Category: Taxation

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Chairs Missouri District Judge Nominations Hearing  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, June 04, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) chaired the Judiciary Committee nominations hearing featuring the four Missourians President Trump has tapped to serve as district judges for Missouri–his first tranche of judicial nominees. 
    The nominees are:
    Maria A. Lanahan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri
    Cristian M. Stevens, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri
    Joshua M. Divine, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri
    Zachary M. Bluestone, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri
    These individuals would fill judicial positions that have been vacant throughout the Biden Administration. Since the beginning of the year, Senator Hawley has worked closely with the Trump White House to ensure that appointments to Missouri vacancies are prioritized.

    Meet the 4 outstanding Missourians Trump tapped as his FIRST judicial nominees: Josh Divine, Maria Lanahan, Zachary Bluestone & Cris Stevens
    We’ve waited four long years for these judges. We WILL get them confirmed. And they will be a great credit to Missouri pic.twitter.com/OuC5mqAT1g
    — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) June 4, 2025

    Senator Hawley also had a memorable exchange on Title IX protections with Whitney D. Hermandorfer, nominated to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit. Senator Hawley highlighted her record of defending legislation to safeguard women’s sports and opportunities from men who identify as women. 
    “I want to thank you for going to battle for our daughters, for going to battle for the women you played sports with, for standing up for this landmark legislation,”Senator Hawley said. 
    “When it comes to the litigation that you carried out on behalf of Tennessee … I think you did a great service, not just to Tennessee but for the nation,” Senator Hawley added. 
    Watch the full committee hearing here. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand, Markey Slam Republican Plan To Rescind Over $1 Billion In Federal Funding For The Corporation For Public Broadcasting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Ed Markey led a group of 29 senators in slamming a Republican attempt to rescind $1.07 billion in already-allocated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which funds local public broadcasting stations across the country.  The $1.07 billion represents 100% of CPB’s funding through September 2027. This move follows President Trump’s executive order directing cuts to federal funding for PBS and NPR.  

    Following the White House’s request to rescind $1.07 billion in federal funding for CPB, we write to express our strong opposition to any rescission of funding for public broadcasting and prohibitions of direct and indirect funding to the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio,” wrote the senators. “This funding is essential to the functioning of the public media system and the communities they serve, and any cuts in funding would have detrimental effects on local stations, which rely on this funding to provide critical services to millions of Americans across the country. Public broadcasting is an essential service that should be protected, not decimated. For this reason, we request that you prioritize maintaining and continuing funding for CPB.”

    The Corporation for Public Broadcasting supports over 1,500 local public television and radio stations that provide free, high-quality programming to millions of households across America. It provides young children who don’t get the chance to attend preschool with educational content that helps them learn to read; airs highly trusted nightly news programming; and shares critical public safety information during emergencies. Local public television stations also provide extensive coverage of local government and elections and host candidate debates, helping Americans stay connected with their elected leaders. Because public television and radio relies heavily on federal funding to operate, particularly in rural communities, losing this funding would force many of these stations to reduce much of their programming or, in some cases, close their doors.

    In addition to Senators Gillibrand and Markey, the letter was also signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).  

    The full text of the letter is available here or below:  

    Dear Majority Leader Thune,

    Federal investment in the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) supports over 1,500 local and regional public television and radio stations that provide free, high-quality programming to millions of households across the country. Following the White House’s request to rescind $1.07 billion in federal funding for CPB, we write to express our strong opposition to any rescission of funding for public broadcasting and prohibitions of direct and indirect funding to the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio, as outlined in the Executive Order titled, “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media” released on May 1, 2025. This funding is essential to the functioning of the public media system and the communities they serve, and any cuts in funding would have detrimental effects on local stations, which rely on this funding to provide critical services to millions of Americans across the country.

    Our public broadcasting system is a unique American institution that is deeply embedded in our communities and a critical source of lifesaving public safety services, accurate information, and educational programming. The vast majority of the federal funding CPB receives is allocated to local radio and television stations across the country. These cuts will have an immediate and significant impact for stations in rural communities that heavily rely on CPB funding to provide critical services and could likely result in the elimination of programming or outright closure of stations in areas already faced with limited connectivity.

    According to Northwestern University, 55 million people in the United States have no or only one source of local news, and rural counties are far more likely to lose their local news outlets. This number could increase if the two-year advance appropriation for public media is not upheld, resulting in the drastic reduction or complete elimination of free, high-quality local programming. This is especially concerning given the importance of public broadcasting during public emergencies, such as natural disasters, transportation accidents, national security threats, or public safety matters. CPB funds are essential to ensuring that the broadcast infrastructure remains robust and operational in disaster situations, especially scenarios in which local public broadcasters serve as the only source of information for those who need a lifeline. Any cuts in funding will have drastic consequences for communities in need.

    And there is much more to their public safety services in addition to the critical local information they broadcast. Public television’s interconnection technology, which connects local public television stations to PBS, is also one of the backbone pathways for the delivery of our nation’s Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) services – enabling cell phone subscribers to receive geotargeted emergency text alerts no matter where they are in the country. A cut to public broadcasting funding would put this lifesaving service and its nationwide footprint at risk.

    Public television has also pioneered cutting edge technology that helps first responders communicate with each other over the broadcast spectrum without the need for mobile service or broadband. This datacasting technology and public television’s public safety partnerships is already helping with early earthquake warning and has been proven effective in a wide range of scenarios where broadband or cellular service are limited, including rural search and rescue, overwater communications, large event crowd control and more. But this is only possible if stations serving rural and remote areas with limited broadband are healthy and continue operating as they are today.

    On the education front, public television’s early childhood education services ensure that every family has access to high-quality, non-commercial educational content regardless of their ability to pay for such services. This is essential for over 50 percent of three and four-year old children who do not attend formal preschool.

    If funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is eliminated or rescinded, the impact would be devastating. Millions of people across the country whose stations rely on CPB funding for a significant percentage of their budget would be at risk of losing access to public television’s services. These are services that nobody else in the media world is providing, but it’s exactly the work for which public broadcasting was created, and they are delivering to our communities every day.  

    Public broadcasting is an essential service that should be protected, not decimated. For this reason, we request that you prioritize maintaining and continuing funding for CPB.

    We appreciate your consideration of this request and thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs New Law Supporting Home Ownership for Colorado Educators

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed SB25-167 – Invest State Funds to Benefit Communities, sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile and Lisa Frizell, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Meghan Lukens. This law helps expand access to housing for teachers, increasing homeownership and supporting Colorado schools by providing down-payment assistance and expanding housing opportunities that educators can afford. 

    “We are taking big steps to reduce housing costs and breaking down barriers to home ownership for people across the state. This new law is another step in the right direction, and I’m proud to sign it today, helping more educators get housing they can afford , allowing teachers to live in the communities they choose, and supporting Colorado children in the classroom. I thank the sponsors for their work to tackle housing costs,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed: 

    • SB25-122 – Extending Organ & Tissue Donation Fund, sponsored by President James Coleman and Senator Cleave Simpson, and Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Regina English
    • HB25-1013 – Department of Corrections Visitation Rights, sponsored by Representatives Regina English and Jennifer Bacon, and President James Coleman and Senator Tony Exum 

    Governor Polis signed the following bills into law administratively: 

    • SB25-017 – Measures to Support Early Childhood Health, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter and Iman Jodeh, and Representatives Junie Joseph and Yara Zokaie. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-036 – State Patrol Bonding Exception, sponsored by Senators Marc Catlin and Marc Snyder, and Representatives Sheila Lieder and Ty Winter. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-070 – Online Marketplaces & Third-Party Sellers, sponsored by Senators Larry Liston and Dylan Roberts, and Representatives Ryan Armagost and William Lindstedt. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-075 – License to Sell Vehicles Criminal Offense, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and Jennifer Bacon. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-126 – Uniform Antitrust Pre-Merger Notification Act, sponsored by Senator Marc Snyder, and Representative Cecelia Espenoza
    • SB25-162 – Railroad Safety Requirements, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder, and Representatives Javier Mabrey and Elizabeth Velasco. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-163 – Battery Stewardship Programs, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter and Matt Ball, and Representatives Kyle Brown and Rebekah Stewart. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-173 – Revenue Classification Taxpayers Bill of Rights, sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, and Representatives Lorena Garcia and Yara Zokaie
    • SB25-257 – Modify General Fund Transfers to State Highway Fund, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Rick Taggart. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-258 – Temporarily Reduce Road Safety Surcharge, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota. This bill is bipartisan.
      • “This bill is an important part of our work to save Coloradans money. By cutting vehicle registration fees, we are helping Coloradans keep more of their hard-earned money. This is just one piece of our efforts,” said Governor Jared Polis.
    • SB25-261 – Property Tax Deferral Program Administration, sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile and Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-286 – Petroleum Products Fees & Penalties, sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Marc Snyder, and Representative Shannon Bird. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-299 – Consumer Protection Residential Energy Systems, sponsored by Senator Katie Wallace, and Representatives Kyle Brown and Matt Soper. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-300 – Revisor’s Bill, sponsored by Senators John Carson and Mike Weissman, and Representatives Stephanie Luck and Sean Camacho. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-305 – Water Quality Permitting Efficiency, sponsored by Senators Barbara Kirkmeyer and Jeff Bridges, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Rick Taggart. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-306 – Performance Audits of Certain State Agencies, sponsored by Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Representatives William Lindstedt and Rick Taggart. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-316 – Auraria Higher Education Center Appropriations, sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile and Jeff Bridges, and Representatives Rick Taggart and Emily Sirota. This bill is bipartisan.
    • SB25-319 – Modification Higher Education Expenses Income Tax Incentive, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Judy Amabile, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Rick Taggart. This bill is bipartisan.
    • HB25-1043 – Owner Equity Protection in Homeowners’ Association Foreclosure Sales, sponsored by Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Jennifer Bacon, and Senator Tony Exum. This bill is bipartisan.
    • HB25-1056 – Local Government Permitting Wireless Telecommunications Facilities, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Jennifer Bacon, and Senators Dylan Roberts and Nick Hinrichsen. This bill is bipartisan.
      • “This bill will help increase connectivity for Coloradans across the state by breaking down barriers. I appreciate the sponsors for their work on this new law and look forward to seeing increased service across Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis.
    • HB25-1061 – Community Schoolyards Grant Program, sponsored by Representatives Rick Taggart and Jennifer Bacon, and Senators Judy Amabile and Barbara Kirkmeyer. This is a bipartisan bill.
    • HB25-1082 – Qualified Individuals Death Certificates, sponsored by Representatives Ron Weinberg and Kyle Brown, and Senators Rod Pelton and Dafna Michaelson Jenet. This is a bipartisan bill.
    • HB25-1108 – Prohibitions in Rental Agreements Due to Death, sponsored by Representatives Ron Weinberg and Javier Mabrey, and Senators Barbara Kirkmeyer and Jeff Bridges. This is a bipartisan bill.
    • HB25-1161 – Labeling Gas-Fueled Stoves, sponsored by Representative Alex Valdez, and Senators Cathy Kipp and Katie Wallace. This bill is bipartisan.
    • HB25-1223 – Capital Needs of Rural and Frontier Hospitals, sponsored by Representatives Dusty Johnson and Meghan Lukens, and Senators Rod Pelton and Dylan Roberts. This is a bipartisan bill.
    • HB25-1224 – Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act Modifications, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Matt Soper, and Senator Marc Snyder. This is a bipartisan bill.
    • HB25-1234 – Utility Consumer Protection, sponsored by Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Junie Joseph, and Senators Faith Winter and Katie Wallace
    • HB25-1307 – Updating Technical References in Education Law, sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Luck and Michael Carter, and Senators Matt Ball and Janice Rich. This is a bipartisan bill.
    • HB25-1324 – Clarify Property Tax Objection & Protest Deadlines, sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and Stephanie Luck, and Senators Matt Ball and Marc Catlin. This is a bipartisan bill.
    • HB25-1327 – Modify Statewide Ballot Measure Processes, sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Meg Froelich, and Senator Cathy Kipp
    • HB25-1300 – Workers’ Compensation Benefits Proof of Entitlement, sponsored by Representative Jenny Willford and Senator Cathy Kipp
    • HB25-1317 – Correct Error in Self-Pay Estimate Statute, sponsored by Representatives Brandi Bradley and Michael Carter, and Senator Tony Exum.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: James Altucher: “America Just Hit the AI Reset Button”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BALTIMORE, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a new briefing, tech entrepreneur and bestselling author James Altucher reveals a development he says will “change America forever.”

    At the center of it is Project Colossus — a classified supercomputer initiative led by Elon Musk’s xAI — and backed by sweeping support from President Donald Trump.

    A Presidential Reversal with Massive Implications

    Altucher says the shift began with one of Trump’s first presidential actions in 2025.

    “In one of his FIRST acts as President… Donald Trump overturned Executive Order #14110.

    This decision reversed Biden-era restrictions on AI research, which Altucher claims had “prevented us from unleashing its true power.”

    “Trump also announced the LARGEST AI investment in history… Stargate… a massive, AI data center and infrastructure project.”

    Hidden Inside a Warehouse in Memphis

    Altucher’s report reveals a facility in Tennessee that, until now, has gone largely unnoticed.

    “Right here, inside this warehouse in Memphis, Tennessee… lies a massive supercomputer Musk calls ‘Project Colossus.’”

    “It contains not just one or two… but 200,000 units of Nvidia’s all-powerful AI chips… making it the most advanced AI facility known to man.”

    “The fastest supercomputer on the planet.” — Jensen Huang, Nvidia CEO

    July 1: “When It All Changes”

    According to Altucher, time is short. A critical update to Colossus is imminent.

    “That’s when I predict Elon could announce a major update to this new AI project. One that some say will essentially 10X its power – overnight.”

    Altucher refers to this moment as a “second wave” of AI — what he calls:

    “Artificial Superintelligence.”

    “This second wave… will rival all of the great innovations of the past. Electricity… the wheel… even the discovery of fire.”

    A Warning… and a Milestone

    Altucher closes his briefing with a quote from Vladimir Putin to stress the stakes:

    “Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world.” — Vladimir Putin

    He believes Project Colossus may determine whether America leads — or falls behind — in the AI race.

    About James Altucher

    James Altucher is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. A pioneer in AI since the 1980s, he previously worked on IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer and developed early AI trading systems on Wall Street. His latest research uncovers critical breakthroughs in AI infrastructure and the political forces accelerating its rise.

    Media Contact:
    Derek Warren
    Public Relations Manager
    Paradigm Press Group
    Email: dwarren@paradigmpressgroup.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Australia: SFCT uncovers sophisticated scheme

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    A recent operation led by the ATO’s Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT) has resulted in jail time for a Victorian woman.

    Paolo Esmaquel implemented an elaborate scheme to obtain fraudulent GST refunds by assuming the identities of 3 different individuals.

    One of the assumed identities was registered by Ms Esmaquel as a tax practitioner with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). To do this, she submitted forged documents to the TPB that falsely claimed she completed the required tertiary education to become a tax agent and forged a declaration from a chartered accountant.

    Following this, she set up a tax agent profile on ATO Online Services and linked several taxpayers to her account. Ms Esmaquel then lodged 10 fraudulent business activity statements on behalf of these taxpayers without their knowledge or consent.

    An investigation by the ATO and the Tax Practitioners Board uncovered the identity fraud and cancelled the fake tax agent registration.

    Read more about the recent prosecution in our media release.

    Protect yourself and your clients

    We all have a role to play in fraud prevention and this serves as a timely reminder to keep your client, business and personal information safe.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Grills Secretary Lutnick on Impacts of Damaging Steel Tariff on Granite State Businesses, Defense Supply Chain

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, NH) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations and Small Business Committees, today questioned U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick during a Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing examining the U.S. Department of Commerce’s budget request. During the hearing, Shaheen grilled Secretary Lutnick on President Trump’s damaging steel tariffs – which were recently doubled – and drew attention to the impacts on New Hampshire businesses and the nation’s defense supply chain. You can watch the Senator’s full remarks and questions here.

    “Last month I visited a New Hampshire company that makes ball bearings for the aerospace industry. And I agree we should be protecting the aerospace industry in this country. It’s our biggest export in New Hampshire – aerospace parts. They were very concerned about the impact of the steel tariffs on their ability to get ball bearings. They said not only has their costs gone up, but the lead time to get the steel to make the bearings. They only have one domestic supplier. While they had suppliers in the Indo-Pacific and in Canada, those have been eliminated under the tariffs. They said that their lead times have gone from 20 weeks to two and a half years because of the tariffs. I think this creates a real challenge with respect to our national security. A good percentage of the work they do is with the Department of Defense,” Shaheen said of the impacts tariffs are having on a Granite State manufacturer.

    Secretary Lutnick dismissed Senator Shaheen’s concerns about rising costs for small businesses.

    Shaheen also raised concerns over Secretary Lutnick’s plans to eliminate the Manufacturing Extension Partnership whose Centers provide access to expert advisors and technological services that help grow the U.S. manufacturing base, reduce operating costs, develop new technology and jobs and compete on a global scale. Shaheen noted that in Fiscal Year 2023, every dollar of federal investment in the program generated $24.60 in new sales growth and $27.50 in new client investment.

    Senator Shaheen is helping lead efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs. In January, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act which would limit the president’s ability to leverage sweeping tariffs that increase costs for American consumers and families. Her effort to pass this bill by unanimous consent was blocked by Senate Republicans. In recent months, Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to visit businesses including Chatila’s Bakery, C&J, DCI Furniture, Mount Cabot Maple, American Calan Inc., NH Ball Bearings and Colby Footwear. to hear directly from Granite Staters impacted by the administration’s tariffs. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Wicker, Gillibrand, Luján Lead Legislation to Make Rum Tax Cover Over Permanent

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) today reintroduced legislation to modify the amount of revenue transferred to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—known as the ‘rum cover over’—from the excise taxes collected on rum that is produced in or imported into the rest of the United States from the two U.S. territories.
    “Louisiana knows what it means to turn sugarcane into opportunity—from the fields of South Louisiana to the stills of our craft distillers,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Stability in the rum industry means more jobs in Louisiana and stronger U.S. supply chains.” 
    “The rum cover over is an important revenue stream that promotes economic development and helps create good-paying jobs throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, the cover over continues to face congressional uncertainty that puts the wellbeing and stability of so many residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands at risk. This bipartisan bill would increase the amount that the territories receive from excise taxes on rum production, offering them more certainty and allowing them to fund critical services like health care and environmental protection,” said Senator Gillibrand.
    “For decades, the rum cover over has been vital in creating jobs and fostering economic development in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Senator Luján. “But the recurring threat of funding cliffs puts this vital support at risk and creates instability. This bipartisan legislation will safeguard these revenues and ensure that both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands can reliably count on rum excise tax funds to reinvest in their communities.”
    Background
     Under current law, excise tax collections on imported rum are transferred to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands at the rate of $13.25 per proof gallon; $10.50 per proof gallon is in permanent law, and the remaining $2.75 per proof gallon requires periodic reauthorization by Congress. This legislation would amend Section 7652 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, making $13.25 per proof gallon the amount covered over by law, eliminating the need for Congressional action and enhancing long-term sustainable economic growth in the two U.S. territories.
    This effort would also add a new provision that would require a portion of the funds transferred to Puerto Rico to go towards the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust. This private, nonprofit organization provides for the conservation of natural areas on the island, including through sustainable agricultural efforts, projects that promote the reforestation and restoration of Puerto Rico’s natural habitat, and the development of educational programs that foster the protection of natural areas on the island.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Amendments protocol

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Amending transactions, balances, and events

    When to amend

    If you discover any material errors or omissions in the balances, contributions, or events you have reported, you must amend your reporting within 30 days of becoming aware of these errors under Section 390-115 of Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (TAA).

    All monetary reporting errors are automatically considered material unless you’ve engaged with us to assess the specifics of a reporting issue as it relates to individual members and reporting years.

    Materiality is the threshold above which missing or incorrect information is considered to have any impact on the decision-making of the user. For example, if a contribution has been incorrectly classified as an employer contribution and it should have been classified as personal, this impacts you, the member and us.

    Even if the amount is small, if you’re aware of the error it must be corrected. You can’t make a decision based on an amount threshold as you don’t have the full details of the member’s taxation or financial position to understand the impact.

    The obligation to report amendments has no time limitation. It exists regardless of when you become aware of the material error or omission, and is not altered by any subsequent events such as:

    • closure of the member’s account
    • commencement of a pension.

    Example 1: amending errors on closed accounts

    Debra was nearing retirement age and for the last 5 years she had made regular personal contributions to Ridgeway Super to increase her superannuation balance. She retired in August 2023 aged 60 and rolled out her entire balance to Summerleas Retirement Scheme. Unknown to Debra, the staff at Ridgeway Super had made errors in processing her contributions and had not reported any of the personal contributions it received for her.

    Debra visited an accountant in September 2023 who realised she was entitled to a super co-contribution. She checked her records and contacted Ridgeway Super to ask why no co-contribution was received.

    Ridgeway Super accepted that an error was made but told Debra that they could not amend their reporting because her account was now closed. Debra wrote to the ATO to complain about this refusal. We advised Ridgeway Super of its obligation to correct all material errors even after an account is closed and confirmed that amendments can be made to accounts that have been reported closed with us.

    Ridgeway Super lodged the amendments more than 8 months after Debra first brought the error to their attention. We imposed a penalty on Ridgeway Super for failing to notify us within 30 days of becoming aware of a material omission.

    We paid the co-contribution directly to Debra as she had retired.

    End of example

    Correcting systemic reporting errors

    Ensure you have processes in place to identify and correct systemic reporting issues when you’re asked to correct an error for a member. Penalties may apply if you don’t take reasonable care.

    If a member brings an error to your attention, you need to:

    • correct the error for that member
    • check to see if the same error impacts other members so you can proactively fix it for them as well.

    Example 2: correcting systemic errors

    In the previous example, Ridgeway Super checked whether the errors their staff made in processing Debra’s personal contributions had occurred for other members.

    Ridgeway Super discovered another 3,000 members’ personal contributions weren’t reported to us. Ridgeway Super amended its reporting for these cases and developed new procedures to ensure the errors wouldn’t recur.

    End of example

    Only amend to correct a genuine error

    Only amend your reporting where genuine errors have occurred. For example, you shouldn’t amend because a member has decided that they wish to change the amount or character of the contributions they made during the year to avoid an excess contributions tax liability.

    Mistakes and returning contributions

    In limited circumstances, you may be required to amend your reporting when the retrospective operation of the law causes a transaction to be unwound or become void. This may occur when you return contributions credited to a member’s account in restitution of a legal mistake of law or mistake of fact.

    Contributions can’t be returned to a member because they regret making them or because they or their agents made an error in their decision to contribute.

    Whether or not contributions have been returned is not determinative of whether or not they should be reported, or an amendment lodged to remove them from a previous report.

    See ATO ID 2010/104Opens in a new window Excess contributions tax: restitution of a ‘mistaken’ contribution for an example of when a personal contribution will still be included in an individual’s non-concessional contributions for the financial year. This is where the trustee has repaid the contribution to the member in purported restitution of a mistaken payment when in fact there was no case for restitution on the grounds of mistake of law or of fact.

    If you correctly return contributions in accordance with the law of restitution, you must amend your reporting so that the contributions aren’t counted towards the member’s contributions caps. However, in circumstances where the law of restitution doesn’t apply to unwind or void a transaction, you must still report the contributions (and not amend any previous reporting) even if they have been returned.

    We apply considerable scrutiny to situations where contributions are returned to a member or they are re-characterised, after the member realises that they’ve exceeded a contributions cap. Understand your legal obligations in these situations and develop procedures and systems to ensure member requests of this nature are considered very carefully.

    While we scrutinise these decisions, we recognise there are many circumstances where a decision to amend is correct and a failure to do so would be a failure to report correctly.

    Example 3: provider administrative error

    An employer made contributions to a provider for a number of employees in June 2022. The provider’s administrative staff misread the instructions the employer provided with the contributions and allocated too much to one member and too little to another. The error was discovered in December 2022, after the provider had reported to us for each of the affected members.

    The provider had made a mistake of fact, to correct it they transferred amounts between the accounts of the affected members in December 2022. The reallocation of contributions was treated as having retrospective effect back to June 2022. Each member’s reporting was amended to reflect this.

    The fund also needs to amend each member’s account balance as this will impact the calculation of total super balance for the member and what the member sees in ATO online services.

    Example 4: member error in contribution classification

    Walter, a self-employed investor, and businessman made a super contribution to Big Super without the involvement of any other person or entity, using a personal cheque drawing on a bank account in his own name.

    In error, he entered this contribution on one of Big Super’s forms as a contribution made by an employer. He put his name down as both employer and employee and failed to indicate the nature of the contribution. He entered this despite a clear alert on the form that said, ‘All contributions will be treated as super guarantee contributions unless otherwise indicated’. Big Super recorded the contribution as an employer contribution and reported it as such to us.

    Walter received an excess contributions tax assessment based on the reporting that indicated he had exceeded the concessional contributions cap. Walter asked Big Super to amend their reporting. He provided evidence that he had made the contribution himself. Using their internal records, Big Super also considered the obvious errors in the form Walter had given them and the cheque’s drawer.

    Big Super agreed that the contribution had been mischaracterised by them when it was made based on Walter’s error. Even though Walter’s lack of care in completing the form was the source of the error, Big Super recognised its obligation to now amend the reporting involved, correcting what was now known to be a reporting error.

    Example 5: amendment to contribution causing an amendment to account balance and accumulation phase reporting

    In December 2022, a super fund realises that it has incorrectly recorded in its systems a $100,000 contribution from a member as $10,000 and had reported the $10,000 contribution to us on 30 May 2022. The fund reports an adjustment to the contribution by using the delta amount of $90,000 and the original details of the contribution. The fund also needs to amend the member’s balance as this will impact the calculation of total super balance for the member and what the member sees in ATO online services.

    The fund reports the new balance with the effective date of the previous balance to overwrite the incorrect balance. The fund had also reported an accumulation phase value for this member which was different from the 30 June balance and therefore cancels that report and re-reports accordingly. All these amounts are re-reported within the 30-day period the fund must correct an error or omission.

    End of example

    Actioning amendments via different channels

    Originally reported through MATS

    For amounts relating to the 2018–19 year onwards, providers will correct reporting of contributions, annual amounts, acknowledged notices of intent and balances using member account transaction service (MATS).

    Correcting the reporting of retirement phase events, personal injury and or structured settlement amounts, and accumulated phase value (APV) and retirement phase value (RPV), can only be done by cancelling the original lodgment and then lodging a new report with the correct information.

    Correcting annual amounts and balances (excluding APV and RPV) can be done by overwriting the original or cancelling and re-reporting.

    Originally reported through TBAR

    Cancellations are most effective if completed through their original channel. However, anything reported on the transfer balance account report (TBAR) can be cancelled through MATS if both:

    • a member account attribute service (MAAS) has been lodged for that account
    • the information in the cancellation report exactly matches the original lodgment.

    The new report with the correct information can be lodged using MATS.

    If you need to correct retirement phase event reporting for an account which has never been on-boarded to MAAS, the re-reporting will need to occur through the original channel. We are exploring options for these amendments and will provide further guidance when available.

    Originally reported through MCS

    Amendments to anything reported on the member contributions statement (MCS) in the 2017–18 income year and prior years should be done using Online services for business. For more information, see Member contributions statement.

    More information

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Flexible lodgment for those affected by NSW floods

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    If you or your clients have been affected by the recent NSW floods, we have a range of support options available to help you meet your obligations.

    We encourage those who can lodge on time to do so, but where lodgment is not possible, clients or agents within the declared natural disaster area as per Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)External Link will have until 26 June to lodge the following obligations:

    • May monthly BAS with an original due date of 21 June
    • Income tax returns for the 2023–24 income year for individuals and small businesses (including sole traders and trusts), with a current lodgment due date between 29 May and 26 June 2025
    • individuals and small businesses (including sole traders and trusts) that may already have a lodgment deferral for the 2023–24 income tax return; or May activity statement lodgment obligation, may lodge up to 26 June.

    You won’t be penalised for lodging these obligations by the later date. If you already have a deferral, it will remain in place.

    These concessions automatically apply to agents and taxpayers identified as residing within the declared areas, only for those lodgments as listed above – so you don’t need to contact us for a deferral. There’s an indicator on the accounts of affected clients, which you can identify by running an on-demand Outstanding Lodgment Report for either Income Tax or Activity Statements in Online services for agents, or through practice management software.

    The payment due date for your obligations has not changed. General interest charge (GIC) will apply if payment is not made by the original payment due date.

    If your client is not able to pay by the due date, contact us to discuss their options. We will take an empathetic approach to your situation.

    You can find more information on flood support on our website.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Amends Call to Special Session

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JUNE 4, 2025

     — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe amended his call to convene the One Hundred Third General Assembly in the First Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session to include legislation that provides additional tools and funding for disaster relief, new property tax relief, a tax incentive program for economic development, and additional funding for critical budget appropriations.

    The Governor’s special message to the General Assembly issued today replaces the previous call issued on May 27, 2025.

    “After productive conversations with members of the Missouri General Assembly this week, we are amending our special session call to allow for additional legislation in the areas of disaster relief, tax policy, and budget investments,” said Governor Kehoe. “We appreciate legislators working together to use this as an opportunity to show up for our communities by acting swiftly to help those in crisis, while also making smart decisions that secure opportunity for the future.”

    The call now authorizes the General Assembly to:

    1. Enact legislation establishing a tax credit against an individual’s income tax liability for the insurance deductible incurred as a direct result of a disaster for which a presidential disaster declaration has been requested by the Governor, up to an amount of five thousand dollars per homestead per year; the credit to be non-refundable and to be issued only for tax year 2025 with a first-come first-served redemption cap of $90,000,000 tax year 2025 and a $45,000,000 redemption cap for tax years 2026 through 2054; and

    2. Enact legislation enhancing the utility of the Missouri Housing Trust Fund in areas included in a request for presidential disaster declaration by the Governor by (1) expanding eligibility to include persons or families whose household adjusted gross income is equal to or less than 75% of the median family income in the geographic area in which the residential unit is located, or the median family income for the state of Missouri, whichever is larger, and (2) removing administrative burdens and costs to expedite support for such persons and families; and

    3. Appropriate money to the Department of Economic Development for the Missouri Housing Development Commission for general administration of affordable housing activities and for emergency aid in an amount not to exceed $25,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund transferred to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, section 28 of the Missouri Constitution for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026; and

    4. Appropriate money to the appropriate department or departments for a Disaster Relief Fund to provide relief from a disaster for which a presidential declaration has been requested by the Governor in an amount transferred not to exceed $100,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, Section 28 of the Missouri Constitution for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026; and

    5. Enact legislation providing relief from residential real estate property tax for households that have become uninhabitable due to damage incurred as a direct result of a disaster for which a presidential disaster declaration has been requested by the Governor, to be pro-rated for the portion of 2025 in which the household of 2025 in which the household is uninhabitable; and

    6. Enact legislation limiting increases in property tax assessments for residential real property in 2025 to no more than five percent compared to the prior year, with exceptions for new construction and improvements; and

    7. Appropriate money to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development for the University of Missouri for the planning, design and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) on the Columbia campus, in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, section 28 of the Missouri Constitution for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026; and

    8. Enact legislation providing for procedures, withholding of county moneys by the Director of Revenue, remedies, and judicial review where the State Tax Commission issues an order requiring a county to equalize or modify assessments; and

    9. Enact legislation authorizing counties to impose a tax credit for increases in real property tax liabilities over five percent per year; and

    10. Appropriate money from funds other than the General Revenue Fund for purposes provided for in the Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill 19 in the 2025 regular legislative session, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, section 28 of the Missouri Constitution for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026; and

    11. Enact legislation modifying tax credits for sporting events; and

    12. Enact legislation establishing economic development incentives for athletic and entertainment facility projects of a professional sports franchise that is a member of Major League Baseball or the National Football League; and

    13. Add an emergency clause to necessary legislation enacted by the One Hundred Third General Assembly of the State of Missouri in the First Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session; and

    14. Such additional and other matters as may be recommended by the Governor by special message to the General Assembly after it shall have been convened. 
     

    To view the special message to the General Assembly, visit this link. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Helps Secure Helene Recovery Funding for North Carolina

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis applauded the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) announcement of its Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity, which allocates approximately $1.45 billion in federal funding for disaster-impacted communities, including those in Western North Carolina affected by Helene. 

    “This critical EDA funding will help ensure that communities in Western North Carolina still reeling from the impacts of Helene have the resources they need to recover and rebuild stronger than before,” said Senator Tillis. “I remain fully committed to making sure North Carolina receives its fair share of this funding and that Western North Carolina is made whole again.” 

    The announcement follows a bipartisan letter led by Senator Tillis and members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation to the Trump Administration urging the U.S. Economic Development Administration to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity as quickly as possible. 

    Background:

    Senator Tillis has been pushing for federal assistance for Western North Carolina since the moment Helene made landfall.

    On October 1, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.  

    On October 16, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities could begin to heal. The Senators called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation. 

    On October 23, 2024, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Tillis addressed to members of Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance.   

    On October 29, 2024, Senator Tillis and his colleagues announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program with families and small businesses across WNC unable to get loans approved until then. The Senators outlined their plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returned to session.

    On November 14, 2024, Senator Tillis attempted to pass legislation to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program through a unanimous consent request on the Senate floor, but was blocked by another Senator. 

    On November 15, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The OMB sent the request to Congress a few days later.

    On November 18, 2024, Senator Tillis introduced the standalone RELIEF Act to provide Hurricane relief to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.  

    On November 20, 2024, Senator Tillis called on Congress to quickly pass Hurricane Helene relief during his testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee.  

    On November 21, 2024, Senator Tillis met with Governor Cooper, Governor-Elect Stein, members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation and the North Carolina General Assembly, and local leaders from Western North Carolina to discuss efforts to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. 

    On December 5, 2024, Senator Tillis joined Fox News’ Your World with Neil Cavuto where he discussed the urgent need for Congress to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.  

    On December 10, 2024, Senator Tillis hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene’s devastation.   

    On December 18, 2024, Senator Tillis committed to filibustering any continuing resolution that did not include disaster aid for Western North Carolina. 

    On December 21, 2024, Senator Tillis voted to pass a bipartisan government funding bill that included more than $100 billion in disaster relief for states and communities hit by natural disasters, including North Carolina during Hurricane Helene.

    On January 7, 2025 Senator Tillis announced $1.65 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to help rebuild communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.  

    On January 24, 2025, Senator Tillis released a statement thanking President Trump for his visit to Western North Carolina to survey the devastation left behind by Helene. 

    On January 31, 2025, Senator Tillis introduced the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act of 2025, legislation that excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any qualified catastrophe mitigation payment made under a state-based catastrophe loss mitigation program. 

    On March 11, 2025 Senator Tillis reintroduced the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to simplify the application process for federal disaster recovery assistance. 

    On April 1, 2025 Senator Tillis sent a letter urging U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to work with Congress to quickly distribute the more than $23 billion Congress passed in December to assist farmers, ranchers and rural Americans in responding to devastating natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

    On April 3, 2025 Senator Tillis (R-NC) introduced the FEMA Independence Act, bipartisan legislation to restore the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent cabinet-level agency and improve efficiency in federal emergency response efforts. 

    On April 24, 2025 Senator Tillis introduced the Helene Recovery Small Business Act and the Loans in Our Neighborhoods (LIONs) Act of 2025, legislation that would provide much-needed relief to small businesses as they work to recover from the devastation of Helene.

    In addition to Senator Tillis’ legislative efforts the Senator has met with local leaders, residents, and elected officials across Western North Carolina including in: Asheville, Black Mountain, Boone, Burnsville, Canton, Clyde, Fairview, Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Morganton, Spruce Pine, Swannanoa, Waynesville and Wilkesboro.   

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Public Servants Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    MIAMI – Angelo Stephen, 33, a former Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer, and George Arestuche, 47, a former Miami-Dade County Aviation Department employee, were sentenced in separate cases after pleading guilty to defrauding COVID-19 relief programs. 

    Angelo Stephen

    On May 22, Stephen was sentenced to four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $75,513 in restitution by Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga. Chief Judge Altonaga also entered a forfeiture money judgment against Stephen in the additional amount of $71,166. The sentence follows Stephen’s conviction for wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent applications for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and one Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), as well as his participation in two bank account takeover schemes.

    During his change of plea hearing, Stephen admitted that on August 4, 2020, he submitted a false and fraudulent EIDL application in his own name to the Small Business Administration (SBA), claiming to be an independent contractor and the sole owner of a business that provided event planning and entertainment services with 10 employees.  The EIDL application falsely certified that for the applicable 12-month period, the business had approximately $62,018 in gross revenue and a cost of goods sold of $0. Based on his false and fraudulent application, Stephen received $20,000 in EIDL proceeds from the SBA. 

    Stephen additionally admitted to fraudulently obtaining two PPP loans. On April 24, 2021, Stephen submitted a first-draw PPP loan application, claiming to be the sole proprietor of a non-existent business with $106,554 in gross income in 2020. In support of the application, Stephen submitted a fraudulent IRS Form 1040 Schedule C. Based on his false and fraudulent application, Stephen received $20,833 in PPP loan proceeds from an SBA-approved lender.  On May 11, 2021, Stephen submitted a second-draw PPP loan application, making the same false claims about his nonexistent business that was supported by submission of the identical false Schedule C. Based on his false and fraudulent application, Stephen obtained $20,833 in PPP loan proceeds from a different SBA-approved lender. 

    Stephen also admitted to taking part in two bank account takeover schemes. On March 30, 2023, Stephen received a $20,000 wire transfer from the account of an unsuspecting victim in Virginia. Stephen quickly withdrew all illegally obtained money through a series of cash withdrawals and Zelle transfers to others. In the second takeover scheme, Stephen and his accomplices obtained new checks from the credit union account of a different unsuspecting victim. Stephen subsequently used one of those checks to obtain $8,500 in cash that he was not entitled to. 

    George Arestuche

    On May 28, Arestuche was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Paul C. Huck to five years of probation to include 210 days in home detention and ordered to pay $114,679 in restitution, plus community service. The sentence follows Arestuche’s conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent application for an EIDL.

    According to the facts admitted at the change of plea hearing, Arestuche and a co-conspirator devised a scheme to defraud the SBA by submitting a false and fraudulent application for Arestuche to obtain an EIDL and EIDL advance. As part of the conspiracy, Arestuche agreed to pay the co-conspirator a large fee.

    On July 9, 2020, Arestuche’s co-conspirator submitted a false and fraudulent EIDL application to the SBA on behalf of Arestuche, claiming that Arestuche was an independent contractor and the sole owner of an automotive repair business with 10 employees. The EIDL application falsely certified that for the applicable 12-month period, the business had $600,000 in gross revenue and a cost of goods sold of $184,000. In reality, Arestuche was not an independent contractor and did not own any type of business.  The EIDL application was supported by a fraudulent IRS Form 1040 Schedule C. As a result of this false and fraudulent EIDL application, Arestuche obtained $149,900 in EIDL proceeds and a $10,000 EIDL advance from the SBA. Arestuche subsequently paid his co-conspirator $17,275 for helping him fraudulently obtain the money from the SBA. Since pleading guilty, Arestuche has paid $50,000 in advance restitution payments. 

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; acting Special Agent in Charge Amber Howell of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General’s Fraud Detection Office (DOJ-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), Eastern Region; acting Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami; and Inspector General Felix Jimenez of the Miami-Dade County Office of Inspector General (MDC-OIG) made the announcement.

    DOJ-OIG and SBA-OIG investigated the Stephen case.  SBA-OIG and the FBI’s Miami Area Corruption Task Force, which includes task force officers from the MDC-OIG, investigated the Arestuche case. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward N. Stamm prosecuted both cases. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Annika Miranda is handling forfeiture matters in the Stephen case.

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide EIDLs to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred.  EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 25-cr-20014 (Stephen) and 25-cr-20001 (Arestuche).

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • 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

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s charity sector is growing – but many smaller charities are doing it tough

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Margaret Faulkner, Senior Marketing Scientist, Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, University of South Australia

    Revenue for Australia’s charity and not-for-profit sector has reached record highs, and total donations have grown. But the story isn’t the same everywhere, and some smaller charities may be struggling.

    That’s according to the latest edition of the Australian Charities Report from the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), released this week.

    The report shows that in the 2023 reporting year, revenue for Australia’s charity sector rose by 10.7% to a record A$222 billion. This was bigger than the growth in expenses, which rose by 8.4% to $212 billion.

    Total donations and bequests also rose, to $18.9 billion. But the picture is nuanced. One single donation made to the Minderoo Foundation of $4.9 billion is included in this figure.

    If this is left out, total donations rose by less than 0.4% across the sector. This suggests we should perhaps put any celebrations on hold and instead ask why donations might be flat-lining.

    In 2023, the top 30 charities accounted for 40% of all donations and bequests to the sector. This was double the 20% share reported for the previous year.

    Australia’s charity sector plays a vital role in society. For it to thrive, all of its elements must be healthy, including smaller charities.

    Some big wins

    The large donation was made to the Minderoo Foundation (in Fortescue shares) by Andrew and Nicola Forrest, as part of their commitment to the Giving Pledge. This further concentrated the share of donations received by the largest charities.

    The Minderoo Foundation funds a wide range of philanthropic programs and research. For example, it works with Citizens of the Sea to collect marine life DNA as part of the 2025 Pacific Rally to monitor marine biodiversity.

    In 2023, the Minderoo Foundation funded the creation of Uncloud as a peer-to-peer hub to show the true impact of vaping, a program that has been handed over to VicHealth.

    Elsewhere, Clean Up Australia once again had the most volunteers of any organisation. In 2023, it increased its numbers by 120,000 volunteers to more than 1 million. This represented 44% of the entire growth in volunteer numbers across the sector.

    These are both great examples of how large national charities can grow year-on-year. But what about the smaller ones?

    Clean Up Australia now has more than a million volunteers.
    MPIX/Shutterstock

    Why smaller charities struggle

    About 60% of Australia’s charities operate with revenue less than $500,000. And about half of these are classified as “extra small” – with revenue less than $50,000. These are the charities that will be doing it tough.

    The report shows extra small charities had the highest increase in total expenses, up 21%. It also shows that they continue to bring in less revenue than they spend. Extra small charities had a net loss of $144 million in 2023 compared with a loss of $85 million the year before, a 69% increase.

    At the University of South Australia’s Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, we are aware that small brands suffer twice.

    The first problem is they have fewer customers (or in this case, donors). The second is that, on average, those who support them will display slightly less loyalty than supporters of the bigger brands. In marketing, this is known as “double jeopardy” for brands.

    It is a statistical effect we can’t change, but one that is worth knowing when evaluating results and setting strategies for the sector.

    Larger charities have some key advantages that make garnering support easier.

    One is simply that they are more well-known. Those who only give infrequently are more likely to come across (and give to) larger charities.

    Smaller charities, on the other hand, are more likely to be sharing their supporters with multiple charities, both small and large.

    As a consequence, loyalty of smaller brands looks slightly lower than that shown to bigger brands.

    How can we fix this?

    One way of raising the profile of smaller charities is to encourage mergers and support other ways to grow. The report shows a number of charities categorised as extra small in 2022 moved into the small charity category in 2023.

    Helping individual charities get bigger can have positive knock-on effects for employment in the sector and job security.

    The report notes 45% of the staff of small charities were casual, compared with 23% of extra large charity staff. Extra large charities also reported adding the most employees, an increase of 60,480.

    Working together

    Another solution is the federated charities model, where charities with similar goals work together to provide a coherent brand identity that reduces wastage in marketing expenses. If they share resources, they can ensure everyone is consistent in how the brand is portrayed and they can optimise marketing expenditure.

    Under this model, individual charities can tailor their messaging or choice of media outlet to suit their local context, while building a valuable brand all can use, making it as easy as possible for people to volunteer and donate money.

    There are still some services in society that rely on very small charities that can’t easily grow or federate with others. While support is available to access other revenue streams, such as grant funding, this assumes the charity has people who can write grants, manage its expenditure and report back to the funding body.

    That puts this potential revenue source out of reach for many. The operations of many of these smaller charities do not look sustainable in the current environment, and we need to come up with new solutions to show our support.

    Margaret Faulkner’s PhD received funding from The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Research Foundation (now known as The Hospital Research Foundation). As a member of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute she benefits from corporate sponsorship, but this does not influence the institute’s research or opinions. Until recently she was a director of a small non-profit organisation and has received funding for research projects from large non-profits within Australia and overseas.

    ref. Australia’s charity sector is growing – but many smaller charities are doing it tough – https://theconversation.com/australias-charity-sector-is-growing-but-many-smaller-charities-are-doing-it-tough-258073

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • 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

  • 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

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to tax evasion.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: for tax years 2015 and 2016, Matthew Tucci, of West Long Branch, filed tax returns that stated he owed more than $2 million in taxes for both years. Despite admitting that he owed those taxes, Tucci did not fully pay them when they were due. Instead, Tucci purchased real estate and engaged in a series of transactions designed to conceal his interest in those properties.

    In 2017, the IRS sent notices to Tucci that he owed taxes, interest, and penalties for 2015 and 2016. After receiving these notices, Tucci transferred multiple properties to an entity owned by another individual, but he continued to exert control over at least two of them. Of the two properties Tucci continued to control, he sold one and refinanced the other. Tucci used the proceeds from these transactions to pay his personal expenses rather than his tax debts. In 2019, Tucci submitted documents to the IRS that falsely claimed that he had no connection to the entity that owned the 12 properties.

    Tucci is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 9. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Catriona Coppler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Belgiovine for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: “The AI Mothership Has Landed”: Legendary Tech Investor Reveals Musk’s Most Powerful Project Yet

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a new briefing from bestselling author and tech entrepreneur James Altucher, startling revelations are emerging about Musk’s most ambitious AI undertaking yet — a project known as “Project Colossus.”

    According to Altucher, this facility — now operational in Memphis — will soon power what he calls Artificial Superintelligence, ushering in a second wave of AI unlike anything we’ve seen before. And it’s happening alongside the return of Donald Trump, who Altucher says has already “cleared the path” for AI developers like Musk to move forward at full speed.

    Musk’s “AI Mothership” Quietly Built in Memphis

    Altucher opens his briefing with a bold claim: Elon Musk has already surpassed all major tech competitors — including OpenAI, Meta, and Microsoft — with a covert project few have even heard of.

    “Elon Musk has created the AI mothership… an innovation of such enormous proportion… that he has already surpassed all the leading AI developers.”

    “Right here, inside this warehouse in Memphis, Tennessee… lies a massive supercomputer Musk calls ‘Project Colossus.’”

    According to Altucher, this isn’t speculation — it’s already functional and has been acknowledged by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who reportedly called it:

    “The fastest supercomputer on the planet.” — Jensen Huang

    AI 2.0: The Rise of Artificial Superintelligence

    Altucher claims the world is on the verge of an entirely new technological era — one that goes beyond ChatGPT and the public’s current understanding of AI.

    “This will lead to the rise of AI 2.0… Or what I call ‘Artificial Superintelligence.’

    “AI 1.0 gives us all the world’s knowledge at our fingertips. AI 2.0… gives that knowledge to intelligent machines that I believe will solve our problems for us.”

    A Presidential Greenlight

    In the same briefing, Altucher highlights Donald Trump’s early move to eliminate restrictions that were previously in place under President Biden.

    “In one of his FIRST acts as President… Donald Trump overturned Executive Order #14110.”

    “That’s why Donald Trump REPEALED Biden’s AI executive safety order on Day 1… Clearing the path for leading AI developers like Musk.”

    Trump has also unveiled a $500 billion AI infrastructure plan, which Altucher says reflects the seriousness of the new administration’s approach.

    “Trump also announced the LARGEST AI investment in history… Stargate… a massive, AI data center and infrastructure project with an estimated $500 billion price tag.”

    What Comes Next: A 10X Expansion?

    Altucher warns that the biggest developments are yet to come — and soon.

    “In a matter of weeks, Elon plans to unveil a critical new update to Project Colossus that is expected to increase its power by 10-fold.”

    “That’s when I predict Elon could announce a major update to this new AI project. One that some say will essentially 10X its power – overnight.”

    He adds, “This second wave of ARTIFICIAL SUPERINTELLIGENCE… Will rival all of the great innovations of the past. Electricity… the wheel… even the discovery of fire.”

    A Life’s Work Converging

    Altucher isn’t just reporting from the sidelines — he claims to have been immersed in AI for more than 40 years.

    “I’ve been working in the artificial intelligence field for the better part of the last four decades.”

    “I helped pioneer AI trading on Wall Street.”

    “At one point, I was recruited by IBM to help them develop their Deep Blue AI supercomputer… the one that beat the world chess champion, Gary Kasprov, in 1997.”

    What’s at Stake

    Altucher closes his report by pointing to a quote from Russian President Vladimir Putin as a sobering reminder of what this technology represents on the world stage.

    “Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world.” — Vladimir Putin

    With Trump clearing regulatory barriers and Musk ramping up development, Altucher believes the United States is poised to enter a defining moment in global technology leadership.

    About James Altucher

    James Altucher is a former hedge fund manager, computer scientist, and the author of over 20 books on finance, technology, and personal growth. A longtime pioneer in digital innovation, Altucher has advised startups, traded for top funds, and interviewed some of the most influential figures in business and tech. His latest work focuses on exposing the hidden infrastructure behind emerging AI technologies and preparing readers for the changes ahead.

    Media Contact:
    Derek Warren
    Public Relations Manager
    Paradigm Press Group
    Email: dwarren@paradigmpressgroup.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

    Source: US State of California

    A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to tax evasion.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: for tax years 2015 and 2016, Matthew Tucci, of West Long Branch, filed tax returns that stated he owed more than $2 million in taxes for both years. Despite admitting that he owed those taxes, Tucci did not fully pay them when they were due. Instead, Tucci purchased real estate and engaged in a series of transactions designed to conceal his interest in those properties.

    In 2017, the IRS sent notices to Tucci that he owed taxes, interest, and penalties for 2015 and 2016. After receiving these notices, Tucci transferred multiple properties to an entity owned by another individual, but he continued to exert control over at least two of them. Of the two properties Tucci continued to control, he sold one and refinanced the other. Tucci used the proceeds from these transactions to pay his personal expenses rather than his tax debts. In 2019, Tucci submitted documents to the IRS that falsely claimed that he had no connection to the entity that owned the 12 properties.

    Tucci is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 9. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Catriona Coppler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Belgiovine for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bringing High-Tech Manufacturing Jobs to New York

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that Orbic Electronics Manufacturing, LLC, a specialized global manufacturer of telecommunications and consumer electronics devices, has broken ground on its new $110 million manufacturing global hub at 555 Wireless Boulevard in Hauppauge, Suffolk County. This project is expected to create more than 1,000 new high-tech and skilled manufacturing jobs, retain 66 existing positions currently based in Suffolk County, and will bring Orbic’s complete manufacturing and production operations from overseas facilities in India and China to its New York-based Headquarters. Empire State Development is supporting this landmark reshoring initiative with up to $10 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits, recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council. The groundbreaking marks a pivotal moment in Long Island’s manufacturing sector and establishes New York as a national leader in rebuilding America’s critical technology supply chains.

    “Today’s groundbreaking at Orbic Electronics represents the future we’re building across New York State — one where companies choose to invest, innovate, and create good-paying jobs right here at home,” Governor Hochul said. “This $110 million investment proves that when businesses want to lead in advanced manufacturing, they turn to New York. From Long Island to the North Country, we’re seeing companies recognize that our state offers the perfect combination of skilled workers, world-class infrastructure, and strategic support that makes success inevitable. With projects like this, we are proving that New York doesn’t just compete — we lead.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Orbic’s investment is a bold step forward for high-tech manufacturing in New York State. By choosing to grow in Hauppauge, Orbic is deepening its roots in a region known for its talent, infrastructure, and innovation potential. At Empire State Development, we are proud to support this strategic reshoring initiative, which will bring over a thousand jobs to the region while fortifying our state’s position in the global technology economy. Projects like this reflect our core mission — supporting smart, inclusive economic growth that creates lasting opportunity for New Yorkers in every corner of the state.”

    Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, “This groundbreaking represents a major milestone for Long Island and a turning point for advanced manufacturing in the region. Orbic’s expansion is proof that Long Island has everything companies need to thrive — from a highly skilled workforce and strong transportation networks to a vibrant ecosystem of research institutions and community partners. The company’s decision to invest more than $100 million here is not only a testament to our regional strengths, but a signal to the broader industry that Long Island is ready to lead in 21st-century manufacturing.”

    Orbic CEO Mike Narula said, “This project marks an exciting milestone for Orbic and a powerful step forward for high-tech manufacturing on Long Island and New York State. This effort underscores our commitment to producing high-quality, American-made technology while supporting local vendors and strengthening the regional economy by bringing more than 1,000 new manufacturing jobs to the region from overseas. We are proud to grow in New York and to contribute to the state’s innovation economy, and we thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their leadership, vision and invaluable support. Their dedication to building a prosperous New York has made a lasting impact on our company’s future, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership.”

    State Senator Mario Mattera said, “The past few years have clearly shown the importance of our region becoming more self-sufficient. This significant project will help advance that goal while strengthening our economy and creating valuable opportunities for the local workforce. Long Island is home to some of the most hardworking and skilled men and women and the addition of over 1,000 jobs will enable them to work and stay on right here in our community. I commend Orbic for their commitment to Long Island and look forward to their continued success at this new facility.”

    Assemblymember Michael Fitzpatrick said, “The arrival of Orbic’s $110 million manufacturing hub marks a significant step forward for Long Island’s economy. Creating over 1,000 skilled jobs and bringing production back to the U.S. strengthens our local workforce, benefits families across the region and will breathe new life into Long Island’s manufacturing sector. I am thankful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for making this transformative investment possible.”

    Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, “We are grateful for Orbic’s decision to build their business in Suffolk County. This important project creates jobs and opportunities, helping Suffolk grow, and we look forward to seeing Orbic flourish.”

    Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said, “We are incredibly proud to see Orbic choose Smithtown as the home for this transformative investment. This is more than just bringing high-tech manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. — it’s about bringing them back to our community. Orbic’s expansion supports the Governor and the State’s goal of targeted investment, positioning New York as the premier East Coast destination for next-generation tech companies by leveraging our skilled workforce and innovation ecosystem. This move not only strengthens our regional economy and supports local families — it also puts Smithtown on the map as a hub for smart growth, forward-thinking development, and long-term opportunity. I commend the Governor and Orbic’s leadership for making this vision a reality.”

    Orbic, established in 2016 and headquartered in Hauppauge, Long Island, offers a comprehensive portfolio of technology 4G and 5G connected devices and related products, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, mobile hotspots, routers and accessories, catering to both consumer and enterprise customers and markets. In response to global supply chain challenges and increasing demand for domestically produced technology, Orbic launched a strategic initiative to relocate its manufacturing operations to the United States. As part of this effort, Orbic is investing approximately $110 million to renovate and retrofit a 69,500-square-foot existing facility and add an additional 75,000 square-feet, totaling 144,500 square feet. Once complete, the advanced manufacturing center will feature state-of-the-art surface mount technology (SMT) lines, automated testing stations, precision assembly lines, and cleanroom environments to support high-volume, high-quality production. Completion of construction and start of manufacturing is expected in early 2026.

    The newly renovated production facility will be designed to manufacture up to five million devices annually — including smartphones, tablets, wearables, and networking equipment — meeting the needs of both consumer and enterprise customers. The new jobs being created will range from manufacturing technicians and quality assurance specialists to logistics personnel, engineers and support staff. Its location within the Hauppauge Industrial Park, one of the largest industrial parks in the Northeast, offers proximity to skilled labor, major transportation networks, and Orbic’s existing corporate offices, further enhancing operational efficiency and workforce integration.

    A key component of Orbic Electronics’ investment is its focus on workforce development to ensure a robust pipeline of skilled talent for its operations. Orbic will collaborate with Suffolk County Community College and Queensborough Community College to create specialized training programs focused on advanced electronics manufacturing, including circuit board assembly, quality control, testing procedures, and advanced manufacturing processes. The partnership will not only support Orbic’s operational needs but also create a pipeline of skilled workers for Long Island’s growing advanced manufacturing industry. By integrating education and industry, these initiatives strengthen Long Island’s workforce, enhance its economic resilience, and position the region as a hub for advanced manufacturing innovation.

    LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, President and CEO at Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President of Long Island University, said, “Orbic’s decision to locate and grow its advanced manufacturing operations on Long Island is a direct result of thoughtful regional collaboration, strategic workforce partnerships, and a shared commitment to economic growth. By working with local colleges to train the next generation of high-tech talent, this project is helping ensure that the benefits of investment reach deep into our communities. The LIREDC is proud to support projects like this — ones that create sustainable jobs, foster innovation, and position our region as a long-term leader in advanced electronics and connected technologies.”

    Orbic’s reshoring of its manufacturing operations to New York State exemplifies Governor Hochul’s comprehensive strategy to revitalize New York’s manufacturing sector and establish the state as a national leader in advanced production. Under her administration, New York has secured transformative manufacturing investments including Chobani’s $100 million expansion in the Mohawk Valley, IBM’s multi-billion dollar semiconductor research initiatives, Micron Technology’s historic $100 billion semiconductor facility in Central New York — the largest private investment in state history — and numerous other reshoring projects that have created thousands of jobs statewide. The Governor’s focus on workforce development, supply chain resilience, and robust support for minority and women-owned businesses has positioned New York as the premier destination for companies seeking to bring critical manufacturing operations back to America. This latest investment in Long Island’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem demonstrates how strategic state partnerships can catalyze transformative economic development that strengthens communities, secures supply chains, and advances America’s technological competitiveness on the global stage.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • 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

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a Council directive laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals (recast) – A10-0090/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Committee on Constitutional Affairs
    Rapporteur: Sven Simon
    (Recast – Rule 113 of the Rules of Procedure)

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the proposal for a Council directive laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals (recast)

    (09789/2024 – C10-0001/2024 – 2021/0372(CNS))

    (Special legislative procedure – consultation – recast)

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to the Council draft (09789/2024),

     having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2021)0732),

     having regard to Article 22(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C10-0001/2024),

     having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 28 November 2001 on a more structured use of the recasting technique for legal acts[1],

     having regard to the letter of 8 November 2022 from the Committee on Legal Affairs to the Committee on Constitutional Affairs in accordance with Rule 113(3) of its Rules of Procedure,

     having regard to Rules 113 and 84 of its Rules of Procedure,

     having regard to the letter from the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs,

     having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (A10-0090/2025),

    A. whereas, according to the Consultative Working Party of the legal services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the Commission proposal does not include any substantive amendments other than those identified as such in the proposal and whereas, as regards the codification of the unchanged provisions of the earlier acts together with those amendments, the proposal contains a straightforward codification of the existing texts, without any change in their substance;

    1. Approves the Council draft as adapted to the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the legal services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission;

    2. Deeply regrets that the Council, while formally in compliance with Article 22(2) TFEU, has not engaged with the substance of Parliament’s opinion in any meaningful way; points out that this practice is indicative of a wider trend in recent years, for the Council and the European Council to refuse to cooperate constructively and in good faith in a number of pending special legislative procedures; recalls the recommendations contained in its report of 13 December 2023, and reiterates its calls on the Council and on the European Council to collaborate constructively in finding policy solutions that work in the interest of European citizens;

    3. Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

    4. Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the text approved by Parliament;

    5. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

     

    EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

    Pursuant to Article 20(2)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Article 22(2) TFEU and Article 39 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU), EU citizens residing in an EU Member State other than their own are entitled to vote and stand as candidates in European and municipal elections, under the same conditions as nationals.

     

    Nearly 13.7 million EU citizens – of whom about 11million are of voting age – reside in a Member State other than that of their nationality. Detailed provisions on the political rights granted under EU citizenship are set out in Council Directive 93/109/EC regarding the participation of non-national Union citizens in European Parliament elections in their country of residence.

     

    Despite the arrangements under Directive 93/109/EC, non-national Union citizens still face certain obstacles in exercising their electoral rights in elections to the European Parliament. These concern the accessibility of information, the registration processes, the effects of deregistration in the Member State of origin and the exchange of information between Member States with the aim of preventing multiple voting.

     

    Your rapporteur thus welcomes the proposed revision of Directive 93/109/EC as provided in the Council draft of 16 September 2024. In his viewpoint, the amended proposal by the Council strikes the right balance between on the one hand mobile voters’ and candidates’ needs for timely information, equal treatment with nationals of Member States – including regarding possibilities of advance voting, postal voting, and electronic and internet voting available in a Member State – and the administrative burden on Member States’ national authorities on the other hand.

     

    He is also of the opinion that the Council draft improves at the same time the exchange of necessary information between Members States in order to avoid multiple voting or instances where the same person would stand as a candidate more than once at the same elections, and introduces concrete reporting and data collecting and sharing obligations regarding the application of this Directive in the territory of the Member States thus permitting for the identification of measures necessary to ensure the effective exercise of Union citizens’ electoral rights.

     

    Your rapporteur would therefore propose that the Council draft be approved with no amendments.

     

     

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

     

     

     

    ANNEX: LETTER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AFFAIRS

    8.11.2022

     

    Mr Salvatore De Meo

    Chair

    Committee on Constitutional Affairs

    BRUSSELS

    Subject: Opinion on Proposal for a directive of the Council laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals (recast) (COM2021(0372) – C9‑0021/2022 – 2021/0372(CNS))

    Dear Mr Chair,The Committee on Legal Affairs has examined the proposal referred to above pursuant to Rule 110 on Recasting of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.

    Paragraph 3 of that Rule reads as follows:

     

    “If the committee responsible for legal affairs considers that the proposal does not entail any substantive changes other than those identified as such in the proposal, it shall inform the committee responsible for the subject matter thereof.

     

    In such a case, over and above the conditions laid down in Rules 180 and 181, amendments shall be admissible within the committee responsible for the subject-matter only if they concern those parts of the proposal which contain changes.

     

    However, amendments to parts of the proposal which remain unchanged may, by way of exception and on a case-by-case basis, be accepted by the Chair of the committee responsible for the subject matter if he or she considers that this is necessary for pressing reasons relating to the internal logic of the text or because the amendments are inextricably linked to other admissible amendments. Such reasons must be stated in a written justification to the amendments.”

     

    Following the here attached opinion of the Consultative Working Party of the Legal Services of the Parliament, the Council and the Commission, which has examined the recast proposal, and in keeping with the recommendations of the Rapporteur, the Committee on Legal Affairs considers that the proposal in question does not include any substantive changes other than those identified as such and that, as regards the codification of the unchanged provisions of the earlier act with those substantive amendments, the proposal contains a straightforward codification of the existing text, without any change in its substance.

    In conclusion, at its meeting of 27 October 2022, the Committee on Legal Affairs, with 21 votes in favour, no votes against and two abstentions[2] decided to recommend that the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), as the committee responsible, proceed to examine the above proposal in accordance with Rule 110.

     

    Yours sincerely,

    Adrián Vázquez Lázara

    ANNEX: OPINION OF THE CONSULTATIVE WORKING PARTY OF THE LEGAL SERVICES OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL AND THE COMMISSION

     

     

     

    CONSULTATIVE WORKING PARTY

    OF THE LEGAL SERVICES

    Brussels, 7 July 2022

    OPINION

     FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

      THE COUNCIL

      THE COMMISSION

    Proposal for a Council directive laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals (recast)

    COM(2021)0732 of 25 November 2022 – 2021/0372(CNS)

    Having regard to the Inter-institutional Agreement of 28 November 2001 on a more structured use of the recasting technique for legal acts, and in particular to point 9 thereof, the Consultative Working Party consisting of the respective legal services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission met on 1 February 2022 for the purpose of examining, among others, the aforementioned proposal submitted by the Commission.

     

    At that meeting[3], an examination of the proposal for a Council Directive recasting Council Directive 93/109/EC of 6 December 1993 laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for citizens of the Union residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals resulted in the Consultative Working Party’s establishing, by common accord, as follows.

    1. The following should have been marked with the grey-shaded type generally used for identifying substantive amendments:

    – in recital 5, the adding of the words ‘in accordance with principles common to all Member States;

    – in Article 3, introductory wording, the deletion of the words ‘Any person who’ and the adding of the words ‘The following persons’;

    – in Article 3, point (a), the adding of the words ‘the person who’;

    – in Article 3, point (b), the adding of the words ‘the person who’.

    2. In recital 5, the words ‘Article 20(2) TFEU’ should be replaced by ‘Article 22(2) TFEU’.

     

    In consequence, examination of the proposal has enabled the Consultative Working Party to conclude, without dissent, that the proposal does not comprise any substantive amendments other than those identified as such. The Working Party also concluded, as regards the codification of the unchanged provisions of the earlier act with those substantive amendments, that the proposal contains a straightforward codification of the existing legal text, without any change in its substance.

     

     

     

     

     

    F. DREXLER  T. BLANCHET  D. CALLEJA CRESPO

    Jurisconsult  Jurisconsult  Director-General

     

    LETTER OF THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS (20.3.2025)

    Mr Sven Simon

    Chair

    Committee on Constitutional Affairs

    BRUSSELS

    Subject: Opinion on the Proposal for a Council Directive laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals (recast) (2021/0372 (CNS)COM(2021)0732 – C10‑0001/2024 – LIBE/10/00399)

    Dear Mr Simon,

    Under the procedure referred to above, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE Committee) has been asked to submit an opinion to your committee. At their meeting of 6 March 2025, the LIBE Committee coordinators decided to send the opinion in the form of a letter pursuant to Rule 57(1) of the Rules of Procedure. The LIBE Committee discussed the matter at its meeting[4] of 19 March and adopted the opinion at that meeting.

    The Parliament adopted its position in the above consultation procedure on 14 February 2023 by a large majority of the votes cast. The LIBE Committee, as opinion giving committee, issued its opinion to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO Committee), as committee responsible, on 26 October 2022, also by a large majority of its members. On 16 May 2024, the Council decided to re-consult the Parliament on the text agreed by the Council. The LIBE Committee decided to support the recommendation from the rapporteur for opinion that the LIBE Committee sends its views in the form of a letter from the Chair informing the AFCO Committee that it wishes to keep the LIBE Opinion of 26 October 2022 (2021/0372(CNS)), adopted in the consultation procedure of last term. Nevertheless, it takes note of the text agreed by the Council, acknowledging some positive steps taken towards the LIBE opinion.

     

    The LIBE Committee, therefore, calls on the AFCO Committee, as committee responsible, to take into account its views.

     

    Yours sincerely,

    Javier Zarzalejos

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
    FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    The rapporteur for the opinion declares under her exclusive responsibility that she did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

     

     

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Title

    Laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals (recast)

    References

    09789/2024 – C10-0001/2024 – COM(2021)0732 – C9-0021/2022 – 2021/0372(CNS)

    Date Parliament was consulted

    25.11.2021

     

     

     

    Committee(s) responsible

    AFCO

     

     

     

    Committees asked for opinions

     Date announced in plenary

    LIBE

    7.10.2024

     

     

     

    Rapporteurs

     Date appointed

    Sven Simon

    14.10.2024

     

     

     

    Discussed in committee

    29.1.2025

    19.3.2025

     

     

    Date adopted

    14.5.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    25

    1

    2

    Members present for the final vote

    Gerolf Annemans, Gabriele Bischoff, Daniel Freund, Charles Goerens, Sandro Gozi, Ľubica Karvašová, Emmanouil Kefalogiannis, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Nicola Procaccini, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, Sven Simon, Anthony Smith, Reinier Van Lanschot, Alexandre Varaut, Loránt Vincze

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Marc Angel, Marieke Ehlers, Borja Giménez Larraz, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Branko Grims, Liudas Mažylis, Idoia Mendia, Krzysztof Śmiszek

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    René Aust, Damien Carême, Alberico Gambino, Elena Sancho Murillo, Flavio Tosi

    Date tabled

    16.5.2025

     

    FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    25

    +

    ECR

    Alberico Gambino, Nicola Procaccini

    ESN

    René Aust

    PPE

    Borja Giménez Larraz, Branko Grims, Emmanouil Kefalogiannis, Liudas Mažylis, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, Sven Simon, Flavio Tosi, Loránt Vincze

    PfE

    Gerolf Annemans, Marieke Ehlers, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal

    Renew

    Charles Goerens, Sandro Gozi, Ľubica Karvašová

    S&D

    Marc Angel, Gabriele Bischoff, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Idoia Mendia, Elena Sancho Murillo, Krzysztof Śmiszek

    Verts/ALE

    Daniel Freund, Reinier Van Lanschot

     

    1

    PfE

    Alexandre Varaut

     

    2

    0

    The Left

    Damien Carême, Anthony Smith

     

    Key to symbols:

    + : in favour

     : against

    0 : abstention

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Node AI ($GPU) Launches Phase 01 of GPU Aggregator with AWS, Azure, Vast AI & More — Alongside GPU DAO & Staking 2.0

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Jose, CA, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Node AI, the decentralized AI compute protocol powered by the $GPU token, has officially announced Phase 01 of its groundbreaking GPU Aggregator — a one-click deployment solution integrating GPUs from AWS, Azure, Vast AI, GCP, RunPod, and 50+ global providers.

    Why it matters:

    • Developers get faster, cheaper, smarter AI compute
    • $GPU holders enjoy exclusive deployment discounts
    • Aggregator boosts network revenue and increases staking value

    With this launch, Node AI is redefining compute accessibility, positioning itself as the go-to AI infrastructure layer in the decentralized ecosystem.

    GPU Aggregator Phase 01: A Unified Compute Marketplace

    The GPU Aggregator is a one-click gateway to global compute — a single interface that connects:

    • AWSAzureVast AIGCPRunPod, and 50+ GPU providers
    • Enables real-time selection of best pricing and performance
    • Offers $GPU-holder-exclusive deployment discounts
    • Makes deploying LLMs and AI workloads frictionless and cost-efficient

    This aggregator launch is a major unlock in Node AI’s goal to democratize access to high-performance compute.

    Decentralized GPU Renting & Lending

    Node AI connects GPU owners and AI developers:

    • Lend idle GPU power and earn $GPU
    • Rent compute on-demand via smart contracts
    • Fully permissionless and automated provisioning

    Whether you’re training a model or serving live inference, Node AI’s infrastructure is enterprise-ready.

    Tokenomics & Revenue Model

    • 100M max supply
    • ~96M circulating
    • No VC or team tokens
    • Real revenue model — ETH fees from compute usage are distributed to stakers

    This sustainable design prioritizes long-term growth and fair participation.

    Real Revenue, Fair Launch, No VC Tokens

    Unlike many competitors, Node AI has:

    • No team tokens or VC allocations
    • 100% real revenue model — ETH from GPU node rentals supports staking rewards
    • A total supply of 100M $GPU, with ~96M in circulation

    This token model is designed for sustainability, favoring long-term holders and infrastructure participants.

    Roadmap Highlights: What’s Coming Next?

    • Scalable AI Endpoints for deploying inference workloads
    • AI Compute Marketplace integration with aggregator
    • Benchmarking Suite for hardware performance transparency
    • GPU Aggregator Expansion with deeper routing intelligence
    • dApp integrations for AI projects to tap into decentralized compute seamlessly

    Hardware Backbone: Built for AI Performance

    Node AI’s compute backbone is built with high-end specs:

    • NVIDIA A100 and upcoming H100 GPUs
    • Enterprise-grade cooling and power infrastructure
    • Redundant systems to guarantee uptime for AI model deployment and inference tasks

    The platform allows users to deploy AI endpoints instantly — a huge leap for accessibility in AI hosting.

    Node AI is Becoming the Backbone of Decentralized AI Compute

    With the GPU Aggregator Phase 01 liveGPU DAO active, and Staking 2.0 generating real ETH rewardsNode AI is building one of the most advanced decentralized AI infrastructures in the space.

    Whether you’re an AI dev, a GPU owner, or a crypto staker — Node AI is where utility, rewards, and decentralization converge.

    Learn more: https://nodeai.app
    Whitepaper: https://docs.nodes.ai/
    Follow: https://twitter.com/NodeAIETH

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: FIREDISC Cookers® – The Leader in Outdoor Portable Cooking – Appoints Rockcliffe Capital as Exclusive Advisor to Lead Strategic Equity Raise and Accelerate North American Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a grill market filled with disposable imports and overhyped gadgets, FIREDISC Cookers stands apart. Today, the Texas-based outdoor cooking innovator announced the appointment of Rockcliffe Capital as its exclusive advisor to lead a strategic equity raise that will fuel growth in retail distribution, product development, and brand expansion across North America.

    FIREDISC Cookers, founded in 2010 by brothers Griff Jaggard and Hunter Jaggard, was born out of frustration with underbuilt barbeque grills that couldn’t keep up with rugged outdoor adventures. Drawing from the South Texas discada, they engineered a modern propane cooker: durable, powerful, portable, and built for the outdoors.

    The result is a full line of outdoor gas grills, portable griddles, disk cookers, and disco-style systems powered by high- output gas burners and designed for flavor, function, and freedom. The flagship FIREDISC 380 features a 15,000-BTU propane burner and a 380-square-inch cooking surface, perfect for camp, tailgate, or backyard BBQ.

    “This started with a simple goal: cook great food anywhere,” said Griff Jaggard, co-founder and CEO of FIREDISC Cookers. “What began in a barn became a brand embraced by overlanders, RVers, college fans, and chefs who care about quality gear. This raise helps us build that community and scale even faster.”

    With demand surging at retailers like Ace Hardware and online, FIREDISC is expanding its U.S.-based manufacturing and launching new SKUs, including foldable cookers, overland-ready editions, and bundled grill accessories. The brand’s rugged systems are backed by an accessory ecosystem of propane regulators, hard lids, wind guards, spatulas, fuel, and cleaning kits, driving strong repeat business across the retail distribution and DTC channels.

    Rockcliffe Capital, known for advising premium consumer and lifestyle brands, will lead the equity raise, already attracting interest from outdoor-focused investors and strategic funds.

    “What FIREDISC has built is rare: premium performance, authentic roots, and a loyal tribe,” said Campbell Ohrlis, President of Revenue Operations at Rockcliffe Capital. “This isn’t just a BBQ grill. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a movement. It’s a cooker people talk about, share recipes on, and take from tailgate to elk camp.”

    What Makes FIREDISC Different? 

    • Outdoor cooking built tough: high-output gas burners, zero moving parts, and collapsible legs  
    • From trails to tailgates: fits every adventure, from backyard BBQs to overlanding expeditions  
    • Deep retail traction: DTC and retail distribution success at Ace Hardware and beyond
    • Passionate community: thousands of 5-star reviews, viral user recipes, and influencer-driven content
    • Complete gear lineup: from grill accessories and propane regulators to branded disco and griddle gear

    Fueling the Next Phase of Growth

    Funds will support:

    • National retail distribution and channel expansion
    • Scaled U.S. production of new FIREDISC cookers and accessories   Strategic co-branded outdoor partnerships
    • Content partnerships featuring FIREDISC recipes and real-world outdoor cooking

    Whether it’s fajitas on the ranch, tacos on the portable griddle, or fish at the lake, FIREDISC Cookers is the only barbeque grill people bring everywhere and brag about.

    About FIREDISC® Cookers

    Headquartered in Katy, Texas, FIREDISC® Cookers is a leading national brand specializing in the design, manufacturing, distribution, and retail of innovative outdoor cooking products. Founded by Texas brothers, including co-founder Griff Jaggard, FIREDISC Cookers has redefined how America cooks outdoors. From portable propane cookers, rugged griddles, and disco-style cookers to high-performance grills and durable grill accessories, FIREDISC delivers unmatched performance and portability for adventurers, tailgaters, and backyard chefs alike.

    Whether you’re cooking fajitas on a griddle, deep-frying in a disco cooker, or searing steaks on one of FIREDISC’s iconic propane grills, FIREDISC Cookers makes outdoor cooking accessible, effortless, and memorable. Engineered with precision and built for the outdoors, every FIREDISC® product—from cookers to accessories—is designed to turn good food into great memories.

    Created for those who value freedom, flavor, and function, FIREDISC Cookers are as at home in elk camp as they are on a patio. Whether you’re firing up a quick dinner in the backyard or preparing a feast in the wild, FIREDISC is the trusted tool of choice.

    With a loyal and growing nationwide fanbase, FIREDISC Cookers is more than just gear. It’s a movement fueled by innovation, quality, and the vision of Griff Jaggard and his team. Since its launch in 2017, the family-owned, Texas- based company has earned its place as a category leader in outdoor cooking. Their commitment to quality, durability, and superior customer service has made FIREDISC Cookers a household name among outdoor enthusiasts, weekend warriors, and grill masters.

    As FIREDISC looks ahead, the brand remains committed to raising the bar in propane-powered outdoor cooking with new innovations in cookers, griddles, grills, and disco-style solutions built to go wherever flavor leads. Fire it Up and Gather ‘Round. Learn more at www.firedisccookers.com

    About Rockcliffe Capital

    Rockcliffe Capital is a boutique investment bank focused on advising high-growth companies in consumer, lifestyle, and specialty manufacturing sectors. With a founder-first mindset and a deep network of capital partners, Rockcliffe helps visionary brands raise, scale, and exit with intention.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – OPEKEPE (Greek Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid) scandal – P-002152/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002152/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    Widespread irregularities and fraudulent government practices have been noted since 2005 in the management of direct payments through OPEKEPE. The practices are now being formally investigated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), under threat of loss of accreditation.

    Following the revelations, the Government decided to abolish the Agency and transfer the critical payment and audit functions to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR). This choice raises serious questions regarding the management accreditation of the new body, the transparency of CAP payments and compliance with Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy, and in particular Articles 7 and 8 which set out the conditions for accreditation of paying agencies, the obligation of independence and sufficient operational and administrative capacity and the possible withdrawal of accreditation if the criteria are not met.

    Unfortunately, the withdrawal of accreditation will clearly mean the cessation of agricultural payments and the loss of European fund management for our farmers. At the same time, concerns about a cover up of political responsibilities and, ultimately, a lack of accountability are growing.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Has the Commission assessed the legality of the transfer of OPEKEPE’s responsibilities to the IAPR?
    • 2.Has the Commission asked itself/established whether the conditions for management accreditation to disburse European aid are met by the IAPR?
    • 3.What measures does it intend to put in place from now on to ensure the independence, transparency and sound management of aid to Greek farmers?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Nadler and Rep. Wilson Reintroduce Bill Providing a Tax Credit to Living Organ Donors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    Yesterday, Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Joe Wilson (R-SC) reintroduced the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act. The bill will provide up to a $5,000 one-time refundable tax credit to living organ donors who were not reimbursed for the costs related to organ donation by the National Living Organ Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) or any entity.  

    Our nation’s transplant shortage is dire. Seventeen people die every day waiting for a viable organ according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. Currently, there are around 93,000 Americans on the kidney transplant waitlist, with some having to wait as long as six years to receive a transplant, according to UNOS. Patients waiting for a transplant on average cost the U.S. government at least $77,000 a year on dialysis, which adds up to more than $20 billion a year according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Removing the barriers to organ donation will not only increase the number of living donors therefore saving lives, but also will save the taxpayers money. This tax credit would apply to living kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, intestine, bone marrow donors, and any other viable living organ donation. 

    “When an organ donor decides to donate one of their organs to someone else, they aren’t just saving someone’s life—they’re making one of the most selfless, difficult decisions anyone could ever make,” said Rep. Nadler. “However, donors can face tremendous and often prohibitive costs associated with surgery, including the cost of travel, lodging, follow up care, and lost wages in connection to transplantation. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Wilson and continue my work to remove roadblocks to organ donation.” 

    “The gift of living donation is truly priceless. The donors who choose the selfless act of giving a lifesaving organ are making a major life decision, whether gifting to a stranger or a loved one. That lifechanging decision should not be burdened by the costs of donation, and this bill will remove that disincentive to ensure that everyone is able to donate an organ if they choose to, regardless of their financial situation,” said Rep. Wilson. “My predecessor House Armed Services Committee Chairman Floyd Spence miraculously received a double lung transplant as the thirtieth in the world to receive the experiment, living an additional 13 years serving America. We are always grateful for Dr. Sesshadri Raju at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi for performing the procedure in 1988. I previously worked in the South Carolina State Senate to add a red heart for organ donors to South Carolina Driver’s Licenses at the time of registration. Today, I am grateful to expand this piece of Floyd Spence’s legacy.” 

    The bill has been endorsed by the American Association of Kidney Patients, American Kidney Fund (AKF), American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN), American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS), American Society of Transplantation (AST), Coalition to Modify NOTA, National Kidney Donation Organization (NKDO), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation, Renal Support Network (RSN), and Waitlist Zero. 

    “We need better public policy to increase living organ donation. The Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act of 2025 represents a positive step forward in helping people who selflessly decide to give the gift of life by donating a kidney by providing a refundable tax credit for associated costs of live organ donation such as lost wages, travel or childcare. People with limited resources should have every opportunity to help save a life,” said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. 

     “The American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN) applauds the reintroduction of the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act by Representatives Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Joe Wilson (R-SC). Rates of living kidney donation are declining in the US in both the pediatric and adult populations. This decline persists despite the fact that living donor kidney transplant is well established as the optimal treatment for children and adults with end stage kidney disease due to superior graft and patient survival. This important legislation will encourage living donors and we urge its swift passage,” said President Meredith Atkinson of the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN).

         “On behalf of the American Society of Transplantation (AST), representing a majority of the nation’s transplant professionals, our Society strongly applauds and endorses the re-introduction of the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act. AST is grateful for the steadfast leadership of Congressmen Nadler (D-NY) and Wilson (R-SC) to protect and support living donation. The Living Donor Tax Credit Act is a patient-focused bill seeking to address financial and policy barriers that might otherwise prevent an individual from providing a lifesaving donor organ.  AST greatly appreciates this bipartisan and patient centric legislation.  We look forward to working with you to advance this key legislation in this 119th Congress,” said Dr. Jon Kobashigawa, President of the American Society of Transplantation (AST).

         “The National Kidney Foundation strongly supports the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act as an important step toward removing financial barriers to living donation. This legislation provides tax relief solely for documented, unreimbursed expenses actually incurred by the donor—costs like child/elder care, travel, and lost income. Living donors often face unexpected costs that can reach thousands of dollars, and these expenses should never prevent someone from saving a life. By allowing tax credits for legitimate expenses while maintaining strict documentation requirements, this bill supports donors without compromising the altruistic foundation of organ donation that the National Kidney Foundation has always championed. We applaud Reps. Nadler and Wilson for their leadership and urge Congress to pass this measure that will help save lives while preserving the integrity of our transplant system,” said Kevin Longino, CEO, National Kidney Foundation and a transplant recipient.

         “There’s currently no cure for PKD, and while we await scientific breakthroughs, organ donation remains the most effective long-term treatment,” said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation. “This common-sense, compassionate, and cost-effective policy to reimburse living donors for some of the costs of donation will help to remove needless financial barriers, save more lives, and reduce the burden on our federal health system by decreasing reliance on costly, time-consuming, and often unpleasant dialysis treatments. The PKD Foundation is deeply grateful for the longtime leadership of Representatives Nadler and Wilson in championing living donation,” said Susan Bushnell, PKDF’s President & CEO.

    “Living donors are true heroes who should not incur financial losses for the life-saving gift they provide. A tax credit is a straightforward method to acknowledge their generosity while simplifying the reimbursement process,” said Lori Hartwell, President & Founder of RSN and kidney transplant recipient.

         “Why should donors go into debt to give the gift of life? Representative Nadler and Representative Wilson’s Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act will ease the financial strain and empower more people to say yes to donation. For the past 25 years, the number of living kidney donors has remained stagnant. Waitlist Zero proudly supports this crucial bill,” said Elaine Perlman, Executive Director of Waitlist Zero and President of the Coalition to Modify NOTA.

    A copy of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brownley, Van Duyne Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help First-Time Homebuyers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Public Schedule – May 28, 2025

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

    SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO

    11:15 a.m. Secretary Rubio meets with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the Department of State
    (CAMERA SPRAY AT THE TOP)

    Call time for video cameras, still cameras and writers is 10:45 a.m. from the 23rd Street entrance.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHRISTOPHER LANDAU

    12:00 p.m. Deputy Secretary Landau meets with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Department of State.
    (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)

    SENIOR OFFICIAL FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS LISA KENNA

    11:15 a.m. Senior Official Kenna joins Secretary Rubio’s meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the Department of State
    (CAMERA SPRAY AT THE TOP)

    SENIOR BUREAU OFFICIAL FOR EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS BRENDAN P. HANRAHAN

    11:15 a.m. Senior Bureau Official Hanrahan joins Secretary Rubio’s meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the Department of State.
    (CAMERA SPRAY AT THE TOP)

    BRIEFING SCHEDULE

    No Department Press Briefing.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Public Schedule – May 29, 2025

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

    SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO

    9:30 a.m. Secretary Rubio meets with North Macedonia Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski at the Department of State.
    (CAMERA SPRAY AT THE TOP)
    Call time for video cameras, still cameras and writers is 9:00 a.m. from the 23rd Street entrance.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHRISTOPHER LANDAU

    Deputy Secretary Landau attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES MICHAEL J. RIGAS

    Deputy Secretary Rigas attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.

    SENIOR OFFICIAL FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS LISA KENNA

    Senior Official Kenna attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.

    BRIEFING SCHEDULE

    1:45 p.m. Department Press Briefing with Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. 
    (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE)
    The Department Press Briefing will be streamed live on the Department homepage and YouTube Channel.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Public Schedule – May 30, 2025

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

     SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO

    Secretary Rubio attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHRISTOPHER LANDAU

    11:15 a.m. Deputy Secretary Landau meets with Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti at the Department of State.
    (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)

    DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES MICHAEL J. RIGAS

    Deputy Secretary Rigas attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.

    SENIOR OFFICIAL FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS LISA KENNA

    Senior Official Kenna attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.

    BRIEFING SCHEDULE

    No Department Press Briefing.

    MIL OSI USA News