accordance with expected timelines; changing market conditions related to defaulted mortgage loans, and the failure of clients to send foreclosure and bankruptcy referrals in volumes similar to those prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic; failure of governing agencies and regulatory bodies to approve the use of products and services developed by the Company; the Company’s dependence on maintaining intellectual property and protecting newly developed intellectual property; operating losses and negative cash flows; and currency fluctuations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained herein. Factors relating to the Company’s financial guidance and targets disclosed in this press release include, in addition to the factors set out above, the degree to which actual future events accord with, or vary from, the expectations of, and assumptions used by, Voxtur’s management in preparing the financial guidance and targets.

    This forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise this information to reflect new events or circumstances except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

    Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Voxtur’s common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol VXTR and in the US on the OTCQB under the symbol VXTRF.

    Company Contact: 

    Jordan Ross
    Tel: (416)708-9764

    jordan@voxtur.com

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: Verizon Business launches Vehicle-to-Everything connected-driving platform with multiple customers

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon Business launches Vehicle-to-Everything connected-driving platform with multiple customers

    Edge Transportation Exchange is an integrated mobile-network vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication platform that allows a vehicle to communicate with other connected vehicles, road users, and infrastructure around it. Volkswagen Group of America, The Arizona Commerce Authority, Delaware Department of Transportation, and Rutgers University CAIT are already signed on as commercial users.

    What you need to know:

    • Edge Transportation Exchange leverages Verizon’s 5G and LTE networks, low-latency mobile edge computing (MEC), and geolocation technology to send alerts, messages and data between connected vehicles and infrastructure in near real time.
    • Acts as an ecosystem enabler, offering automakers, technology developers, and governments a foundation for the development of intelligent transportation use cases.
    • Current use cases include vulnerable road user awareness, roadway and weather condition alerts, and intersection traffic-signal information to help improve traffic efficiency and enable safer road use.
    • Uses a virtual architecture that reduces the need for costly physical roadside units, alleviating financial burdens for DOTs and municipal governments.

    NEW YORK, NY — Verizon Business has commercially launched Edge Transportation Exchange, a mobile-network vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication platform for connected vehicles, with multiple customers already signed on. Following a successful 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) joint demonstration, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Rutgers University Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), and Volkswagen Group of America (VW) have begun using the platform.

    The Edge Transportation Exchange solution allows vehicles to communicate and share important data with each other, pedestrians, and connected roadway infrastructure such as traffic signals, in near real time. The 5GAA joint demonstration included use cases such as informing drivers about vulnerable road users, dangerous weather and roadway conditions, and traffic signal phase and timing at intersections.

    In addition to these capabilities, Edge Transportation Exchange serves as an API-driven platform for collaborative innovation between automakers, technology developers, and municipal governments, who can leverage the mobile-network V2X technology to scale existing connected solutions or innovate new technology for road-user safety and satisfaction. Development and collaboration is convenient and centralized through the Verizon ThingSpace IoT platform.

    “Cars are evolving from mechanical vehicles to software-defined mobile devices with the ability to leverage incredible connected technology. Edge Transportation Exchange leverages that technology to give automakers, governments, and tech developers a robust platform for building out the cellular-connected future of transportation — with visibility and reliability for all road users top of mind,” said Shamik Basu, Vice President, Strategic Connectivity & IoT, Verizon Business.

    The robust integrated solution combines Verizon’s 5G and LTE mobile networks, Verizon 5G Edge mobile edge compute, and geolocation technology enhanced with Verizon Hyper Precise Location. It uses a virtual architecture that reduces the need for costly physical roadside radio units, alleviating financial burdens for DOTs and municipal governments. The data and communication capabilities from these combined technologies and environments contribute to a feature-rich, mobile network-based V2X ecosystem that users can leverage for near term applications and long term innovation at scale.

    How Users are Deploying Edge Transportation Exchange

    ACA was first to sign on as a platform partner for Edge Transportation Exchange, advancing from trial use to production. ACA is Arizona’s leading economic development organization, working collaboratively with the University of Arizona, the Arizona Department of Transportation, and the Maricopa County Department of Transportation and state and local agencies to develop new use cases and leverage existing ones — including pedestrian detection and upcoming work zone notifications — to make Arizona roadway users safer and better connected.

    DelDOT is conducting technical testing across multiple communication technologies and architectures to optimize V2X message delivery. Primary use cases being studied include red-light warnings, water-on-road warnings, and vulnerable road user (VRU) alerts to drivers.

    VW will explore use cases such as pedestrian awareness and payment applications for expedited tolling.

    Rutgers University CAIT is deploying Edge Transportation Exchange at the DataCity Smart Mobility Testing Ground, a collaborative program with Middlesex County and in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The 2.5-mile living laboratory is equipped with self-driving-grade sensing, computing, and V2X communication technologies to facilitate the testing of Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) and Smart City technologies. Rutgers CAIT is using the platform to further develop virtualized cellular messaging architectures for cost-effective support of multiple CAV applications, including intersection safety, congestion mitigation, queue warning, and incident and work zone management.

    Rutgers CAIT is also researching school-zone safety applications, utilizing Edge Transportation Exchange to help deliver near real-time alerts to pedestrians and incoming vehicles at intersections with heavy school crossings, improving safety for K-12 students, their families, and crossing guards.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Sheriffs close drug house in Fort Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Strengthening Alberta’s courts

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    June 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Completion of Affordable Housing Development in Albany

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of 35 Broadway, a 67-unit affordable housing development in the village of Menands, Albany County. More than half of the apartments at the $26 million development are reserved for veterans experiencing homelessness and in need of support services. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed more than 4,700 affordable homes in the Capital Region, including nearly 1,000 in Albany County. 35 Broadway continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

    “Our investments are creating more homes across the state and ensuring our most vulnerable populations, especially those who have served our country, have the opportunity to find an affordable, secure place to live,” Governor Hochul said. “The new 35 Broadway development is a perfect example of our comprehensive approach to addressing the housing crisis in New York. We are bringing new homes to the Capital Region and providing veterans experiencing homelessness access to the services needed to stabilize their lives.”

    Apartments at 35 Broadway are available to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. There are 35 supportive apartments reserved for veterans experiencing homelessness eligible for services. Support services provided on-site include case management, medical care coordination, mental health and addiction service coordination, legal services, workforce placement, and financial education.

    The fully-electric building features electric heat pumps for heating and cooling, energy recovery ventilation for improved indoor air quality, energy-efficient appliances, and electric vehicle charging stations. There are landscaped seating areas, a community gardening area, a contemplation garden, and an on-site columbarium to honorably house the remains of resident veterans who pass on without family.

    Beacon Communities and Soldier On are co-developers, and Soldier On is providing the support services.

    35 Broadway is supported by HCR’s Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits programs that generated $15 million in equity, $5 million from its Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, and $368,500 from its Clean Energy Initiative program, created partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The Community Preservation Corporation is providing $3.7 million in permanent financing. The project is also supported by the federal 45L New Energy Efficient Home Credit program which generated $61,600 in equity. Additional funding includes $55,000 from NYSERDA’s Clean Heat Rebate program and $36,000 from its EV Make-Ready Rebate program. Operating funding for the supportive apartments is provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “With the opening of 35 Broadway, we are delivering much-needed affordable, modern, and energy-efficient homes to Albany County. Not only is our $26 million investment creating 67 new apartments, but this development will give veterans experiencing homelessness access to on-site services that can keep them securely housed and living independently. We thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to building more affordable housing across the state, and appreciate the work of our development partners at Beacon Communities and Soldier On for making this project a reality.”

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “New York’s commitment to creating a clean and modern built environment improves the quality of life for residents and future generations, while helping us progress toward a clean energy economy. The completion of 35 Broadway demonstrates how the adoption of low-emission building solutions and energy efficient features, such as electric heat pumps and electric vehicle charging stations, can benefit our diverse neighborhoods and populations, including New York’s veteran community.”

    New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued support of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and her unwavering commitment to supporting the well-being of New York’s veterans. 35 Broadway will provide veterans who have experienced homelessness with safe, affordable apartments they can call home, as well as onsite access to the essential services they need to live stable, independent lives in the community. Thank you to Beacon Communities Services, Soldier On, and all the state and local partners who supported the development of this much-needed project.”

    New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, “A safe, stable home is the foundation for healing, dignity, and hope. This development at 35 Broadway is more than housing — it is a promise kept to Veterans who have served with honor and deserve nothing less in return. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued focus on ensuring that access to affordable housing remains an integral part of our state’s commitment to Veterans and their families.”

    Senator Charles Schumer said, “Our veterans who have sacrificed so much for us in service to this country should never experience homelessness. Every veteran and every family in the Capital Region deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered millions to help build 67 new homes in the village of Menands. These brand new homes, some of which are reserved for veterans experiencing homelessness, will be all-electric and offer the community support services and new outdoor spaces, including a gardening area. High housing costs are a key driver of inflation so we must build more housing for working people to bring down those high prices. I applaud Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to affordable housing in the Capital Region and across New York, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to ensure that every New Yorker has a roof over their heads.”

    Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “I would like to thank Governor Hochul and New York State Homes and Community Renewal for their continued dedication to our Veterans in Albany County. Providing stable, affordable housing is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor their service. Today marks an important step in ensuring that every Veteran has a safe place to call home.”

    Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said, “The combination of deeply affordable housing and services like addiction and mental health counseling is a proven formula for ending chronic homelessness, and that’s something we need more of – locally, as well as across our state and nation – in the face of a mounting homelessness crisis. I am proud to have the opportunity to work with Soldier On to help those who served our country but have fallen on hard times. Veterans have more than earned the kind of support and security this important project will provide.”

    Menands Mayor Brian Marsh said, “This building represents more than walls, windows, and doors—it symbolizes community, stability, and new beginnings. Menands stands proud as a partner with this organization to create spaces where individuals can thrive, find purpose, and feel supported. Welcome to Menands, Welcome Home.”

    Beacon Communities CEO Dara Kovel said, “We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of this significant affordable housing community in the Capital Region alongside our partners at Soldier On and the state and local officials and funders who made it a reality. Supportive housing is a proven way to end chronic homelessness. Now these veterans who so bravely served our country, as well as other low-income households, will have a safe, stable place to call home with services they need to rebuild their lives.”

    Solider On CEO Bruce Buckley said, “Soldier On is thrilled to have completed and occupied 35 units of supportive housing for formerly homeless veterans at 35 Broadway in Menands. This 67-unit affordable housing property, developed with our partner, Beacon Communities, illustrates how government, nonprofit, and for-profit entities can better combine their strengths to end homelessness. I extend my heartful thanks to the state of New York, HCR, ESSHI, Albany County, the Village of Menands, and Beacon Communities for their support and dedication in making this possible. Thirty-five formerly homeless veterans now have a place they can call home – a home they not only deserve but have earned through their sacrifices. Most importantly, they are now surrounded by a family of support that will ensure they have the care, community, and resources they need to thrive.”

    The Community Preservation Corporation Senior Vice President Jaime Tuozzolo said, “The completion of 35 Broadway is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when public, private, and nonprofit partners come together with a shared commitment to housing and human dignity. This development not only brings much-needed affordable homes to Menands—it also creates a stable and supportive environment for our veterans who deserve the strongest possible foundation for the next chapter of their lives. We’re proud to have played a role in helping to finance this important development, and we thank our friends at Beacon Communities, HCR, NYSERDA, and SoldierOn for their partnership and dedication.”

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda

    Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY 2025 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY 2026 Enacted Budget included more than $1.5 billion in new state funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. In addition, as part of the FY 2023 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. Nearly 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

    The FY 2025 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro-Housing certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $750 million in discretionary funding. Currently, more than 300 communities have been certified.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 5, 2025
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