NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orlando Man Indicted For Possessing Multiple Firearms As A Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Latchman Singh (31, Orlando) with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, Singh faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. 

    According to the indictment, on January 17, 2025, Singh possessed multiple firearms including, two Glock firearms, two Sig Sauer firearms, two Specialized Tactical System firearms, an Aero Precision firearm, a Beretta firearm, a S.C. Nova Grup S.R.L firearm, a Ruger firearm, one Polymer 80 Inc. firearm, a privately made firearm made from a Polymer80 Inc. frame, a SOTA Arms firearm, a Remington firearm, a Springfield Armory firearm, a Spike’s tactical firearm, and a Palmetto State Armory firearm. At the time he possessed each firearm, Singh had multiple prior felony convictions, including fraudulent use of personal identification information and possession of cannabis with intent to see or deliver. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. 

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

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ecuadorian National Indicted For Attempting To Smuggle Firearms Out Of The United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Karla Alejandra Tejena Parraga (38, Ecuador) with attempted smuggling of firearms. If convicted, Tejena Parraga faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. 

    According to the indictment, on February 19, 2025, Tejena Parraga fraudulently attempted to export a firearm and firearm part from the United States to Panama. Prior to the attempted exportation, Tejena Parraga concealed, received, bought or sold, or facilitated such, knowing the firearm and firearm part was intended for exportation contrary to any law or regulation of the United States. 

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

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie McNeff.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Whiteville Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 23 Years

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – A Whiteville man was sentenced today to 23 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.  On February 9, 2024, Marion Lamont Flowers, age 43, pled guilty to the charges.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, in 2020, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Whiteville Police Department, and the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) began investigating Flowers for drug trafficking. Between December 2020 and July 2021, law enforcement oversaw seven controlled purchases of cocaine and methamphetamine from Flowers. On July 20, 2021, a confidential informant arranged to purchase 1 kilogram of methamphetamine from Flowers. When Flowers arrived to make the sale, he was apprehended by law enforcement and taken into custody. A search of Flowers’ vehicle recovered 893.8 grams of methamphetamine (97% purity), more than $2000 in cash and a loaded PH 13 handgun. l

    Based on surveillance during the investigation, Flowers was operating out of a hotel room at an EconoLodge. Agents executed search warrants on two rooms rented by Flowers and seized MDMA pills, Xanax pills, Alprazolam and Buprenorphine pills. They also seized 37 grams of cocaine base (crack), 249 grams of cocaine, 27 grams of fentanyl and nearly $4000 in cash.

    Flowers has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1995 when he was convicted of assault with intent to kill and robbery with a dangerous weapon for robbing a Hasty Mart Store. During the robbery, Flowers shot a customer in the neck. In 2004, he pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon after robbing a BB&T bank. In 2016, Flowers pled guilty to possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine and to delivering cocaine. As the sentencing judge noted at Flowers’ hearing, Flowers has also performed poorly while incarcerated, incurring over 30 infractions while serving time for previous convictions.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, the Whiteville Police Department and the Columbus County Sheriff  investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:22-CR-00135-D-001.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Killeen Man and Former Soldiers Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Fort Cavazos Equipment Theft Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WACO, Texas – A Killeen man was sentenced in a federal court in Waco to 120 months in prison for buying and selling U.S. Army equipment that had been stolen by soldiers and former soldiers.

    According to court documents, beginning in January 2017, Benjamin Alvarado Jr., 32, purchased thousands of military items, owned by the United States, from co-conspirators Darius Alston, Justin Wallas and Gabriel Taylor, and Kynyqus Bryant. The co-conspirators were U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Fort Cavazos and had participated in at least seven thefts of U.S. government property from Fort Cavazos. Collectively, they coordinated with Alvarado throughout the scheme through telecommunications and text messages.

    Investigators with the Department of the Army Criminal Investigations Division (Army CID) traced several transactions through online sellers, such as eBay, to Alvarado, who, on Aug, 9, 2021, was discovered to be selling multiple M-50 gas masks similar to what had been reported stolen from Fort Cavazos. Alvarado was also selling filters for the masks, night vision device image intensifier tubes, Litefighter tents, and other miscellaneous sensitive property being transported in interstate and foreign commerce with a value of $5,000 or more.

    Executed search warrants resulted in the recovery of more than 24,000 individual items stolen from the U.S. government, including, in addition to the items previously named, weapons parts, and Level III and Level IV body armor. The recovered properties were valued at approximately $2.75 million. Another search warrant led to the recovery of another $100,000 worth of military property at a Killeen storage building. The investigation also revealed that, on or about Jan. 5, 2021, Alvarado participated in the sale and transfer of a Joint Chemical Agent Detector M4A1 to a buyer in China through an intermediary in Delaware.

    Alvarado stated he had purchased 90% of the 24,000 items seized from Bryant and Alston, who were assigned to the 553rd Combat Service Support Battalion. Taylor later confessed that he had participated as the lookout in a July 2021 robbery on Fort Cavazos, while other members of the conspiracy retrieved the items. Alston stated that he had conducted seven or eight theft operations with Bryant and the others, also as a lookout.

    On Sept. 3, 2019, Alvarado transferred a cashier’s check for $52,890.55 to a title company for a residence in Killeen. On July 7, 2021, Alvarado transferred a personal check for $50,000 to a licensed automobile dealer for the purchase of a 2013 McLaren MP4. Following the April 2022 indictment, Alvarado forfeited the house and the car.

    Alvarado pleaded guilty on Oct. 31, 2023 to one count of theft of government property conspiracy, one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, two counts of money laundering, and one count of smuggling goods from the United States.  On March 26, Alvarado was sentenced to 120 months custody in federal prison.

    Alston, Wallas and Taylor were also sentenced with Alvarado. Alston and Wallas were each sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Taylor was sentenced to five years of probation. Bryant was sentenced to five years of probation and incurred a $2,000 fine on March 24.

    In addition to their sentences, Alston, Wallas, Taylor, and Bryant were ordered to pay $618,750 in restitution. Alvarado was ordered to pay a restitution of $2,367,780.12.

    “Alvarado and his co-conspirators engaged in a massive scheme to steal, store and sell millions of dollars’ worth of U.S. military equipment—not only taking advantage of our government but placing personal profit over national security and military readiness,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Thank you to all of the federal law enforcement agencies involved for provided their individual specialized investigative skills to this case and reinforcing the fact that criminals who engage in this illicit reckless behavior will be caught and prosecuted.”

    “We traced Alvarado’s sales and profits, which helped lead the team to seize assets like his real estate, his bank accounts and his McLaren. There are no sports cars and lavish lifestyles for Alvarado in prison,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan, of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “The moment he left a money trail, it sealed his fate. As the law enforcement division of the IRS, we follow the money to bring criminals to justice.”

    “These sentencings are a result of a highly successful joint investigative effort by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and our investigative partners” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Gosch of the Department of Defense – Office of Inspector General, DCIS Southwest Field Office.  “Ensuring the integrity of DoD supply chains, safeguarding taxpayer investments and, most importantly, protecting the warfighter are top priorities for DCIS.”

    “This case highlights the partnership and commitment between Homeland Security Investigations and Army CID in securing the Homeland by targeting malicious actors stealing and exporting sensitive military equipment,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “HSI, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate and dismantle criminal networks that threaten the country’s national security.”

    IRS-CI, DCIS, Army CID, the Department of State and HSI investigated the case with assistance from the Killeen Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Blanton prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Long-Time Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips Leader Charged in 43-Count Indictment Alleging Murder, Extortion, Fraud, and Tax Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury has returned a 43-count indictment charging a music label owner and purported anti-gang activist who is a long-time leader of a South Los Angeles street gang with dozens of felonies, including fraud, robbery, extortion, tax evasion, embezzlement of donations to his charity that receives public money, and running a racketeering conspiracy in which he allegedly murdered an aspiring musician, the Justice Department announced today.

    Eugene Henley, Jr., 58, a.k.a. “Big U,” of the Hyde Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, two counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and extortion (Hobbs Act), one count of Hobbs Act robbery, nine counts of attempted Hobbs Act extortion, five counts of Hobbs Act extortion, one count of transportation of an individual in interstate commerce with intent that the individual engage in prostitution (Mann Act), 15 counts of wire fraud, five counts of embezzlement, conversion, and intentional misapplication of funds from an organization receiving federal funds, one count of bank fraud, one count of tax evasion, and two counts of willful failure to file a tax return.

    Henley – a long-time member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips street gang – has been in federal custody since March 19 after being charged in a federal criminal complaint. His arraignment is scheduled for April 8 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. He has a detention hearing scheduled for April 10, also in Los Angeles federal court.

    Also charged in today’s indictment are:

    • Sylvester Robinson, 59, a.k.a. “Vey,” of Northridge;
    • Mark Martin, 50, a.k.a. “Bear Claw,” of the Beverlywood area of Los Angeles;
    • Termaine Ashley Williams, 42, a.k.a. “Luce Cannon,” of Las Vegas;
    • Armani Aflleje, 38, a.k.a. “Mani,” of Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles;
    • Fredrick Blanton Jr., 43, of South Los Angeles; and
    • Tiffany Shanrika Hines, 51, of Yorba Linda.

    These defendants are in federal custody and are expected to be arraigned in the coming weeks.

    “As the indictment alleges, Mr. Henley led a criminal enterprise whose conduct ranged from murder to sophisticated fraud that included stealing from taxpayers and a charity,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “Eradicating gangs and organized crime is the Department of Justice’s top priority. Today’s charges against the leadership of this criminal outfit will make our neighborhoods in Los Angeles safer.”

    According to the indictment returned on Wednesday, from 2010 until March 2025, Henley’s criminal group – identified in court documents as the “Big U Enterprise” – operated as a mafia-like organization that utilized Henley’s stature and long-standing association with the Rollin’ 60s and other street gangs to intimidate businesses and individuals in Los Angeles. Henley is widely regarded as a leader within the Rollin’ 60s and rose to prominence in the street gang during the 1980s.

    While the Big U Enterprise at times partnered with the Rollin’ 60s and other criminal elements for mutual benefit, the Big U Enterprise is a distinct and independent criminal enterprise engaged in criminal activity including murder, extortion, robbery, trafficking and exploiting sex workers, fraud, and illegal gambling.

    Not only did the enterprise expand its power through violence, fear, and intimidation, but it also used social media platforms, documentaries, podcasts, interviews, and Henley’s reputation and status as an “O.G.” (original gangster) to create fame for – and stoke fear of – the Big U Enterprise, its members, and its associates.

    For example, in January 2021, Henley murdered a victim – identified in the indictment as “R.W.” – an aspiring musician signed to Uneek Music, Henley’s music label. Henley shot and killed R.W., who had recorded a defamatory song about Henley. Henley then dragged the victim’s body off Interstate 15 in Las Vegas and left it in a ditch.

    Henley also committed other crimes, including fraudulently obtaining a COVID-19 business-relief loan for Uneek Music, which operated at a loss and was ineligible for such relief. He used his anti-gang charity, Developing Options, as a front for fraudulent activities and to insulate other members of the Big U Enterprise from law enforcement suspicion.

    Henley further embezzled large donations that celebrities and award-winning companies made to Developing Options, which Henley immediately converted to his personal bank account. According to the indictment, Developing Options is primarily funded through the City of Los Angeles’s Mayor’s Office through the Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) Foundation, portions of which receive federal funding, but also receives donations from prominent sources, including NBA players.

    Finally, the indictment alleges that – as part of the racketeering conspiracy charge – that during the early morning hours of March 19, while law enforcement was arresting other members of the enterprise, Henley turned off his cellphones and fled his home. That day, Henley posted to the “Crenshaw Cougars” Instagram account, claiming racial profiling, blaming his co-defendants and opponents for the criminal charges filed against him in a federal criminal complaint, and instructing the public not to associate with his co-defendants and known opponents. Henley eventually surrendered to federal law enforcement without his phones.

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

    If convicted, Henley, Robinson, Martin would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the racketeering conspiracy count. The bank fraud count is punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison. The Hobbs Act conspiracy, robbery, and extortion and the wire fraud counts each carry a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The Mann Act count and the theft concerning programs receiving federal funds count each carry a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison. The tax evasion count carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison while the willful failure to pay file a tax return count is punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment.

    The FBI’s Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Gangs; IRS Criminal Investigation; the United States Department of Justice Office of Inspector General; the Los Angeles Police Department; and the North Las Vegas Police Department are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national extradited from Mexico to the United States pleads guilty to drug and money laundering conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gilberto Alarcon-Holguin a/k/a Beto, 57, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.

    According to the plea agreement, on October 14, 2017, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized 10 kilograms of cocaine from an identified co-conspirator. HSI obtained a phone number as a point of contact for the delivery of the cocaine, which was linked to co-conspirators of Alarcon-Holguin. On October 19, 2017, HSI conducted a controlled delivery of 10 bricks of “sham” cocaine, which had been wrapped in the same manner as the seized kilograms of cocaine, to a motel parking lot in Corfu, NY. The bag was given to co-conspirator Eduardo Valdez, who was on the phone with Alarcon-Holguin during the delivery. Following the controlled delivery, the New York State Police conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Valdez was riding in. HSI seized $259,960 in cash as a result of the controlled delivery.

    Subsequent investigation determined that Alarcon-Holguin had multiple communications with another co-conspirator, Edgar Pavia. Alarcon-Holguin provided instructions to Pavia about shipments of cocaine, packaging of money, and more, all of which was passed along to drug distributors supplied by Alarcon-Holguin in cities including Buffalo, and Louisville, KY. Alarcon-Holguin also passed information to Pavia that was separately conveyed to other co-conspirators, including those involved in the transportation of drugs. For example, on June 21, 2018, co-conspirator Adrian Goudelock received 40 kilograms of cocaine in Buffalo. Over the course of the conspiracy, Goudelock received multiple shipments of 10 kilograms of cocaine or more brokered by Pavia and supplied by Alarcon-Holguin. Alarcon-Holguin also provided instructions to Pavia on how Goudelock should wrap and mark money being sent back to Mexico. Specifically, Alarcon-Holguin told Pavia that Goudelock should wrap the money into 52 packages of $10,000 each.

    Other deliveries organized by Alarcon-Holguin during the investigation included: 17 kilograms of cocaine seized from a co-conspirator in West Seneca, NY, and shipments of 10, 15, 20, and 40 kilograms of cocaine to a co-conspirator in Kentucky. In addition, approximately $1,144,735 in cash was seized from a commercial truck driver in Chicago, Illinois. During the course of the investigation, investigators seized approximately $2,600,000.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director, Marine Operations. Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard and Homeland Security Investigations, El Paso, Texas. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Alarcon-Holguin.    

    Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Case You Missed It: Capito Op-Ed: The Surface Transportation Opportunity Before Us

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an op-ed published in the Washington Times, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, detailed her vision for the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. In the piece, Chairman Capito outlines three key principles that she believes are important for this reauthorization to achieve, and priorities that will address issues within our country’s surface transportation network. 
    “When it comes to my vision for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill, I have three key principles that I believe will jumpstart this conversation. By focusing on these fundamental outcomes, I’m confident that we can work towards a legislative solution that will deliver results for the American people,” Chairman Capito writes.
    The full op-ed is available here and below.
    The Surface Transportation Opportunity Before Us
    By: U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
    The Washington Times 
    March 27, 2025
    Our roads and bridges are what connect us to the people and things that matter most in our lives, and all the places we travel to every day. They help American businesses, large and small, create jobs and economic opportunities, and enable their competitiveness in the global marketplace. They connect everything around us from Point A to Point B.
    The responsibility given to Congress to ensure a safe and reliable transportation network for our country originates in Article One of our Constitution and was affirmed when the Federal Aid Road Act was enacted in 1916. Today, the Federal-aid Highway Program provides the funding and policy for the transportation network that all Americans and businesses rely on — and that network requires continued investment and improvement. This is something I know well, and I’m thrilled to be the chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee during a Congress where we will need to pass a surface transportation reauthorization bill.
    This legislation supports the Federal-aid Highway Program, among other important policies and funding priorities that impact surface transportation in our country. While some might look at this as a legislative challenge, I view it as an incredible opportunity. Throughout my tenure on the EPW Committee, I have made infrastructure a central priority. Now as chairman, I look forward to continuing my work to modernize our transportation network.
    When it comes to my vision for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill, I have three key principles that I believe will jumpstart this conversation. By focusing on these fundamental outcomes, I’m confident that we can work towards a legislative solution that will deliver results for the American people.
    Principle One: Improving the safety and reliability of America’s surface transportation network with impactful investments. In recent years, we’ve seen a major increase in the number of federal transportation programs. This leads to a duplicative and confusing process to get funding out the door, disrupts the focus of federal funding, and lessens the impact that the Federal-aid Highway Program can make.
    We can make investments that instead optimize the impact of federal funding by prioritizing our commitment to the safe and reliable movement of goods and people, and giving project partners certainty to invest over a longer period of time. We should focus on eliminating duplicative programs that often invite regulatory overreach, and rather increase funding for the highway formula programs that our states rely on.
    Principle Two: Reforming and modernizing federal programs and policies to increase efficiency. We all know that, as currently structured, federal requirements can add red tape that increases costs and slows down project completion. We all want to deliver transportation benefits faster and save money for American taxpayers. That’s truly a win-win.
    We need to take a serious look at federal requirements to determine how to best make improvements to our planning and procurement procedures, environmental review process for projects, and discretionary grants and loans requirements. By reforming and modernizing these requirements, we can create certainty for partners who make these projects happen.
    Principle Three: Addressing the variety of surface transportation needs across all states. Obviously, different states have different needs. I wouldn’t expect West Virginia, with our mountainous peaks and valleys, to prioritize the same transportation projects as other states in different parts of the country.
    By avoiding top-down mandates from Washington, D.C., we can provide the flexibility needed to address the individual improvements our states require. The Federal-aid Highway Program can support our common goals while ensuring that federal rules, regulations, programs, or policies recognize these different needs in our states.
    The vision I’ve laid out is broad, but that’s intentional. It will take the collaboration of my Senate colleagues and many others as we move toward completing the bill before September 2026. We must always be pragmatic, and work in a bipartisan fashion to develop a bill in the Senate that sets us up for a productive conversation on this reauthorization effort across both chambers of Congress.
    At the end of the day, we all know how important our surface transportation is, and the role that it plays in keeping our country’s economy and people on the move. There is an excellent opportunity ahead of us to make a pivotal impact on our transportation network, and one that I intend to see through.
    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito is the Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and also serves on the Appropriations, Commerce, and Rules Committees. She is the Chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, making her the fourth highest ranked Senate Republican.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford, Cotton Introduce Bill to Keep Contraband Cellphones Out of Jails

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    Washington, DC— Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) yesterday introduced the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025, legislation which would prevent inmates from using contraband cellphones in prisons by allowing state and federal prisons to use cellphone jamming technology. Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) is leading companion legislation in the House. 
    Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Jim Risch (R-ID) are cosponsoring the legislation. Rep. David Kustoff (R-RN) introduced companion legislation in the House.
    “Cell phones are being slipped into jails and prisons, but federal policy prevents local law enforcement from jamming the cell signal. That needs to stop,” said Lankford. “After years of work and conversations with law enforcement, the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Justice, and Oklahoma prison leadership, we finally have a bill to allow states to jam illegal cell phones in their prisons to prevent prisoners from contacting their victims or coordinating even more crime while they are incarcerated. This bill simply allows state and federal prisons to use cell phone jammers to ensure they have the tools they need to combat illegal activity in a prison.” 
    “For far too long, contraband cellphones have been a major security threat in our prisons, allowing criminals to coordinate crimes from behind bars. This legislation is a common-sense step to cut off their ability to threaten witnesses, organize drug trafficking, and endanger law-abiding citizens from within prison walls,” said Senator Cotton.
    “Criminals are using contraband cellphones to commit crimes while in prison. The extent of coordinated criminal activity carried out by inmates is a serious threat to public safety,” said Congressman Kustoff. “As a former United States Attorney, I have seen first-hand the dangerous effects of contraband cellphone use to both law enforcement officers and our communities. It should be impossible for prisoners to organize gang activity, traffic drugs, and coordinate any other wrongdoing from behind bars. The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act is commonsense legislation that will crack down on cellphones in prisons and protect inmates, guards, and the public at large.”
    Text of the legislation may be found here. 
    Background:
    The use of contraband cellphones is widespread in both federal and state prison facilities. Inmates have used contraband cellphones to conduct illegal activities, including ordering hits on individuals outside of the prison walls, running illegal drug operations, conducting illegal business deals, facilitating sex trafficking, and organizing escapes which endanger correctional employees, other inmates, and members of the public.
    Last year, two 13-year-old boys were killed at a birthday party in Atlanta after inmates in a Georgia prison used contraband cellphones to order their murder. In 2024, Georgia authorities confiscated more than 15,500 contraband cellphones and seized more than 8,000 in 2023.
    In December 2024, two California inmates were convicted of murder, racketeering, and other RICO-related crimes for running a heroin and meth trafficking operation from their prison cells. 
    In 2018, a gang fight over territory using cellphones to trade contraband sparked a brawl inside the Lee Correctional Institution near Bishopville, South Carolina, and left seven inmates dead and 20 injured.
    Bureau of Prisons Correctional officer Lt. Osvaldo Albarati was murdered in 2013 for interrupting an illicit contraband cellphone business. His actual assassination was initiated by an inmate using a contraband cellphone to contact the gunman as outlined in the indictment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee and Tuberville Introduce Bill to Abolish the TSA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    Bill would privatize airport security under federal oversight
    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) today introduced the Abolish the TSA Act, which would dissolve the bloated and ineffective Transportation Security Administration while allowing America’s airports to compete to provide the safest, most efficient, and least intrusive security measures, under a new Office of Aviation Security Oversight.
    “The TSA has not only intruded into the privacy and personal space of most Americans, it has also repeatedly failed tests to find weapons and explosives,” said Sen. Lee. “Our bill privatizes security functions at American airports under the eye of an Office of Aviation Security Oversight, bringing this bureaucratic behemoth to a welcome end. American families can travel safely without feeling the hands of an army of federal employees.” 
    “The TSA is an inefficient, bureaucratic mess that infringes on Americans’ freedoms,” said Sen. Tuberville. “It’s a bloated agency—riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars—that has led to unnecessary delays, invasive pat downs and bag checks, and frustration for travelers. We need to focus on more efficient and effective methods to protect our country without sacrificing the liberties and freedoms of American citizens. The TSA should be eliminated and replaced with privatized solutions that are more targeted, streamlined, and where appropriate, accountable to limited government oversight.”
     
    BACKGROUND 
    Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall submit a reorganization plan to Congress that includes: 
    Creation of the Office of Aviation Security Oversight within the FAA, solely responsible for overseeing the privatization of aviation security screening.
    Rapid transfer of security activities and equipment to qualified private companies.
    Transfer of non-aviation security functions to DOT (mass transit, freight rail, pipelines, etc.).
    Proportional reductions of TSA operations and personnel to facilitate transfer of duties.
    The reorganization plan cannot include requirements for private security companies to conduct warrantless searches and seizures or extend the TSA’s existence. Congress will consider, amend, vote up or down on the reorganization plan through expedited and privileged procedure. Compliance will be monitored by the GAO and regular reports to Congress.
    You can read the one pager HERE.
    You can read the bill text HERE.
    You can read the FOX exclusive HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 03/27/2025 Blackburn, Cassidy, Hyde-Smith Reintroduce Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) reintroduced the Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act to criminalize individuals who leak confidential information from the Supreme Court of the United States.
    “Individuals who aim to undermine the highest Court in our nation and intimidate its justices should be held accountable for their actions,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act is a vital piece of legislation, which would ensure that the Court’s work remains free from unwanted outside interference by cracking down on those who leak confidential information.”
    “Supreme Court leaks should be a criminal offense. Leakers threaten the safety of justices, damage the Court’s reputation, and put lives at risk,”said Dr. Cassidy. “They must be held accountable, not celebrated.”
    “Supreme Court justices must be able to carry out their responsibilities without the threat of their every action being leaked, whether to influence, embarrass, or threaten them.  Such actions, which we’ve seen in recent years, only undermine public trust and the Supreme Court as an institution,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “This legislation is needed to establish significant criminal penalties and fines for those who cross that line and betray the Court.”
    The Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act requires a $10,000 fine and imposes up to a 10-year prison sentence on those who leak confidential information from the Supreme Court. Additionally, Cassidy’s legislation goes one step further by enforcing a seizure of profits derived from the leak which could include book deals or cable television contributor contracts.
    The Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act criminalizes leaks of the following information:
    Internal notes on cases heard by the Supreme Court of the United States.
    Any communication between the Chief Justice or an associate justice and an employee or officer of the Supreme Court on a matter pending before the Supreme Court.
    A draft opinion or a final opinion prior to the date on which such opinion is released to the public.
    Personal information of the chief justice or an associate justice that is not otherwise legally available to the public.
    Any other information designated to be confidential by the chief justice.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Condemns Trump Policy Making It Harder For Veterans To Get Mental Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Trump’s Indiscriminate, Haphazard Policies Are Once Again Hurting Americans 
    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference to highlight a Trump administration policy that is making it harder for veterans to receive mental health care. 
    On his first day in office, President Trump issued a memo demanding that federal employees return to in-person work. The order included VA mental health professionals, who often worked remotely as a way to reach patients in isolated rural areas. As a result, many VA psychiatrists and therapists are now forced to conduct sensitive telehealth appointments from crowded offices, compromising patient privacy and potentially violating ethics regulations and professional mental health care standards. Trump has additionally paused hiring for critical positions that support veteran mental health, including suicide crisis hotline responders, and plans to fire 80,000 VA staff by the end of the year. Gillibrand sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins urging him to work with President Trump to reevaluate return to office policies and ensure that veterans’ needs are being met.
    “Veterans in need of mental health care deserve easily accessible treatment from qualified professionals with a guarantee of confidentiality. President Trump is making care harder to access, firing or otherwise driving off VA psychiatrists and therapists, and potentially violating privacy regulations,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We owe better to the people who have served our country. President Trump must reevaluate his poorly considered return to office order and implement policies that are in the best interests of our veterans and those who serve them.”  
    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins is available here or below: 
    Dear Secretary Collins, 
    I write to ask that you take immediate steps to reverse the damage caused to the provision of mental health care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) due to the Trump Administration’s return to office order, which has jeopardized the ability for veterans to receive quality and confidential care. I also ask that you work to reverse the impact of cuts to the VA led by Elon Musk’s so-called ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE) which has reduced the number of support staff, exacerbating the VA’s ability to provide care to some of the most vulnerable populations of veterans, including those in need of the VA’s Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), and sown chaos and confusion among veterans in need of care and VA staff alike.  
    As you know, on January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration issued memoranda to all agency and department heads to ‘terminate remote work arrangements’, allowing agencies and departments to make exemptions when necessary. Public reporting has shown that this policy change has now forced psychiatrists and other mental health professionals at the VA back to crowded work stations, forcing them to carry out therapy and other mental health services for veterans without the guarantee of privacy for their patients, potentially in violation of professional mental health care standards. This return to office order only increases the mental and emotional burden on veterans seeking care, who may require months or even years to develop a relationship with their mental health provider to privately discuss their conditions. Like any other patient, if our veterans feel that they cannot privately receive treatment, then they may withdraw from treatment altogether.  
     Further, inhibiting the ability for mental health providers to carry out their duty to veterans – and moving them to work stations miles away – will only hurt our ability to retain these providers, at the expense of veterans in need of care. While the VA has made the correct decision in allowing VCL employees to continue remote work, Congress is also aware that cuts to probationary employees by DOGE have also led to the firing of some VCL staff tasked with responding to veterans suffering from a mental health crisis. 
    These changes by the Administration and Elon Musk have led to growing fear and anxiety among veterans and their families that they will not receive quality, timely, and private care. I urge you to work with President Trump to ensure that this chaos and confusion is remedied immediately. 
    Sincerely, 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Smith Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Veterinarian Shortage in Rural America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Finance Committee member Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) reintroduced bipartisan legislation designed to address the chronic shortage of veterinary services available in rural communities.
    The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act would allow veterinarians practicing in underserved areas to exempt student loan repayments from their taxable income.  A similar provision exists for physicians who practice in underserved states.  The legislation would give veterinarians a similar opportunity to serve the areas that most need their help.
    “Access to quality veterinary care is vital for Idaho’s agricultural industry,” said Senator Crapo.  “By addressing the burdensome taxes on the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, this legislation would allow more veterinarians to serve in the rural and underserved communities most in need and help ensure ranchers and farmers have access to these essential veterinary services.”
    “In nearly every state in the country, there are shortages for veterinarians, especially in rural areas,” said Senator Smith.  “This record shortage causes serious harm to the health of animals and the public.  Providing additional funding to the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program and updating the tax code to better serve veterinarians will allow more qualified vets to do vital work with our animals in underserved communities.”
    Almost every rural state faces a shortage of veterinarians needed in order to maintain an agricultural economy and ensure public health.  To address this crisis, Congress established the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) to help qualified veterinarians repay their student loans in exchange for practicing for three years in underserved communities.
    However, the VMLRP is subject to a significant federal withholding tax, which limits the program’s benefits.  This legislation would lift this burden by allowing recipients to exempt payments received under this and similar state programs.  This change would enable veterinarians to practice in the underserved areas that may otherwise be unaffordable. 
    In addition to Crapo and Smith, the bill is co-sponsored by Senators John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Jerry Moran (R-Kanas), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) and Jon Ossoff (D-Georgia).
    View the legislative text here.
    Representatives Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska) and John Larson (D-Connecticut) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta is ending the photo radar cash cow

    For years, Alberta has had the most ATE sites of any jurisdiction in Canada with many serving as a “cash cow,” generating millions of dollars in revenue with no clear evidence they were improving traffic safety. Now, following thorough consultation and review of existing ATE sites, Alberta’s government is making significant changes to restore public trust in the use of photo radar.

    Effective April 1, the updated ATE Technology Guideline will prohibit photo radar on numbered provincial highways and connectors, restricting it only to school, playground and construction zones. Intersection safety devices in Alberta will also be limited to red light enforcement only, ending the “speed-on-green” ticketing function.

    “We have officially killed the photo radar cash cow and the revenue-generating “fishing holes” that made Alberta the biggest user of photo radar in Canada. The updated guideline will ensure that photo radar is used for safety only. The new provincial traffic safety fund will support municipalities in physical improvements at key intersections, helping to reduce traffic risks and enhance safe roads.”

    Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

    Alberta’s government has also created a new $13-million Traffic Safety Fund for municipalities to upgrade local roads and intersections that pose demonstrated safety risks. Details will be made available on how to apply for the Traffic Safety Fund, once the application process has been finalized.

    “This shift ensures that photo radar is used where it matters most – near schools, playgrounds and construction zones. Traffic enforcement should be about protecting people, not generating revenue. The new Traffic Safety Fund gives municipalities the tools to make targeted improvements to roads and intersections with real safety concerns. Keeping Edmontonians safe on our streets must always remain the priority.”

    Tim Cartmell, Pihêsiwin councillor, City of Edmonton

    “Shifting photo radar to playgrounds and construction zones enhances safety where it matters most – protecting our children and workers on Calgary’s roads. I’m proud to back this important step toward safer communities.”

    Dan McLean, Ward 13 councillor, City of Calgary

    “The Traffic Safety Fund is a welcome addition to the overall funding available to municipalities. The Rural Municipalities of Alberta support a dynamic approach to managing traffic safety.”

    Kara Westerlund, president, Rural Municipalities of Alberta

    Municipalities are encouraged to use traffic calming measures instead of photo radar but may request provincial approval for an exemption to the photo radar ban in high-collision locations. To do so, municipalities must submit a business case detailing high-collision frequency and severity at the site, relative to similar locations, and demonstrate how other safety measures are not possible or will be ineffective. To be approved for an exemption, they must also commit to audit the exempted site every two years to assess the effectiveness of photo radar in reducing collisions at that location.

    The updated ATE Technology Guideline also includes parameters around equipment testing and maintenance, data collection and reporting requirements, traffic safety plans, signage and public communication of photo radar locations.

    Quick facts

    • On April 1, the new ATE 2025 Technology Guideline comes into force.
    • The newly created Traffic Safety Fund will provide $13 million over three years to help municipalities re-engineer intersections to reduce collisions:
      • $1 million in 2025-26
      • $2 million in 2026-27
      • $10 million in 2027-28
    • Alberta first introduced photo radar in 1987.

    Related information

    • Photo radar in Alberta | Alberta.ca

    Related news

    • Putting an end to the photo radar cash cow (Dec. 2, 2024)
    • Protecting drivers from photo radar fishing holes  (Nov. 23, 2023)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Building the future of skilled trades in Alberta

    [. Alberta’s government is addressing the labour market demands of today and tomorrow through strategic investments to increase training capacity in high-demand areas, helping students get the skills and knowledge they need to enter Alberta’s workforce.

    Through Budget 2025, if passed, Alberta’s government is investing $20 million in continuing funding for the Advanced Skills Centre at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), as part of a three-year total investment of $43 million for pre-construction planning and design. Once operational, the centre is expected to train an additional 4,200 apprentices per year, helping to meet Alberta’s growing demand for skilled workers.

    “By investing in skilled trades and apprenticeship education, Alberta is responding to the needs of industry and targeting our investments in ways that support the economy. Projects like the Advanced Skills Centre exemplify our commitment to helping ensure students are able to make the most of opportunities in high-demand fields and get the skills they need to be successful in Alberta’s workforce.”

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

    The new facility will add 640,000 square feet of state-of-the-art learning space to NAIT’s main campus. The Advanced Skills Centre will deliver comprehensive, leading-edge apprenticeship and technology-based education to help meet the needs of industry by targeting four key sectors: construction, transportation, manufacturing and energy. 

    “Alberta’s economy is built by skilled tradespeople, and this investment ensures more Albertans can access the training they need to secure stable, high-paying jobs. The Advanced Skills Centre will help meet workforce demands in key industries, keeping our province competitive and prosperous for many years to come.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    The Advanced Skills Centre is now in the planning and design phase and is anticipated to be fully operational by 2029. As part of the centre, NAIT has proposed a 10,000-square-foot space for trades and technology skills exploration, which will serve as a hub for K-12 partners, community groups and industry to receive hands-on training opportunities.

    “The Advanced Skills Centre will build the skilled workforce needed to build Alberta’s future. The Government of Alberta’s latest investment will accelerate getting this all-important project shovel-ready. NAIT would like to thank the Government of Alberta for its continued trust and partnership. Together, we will confidently create new economic opportunities for the next generation.” 

    Laura Jo Gunter, president and CEO, NAIT

    “Growth in Edmonton’s construction industry, and our regional economy, depend on ECA members’ ability to hire and retain skilled trades workers. The ECA welcomes the Government of Alberta’s investment in the Advanced Skilled Centre, and pledges continued support to grow NAIT’s ability to attract, train and educate tomorrow’s construction workforce.” 

    Matt Schellenberger, director of corporate development, Edmonton Construction Association

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta communities with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Quick facts

    • The investment of $20 million for pre-construction planning and design of the Advanced Skills Centre is part of a three-year total investment of $43 million, first announced in 2024.
    • The yearly funding breakdown from Alberta’s government is as follows:
      • $2 million in 2024-25
      • $20 million in 2025-26
      • $21 million in 2026-27
    • Through Budget 2025, if passed, Alberta is also investing an additional $78 million per year over three years for seats in apprenticeship programs at 11 post-secondary institutions across the province.
    • Each year, 30,000 to 40,000 students are enrolled in programs across NAIT’s campuses.
      • Of those students studying in full-time programs, more than 30 per cent are enrolled in apprenticeship and skilled trades programs.
    • Demand for seats and apprenticeship registration has increased over the last three years and is expected to continue rising due to Alberta’s growing economy and vacancies created by retirees.
    • As of February 2025, there were more than 73,000 registered apprentices in Alberta, representing an increase of 19 per cent compared to last year.

    Related information

    • Information about apprenticeship and the skilled trades is available at tradesecrets.alberta.ca.

    Related news

    • Investing in the future of apprenticeships at NAIT (May 28, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government Announces End to Temporary SINP Pause

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 27, 2025

    And Announces Program Changes Due to Federal Government’s Allocation Cut 

    Today, the Government of Saskatchewan announced changes to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) in response to the federal government’s reduction to the program. The Government of Canada cut nomination allocations to all provincial nominee programs by 50 per cent earlier this year, leaving Saskatchewan with 3,625 nominations, the lowest since 2009 and added a requirement that 75 per cent of all nominees must already be living in Canada as temporary residents. 

    “We are disappointed with the federal government’s decision to cut provincial nominee program allocations,” Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. “The SINP has been essential for Saskatchewan employers seeking to hire international workers when qualified Canadians are unavailable. The changes announced today will ensure that our reduced number of nominations is used effectively and in a way that prioritizes building our economy.” 

    The previously announced pause to the intake of Job Approval Forms (JAFs) will end immediately.

    To manage the constraints imposed by the federal government, the Government of Saskatchewan is implementing program changes to the SINP effective immediately. These changes will ensure fair access across sectors while maintaining program integrity and aligning with Saskatchewan’s long-term labour market needs. Changes to the SINP will focus on prioritizing growing the work force in health care, agriculture and the skilled trades.

    The changes to the SINP include:

    • Approvals for candidates overseas will be prioritized for Health, Agriculture and the skilled trades. Recruitment for all other sectors and occupations will only be supported for candidates who are already temporary residents in Canada on a valid temporary visa;
    • Nominations for the accommodation, food services, retail trade and trucking sectors will be capped at 25 per cent of total annual nominations;
    • Spas, salons and pet care services (excluding veterinarians) are no longer eligible to recruit through SINP; and
    • The Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator categories will be permanently closed. 

    A full list of the changes can be found on https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/immigration-faqs.

    Due to the program changes, applications under the Saskatchewan Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories that do not have a Saskatchewan-based job offer will be returned. Candidates whose applications are returned will be required to contact the SINP to request a refund of their application fee. Applicants with questions about their application status and requirements can contact the SINP at immigration@gov.sk.ca or 1-833-613-0485.

    The SINP is Saskatchewan’s immigration program that allows the province to nominate qualified candidates for permanent residence in Canada. Over 90 percent of Saskatchewan’s economic immigration is facilitated through the SINP with it playing a key role in supporting Saskatchewan’s growing economy and labour needs. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Grants for cycling, walking paths support sustainability

    Cyclists and walkers will enjoy more multi-use pathways, protected bike lanes, pedestrian bridges, and safety improvements as the Province helps local governments expand their active transportation infrastructure.

    “With this funding, we’re helping communities across B.C. build a more sustainable future,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “By connecting communities with dedicated active transportation infrastructure, we’re encouraging people to cycle, walk or roll, which is good for our health and lessens our reliance on passenger vehicles.” 

    A new round of provincial funding is supporting 53 active transportation infrastructure projects in B.C. communities. Additionally, nine communities are receiving funding to create network plans for future active transportation. These communities are benefiting from $24 million in provincial funding.

    The grants will improve connections to employment, school, transit and recreational centres throughout the province.

    The Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program funds Indigenous, local and regional governments with cost-sharing investments of up to $500,000 for infrastructure projects and as much as $50,000 in funding to develop active transportation network plans. These projects make it safer and more efficient for people to use active transportation in their communities.

    Since 2020, the Province has funded 327 projects across 187 communities through the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program, supporting the Province’s CleanBC commitment to increase shares of trips by walking, cycling and transit.

    Learn More:

    To learn about the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/active-transportation-infrastructure-grants

    A backgrounder follows.

    In 2024-25, the Province is providing $24 million for 53 active transportation projects.

    Northern B.C.

    • Burns Lake – 2025 Government Street multi-use pathway
      Active transportation between the high school, the Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation Office, a daycare and Head Start program, college, senior housing and downtown commercial areas will be provided by a multi-use path, sidewalk, two street crossings, one pedestrian-activated crosswalk, a bench and a rest area.
    • Chetwynd – Chetwynd 46 Street Northeast sidewalk extension
      Installation of sidewalk connecting an elementary school to a residential subdivision.
    • Dawson Creek (1) – Kin Park trail lighting
      Installation of lighting along approximately 2.5 kilometres of existing pathway to improve safety.
    • Dawson Creek (2) – Rotary trail/MUP 17th Street bypass
      New multi-use trail connecting existing trail networks.
    • Fort St. John (1) – 2025 trail lighting
      Improving safety by adding lighting to approximately 1.6 km of existing trail.
    • Fort St. John (2) – 2025 Kin Park trail connections
      New multi-use path through Kin Park, complete with a pedestrian boardwalk, lighting, and wayfinding.
    • Smithers – Main Street active transportation improvements
      New multi-use pathway connecting downtown Smithers to the Fulton Avenue multi-use pathway, as well as a multi-use pathway connecting to existing multi-use pathways on HWY 16 and Fulton Ave.
    • Telkwa – Hankin Avenue paved path adjacent to school
      New multi-use path adjacent to an elementary school.
    • Terrace – North Thomas Street reconstruction
      Full reconstruction of North Thomas Street, including upgraded sidewalk, improved accessibility, and new and upgraded multi-use pathways.
    • Tumbler Ridge – Downtown core sidewalk replacement
      Sidewalk replacement in the downtown core, improving public safety and encouraging active transportation.

    Kootenays

    • Cranbrook – McPhee Road corridor improvements
      Construction of multi-use pathway along McPhee Road from Theatre Road to Industrial Road F.
    • Invermere (1) – 10th Street end-of-trip facility
      End-of-trip facility located at 10th Street and 8th Avenue in downtown Invermere consisting of a washroom building, e-bike charging station, walking trail network signage, and an end-of-trip bike service facility (including repair station, pump, wash station, installation kit).
    • Invermere (2) – Tarte Street trail
      Approximately 325 metres of multi-use path connecting existing active-transportation facilities.
    • Kimberley – Marsden Street active-transportation project
      Approximately 191 metres of sidewalk connecting to the city’s skate and bike park, as well as other recreation amenities.
    • Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (Electoral Area ‘C’/Christina Lake) – Christina Creek active transportation bridge
      New bridge across Christina Creek, providing a safer and more direct route for pedestrians and cyclists, and diverting users away from the highway.
    • Rossland – Centennial Trail improvements
      Safety and accessibility improvements on the Centennial Trail multi-use pathway that serves as an inter-community link from Red Mountain Resort, through Rossland and Warfield, to Trail.

    Thompson Okanagan

    • Kelowna (1) – Rutland neighbourhood bikeway (Phase 1: Houghton to Rutland Recreation Park)
      1.2 km of AAA neighbourhood bikeway increasing connectivity between a residential neighbourhood, local park, the YMCA and a secondary school.
    • Kelowna (2) – KLO Road bridge replacement
      The project consists of the replacement of the KLO Bridge and newly constructed AT facilities that connect adjacent neighbourhoods to the Mission Creek Greenway.
    • Lake Country – Construction on Lodge Road-Sherman Drive to Woodsdale Road
      Improvements to the Lodge Road corridor and Rail Trail, including paving, curb, gutter and sidewalk, transit stop access, transit stop improvements and intersection reconfiguration to improve pedestrian visibility and activated beacons at crossings.
    • Oliver – Raised crosswalks with multi-mode accessibility considerations
      The installation of two raised crosswalks that will improve Oliver’s existing active-transportation network. First at McKinney Road at Coyote Street, and a second at Fairview Road at Dividend Street.
    • Peachland – Peachland to West Kelowna multi-use pathway Phase II
      Multi-use path connecting Peachland to West Kelowna
    • Revelstoke – Pearkes Drive multi-use pathway
      New multi-use pathway along Pearkes Drive connecting the existing greenbelt pathway to Colbeck Road.
    • West Kelowna – Horizon Drive active transportation corridor
      Providing an active-transportation corridor, including sidewalks, neighborhood bikeways and painted bike lanes, linking Highway 97 to Westlake Road, as well as the Westbank First Nation and nearby neighborhoods.

    South Coast

    • Bowen Island – Multi-use path, Charlies Lane to Forster Lane
      Multi-use pathway along Grafton Road from Charlies Lane to Forester Lane.
    • Chilliwack (1) – McIntosh active transportation improvement project
      Approximately 450 metres of multi-use pathway (MUP) connecting a middle school and pedestrian rail tunnel.
    • Chilliwack (2) – Edward to Mary active transportation improvement project
      Multi-use pathway starting at the Edward St. frontage of 45489 Bernard Ave, travelling along Menholm Road, and ending at the corner of Hodgins Ave and Mary Street.
    • Coquitlam – Pipeline Road active transportation improvements
      New sidewalks and new separated cycle tracks, pathway lighting, and protected only phasing for vulnerable road users between Guildford Way and David Avenue. Additionally, new bidirectional micromobility facilities will be constructed between Lincoln Avenue and Guildford Way.
    • Delta (1) – 56 Street multi-use pathway (6 Avenue to 8A Avenue)
      New multi-use pathway connecting to an existing multi-use pathway and local park.
    • Delta (2) – River Road protected cycle lanes (68 Street to Deas Island Road)
      New protected bike lanes connecting to recently installed bike lanes from 68 Street to Deas Island Road.
    • Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (Metro Vancouver) – Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades – causeway improvements
      New bike lanes and multi-use pathways connecting Sea Island and the Iona Beach Regional Park.
    • Langley (Township) (1) – Fraser Highway widening: 24300-24600 block, north side
      Approximately 800 metres of multi-use pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, including street lighting, landscaping and intersection upgrades.
    • Langley (Township) (2) – Fraser Highway Widening: 24300 – 24600 block, south side
      Approximately 800 metres of multi-use pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, including street lighting, landscaping and intersection upgrades.
    • North Vancouver – Spirit Trail eastern extension: Seymour to Windridge/Berkley
      New on-street cycling facilities, and off-street multi-use pathways, as well as pedestrian improvements and crossing improvements that will connect to the North Shore Spirit Trail linking Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove.
    • Squamish (1) – Victoria Street interim active transportation improvements
      New protected bike lanes on Victoria Street with pedestrian crossing improvements at intersections.
    • Squamish (2) – Depot Road active transportation upgrades
      New multi-use pathway on the north side of Depot Road with pedestrian crossing improvements at cross streets.
    • Tzeachten – Chilliwack River Road sidewalks (Phase 3)
      Increase connectivity with the installation of approximately 400 metres of sidewalk on the west side of Chilliwack River Road.
    • White Rock – Buena Vista bike path
      Approximately 400 metres of bi-directional bikeway and multi-use paths on Buena Vista Avenue between Johnston Road and Best Avenue.

    Vancouver and Gulf Islands

    • Alert Bay – Willow Road stairway replacement
      Replacement of approximately 65 metres of damaged stairs with new concrete.
    • Capital Regional District – Pender Island – Schooner Way school trail
      New multi-use transportation trail connecting Pender Island School, Health Centre, and commercial areas.
    • Comox – Aspen Road/Bolt Avenue sidewalk improvement and cycle lanes project
      Installation of new sidewalk and bike lanes that will provide direct access to a park and elementary school.
    • Esquimalt – Esquimalt Road active transportation and underground improvements – Phase 1
      Protected bike lanes connecting bike facilities on Lampson Street to the City of Victoria bike lanes at Dominion Road. This project includes two new rectangular rapid-flashing beacons and one upgraded beacon pedestrian crossing.
    • Langford (1) – Latoria active transit Improvements: Phase 1B – school safety improvements and eastern connectivity
      Improvements to Latoria Road including additional sidewalks, as well as buffered and protected bike lanes that will provide active transportation routes to a new elementary school.
    • Langford (2) – Latoria active transit improvements: Phase 1A – western connectivity
      Improvements to Latoria Road, including additional sidewalks, as well as buffered and protected bike lanes that will provide active transportation routes to a new elementary school.
    • Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation – MMFN Woss Lake Grease Trail and Malaspina Trail renewal
      Trail clearing and pre/post trip amenities for the Grease Trail and Malaspina Trail, including signs, benches, picnic tables and washroom facilities.
    • Nanaimo (1) – Crosswalk upgrades that improve active transportation routes
      Crosswalk upgrades to improve active transportation at seven locations.
    • Nanaimo (2) – Third Street active transportation improvements
      Widening of Third Street to allow for active-transportation improvements, including bike lanes and a sidewalk.
    • Saanich (1) – Shelbourne Street improvement project, Phase 3
      AAA bike lanes, new multi-use pathways and additional pedestrian improvements on Pear Street.
    • Saanich (2) – Albina, Maddock, Orillia improvements project
      Improvements to Albina, Maddock and Orillia Road with approximately 750 metres of new sidewalks, improved pedestrian crossings, traffic calming and widened boulevards, adjacent to Tillicum elementary school.
    • Sidney – Bowerbank neighbourhood bikeway
      AAA neighbourhood bikeway connecting a local park and elementary school, which will improve connection to the Lochside Trail, and will be a bicycle corridor for commuters.
    • Sooke (2) – Active transportation Throup Road corridor improvements
      Construction of new sidewalk, multi-use paths, crosswalks and boulevards through Throup Road Corridor connecting schools, recreation centres and bus routes.
    • Victoria (1) – Cook Street North multi-modal corridor improvements
      Approximately 1.8 km of complete streets that expands the AAA cycling network and provides accessibility and pedestrian improvements. This project connects with Saanich’s AAA bike lanes on Cook Street.
    • Victoria (2) – Blanshard Street North – multi-modal corridor improvements
      Approximately 608 metres of complete street that expands Victoria’s AAA cycling network by upgrading bike lanes to wider protected lanes and a fully protected intersection at Bay Street.
    • View Royal (1) – Atkins Road sidewalk project
      New sidewalk connecting Atkins Road to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.

    Provincewide Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP) grant recipients:

    • Castlegar ATNP
      The integration of an ATNP into a transportation master plan. Update of an existing plan.
    • Granisle ATNP
      Granisle ATNP. New plan.
    • Gold River usage counter
      The purchase of a mobile multi-pedestrian/cyclist counter that will be used in multiple places to support upcoming project proposals to support project development. 
    • Lantzville ATNP
      A comprehensive update of the Lantzville Trails and Journey ways Strategy (2010) to develop and expand an AAA active transportation network: New plan.
    • Regional District of Nanaimo (Cedar Village) ATNP
      The development of a plan to identify and develop safer and more contemporary active transportation methods and infrastructure that addresses conflict areas and prioritizes safety and comfort for all users: Update of an existing plan.
    • Snuneymuxw First Nation ATNP
      A plan to develop safe, efficient and sustainable active transportation infrastructure, as well as end-of-route culturally reflective benches, shelters and water fountain locations. New plan.
    • Strathcona Regional District – Cortes Island ATNP
      The development of an ATNP and implementation strategy to establish priorities for future investment: New plan.
    • Strathcona Regional District – Oyster Bay-Buttle Lake ATNP
      The development of an ATNP and implementation strategy to establish priorities for future investment. New plan.
    • Whistler ATNP
      A plan for improvement to achieve Whistler’s active-transportation vision, as outlined by the Whistler Active Transportation Strategy (2024). The plan will align with CleanBC, the ATDG, and Universal Design and GBA+ principles. Implementation plan for recent active-transportation strategy.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Small and Medium Business Tax Credit Arrives in Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 27, 2025

    Pilot Project Supports Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in the Food, Beverage, Machinery and Transportation Sectors

    Today, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced legislation that will see the creation of a new Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Tax Credit. 

    “Small and medium-sized businesses are foundational for the strength of our Provincial economy, during a time when increasing local investment is more important than ever,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “With this new incentive, more small and medium-size businesses will be able to build equity, allowing them to grow, which leads to more jobs for our growing workforce. This is just one of the many ways that our budget delivers to the people of the province.”

    The program is a three-year pilot, which will function similar to the province’s successful Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI). The pilot targets enterprises in the food and beverage manufacturing, and the machinery and transportation equipment sectors.

    The program will include a 45 per cent non-refundable tax credit for individuals or corporations who invest in the equity of an eligible Saskatchewan SME. It will have an annual cap of $7 million on the total non-refundable tax credits awarded, processed on a first-come first-served basis. An eligible SME is defined as a Saskatchewan-based business with between five and 49 employees, with a minimum of 50 per cent of those employees residing in Saskatchewan. 

    Since 2014, the number of small businesses has risen 4.9 per cent in the province. 

    Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces for growth. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.

    The SME Tax Credit pilot program will be in effect from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. The program will begin accepting applications in late 2025. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Billions in Investment Opportunities Presented by Premier Invest at Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 27, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Financial services provider Premier Invest has announced a series of investment opportunities in the African energy and oil and gas sectors. covering a range of four energy projects across Benin, Zambia and South Africa and five oil and gas projects across Nigeria and Ghana, as well as Guyana.

    The announcement was made on March 26 by Rene Awambeng, Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest during a dedicated deal-room session – Showcasing Upstream Oil and Gas Transactions in Africa – at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville.

    “The deal-room sessions on the sidelines of the Congo Energy & Investment Forum are an opportunity to provide a platform for sponsors, developers and project promoters to showcase significant upstream, midstream, downstream and power transactions in Africa to potential investors,” stated Awambeng.

    The first opportunity, a 43 MW clean gas project in Benin, is seeking $84 billion in project finance. Currently in the commercial close stage of development, the project will help reduce the cost of energy in the country while bolstering economic growth, job creation and improving Benin’s energy security.

    Meanwhile, Zambia features a $92 million investment opportunity in a 71 MW hybrid solar PV and wind project. The project will feature a power purchase agreement over a period of 25 years and is estimated to feature an annual production of 232 GWh per year.

    In South Africa, a 100 MW solar PV project has an $87 million investment opportunity. The project will feature an offtake agreement with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa and a power purchase agreement of 20 years. The project will boast an annual production rate of 195 GWh per year.

    Concluding the energy investment opportunities South Africa is also seeking $100 million in investment to finance a 100 MW clean-gas project to complement intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, while offering a cleaner solution to the country’s reliance on coal. The project features a proposed capital structure of 70:30 and is in the active implementation stage.

    In the oil and gas sector, gas producing company NESGAS is seeking $200 million in financing for the development of an LPG bulk storage facility in the Oil & Gas Free Zone in Nigeria. Phase 1 of the project will feature a commitment of $140 million to develop inland facilities, pipelines and site works while the second phase will feature an investment of $60 million focusing on engineering, procurement and construction contracts for tanks, instrumentation and commissioning.

    Meanwhile, a state-of-the-art gas-to-liquids plant – the details of which are subject to a non-disclosure agreement – is seeking interested parties to participate in an upcoming formal investment process. The project will have a validated production capacity of 1,850 barrels of oil per day and will feature an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization measure of approximately $50 million.

    Ghana is seeking $759 million in financing to develop four offshore production wells. Financing will be used to develop tie-back infrastructure to existing FPSO infrastructure, targeting 57.8 million standard barrels of oil. The project aims to produce 5 million barrels of oil per year, with potential investors set to receive 84% of the total project net present value.

    An indigenous oil development company in Nigeria is seeking an experienced management team to invest $18 million to drill additional wells and increase production at a field with a projected production rate of 2,300 barrels per day.  The field area covers 46km2 and is covered by 3D seismic surveys.

    Finally, Awambeng also announced a $25 million investment opportunity in Guyana. The project will be adjacent to one of the most productive offshore oil fields in the region and boasts recoverable reserves of approximately 400 million barrels. Investment will be used to support conventional offshore drilling and FPSO tie-up.

    The companies involved in the investment opportunities will be disclosed upon inquiry, with financing options subject to non-disclosure agreements.

    The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, taking place March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Houston removes Guatemalan fugitive wanted for criminal impersonation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Kevin Estuardo Escobar Chanas, a 27-year-old foreign fugitive wanted for criminal impersonation in Guatemala, from the United States March 26.

    Escobar was flown from Alexandria, Louisiana, on a charter flight coordinated by ICE’s Air Operations Unit to La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City, Guatemala. He was turned over to Guatemalan law enforcement authorities upon arrival.

    “The successful identification and removal of this foreign fugitive is another reminder of how important it is for state and local law enforcement to work together with ICE,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret A. Bradford. “Without the strength of those partnerships that we have here in Texas, this foreign fugitive would still be out in the community threatening public safety, and his alleged victims in Guatemala would continue to be deprived of the justice they deserve.”

    Escobar illegally entered the U.S. Dec. 24, 2023, near Eagle Pass, Texas. He was immediately apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol and released on his own recognizance Dec. 25, 2023. ICE encountered Escobar Oct. 27, 2024, at the Harris County Jail following his arrest for assault causing bodily injury and lodged an immigration detainer with the jail. Escobar was released into ICE custody Jan. 25 following the completion of his prison sentence for assault and was taken to the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas. An immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered Escobar removed to Guatemala Feb. 25.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how the ERO Houston field office carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Southeast Texas follow us on X at @EROHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wetaskiwin — Three arrested in connection with armed robbery

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Wetaskiwin RCMP have arrested three individuals in connection with an armed robbery that occurred On Feb. 6, 2025.

    RCMP were made aware of an armed robbery at a residence in Wetaskiwin. The victim said three suspects entered his home, pointed guns at his head and stole a television, bank cards, identification card, money and a cell phone. Three suspects then left on foot.

    On Feb. 7, 2025, the investigation led Wetaskiwin RCMP General Investigations Section to a near by residence. With the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, a search warrant was executed where two individuals were located and arrested.

    A 39-year-old individual, a resident of Maskwacis, Alta., was arrested and charged with the following:

    • Robbery with a firearm
    • Pointing a Firearm
    • Assault with a weapons x2
    • Uttering Threats.

    A 35-year-old individual, a resident of Maskwacis was arrested and charged with the following:

    • Robbery with a firearm
    • Pointing a firearm
    • Assault with a weapon x2
    • Uttering Threats.

    On Feb. 12, 2025, further investigation led to a second search warrant being executed. With the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, the Wetaskiwin RCMP’s General Investigations Section and Crime Reduction Unit located the third suspect that was taken into custody without incident. As a result of the search, RCMP located two imitation firearms that were used in the robbery.

    A 35-year-old individual, a resident of Wetaskiwin, was arrested and charged with the following:

    • Robbery with firearm
    • Assault with a weapon x2
    • Uttering Threats

    All accused are being held in custody, and scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court on February 20, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Olds — Old’s Crime Reduction Unit locate a stolen vehicle

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Feb. 27, 2025, Old’s RCMP Crime Reduction Unit located a stolen vehicle at the 7-Eleven in Olds. Checks revealed the vehicle had been stolen out of Calgary. The driver was with the vehicle when stopped by officers. The vehicle was towed, and the registered owner was notified.

    A 58-year-old individual, a resident of Calgary, was arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000. He also had warrants from Airdrie, Alta. and Lethbridge, Alta. which were executed.

    After a judicial interim release hearing, the individual was released and will be appearing in Alberta Court of Justice in Didsbury, Alta. on March 24, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Red Deer — Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team arrest individual for stolen vehicles

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On March 4, 2025, the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team (CRT) responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, police observed that there were three vehicles travelling together with one of the vehicles matching the description of a stolen vehicle. Covert surveillance was initiated, and the suspect vehicle later drove down a dead-end road, where it became stuck in the snow. The driver was subsequently arrested.

    A 24-year-old individual, a resident of Red Deer, has been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 x2
    • Impaired operation of a motor vehicle
    • Flight from police
    • Drive while prohibited
    • Fraudulent concealment
    • Possession of a controlled substance
    • Drive without insurance

    The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and was released on a release order.

    On March 11, 2025, officers were conducting proactive patrols within Red Deer when they observed a vehicle matching the description of a known stolen vehicle. Officers initiated covert surveillance and followed the vehicle to the area of Gaetz Avenue and 63 Street, where the driver of the vehicle was arrested.

    The 24-year-old individual has been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
    • Drive while prohibited
    • Fraudulent concealment
    • Breach of release order x2
    • Drive without insuranceDrive without registration

    The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and was remanded into custody and is schedule to appear in court on March 13, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Cegedim Full year 2024 results: Operating profitability improved

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    PRESS RELEASE

    Quarterly financial information as of December 31, 2024
    IFRS – Regulated information – Audited

    Full year 2024 results: Cegedim’s operating profitability improved

    • 2024 revenues rose 6.3% to €654.5 million
    • Recurring operating income(1) increased 24.7% to €39.5 million
    • Recurring operating margin came to 6.0% in 2024, up from 5.1% in 2023

    Boulogne-Billancourt, France, March 27, 2025, after the market close

    Cegedim generated consolidated revenues of €654.5 million in 2024, an increase of 6.3%, and recurring operating income(1)of €39.5 million, a 24.7% increase. Recurring operating margin was 6.0%, up from 5.1% one year earlier.

    Consolidated income statement

      2024 2023 Change
      (in €m) (in %) (in €m) (in %) (in %)
    Revenue 654.5 100% 616.0 100.0% +6.3%
    EBITDA(1) 123.6 18.9% 108.8 17.7% +13.5%
    Depreciation and amortization -84.1 -12.8% -77.2 -12.5% +9.0%
    Recurring operating income(1) 39.5 6.0% 31.7 5.1% +24.7%
    Other non-recurring operating income and expenses(1) -28.4 -4.3% -11.7 -1.9% -143.0%
    Operating income 11.1 1.7% 20.0 3.2% -44.5%
    Financial result -20.9 -3.2% -11.9 -1.9% -75.8%
    Total tax -5.8 -0.9% -14.8 -2.4% -61.1%
    Net profit attributable to owners of the parent -14.7 -2.2% -7.4 -1.2% -98.6%
    Earnings per share (in euros) -1.1 – -0.5 – -120.0%

    Consolidated revenues: rose €38.5 million, or +6.3%, to €654.5 million in 2024 compared with €616.0 million in 2023. The positive scope effect of €8.2 million, or 1.4%, was attributable to the first-time consolidation of Visiodent starting March 1, adjusted for the deconsolidation of INPS from Cegedim’s accounts since December 10. The positive currency impact was €1.1 million, or 0.2%. Like-for-like(2) revenue increased +4.7% over the period.

    Recurring operating income(1): rose €7.8 million in 2024 to €39.5 million compared with €31.7 million in 2023. It amounted to 6.0% of 2024 revenue compared with 5.1% in 2023. This increase was driven chiefly by the profitability improvement in the insurance businesses, especially the Software and BPO offerings, as well as further strong growth in Cegedim Business Services in Human Resources and in digitalized flow services for businesses and healthcare. Another highlight of the year’s results was the very strong performance of the marketing in pharmacies offering and the positive contribution from the first-time consolidation of Visiodent.

    Other non-recurring operating income and expenses(1): amounted to an expense of €28.4 million in 2024 compared with an income of €11.7 million in 2023. Following the voluntary placement of its INPS subsidiary in administration, the Group recognized a capital loss of €8.8 million. The remainder consists of an €8.6 million asset impairment charge on its software for pharmacies business in France and the United Kingdom and a goodwill impairment charge of €4.7 million related to its Clamae subsidiary. Of this total of €28.4 million, the cash impact was only €5.7 million, related principally to payroll costs.

    Depreciation and amortization expenses: rose €6.9 million in 2024. Amortization of R&D costs rose €6.0 million year on year compared with 2023, and depreciation of capital expenditures rose €2.4 million as a result of investments in the operations of cegedim.cloud and C-Media. Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of right-of-use assets declined by €1.5 million.

    EBITDA: the €14.8 million or 13.5% increase between 2023 and 2024 was the result of a stabilization in payroll costs, external expenses and purchases used relative to the pace of revenue growth, reflecting the special attention the Group paid to cost control.

    Financial result: was a loss of €20.9 million, down €9.0 million compared with 2023, owing to a provision related to the voluntary placement of INPS in administration and the increase in interest expense owing to the new financing arrangement put in place in the summer.

    Total tax: came to a charge of €5.8 million, down €9.0 million compared with 2023. As a reminder, note that in 2023 the Group made a €12.3 million accounting adjustment to previously recognized deferred tax assets. The adjustment had no cash impact and was intended to reflect recent developments in judicial precedent that led the Group to measure its potential unrealized gain more conservatively.

    Analysis of business trends by division

    in millions of euros Total Software & Services Flow Data & Marketing BPO Cloud & Support
    Revenue            
    2023 as reported 616.0 326.6 95.9 114.9 71.5 7.1
    2023 reclassified (*) 616.0 302.3 93.4 114.9 71.5 33.9
    2024 654.5 307.8 100.3 125.9 82.7 37.8
    Change +6.3% +1.8% +7.3% +9.6% +15.8% +11.3%
                 
    Recurring operating income(3)            
    2023 as reported 31.7 4.2 12.1 15.9 4.0 -4.5
    2023 reclassified (*) 31.7 2.3 11.2 15.9 4.1 -1.8
    2024 39.5 5.1 12.5 16.5 7.2 -1.9
    Change +24.7% +126.7% +11.8% +3.5% +77.2% -5.0%
                 
    Recurring operating margin            
    2023 as reported 5.1% 1.3% 12.6% 13.9% 5.5% -62.9%
    2023 reclassified (*) 5.1% 0.8% 11.9% 13.9% 5.7% -5.2%
    2024 6.0% 1.7% 12.4% 13.1% 8.7% -4.9%
                 

    (*)As of January 1, 2024, our Cegedim Outsourcing and Audiprint subsidiaries—which were previously housed in the Software & Services division—as well as BSV—formerly of the Flow division—have been moved to the Cloud & Support division in order to capitalize on operating synergies between cloud activities and IT solutions integration.

    • Software & Services: 2024 revenue rose 1.8%, boosted by the HR solutions, insurance businesses and the first-time consolidation of Visiodent from March 1, 2024. The pharmacy business and Cegedim Santé felt the impact of comparisons with Ségur public health investment spending, while the international businesses recorded a business contraction owing to the decision to wind down, then shutter its software for doctors business in the United Kingdom.

    Recurring operating income (REBIT) amounted to €5.1 million in 2024, a €2.8 million increase compared with income of €2.3 million in 2023. Of this income, €3.2 million flowed from the firmer business trends at Cegedim Santé, chiefly as a result of the first-time consolidation of Visiodent. This cost control policy together with strong activity levels boosted the Insurance business, and HR solutions also made a positive contribution to the improvement in recurring operating income. The pharmacy software business in France was adversely affected by the slowdown in equipment sales after many pharmacies updated their equipment in 2023. The international businesses recorded a small decrease in their recurring operating income owing to the deconsolidation of INPS, which incurred expenses for the Pharmacy business in the United Kingdom.

    Software & Services Change
    2024/2023 reclassified
    in millions of euros 2024 2023 reclassified (*) 2023 as reported
    Revenue 307.8 302.3 326.6 +5.5 +1.8%
    Cegedim Santé 80.2 76.5 76.5 +3.7 +4.8%
    Insurance, HR, Pharmacies, and other services 176.7 173.3 197.6 +3.4 +2.0%
    International businesses 50.9 52.5 52.5 -1.6 -3.0%
    Recurring operating income(4) 5.1 2.3 4.2 +2.8 +126.7%
    Cegedim Santé 0.3 -2.9 -2.9 +3.2 +111.9%
    Insurance, HR, Pharmacies, and other services 13.3 12.8 14.7 +0.5 +4.4%
    International businesses -8.5 -7.6 -7.6 -0.9 -12.4%

    (*)As of January 1, 2024, our Cegedim Outsourcing and Audiprint subsidiaries—which were previously housed in the Software & Services division—have been moved to the Cloud & Support division in order to capitalize on operating synergies between cloud activities and IT solutions integration.

    • Flow: Revenue rose 7.9%, propelled by e-business, e-invoicing, and digitized data exchanges (+5.6%), and by the Third-party payer business (+9.9%), which was supported by the powerful momentum of its fraud detection and long-term illness detection offerings.         
      The €1.3 million improvement, or +11.8% increase, in recurring operating income was driven by the rapid growth in the business and by a tight grip on expenses and payroll costs.
    • Data & Marketing: Revenue came to €125.9 million, up +9.6% on the back of a record performance by the Marketing division. It posted growth of 19.9%, underpinned by its phygital media communication strategy and boosted by special campaigns during the Olympic Games. Even though performance in 2023 was highly impressive, the Data business still managed to post growth of 1.6% in 2024.

    The division’s recurring operating income(1) grew by €0.6 million or +3.5% owing to the Marketing division converting robust revenue growth into operating income growth. On the other hand, the slowdown in international Data was a drag on the division’s profitability.

    • BPO: the division’s revenues grew 15.8% in 2024 compared with 2023, owing principally to services managed on behalf of health and personal protection insurers, which grew by 20.2% as a result of its flourishing overflow business and a favorable comparison linked to the start of the new contract with Allianz on April 1, 2023. Revenues from services management on behalf of HR departments rose 5.5%.

    The division’s recurring operating income rose by €3.1 million, or +77.2%. Most of this increase came from BPO Business services, which benefited from the tight control of payroll costs amid revenue growth and an allocation of its internal IT expenses more appropriate for its business level. The business for insurers posted an increase in recurring operating income, despite the costs incurred on the Allianz contract, as a result of the improvement in the profitability of other BPO contracts and, crucially, the impact of its flourishing overflow offering.

    • Cloud & Support: the Cloud & Support division posted a revenue increase of €3.9 million on the back of its expanded range of sovereign cloud-backed products and services, which earned the ANSSI security visa for SecNumCloud

    certification. The 2024 recurring operating loss(1) was €1.9 million, almost stable compared with 2023, demonstrating the Cloud business’ ability to offset the support activity expenses.

    Highlights

    To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there were no events or changes during 2024 that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.

    • Acquisition of Visiodent

    On February 15, 2024, Cegedim Santé acquired Visiodent, a key French publisher of management software for dental practices and health clinics. Visiodent launched the market’s first 100% SaaS solution, Veasy, at a time of significant expansion for those organizations. Its users now include the country’s largest nation-wide networks of health clinics, both cooperative and privately owned, as well as several thousand dental surgeons in private practice. Visiodent generated revenue of c.€10 million in 2023 and began contributing to Cegedim Group’s consolidation scope on March 1, 2024.

    On December 10, 2024, Cegedim announced that it had voluntarily placed its UK subsidiary—INPS, which sells software for doctors—under administration.

    • New financing arrangement

    On July 31, 2024, Cegedim announced that it had secured a new financing arrangement consisting of a €230 million syndicated loan. The arrangement is split into €180 million of lines drawn upon closing to refinance the Group’s existing debt (RCF and Euro PP, which were to mature in October 2024 and October 2025 respectively) and an additional, undrawn revolving credit facility (RCF) of €50 million. This new financing arrangement will bolster the Group’s liquidity and extend the maturity of its debt to, respectively, 5 years (€30 million, payments every six months); 6 years (€60 million, repayable upon maturity); and 7 years (€90 million, repayable upon maturity).

    Cegedim S.A. has been subject to two tax audits since 2018, which have resulted in reassessments relating to the use of tax-loss carryforwards contested by the tax authorities. After consultation with its lawyers and based on the applicable tax law and ample precedent, Cegedim S.A. believes that the tax authorities’ proposed reassessments are unwarranted. As a result, the Company has appealed the decision and continues to explore its options for contesting the reassessments.

    In the event of an unfavorable ruling, based on the tax losses used up to December 31, 2024, Cegedim S.A. would have to book tax expense of €30.8 million in its P&L, of which it has already paid €23 million, and to cancel €4.1 million in deferred tax assets, which would not entail any cash outflow.

    In the last quarter of 2023, the Company referred this dispute to the administrative court, and the dispute is likely to continue for several years.

    Significant transactions and events post December 31, 2024

    To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there were no post-closing events or changes after December 31, 2024, that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.

    Outlook

    Based on the currently available information, the Group expects 2025 like-for-like(1) revenue growth to be in an approximative range of 2-4% relative to 2024. Recurring operating income should continue to improve, following a similar trajectory to 2024.

    These targets are not forecasts and may need to be revised if there is a significant worsening of geopolitical, macroeconomic, or monetary risks.

    —————

    The Audit Committee met on March 26, 2025. The Board of Directors, chaired by Jean-Claude Labrune, met on March 27, 2025. It approved the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2024, and will ask the Shareholders’ Meeting to approve the financial statements for the year 2024. The consolidated accounts have been audited. The statutory auditors’ report will be issued once the formalities required for submission of the Universal Registration Document have been completed.

    The Universal Registration Document will be available in a few days’ time, in French and in English, on our website.

    ———

    (1) At constant scope and exchange rates.

    WEBCAST ON MARCH 27, 2025, AT 6:15 PM (PARIS TIME)
    The webcast is available at:www.cegedim.fr/webcast

    The fiscal 2024 results presentation is available on the website:

    https://www.cegedim.fr/finance/documentation/Pages/presentations.aspx

    Financial calendar for 2025

    2025 March 28 at 10:00 am

    April 24 after the close

    June 13 at 9:30 am

    July 24 after the close

    September 25 after the close

    September 26 at 10:00 am

    October 23 after the close

    		 SFAF meeting

    Q1 2025 revenues

    Shareholders’ meeting

    H1 2025 revenues

    H1 2025 results

    SFAF meeting

    Q3 2025 revenues

    Financial calendar: https://www.cegedim.fr/finance/agenda/Pages/default.aspx

    Disclaimer
    This press release is available in French and in English. In the event of any difference between the two versions, the original French version takes precedence. This press release may contain inside information. It was sent to Cegedim’s authorized distributor on March 27, 2025, no earlier than 5:45 pm Paris time.
    The figures cited in this press release include guidance on Cegedim’s future financial performance targets. This forward-looking information is based on the opinions and assumptions of the Group’s senior management at the time this press release is issued and naturally entails risks and uncertainty. For more information on the risks facing Cegedim, please refer to Chapter 7, “Risk management”, section 7.2, “Risk factors”, and Chapter 3, “Overview of the financial year”, section 3.6, “Outlook”, of the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on April 3, 2024, under number D.24-0233.

    About Cegedim:
    Founded in 1969, Cegedim is an innovative technology and services group in the field of digital data flow management for healthcare ecosystems and B2B, and a business software publisher for healthcare and insurance professionals. Cegedim employs nearly
    6,700 people in more than 10 countries and generated revenue of over €654 million in 2024.
    Cegedim SA is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: CGM).
    To learn more please visit: www.cegedim.fr
    And follow Cegedim on X: @Cegedimgroup, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

    Aude Balleydier
    Cegedim
    Media Relations and
    Communications Manager

    Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 09 68 81
    aude.balleydier@cegedim.fr

    		 Damien Buffet
    Cegedim
    Head of
    Financial Communication

    Tel.: +33 (0)7 64 63 55 73
    damien.buffet@cegedim.com

    		 Céline Pardo
    Becoming RP Agency
    Media Relations Consultant

    Tel.:         +33 (0)6 52 08 13 66
    cegedim@becoming-group.com

    		  

    Appendix

    Consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2024

    • Assets at December 31, 2024
    In thousands of euros 12/31/2024 12/31/2023
    Goodwill arising on acquisitions 235,747 199,787
    Development costs 857 1,562
    Other intangible assets 190,555 192,616
    Intangible assets 191,412 194,178
    Land 594 544
    Buildings 1,451 1,660
    Other property, plant and equipment 51,539 45,829
    Advances and non-current assets in progress 4,876 831
    Right-of-use assets                   86,273                   89,718
    Property, plant and equipment 144,733                 138,582
    Equity investments 0 0
    Loans 14,156 15,332
    Other financial assets 5,820 5,230
    Financial assets excluding investments in affiliates 19,976 20,563
    Investments in affiliates 15,354 22,065
    Deferred tax assets 16,597 19,747
    Prepaid expenses: long-term proportion – –
    Non-current assets 623,819                 594,922   
    Goods held for resale 6,741 5,498
    Advances and deposits received on orders 1,296 3,703
    Trade receivables: short-term portion 186,003 175,199
    Other receivables: short-term portion 66,945 59,563
    Current tax credits 29,152 16,495
    Cash equivalents 0 0
    Cash 49,577 46,606
    Prepaid expenses: short-term portion 23,357 22,082
    Current assets 363,071 329,146
    Total assets 986,890 924,068
    • Liabilities and equity at December 31, 2024
    In thousands of euros 12/31/2024 12/31/2023
    Share capital 13,432 13,337
    Retained earnings 268,728 282,521
    Group unrealized exchange gains/losses -3,105 -12,275
    Group profit (loss) -14,707 -7,407
    Shareholders’ equity, Group share 264,348 276,175
    Non-controlling interest 18,156 18,381
    Equity 282,503             294,556   
    Financial liabilities 223,777 188,546
    Lease liabilities 77,639 78,761
    Deferred tax liabilities 1,654 5,600
    Post-employment benefit obligations 33,024 31,007
    Provisions 2,073 2,521
    Non-current liabilities 338,167             306,435   
    Financial liabilities 10,315 3,006
    Lease liabilities 14,118 14,789
    Trade payables and related accounts 71,784 61,734
    Current tax liabilities 279 235
    Tax and social security liabilities 128,289 121,371
    Provisions 1,502 1,730
    Other liabilities 139,932 120,212
    Current liabilities 366,220             323,077   
    TOTAL Liabilities and equity             986,890               924,068  
    • Income statement as of December 31, 2024
    In thousands of euros 12/31/2024 12/31/2023
    Revenue 654,496 615,995
    Purchases used -29,565 -28,547
    External expenses -143,770 -138,544
    Taxes and duties -4,468 -5,352
    Payroll costs -349,803 -331,748
    Impairment of trade receivables and other receivables and on contract assets -1,984 -2,444
    Allowances to and reversals of provisions -4,832 -2,714
    Other operating income and expenses 1,640 431
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates included in operating income 1,853 1,757
    EBITDA(1) 123,567 108,834
    Depreciation expenses other than right-of-use assets -66,934 -59,471
    Depreciation expenses of right-of-use assets -17,149 -17,693
    Recurring operating income(1) 39,484 31,670
    Impairment of goodwill arising on acquisitions -4,667 –
    Non-recurring operating income and expenses -23,730 -11,687
    Other non-recurring operating income and expenses(1) -28,397 -11,687
    Operating income 11,087 19,983
    Income from cash and cash equivalents 1,650 475
    Cost of gross financial debt -17,902 -11,742
    Other financial income and expenses -4,629 -614
    Financial result -20,881 -11,881
    Income taxes -4,010 -4,509
    Deferred taxes -1,770 -10,336
    Total taxes -5,780 -14,845
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates 440 -1,195
    Consolidated net profit -15,134 -7,937
    Group share -14,708 -7,407
    Non-controlling interests -426 531
    Average number of shares excluding treasury stock 13,706,333 13,610,429
    Earnings per share (in euros) -1.1 -0.5

    (1) Alternative performance indicator.

    • Cash flow statement as of December 31, 2024
    In thousands of euros 12/31/2024 12/31/2023
    Consolidated net profit -15,133 -7,937
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates -2,293 -561
    Depreciation and amortization expenses and provisions 93,449 84,010
    Capital gains or losses on disposals of operating assets 8,030 -1,816
    Cash flow after cost of net financial debt and taxes 84,053 73,695
    Cost of net financial debt 20,881 11,881
    Tax expense 5,780 14,845
    Cash flow from operating activities before tax and interest 110,714 100,420
    Tax paid -16,216 -4,233
    Change in working capital requirement: requirement – –
    Change in working capital requirement: release 7,350 1,736
    Cash flow generated from operating activities after tax paid and change in working capital requirements 101,848 97,923
    Acquisitions of intangible assets -58,607 -53,538
    Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment -31,309 -21,952
    Acquisitions of financial assets – -1,036
    Disposals of property, plant, and equipment and of intangible assets 4,969 2,598
    Disposals of financial assets 934 805
    Change in deposits received or paid 3,904 83
    Impact of changes in consolidation scope -36,878 -3,371
    Dividends received from outside the Group 5,663 1,114
    Net cash flow used in investing activities -111,324 -75,296
    Capital increase 985 0
    Dividends paid to minority shareholders of consolidated companies -105 -2
    Dividends paid to shareholders of the parent company – –
    New borrowings 180,000 0
    Repayments of borrowings -136,398 -263
    Employee profit sharing -445 -65
    Repayment of lease liabilities -17,283 -19,796
    Interest paid on borrowings -8,880 -5,050
    Other financial income received 4,098 966
    Other financial expenses paid -8,856 -6,861
    Net cash flow generated/(used in) financing activities 13,116 -31,071
    Change in net cash excluding currency impact 3,640 -8,444
    Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates -672 -503
    Change in net cash 2,968 -8,947
    Opening cash 46,606 55,553
    Closing cash 49,574 46,606
    • Financial covenants
    In thousands of euros 12/31/2024 Criterion
    Net debt(1) 172,489  
    EBITDA(2) 103,551  
    Leverage ratio 1.67 < 2.5
    In thousands of euros 12/31/2024 Criterion
    Interest expense 10,192  
    EBITDA(2) 103,551  
    Interest cover ratio 10.16 > 4.5

    (1)   excluding employee profit sharing liabilities, the FCB loan,and IFRS 16 liabilities and excluding cash allocated to BPO insurance activities
    (2)   Recurring EBITDA excluding IFRS 16 amortization impact

    The Group complied with all these covenants as of December 31, 2024, and there is no foreseeable risk of default.

    (1)   Alternative performance indicator. See pages 112–113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.
    (2)   At constant scope and exchange rates.

    (1)   Alternative performance indicator. See pages 112–113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.

    (1)   Alternative performance indicator. See pages 112–113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Fluxys Belgium – Regulated information: 2024 annual results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Overview of 2024 annual results  

    • Consolidated net profit was EUR 82.1 million (EUR 77.4 million in 2023)  
    • Proposed allocation of profit submitted to the Annual General Meeting on 13 May 2025: gross dividend of EUR 1.40 per share (2024: EUR 1.40 per share)  
    • Belgium remains essential hub for energy supplies in NW Europe  
    • Switch to high-calorific gas successfully completed 
    • Green Logix: first biomethane plant directly connected to the Fluxys network 
    • Fluxys hydrogen appointed operator of hydrogen transmission network in Belgium 
    • Partner in the hydrogen link with Luxembourg, France and Germany 
    • Working with industry to cut CO2 in Belgium 
    • North Sea Integration Model: working together towards net zero emissions 
    • Good results towards our ESG targets 
    • 91 new colleagues hired 

    Key financial data   

    Income statement  (in thousands of EUR)  31/12/2024  31/12/2023 
    Operating revenue  608,789  592,788 
    EBITDA*  302,283  285,809 
    EBIT*  133,931  129,570 
    Net profit  82,061  77,423 
    Balance sheet  (in thousands of EUR)  31/12/2024  31/12/2023 
    Investments in property, plant and equipment for the period  92,122  167,654 
    Total property, plant and equipment  1,804,302  1,873,286 
    Equity  603,813  613,413 
    Net financial debt*   159,750  219,404 
    Total consolidated balance sheet  3,310,096  3,358,616 

    *For definitions and reasons for using these indicators, see the annex  

    Consolidated turnover and net profit 

    Fluxys Belgium generated consolidated turnover of EUR 608.8 million in 2024. This represents an increase of EUR 16.0 million compared with 2023, when turnover stood at EUR 592.8 million. This change is in line with the 2024-2027 tariff methodology. 

    The consolidated net profit increased by EUR 77.4 million in 2023 to EUR 82.1 million in 2024, a rise of EUR 4,7 million.  

    Efficiency efforts in line with regulated tariff model 

    The 2024-2027 tariff methodology (established by the regulator, CREG) applies the principle that all reasonable costs, including interest and fair compensation, are covered by the regulated income. In addition, there are various incentives to control costs and guide and control aspects of company performance. By strictly controlling its operating costs, combined with significant efforts to improve efficiency, Fluxys Belgium has managed to achieve most regulatory objectives and to book those incentives in a period of major operational challenges.  

    Investments totalling EUR 92.1 million 

    In 2024 investments in property, plant and equipment totalled EUR 92.1 million, compared with EUR 167.7 million in 2023. Of this amount, EUR 4.6 million was spent on LNG infrastructure projects, EUR 3.6 million on storage-related projects and EUR 83.9 million on transmission-related projects, including EUR 10.3 million for the Desteldonk-Opwijk pipeline, which is ready to be used to carry hydrogen as soon as the market is ready. 

    Key events   

    Belgium remains essential hub for energy supplies in NW Europe  

    As in previous years, our teams once again made every effort to supply the Belgian network with natural gas. We also continued to transport large volumes to our neighbouring countries, with Germany as the main destination. 

    Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, an EU regulation has imposed a requirement that European gas reserves be adequately replenished by 1 November every year. Our storage facility in Loenhout was already completely filled by 1 August, three months before the EU’s deadline. 

    With Zeebrugge serving as a crossroads, our Belgian network continues to play its role as an energy hub in North-West Europe. 

    Switch to high-calorific gas successfully completed 

    Until 2017, about half of Belgian households and SMEs used low-calorific gas from a production field in the Netherlands. With the depletion of that field in sight, the Netherlands decided to gradually reduce the export of low-calorific gas. Since 2018, Fluxys Belgium has been adapting its network to gradually replace the supply of low-calorific gas with high-calorific natural gas from other sources. In 2024, we successfully completed the switch to high-calorific gas. Belgium no longer uses low-calorific gas, but Fluxys Belgium continues to transport it to France until the switch is also completed there. 

    Green Logix: first biomethane plant directly connected to the Fluxys network 

    On 23 October 2024, the first volumes of biomethane were injected directly into our transmission system. The molecules are produced by Green Logix Biogas in Lommel. During the initial phase, the plant produces a volume of biomethane equivalent to the consumption of some 7,000 households.  

    Fluxys hydrogen appointed operator of hydrogen transmission network in Belgium 

    On 26 April 2024, the Federal Energy Minister appointed Fluxys hydrogen, a subsidiary of Fluxys Belgium, as the operator for the development and operation of the hydrogen network in Belgium.  

    In line with the federal hydrogen strategy, Fluxys hydrogen is responsible for developing a hydrogen pipeline network which will form part of the European Hydrogen Backbone. This will allow the necessary low-carbon energy and feedstock to be transported both for the Belgian market and neighbouring countries at the pace of market development.  

    Partner in the hydrogen link with Luxembourg, France and Germany 

    With a view to developing cross-border hydrogen transmission infrastructure, Fluxys hydrogen is stepping up its cooperation with our partners Creos ((Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) and GRTgaz (France) in the HY4Link project. 

    HY4Link is an infrastructure project aiming to connect industrial clusters requiring hydrogen in France, Germany and Luxembourg to import hubs in Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam and Dunkirk. This future infrastructure can help accelerate the decarbonisation of industry in North-West Europe. We are also exploring cross-border connections with transmission system operators (TSOs) in Germany (OGE), the Netherlands (HyNetwork Services) and the United Kingdom (National Gas). 

    Working with industry to cut CO2 in Belgium 

    Capturing CO2, then transporting it and finally using or storing it (CCUS): for some industrial players, there is no other way to make their operations carbon-neutral. During Princess Astrid’s royal mission to Oslo, several stakeholders, including Fluxys, signed a joint declaration to fully commit to CCUS. The declaration calls for work on decarbonisation including through an appropriate regulatory framework. 

    North Sea Integration Model: working together towards net zero emissions 

    The energy landscape will change radically in the years to come. How can we design an affordable energy system and ensure that all solutions work together to achieve net zero CO2 emissions? To answer this question, in 2024 we devised the North Sea Integration Model: a computational model that simulates all interactions between electricity, hydrogen, methane and CO2 infrastructures in Belgium and all other countries bordering the North Sea. 

    The model is a tool that, based on future consumption scenarios, shows how the entire chain from production to transport to consumption can be optimised in terms of costs, CO2 emissions and preservation of security of supply.  

    Good results towards our ESG targets 

    In 2024, we started measuring our progress towards the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets we set in 2023, for each of our material ESG topics.  With our 2024 ESG results we are on track to achieve our targets.  

    91 new colleagues hired  

    Fluxys is growing! In 2024, no fewer than 91 new colleagues joined our ranks, meaning that 982 employees are working at Fluxys Belgium. 103 colleagues were given the opportunity to take on new responsibilities and other roles; such internal mobility is particularly encouraged at Fluxys.  

    Fluxys Belgium – 2024 results (according to Belgian standards): proposed allocation of profit  

    Fluxys Belgium NV’s net profit totalled EUR 84.1 million, compared with EUR 79.5 million in 2023.  

    At the Annual General Meeting on 13 May 2025, Fluxys Belgium will propose a gross dividend of EUR 1.40 per share.  

    Taking into account a profit of EUR 101.7 million carried over from the previous financial year and a withdrawal of EUR 24.4 million from the reserves, the Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting that the profits be allocated as follows:  

    • EUR 98.4 million as a dividend payout and  
    • EUR 111.8 million as profit to be carried forward.  

    If this profit allocation proposal is adopted by the Annual General Meeting, the total gross dividend for financial year 2024 will be EUR 1.40 per share. This amount will be payable as of 21 May 2025.  

    Outlook for 2025  

    The net result of the Belgian regulated activities will, in accordance with the tariff methodology, mainly be determined on the basis of various regulatory parameters, including invested equity capital, financial structure, interest rates (OLO) and incentives. The result will continue to evolve according to the evolution of these four parameters. Current financial markets do not allow for an accurate projection of the evolution of interest rates and therefore of the yield of regulated activities. 

    In June 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted a 14th sanctions package against Russia. The package bans from 27 March 2025 the transshipment of LNG from Russia for export to countries outside the EU.  

    The Zeebrugge LNG terminal is underpinned by the legal principle of open access. This means that any company interested in the supply of LNG can book capacity at the terminal, and therefore no customer can be discriminated against, by law. As an essential service provider Fluxys ensures that its infrastructure is operational at all times for the overall security of supply. 

    As before, we continue to operate in full compliance with applicable international, European and Belgian regulations. A Royal Decree sets the implementation modalities for the 14th sanctions package. The LNG terminal has adapted its operational rules accordingly and the existing contracts are currently being continued in accordance with the sanctions regime without any negative impact on the financial performance of Fluxys Belgium.  

    In the first quarter of 2025, based on the available info and a number of hypotheses, Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiary Fluxys hydrogen made the investment decision for the first hydrogen infrastructure with a limited scope that takes into account initial anticipated market demand. The infrastructure will be constructed in multi-purpose technology, just like the recent natural gas pipelines. We are also working on pre-investments for a multi-purpose pipeline in the Antwerp port area that can initially be used for transporting CO2.  

    External audit   

    The auditor confirmed that its audit work, which has been substantially completed, has not revealed any significant correction that should be made to the accounting information included in this press release. 

    Contact  

    Financial and accounting data: Filip De Boeck +32 2 282 79 89 – filip.deboeck@fluxys.com 

    Press Office: +32 282 74 44 • press@fluxys.com   

    About Fluxys Belgium  

    Fluxys Belgium is a Euronext-listed subsidiary of energy infrastructure group Fluxys. The company is headquartered in Belgium, has more than 950 employees and operates 4,000 kilometres of pipelines, a liquefied natural gas terminal with an annual regasification capacity of 197 TWh and an underground storage facility. 

    As a purpose-led company, Fluxys Belgium together with its stakeholders contributes to a better society by shaping a bright energy future. Building on the unique assets of its infrastructure and its commercial and technical expertise, Fluxys Belgium is committed to transporting hydrogen, biomethane or any other carbon-neutral energy carrier as well as CO2, accommodating the capture, usage and storage of the latter. 

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Plans to Hollow Out HHS, Risking Americans’ Health and Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), responded to President Trump’s plans announced today to push out roughly 20,000 employees at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and hollow out the Department, which is responsible for protecting Americans’ health and delivering essential health and social services.
    “In the middle of worsening nationwide outbreaks of bird flu and measles, not to mention a fentanyl epidemic, Trump is wrecking vital health agencies with the precision of a bull in a china shop. RFK Jr.’s absurd suggestion that hollowing out the Department will somehow allow it to better protect Americans’ health defies common sense—and everything we have witnessed with our own eyes over the last two months. 
    “Looking for new ways to make government more efficient is important, but it does not take a genius to understand that pushing out 20,000 workers at our preeminent health agencies won’t make Americans healthier—it’ll just mean fewer health services for our communities, more opportunities for disease to spread, and longer waits for lifesaving treatments and cures. Importantly, Congress just provided funding for specific agencies to administer the very programs and functions that Trump has unilaterally decided should no longer exist—this flies in the face of the law and congressional intent, and will leave our most vulnerable populations at risk.
    “When our health agencies are unprepared for a deadly pandemic or our hospitals are overwhelmed with sick kids because our local public health officials can’t track a worsening measles outbreak, the American people should remember it was thanks to the Measles President, Donald Trump, callously hollowing out HHS. People will suffer because this administration is hell-bent on cutting essential services—that keep Americans safe and healthy—down to the bone for no reason. These cuts will not reduce the deficit in any appreciable way and threaten to incur massive costs down the road when we are caught flat-footed by the next health crisis.
    “Over the last few weeks, Trump and Musk have chaotically fired cancer researchers and food safety inspectors, single-handedly choked off lifesaving medical research, ripped away resources for our communities to address public health threats, and empowered anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists at every level of government. I have never seen an administration so determined to tear down public health and biomedical research. and make no mistake: the consequences will be deadly.”
    Today’s announcement follows weeks of mass firings across HHS, creating chaos at the Department that has prevented it from executing its mission to protect people’s health, and an onslaught of detrimental policies that are halting lifesaving biomedical research and more. HHS announced that it plans to cut its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 (a 25% reduction) through a combination of mass firings and buy-outs and remake HHS without thoughtful consideration and partnership with Congress. 
    Among others, Trump, RFK Jr., and Musk plan to cut:
    3,500 employees at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is charged with protecting Americans’ health by ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medicines, biologics (including vaccines), and medical devices–and regulating food safety, cosmetics, and tobacco products.
    2,400 employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is charged with protecting the American people from health threats, including infectious diseases. 
    1,200 employees at NIH, the world’s premier medical research agency, which propels biomedical research that produces life-changing and, in many cases, lifesaving treatments and cures. These cuts come as the Trump administration has already systematically decimated ongoing work at NIH to advance new cures and treatments.
    300 employees at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which has long been understaffed and is charged with helping to ensure over 100 million Americans have access to health insurance by overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 23 Members of Congress Call on Teleperformance to Respect Labor Rights

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    OPEIU and CWA Applaud Call for FCC to Hold Teleperformance Accountable

    Washington, D.C. — Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and 21 other members of Congress called on the Federal Communications Commission to closely scrutinize Teleperformance/ZP Better Together’s application for certification to provide Video Relay Service, an essential program that ensures Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard-of-Hearing people have equal access to telecommunications services. VRS is funded through the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund, which all Americans pay into through their phone bills.

    “We’ve spent the last year organizing with our fellow interpreters to ensure VRS is the service that it needs to be, not a vehicle for corporate profits,” said Felix Reyes, a Teleperformance VRS interpreter from New York City. “The Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard-of-Hearing communities deserve interpreters who are adequately trained, have reasonable breaks and meaningful professional development opportunities, including from working with Deaf interpreters. We applaud Rep. Schakowsky and her colleagues for calling on the FCC to hold them accountable.”

    In the letter, members of Congress pointed out Teleperformance could work to allay their concerns about the deterioration of service quality in VRS by implementing the labor rights accord that Teleperformance signed with UNI, a global federation of labor unions, in the United States. The labor rights accord has already been implemented in Poland, Colombia, Jamaica, El Salvador, and Romania.

    “We are organizing VRS interpreters at Teleperformance and Sorenson because workers need a voice on the job now more than ever—for themselves and for the people they serve,” said Tyler Turner, president of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO. “For too long, a profit over people model has wreaked havoc on VRS interpreters’ working conditions and the vital service they provide to millions of Deaf Americans every day. OPEIU will not stop fighting until these workers get the justice they deserve. The 90,000 members of our union thank these members of Congress for taking a courageous stand on behalf of our members and the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard-of-Hearing communities.”

    “Members of Congress have reason to be concerned about the impact of poor working conditions and low wages on the quality of Video Relay Service, especially in light of Teleperformance’s recent acquisition of ZP Better Together,” said Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communications Workers of America. “VRS interpreters provide critical services to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and public funds should be used to invest in the workers who provide the service, not to boost corporate profits. By implementing the UNI workers’ rights framework, Teleperformance will gain valuable insight from front-line workers into how to retain workers and improve service.”

    Last month, a separate letter by Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) spurred FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez to agree to participate in upcoming town halls to hear from ASL interpreters and the people they serve — the first time an FCC commissioner has agreed to host public meetings on the subject. OPEIU’s ASL Interpreters United includes VRS interpreters working at both Sorenson and ZP Better Together. Sorenson is owned by private equity firms Ariel Investments and The Blackstone Group, and ZP Better Together is owned by French telecommunications company Teleperformance.

    ###

    ABOUT OPEIU
    The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO, represents approximately 90,000 working people throughout the United States and Canada. Representing employees in nonprofit organizations, technology, hospitals, hotels, credit unions, insurance agencies, colleges and universities, administrative offices, and more, OPEIU is committed to advancing economic justice for working people no matter their occupation. Professional organizations and guilds affiliated with OPEIU are a diverse group that includes podiatrists, teachers, registered nurses and helicopter pilots. OPEIU is an affiliate of the 15 million-member-strong AFL-CIO.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont: Trump Administration Cuts Will Have Sweeping Impact on Public Health, Mental Health, and Addiction Services in Connecticut

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration was notified this week by the Trump administration through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that it is immediately terminating a number of grants estimated to total more than $150 million that had been allocated to Connecticut for a wide range of essential public health, mental health, and addiction services, such as disease outbreak surveillance, newborn screenings, childhood immunizations, and testing for viruses and other pathogens.

    The grants were largely committed to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). The agencies are analyzing the impact of these cuts and as more information becomes available will notify providers in Connecticut that were expecting this funding.

    These cuts are part of more than $11.4 billion in public health grants that the Trump administration announced this week it is rescinding from states nationwide. Congress has long recognized that public health begins at the state and local level and appropriated these funds to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

    “These abrupt and unexpected cuts to our health system are going to have a devastating impact on our ability to fight disease, protect the health of newborns, provide mental health and addiction treatment services, and keep people safe,” Governor Lamont said. “We should be making it easier and cheaper for people to access critical health care, including mental health services. I am urging the Trump administration to recognize that these cuts go beyond what is reasonable and reverse this rash and impulsive decision. I will do everything I can to support the health and safety of the residents of Connecticut.”

    Some of the hardest impacts will be felt by DPH’s Infectious Disease Branch and the Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory. On Wednesday, dozens of projects and all work being done by vendors and consultants funded by these grants were ordered to stop. Grants are also being eliminated that fund immunization activities and address health disparities. DPH is also being forced to cancel 48 contracts with local health departments and other providers for immunization services.

    “This is a dark day for public health,” DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D., said. “These grants fund many of our core public health functions. While we are still assessing the impact to our agency, we know that these cuts will severely hamper our ability to respond to any future infectious disease outbreaks, childhood immunization programs that we fund must now end, and critical work we have done to strengthen and increase our capacity to protect the public health of Connecticut’s residents must stop. COVID-19 may have been the catalyst for these grants but, as Congress intended, these funds were being used to modernize our systems, strengthen our workforce, educate the public, protect our children all to prevent or mitigate the damage to human lives caused by future disease outbreaks. I hope that the administration will reconsider its decision once they realize the full scope of the critical work funded by these grants.”

    DMHAS, which oversees Connecticut’s behavioral health needs in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment, cautions that the cuts could impact services related to housing and employment supports, regional suicide advisory boards, harm reduction, perinatal screening, early-stage treatments, and increased access to medication assisted treatment.

    “Let there be no doubt that this unanticipated and sudden cessation of these block grants will be immediately and consequentially disruptive to the behavioral health system in Connecticut,” DMHAS Commissioner Nancy Navarretta said. “These resources were deployed by DMHAS in a contemplative and rigorous fashion to assist providers in handling the COVID-19 pandemic and its latent impacts based on a timeline that was clearly established and articulated by Congress and the United States Treasury. Now, our clients and providers are put at risk due to an unwarranted and uninformed decision. The services at risk include housing and employment supports, regional suicide advisory boards, harm reduction, perinatal screening, early-stage treatments, and increased access to medication assisted treatment. These are lifesaving and life-changing services for our state’s residents who are asking for help at a vulnerable time in their life – all of which was exacerbated by the pandemic. In the hours and days ahead, there will be uncertainty in the system, and we will be working closely with our providers and clients to ensure they know we continue to seek solutions to continue these programs for as long as possible.”

    Funding cuts will also extend beyond DPH and DMHAS. Funding is being eliminated for the Family Bridge Program, which is administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and provides up to three at-home visits from registered nurses and community health workers for families of newborns to help with the transition from hospital to home.

    The following table provides a preliminary analysis of the cuts and their impact on services provided by DPH. Additional analysis of these cuts and their impact on other agencies are underway.

    Major Impacts of DPH Grant Fund Cuts

    Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (Grants 1-4)
     Estimated Funding Loss: $118,897,449

    • DPH no longer able to know when a new syndrome or a known disease (like flu) is showing up in emergency departments.
    • DPH will face staffing shortages in areas responsible for key public health functions like disease outbreak response, response to outbreaks in nursing homes, providing data and recommendations to healthcare providers and the public on disease spread in their communities.
    • No information on emergency department trends in the state, limiting DPH’s ability to respond to and alert partners and the public to emergencies.
    • Newborn screening impacted: will remain a paper process, slowing critical information and potentially impacting care in critical first days/weeks of life.
    • Providers will now be forced to fax reportable diseases to DPH, rather than transmitting electronically, preventing DPH from sharing real-time reports on disease spread or healthcare capacity.
    • Inability to complete upgrades to key information systems, wasting 10s of millions of dollars already put into the upgrades.
    • Lab tests will not be completed or reported timely, including for newborn screening, and the Lab’s ability to provide testing support in emergency outbreak situations will be severely degraded.
    • Installation of equipment to enhance the state’s ability to process and analyze genomic data scrapped, which will impact the detection of new and existing diseases and pathogens, like H5N1, Ebola, and resistant healthcare associated infections including Candida auris.
    • Cannot implement an electronic birth registry or combine birth and death registries, making it more difficult for people to obtain these vital records.
    • Elimination of 24/7 help desk to assist funeral directors, doctors, healthcare organizations and local registrars to navigate the state’s relatively new death registry.
    • Projects to improve data exchanges with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and with CDC halted.

    Immunization Activities (Grant 5)
     Estimated Funding Loss: $26,267,097

    • 43 contracts (nearly $3.5 million) with local health departments to enhance vaccination rates, access, equity, and vaccine confidence cancelled.
    • Loss of vaccination clinics and mobile outreach in underserved neighborhoods.
    • Development and distribution of vaccine educational materials stopped.
    • Automated reports for overdue vaccines no longer sent to providers, potentially decreasing vaccination rates and creating challenges for sticking to vaccine schedules.
    • All of the above will impact Connecticut’s high vaccination rates (third highest in the nation), which can lead to increased disease spread throughout the state.
    • Work will stop on enhancements to improve access to timely, accurate, and valid patient and vaccination records and the real-time public facing dashboard on vaccination rates in the state.

    Health Disparities (Grant 6)
     Estimated Funding Loss: $4,465,606

    • Loss of DPH funding for Family Bridge Program (home visits for newborns) currently active in Bridgeport and Norwich.
    • Loss of Mobile Vaccine Clinics for Homebound and Rural Residents.
    • Loss of rural health department support.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont and Serve Connecticut Announce Grants To Support Youth-Led Service Projects

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Office of Higher Education Commissioner Timothy D. Larson today announced the awarding of $38,787 in mini-grants through the Connecticut Commission on Community Service, also known as Serve Connecticut, to support five youth-led initiatives in Connecticut.

    The funding is made available by a grant from The Allstate Foundation in partnership with America’s Service Commissions. Serve Connecticut is one of ten state and territorial service commissions that received a 2024 Empowering Youth-Led Service Grant to increase youth-led service opportunities in the state.

    “The volume and quality of youth-led service project proposals received by Serve Connecticut for this opportunity is a testament to the motivation among youth in our state to have a voice and make an impact,” Governor Lamont said. “We are so proud of every applicant and urge them all to keep up the great service.”

    “Serve Connecticut congratulates the five youth-led service mini-grant recipient projects and is eager to see these projects come to life and create the impact these youth envision in their communities,” Commissioner Larson, who also serves as a Service Connecticut board member, said. “We are grateful to The Allstate Foundation for providing this resource to our state’s youth.”

    Awarded youth-led service projects engage youth between the ages of 5 and 25 in meaningful service to Connecticut communities, centering youth voice, decision-making, action and impact in their project design. Awarded projects include:

    • The Community Table/Mesa Comunitaria Foodshare, a youth-led project sponsored by CLiCK (Commercially Licensed Cooperative Kitchen, Inc.) in Willimantic that delivers healthy, culturally relevant food boxes to area households that lack access to resources.
    • Co-Curating for Younger Children and Youth with Limited Access to the Arts, a youth-led project sponsored by cARTie Corp. in Shelton that engages a youth advisory board in curating a mobile juried art exhibition of middle and high school art that is transported to young children in communities across the state who do not have access to art museum enrichment.
    • EmpowerHER Period Poverty Initiative for Girls, a youth-led project sponsored by 100GirlsLeading, Inc. in. Bridgeport that engages youth in providing access to menstrual products and related education to girls ages 10 to 18 in Bridgeport.
    • Danbury High School Peer Leadership, a youth-led project sponsored by Danbury High School in Danbury that engages youth in designing and implementing fundraising projects that engage the high school and surrounding communities in raising funds for youth-selected causes.
    • Teen-Driven Community Service, a youth-led project sponsored by New London Youth Affairs in New London that engages youth in youth-determined service projects while providing positive youth development opportunities to participating youth members.

    Serve Connecticut received more than 150 applications from eligible applicants including schools, out-of-school time programs (after school or summer school), municipalities, agencies, youth-serving organizations, and individual youth proposing a wide range of youth-led service projects. Mini-grant funding requests of up to $8,000 were considered for activities associated with developing and implementing service projects and removing barriers to youth participation.

    “The Allstate Foundation believes that empowering youth to lead service is key to supporting communities and creating lasting change,” Greg Weatherford II, director of The Allstate Foundation and Social Impact, said. “These grants catalyze youth service opportunities by increasing access, deepening quality, and putting dollars behind young people’s innovative and transformational ideas about how to strengthen their communities.”

    Questions about this grant opportunity can be directed to Kate Scheuritzel, Serve Connecticut’s director of programs, via email at Kate.Scheuritzel@ct.gov. Serve Connecticut is a program of the Connecticut Office of Higher Education that administers AmeriCorps grants on behalf of the state and promotes service and volunteerism.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brooks — Brooks RCMP execute search warrants after drug trafficking investigation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Jan. 30, 2025, Brooks RCMP along with the Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, conducted a vehicle stop and executed two search warrants as a result of a drug investigation.

    Officers conducted the vehicle stop in the area of Sunny Lea while two residences were searched on Maple Drive and Greenbrook Road. A significant quantity of illicit drugs was located in all three locations.

    As a result of the searches Brooks RCMP seized approximately:

    • 183 grams of cocaine – est. Street Value $18,350
    • 55 grams of methamphetamine – est. Street Value $3,300
    • 700 tablets of dilaudid – est. Street Value $14,000

    Brooks RCMP have charged a 58-year-old individual a 37-year-old individual with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

    Names can be released once charges are sworn.

    Background:

    Jan. 30, 2025

    Brooks RCMP advise of heavy police presence – update

    Brooks RCMP advise that the heavy police presence and corresponding police operations on Maple Road and Greenbrook Drive have now ended. Brooks RCMP thank the public for their cooperation in this matter.

    There is no further information available at this time.

    Background:

    Jan. 30, 2025

    Brooks RCMP advise of heavy police presence

    Brooks RCMP are currently on scene conducting police operations at two locations in Brooks. Police are currently at locations on Maple Road and Greenbrook Drive. Although there is no ongoing risk to the public, police are asking residents to avoid the area until the operation is over.

    An update will be provided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel Expands its Successful Sponsorship for 2025 with Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) in NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Touts Multiple Achievements Working with TSR

    Nashville, TN, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), will expand its successful sponsorship for 2025 with Tony Stewart Racing (tsrnitro.com) in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series (nhra.com). American Rebel will be highly visible throughout the season on both the Tony Stewart Top Fuel Dragster and the Matt Hagan Funny Car. American Rebel has found that the relationship with Tony Stewart Racing has created opportunities for American Rebel Beer to contract with top beer distributors and top retailers and advance the company’s marketing objectives.

    American Rebel will be a secondary sponsor on the Tony Stewart driven Top Fuel Dragster and the Matt Hagan driven Funny Car for all 20 races as well as be the primary sponsor of the Matt Hagan Funny Car for five races and be the primary sponsor of the Tony Stewart Top Fuel Dragster for one race during the NHRA 2025 season. Being a sponsor provides opportunities for vast exposure during the race broadcasts on Fox Sports, Fox Sports 1 (FS1) and Fox Sports 2 (FS2). Ratings for NHRA telecasts are very strong and visibility continues to expand through additional streaming options through NHRA.tv.

    “I’m very excited to expand our sponsorship of Tony Stewart Racing through work with Tony, Matt and Leah,” said American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. “Tony, Matt and Leah have been a big part of our incredible success opening up distributors across the country. Various consultants told me opening up distributors was next to impossible, but American Rebel has proven them wrong because we have a real 12-year organic story of how we got here, and Tony, Matt and Leah’s support have poured patriotic fuel all over the fire we had already started. I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done. Our relationship started out as a sponsorship, turned into a friendship and now it’s family.”

    In addition to the strong television viewership of NHRA racing, NHRA has unveiled exciting opportunities for digital media and content creators heading into the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Aiming to change the way influencers, content creators and digital media members experience drag racing, NHRA is working to expand its reach across social media platforms with its Cornwell Tools Burnout Box Content Creator Zone. This expansion and emphasis in the digital media space will significantly benefit American Rebel.

    American Rebel has also benefitted from the relationship with Tony Stewart Racing through the social media reach of Tony Stewart, Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett. Tony Stewart has nearly 750,000 followers on X (@TonyStewart) and over 250,000 followers on Instagram (@tsrsmoke). Matt Hagan has nearly 150,000 followers on Instagram (@matthagan_fc) and Leah Pruett has nearly 400,000 followers on Instagram (@leah.pruett).

    “Tony, Matt and Leah are such an important part of our story,” said Andy Ross. “Tony is a legendary NASCAR driver who may be the most versatile race car driver in history, having also driven in IndyCar, USAC, NHRA and just about anything with wheels. And Matt has 52 NHRA national event wins and is one of only four legendary Funny Car drivers to win four championships (John Force, Don Prudhomme and Kenny Bernstein are the others) and Leah has kicked in doors as a Top Fuel driver and she continues to provide unparalleled support for American Rebel at the track and on social media. Our distributors love our connection with Tony Stewart Racing as American Rebel Light Beer connects with our customers through this sponsorship.”

    It’s been said that Andy Ross wrote the most on-brand drag racing song ever with his “Nitro Lightning” that he wrote for Matt Hagan. The song gets played at the track nearly every race weekend and even has been referenced on the Fox broadcasts. Andy has performed concerts at the Texas Motorplex and the Bradenton Motorsports Park after race events and is scheduled to perform this year at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Concord, NC.

    “What’s more American Rebel than rock ‘n’ roll and drag racing?” said Andy Ross. “Drag racing fans are the perfect demo for American Rebel Beer and we’re looking forward to continuing this relationship a long time.”

    Primary sponsorship dates for American Rebel Beer on the Matt Hagan Funny Car are April 25 – 27 at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Concord, NC; June 20 – 22 at the Virginia NHRA Nationals at North Dinwiddle, VA; August 14 – 17 at the Lucas Oil NHRA National in Brainerd, MN; September 26 – 28 at the NHRA Midwest Nationals near St. Louis, MO; and October 30 – November 2 at the NHRA Nevada Nationals in Las Vegas, NV. American Rebel Beer will also be a primary sponsor for the Tony Stewart Top Fuel Dragster on September 26 – 28 at the NHRA Midwest Nationals near St. Louis, MO.

    About American Rebel Light Beer

    Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a domestic premium light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebelbeer.com or americanrebel.com. For investor information, visit americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC
    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of a launch party, actual launch timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Company Contact:
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com
    info@americanrebel.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –