NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: West Virginia seeking nominations for inaugural Higher Education Action and Impact Awards – West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    New awards recognize outstanding contributions to postsecondary access and student success across the state

    Charleston, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is currently seeking nominations for the inaugural Higher Education Action and Impact Awards, a prestigious new recognition program honoring individuals and organizations that have made a meaningful difference in expanding college and career readiness in West Virginia. 

    “We are proud to launch the Higher Education Action and Impact Awards to recognize the outstanding work happening in higher education access across West Virginia,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “These awards will spotlight the innovative and dedicated individuals who are transforming lives and communities by helping students reach their college and career goals – and their biggest potential.”

    As part of its inaugural year, the award program features six distinct award categories recognizing achievements across various education and leadership levels:

    • Dan Crockett Professional Leadership Award
    • Exemplary School Action and Impact Award – Elementary Level
    • Exemplary School Action and Impact Award – Middle School Level
    • Exemplary School Action and Impact Award – High School Level
    • Higher Education Action and Impact Award
    • Student Action and Impact Award

    Educators, colleagues, administrators, students, and community members who have witnessed the nominee’s impact firsthand are encouraged to submit detailed nominations. Nominations should highlight clear examples of leadership, innovation, and impact, supported by qualitative and quantitative evidence of success. Submissions may include personal stories, program data, and testimonials showcasing how the nominee has influenced their school, community, policies, or programming.

    For more information about the nomination process and award criteria, please visit https://www.wvhepc.edu/higher-education-action-and-impact-award/ or contact Emily Hammond at Emily.Hammond@wvhepc.edu.

    Awards timeline: 

    • April 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST: Nomination period closes
    • May 2025: Selection committee reviews and finalizes award recipients
    • July 2025: Award winners honored at the annual West Virginia Student Success Summit

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint Against Aircraft Used by Nicolás Maduro Moros in Violation of U.S. Sanctions and Export Control Laws

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View the forfeiture complaint.

    The United States today filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Southern District of Florida against a Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, bearing tail number T7-ESPRT, which was smuggled from the United States under false pretenses and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros (Maduro) and his representatives in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (the Maduro Regime) in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. The aircraft was seized last year in the Dominican Republic at the request of the United States.

    Today’s filing alleges that the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was purchased and maintained in violation of U.S. sanctions against Maduro and the Maduro Regime. According to the complaint, the aircraft is forfeitable based on violations of U.S. law, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and money laundering violations.

    Since 2014, the United States has imposed sanctions against targeted individuals, entities, and sectors in Venezuela to address the increasing political oppression and corruption in Venezuela by the Maduro Regime. On March 8, 2015, the President found that the situation in Venezuela constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and declared a national emergency pursuant to IEEPA to deal with that threat. See Executive Order (E.O.) 13692.

    In 2017, 2018, and 2019, President Trump took additional steps regarding the national emergency declared in E.O. 13692. On Aug. 5, 2019, the President issued E.O. 13884 “in light of the continued usurpation of power by Nicolás Maduro and persons affiliated with him, as well as human rights abuses, including arbitrary or unlawful arrest and detention of Venezuelan citizens, interference with freedom of expression, including for members of the media, and ongoing attempts to undermine Interim President Juan Guaidó and the Venezuelan National Assembly’s exercise of legitimate authority in Venezuela.”

    E.O. 13884 prohibits the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the order, including the Government of Venezuela and the Maduro Regime; the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person; and, any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in the order.

    The complaint alleges that on or about Jan. 23, 2023, a company purportedly based in the Caribbean island country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Foreign Company 1) entered into a contract to purchase the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft from a company in Florida for $13,250,000. The complaint further alleges that the individual in charge of purchasing the aircraft purportedly on behalf of Foreign Company 1 was a Venezuelan national (Foreign Principal 1), who concealed the fact that he was representing or associated with the Maduro Regime.

    The complaint further alleges that Foreign Company 1 merely acted as a nominee owner of the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft as it was formed shortly before the purchase, in June 2022, and was struck from the register of St. Vincent companies for failure to pay annual fees two years later, in May 2024.

    The complaint further alleges that funds used to purchase the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft were sent via multiple wire transfers from different countries, including Malaysia, using both U.S. dollars and euros, and that Foreign Company 1 used an email address with a “.ae” domain from the United Arab Emirates to correspond with the Florida-based seller even though Foreign Company 1’s representatives allegedly had Spanish names and some of the emails contained the phrase “Enviado desde mi iPhone,” or Spanish for “Sent from my iPhone.”

    The complaint further alleges that the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was flown from the United States to St. Vincent on or about April 3, 2023, and approximately five hours later, it departed for Caracas, Venezuela, piloted by two members of the Venezuelan Presidential Honor Guard, and accompanied by a second aircraft that operates out of a Venezuelan military base.

    The complaint further alleges that, since May 2023, the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft has flown to and from Venezuela at least 21 times and Maduro has been seen traveling with the aircraft on official visits to other countries, including for a December 2023 prisoner exchange with the United States.

    As alleged, in March 2024, the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was flown to the Dominican Republic for service and maintenance where Foreign Company 1 held itself out to be the owner, concealing from the Dominican-based jet maintenance company that the aircraft had been purchased and operated for benefit of the Maduro Regime.

    The complaint further alleges that on at least two occasions in May 2024, Foreign Principal 1, purportedly acting on behalf of Foreign Company 1, and other Venezuelan individuals, including military personnel, attempted to retrieve the Dassault Falcon aircraft from the Dominican Republic.

    Following the attempts by the Venezuelan individuals to retrieve the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, the U.S. government obtained a seizure warrant and requested that the Dominican Republic seize, detain, and transfer the Dassault Falcon aircraft. Pursuant to U.S. request, the aircraft was transported back to the United States on Sept. 2, 2024. That same day, the Maduro Regime issued a statement admitting the Dassault Falcon aircraft “has been used by” Maduro.

    A second Dassault Falcon aircraft identified by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as blocked property of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), the sanctioned Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural-gas company, and illegally serviced and maintained in violation of U.S. sanctions, also was seized in the Dominican Republic at the request of the United States government on Feb. 6, 2025.

    The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security Miami Field Office is investigating the case, along with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Santo Domingo.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Paster and Jorge Delgado for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the matter.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and HSI El Dorado Task Force Miami provided significant assistance in working with authorities in the Dominican Republic. The United States thanks the Dominican Republic for its assistance in this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Legal Alert Reminding Local Jurisdictions to Streamline Permitting for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

    Source: US State of California

    Tuesday, March 18, 2025

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

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a legal alert reminding local California jurisdictions (localities) of the requirements under State law to streamline and expedite the permitting of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. In 2015, the California Legislature adopted Assembly Bill (AB) 1236 (Chiu) (codified at Government Code section 65850.7) followed by AB 970 (McCarty) (codified at Government Code section 65850.71) in 2021, which created a state-mandated local program to streamline permits for EV charging stations. With California’s goal of transitioning the state to 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, widespread deployment of EV charging stations is key to achieving this goal and ensuring that EV charging infrastructure is available to meet growing demand. However, noncompliance with AB 1236 and AB 970 hinders California’s transition to electrification. In today’s legal alert, Attorney General Bonta highlights common compliance issues occurring statewide, as well as resources for localities to address these issues.

    “The global fight against climate change requires bold action and system solutions. Deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a step in the right direction, empowering communities to transition to clean energy and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and in California, we have state laws that do just that,” said Attorney General Bonta. “With today’s alert, we are reminding localities that they must comply with state law in streamlining the permitting of this infrastructure, as well as removing unreasonable barriers that prevent deployment statewide, which will improve air quality and mitigate climate impacts for generations to come.”  

    Requirements Under EV Charging Streamlining Laws

    Below are key legal requirements covered by the legal alert. 

    • Localities Must Approve EV Charging Stations Ministerially. Localities must approve an EV charging station permit application unless the locality finds, based on substantial evidence, that the charging station would have a “specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety.”
    • Streamlining Laws Supersede Local Zoning Codes and Cover All Installation Types. Localities must ministerially approve EV charging permit applications regardless of siting location and local zoning regulations, and regardless of the type or size of the proposed installation.
    • Accelerated Permitting Timelines. Applications are deemed complete either 5 or 10 business days after submission depending on the number of EV charging stations proposed. Upon completion, localities have 20 or 40 business days to approve the complete permit application, depending on the number of chargers.
    • Local Ordinance Requirements. Localities must adopt ordinances that create an expedited and streamlined permitting process for EV charging stations.

    RESOURCES

    For localities seeking additional guidance or support, resources include:

    • California Building Officials, “AB 1236 Tool Kit: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Ordinances and Staff Report Templates – Large Jurisdictions.”
    • Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), “CA Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit Streamlining Map.”
    • GO-Biz, “Plug-In Vehicle Readiness.”
    • GO-Biz, “Permitting Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Scorecard.”
    • GO-Biz, “Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permitting Guidebook” (2d Ed.) (Jan. 2023).
    • UC Berkeley Center for Law, Energy, & the Environment, “Equitable EV Action Plan Framework” (Dec. 2024).
    • UC Berkeley Center for Law, Energy, & the Environment, “EV Equity Roadmap.”

    A copy of the alert is available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Average price reduction due to fixation or refixation of prices under National List of Essential Medicines, 2022 resulted in estimated annual savings of approximately ₹3,788 crore to patients

    Source: Government of India

    Average price reduction due to fixation or refixation of prices under National List of Essential Medicines, 2022 resulted in estimated annual savings of approximately ₹3,788 crore to patients

    Under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana quality medicines are offered through Jan Aushadhi Kendras at 50% to 80% lower rates than the prices of branded medicines available in the market

    Under the Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) initiative, medicines, implants, surgical disposables and other consumables are provided at significant discounts of up to 50% of market rates through AMRIT Pharmacy stores

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 4:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notifies the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), which is incorporated as Schedule-I to the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO, 2013). The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) fixes ceiling prices of these scheduled medicines in accordance with the provisions of DPCO, 2013. All manufacturers and marketers of scheduled medicines are required to sell their products within the ceiling price (plus applicable Goods and Service Tax) fixed by the NPPA. Further, NPPA fixes the retail price of new drugs, as defined in DPCO, 2013. For applicant manufacturers and their marketers, who too are required to sell the new drug within the price notified by NPPA. In respect of non-scheduled formulations, manufacturers are required to not increase the Maximum Retail Price of the drugs launched by them by more than 10% during the preceding 12 months. As on 12.3.2025, ceiling prices of 928 scheduled formulations and retail prices of over 3,200 new drugs stood fixed by NPPA. The average price reduction due to fixation or refixation  of prices under NLEM, 2022 was about 17%, resulting in estimated annual savings of approximately ₹3,788 crore to patients. Details of prices fixed by NPPA are available on its website (www.nppaindia.nic.in ).

    Besides price regulation, Government has also enabled access to affordable essential medicines through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), under which quality medicines are offered through Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) at rates that are typically 50% to 80% lower than the prices of branded medicines available in the market. In addition, under the Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) initiative of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, medicines for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases, implants, surgical disposables and other consumables etc. are provided at significant discounts of up to 50% of market rates through AMRIT Pharmacy stores set up in some hospitals/institutions. Also, to ensure availability of essential drugs and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure of patients visiting public health facilities, Government has rolled out the Free Drugs Service Initiative under the National Health Mission under which  financial support is provided to State and Union Territory Governments for 106 drugs at the Sub-Health Centre level, 172 drugs at the Primary Health Centre level, 300 drugs at the Community Health Centre level, 318 drugs at the Sub-District Health level and 381 drugs at the District Hospitals.

    Currently, 2,047 medicines and 300 surgicals, medical consumables and devices are under the PMBJP scheme product basket, covering all major therapeutic groups, such as cardiovascular, anti-cancers, anti-diabetic, anti-infectives, anti-allergic and gastro-intestinal medicines and nutraceuticals etc. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has set the target to increase the product basket to 2,100 medicines and 310 surgicals, medical consumables and devices by 31.3.2025.

    The prices of both scheduled and non-scheduled drugs are monitored by NPPA. Monitoring activities are based on references from State/UT Price Monitoring Resource Units (PMRUs), State Drugs Controllers (SDCs), market samples, market-based databases and complaints received through the Pharma Jan Samadhan (PJS) portal, Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)  and other reliable sources. Instances of overcharging are dealt with by NPPA under relevant provisions of DPCO, 2013.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

    *****

    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2112308) Visitor Counter : 62

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff Condemn Trump Administration’s Gutting of Education Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
    Senators to Education Secretary: “We will not stand by as you attempt to turn back the clock on education in this country”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Trump and Elon Musk attack public education in America by closing offices and laying off 1,300 workers at the Department of Education, Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined 36 Democratic colleagues in expressing outrage at the Administration’s reckless and illegal firing of half of the workforce at the U.S. Department of Education, which will cripple America’s education system and impact students in California and across the country.
    California’s public education system, supported by the Department of Education, is the largest in the country. There are about 10,000 public schools in California serving over 5.8 million students. If the Department is dismantled, the nearly $8 billion in federal funding that California receives annually to support low-income students, students with disabilities, and more could be at risk. California also has the most extensive higher education system in the nation, including the largest number of Pell Grant recipients who rely on Education Department staff to help them attend college. Abolishing the Department of Education would have devastating impacts on California schools, students, faculty, communities, and the economy.
    “At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, when 60 percent of people live paycheck to paycheck, millions of Americans cannot afford higher education, and 40 percent of our nation’s 4th graders and 33 percent of 8th graders read below basic proficiency, it is a national disgrace that the Trump Administration is attempting to illegally abolish the Department of Education and thus, undermine a high-quality education for our students,” wrote the Senators.
    The Senators noted that these layoffs and closures will have devastating effects on the nation’s students, including by limiting the Department’s ability to guarantee that federal funding reaches communities that rely on it, ensure students can access federal financial aid, and uphold students’ civil rights. Not even 24 hours after the staff reductions were announced, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) experienced a glitch that prevented students and families from accessing the application. Education Department workers responsible for fixing it had reportedly been fired.
    “[The layoffs] would also mean decreased enforcement of rights for children with disabilities and fewer resources for students from low-income backgrounds and children with disabilities, like the 26 million students from low-income backgrounds and over 100,000 public schools in every community across this country that rely on Title I funding; the 7.5 million students with disabilities who benefit under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the 7 million students who receive Pell grants to help access higher education,” continued the Senators.
    “We will not stand by as you attempt to turn back the clock on education in this country through gutting the Department of Education,” concluded the Senators. “Our nation’s public schools, colleges, and universities are preparing the next generation of America’s leaders—we must take steps to strengthen education in this country, not take a wrecking ball to the agency that exists to do so.”
    California, 19 other states, and Washington, D.C. have sued the Trump Administration for these reckless cuts and are pushing a federal judge to reinstate the 1,300 fired Education Department workers.
    The letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon was led by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. In addition to Padilla, Schiff, and Sanders, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    Last month, Senator Padilla blasted President Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education, underscoring the enormous threat the Trump Administration poses to the education of millions of students in California and across the country. Senator Padilla joined Senator Warren and his Senate colleagues in launching a probe into reports that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) infiltrated the Department of Education and gained access to federal student loan data, which includes millions of borrowers’ personal information. The Senators sent a follow-up letter raising concerns about the Department of Education’s “woefully inadequate,” “misleading” response to their inquiry.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary McMahon:
    We write to express our outrage that you, President Trump, and unelected billionaire Elon Musk are taking steps to abolish the Department of Education (“the Department”) and eliminate educational opportunities for millions of students across the country, something that 61 percent of Americans oppose. This most recently includes a 50 percent cut to the workforce, resulting in the termination of over 1,300 workers at the Department of Education, as well as the abrupt, last minute closure of all Department of Education buildings beginning at 6:00 PM on the same day that these terminations were announced.
    At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, when 60 percent of people live paycheck to paycheck, millions of Americans cannot afford higher education, and 40 percent of our nation’s 4th graders and 33 percent of 8th graders read below basic proficiency,3 it is a national disgrace that the Trump Administration is attempting to illegally abolish the Department of Education and thus, undermine a high-quality education for our students.
    As Secretary of Education, you are the foremost public servant responsible for carrying out the Department of Education’s mission to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Despite that responsibility, your first act as Secretary was announcing it was your “final mission” to dismantle the Department of Education, fire the public servants who keep it running, and terminate opportunities for students in public schools, colleges, and universities across the country.
    The false claims of financial savings by dismantling the Department of Education so that billionaires can receive huge tax breaks is bad public policy and morally reprehensible. The billionaires that are in charge of our federal government right now will not be harmed by these egregious attacks: wealthy families sending their children to elite, private schools will still be able to get a quality education even if every public school disappears in this country. But for working-class families, high-quality public education is an opportunity they rely on for their children to have a path to do well in life.
    Defunding federal support for public education would result in either higher property taxes or decreased funding for public schools, including in rural areas. It would also mean decreased enforcement of rights for children with disabilities and fewer resources for students from low-income backgrounds and children with disabilities, like the 26 million students from low-income backgrounds and over 100,000 public schools in every community across this country that rely on Title I funding; the 7.5 million students with disabilities who benefit under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the 7 million students who receive Pell grants to help access higher education.
    It is undeniable that terminating 50 percent of the Department of Education’s workers will have harmful effects on public education in this country. The Department of Education already has the smallest staff of the 15 Cabinet agencies despite having the third largest discretionary budget, behind only the Departments of Defense and Health and Human Services. These reductions will have devastating impacts on our nation’s students and we are deeply concerned that without staff, the Department will be unable to fulfill critical functions, such as ensuring students can access federal financial aid, upholding students’ civil rights, and guaranteeing that federal funding reaches communities promptly and is well-spent. Not even 24 hours after the staff reductions were announced, the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) experienced a glitch that prevented students and families from accessing the application, but the staff normally responsible for fixing those errors had reportedly been cut. The Department has also reportedly shuttered several regional offices responsible for investigating potential violations of students’ civil rights in local schools. We are deeply alarmed that cases will go uninvestigated and that students will be left in unsafe learning environments as a result.
    The Trump Administration also says it wants to ‘return education back to the states.’ Let us be very clear—public education is already run by states and local school boards. While just 11 percent of public education is federally funded, the Department of Education has a necessary and irreplaceable responsibility to implement federal laws that ensure equal opportunity for all children in this country. These laws guarantee fundamental protections, such as ensuring that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, that students from low-income backgrounds and students of color will not be disproportionately taught by less experienced and qualified teachers, and that parents will receive information about their child’s academic achievement.
    Without the Department of Education, there is no guarantee that states would uphold students’ civil and educational rights. Let us not forget that it was federal troops who protected the “Little Rock Nine” from a violent mob of segregationists when they integrated Central High School in the wake of the Brown v. Board U.S. Supreme Court decision. Not only was the state not going to provide this protection, but it was then-Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus who ordered the state’s National Guard to bar Black students from entering the school. Even today, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regularly investigates and resolves complaints of student discrimination related to students’ race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability status.
    We will not stand by as you attempt to turn back the clock on education in this country through gutting the Department of Education. Our nation’s public schools, colleges, and universities are preparing the next generation of America’s leaders—we must take steps to strengthen education in this country, not take a wrecking ball to the agency that exists to do so.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Recycling policy for lithium-ion batteries – E-002700/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission acknowledges the importance of recycling of lithium-ion batteries. It has approved two Important Projects of Common European Interest[1] (IPCEI) on batteries, with one of the workstreams fully dedicated to repurposing, recycling and refining.

    These IPCEIs have secured EUR 6.1 billion in funding and will unlock up to EUR 14 billion of additional private investments.

    The Commission has also established the co-programmed partnership on battery research and innovation called ‘BATT4EU’ under Horizon Europe[2], which covers the full value chain and, so far, EUR 115 million[3] are going into innovative recycling and circularity projects.

    The latest Innovation Fund[4] call launched in December 2024 supports with EUR 1 billion electric vehicle battery cell manufacturing projects. Recycling activities can be integrated into projects eligible under this call.

    The Commission is committed to ensuring a skilled workforce for the recycling industry. The Battery Academy[5], established in 2022 by EIT InnoEnergy[6] with the support of the Commission, is providing training for the battery industry, and the planned EU Academies under the Net-Zero Industry Act[7] will provide reskilling and upskilling opportunities.

    The Batteries Regulation[8] provides incentives for the development of the recycling industry by introducing targets on recycling, material recovery and recycled content.

    Under the Critical Raw Materials Act[9], the Commission will identify as strategic projects those which will enhance the European raw material value chain, including recycling, and contributing to reaching the benchmark of 25% EU recycling capacity.

    The Commission with Member States and financial institutions will work on providing additional support measures.

    • [1] A two-part IPCEI has been implemented to promote battery production: the IPCEI on Batteries and the IPCEI European Battery Innovation (EuBatIn). https://www.ipcei-batteries.eu/
    • [2] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
    • [3] This is around 19% of the presently allocated budget.
    • [4] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-funding-climate-action/innovation-fund_en
    • [5] https://www.eba250.com/eba-academy/?cn-reloaded=1
    • [6] EIT InnoEnergy is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
    • [7] Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724, OJ L, 2024/1735, 28.6.2024, p. 1.
    • [8] Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 concerning batteries and waste batteries, amending Directive 2008/98/EC and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Directive 2006/66/EC, OJ L 191, 28.7.2023, p. 1.
    • [9] Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020, OJ L, 2024/1252, 3.5.2024, p. 1.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Draft agenda – Wednesday, 2 April 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    22 Guidelines for the 2026 budget – Section III
    Andrzej Halicki     – Amendments Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 13:00 28 Protocol on the Implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024-2029)
    Eric Sargiacomo     – (possibly) Amendments Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 13:00 18 Strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement
    Malik Azmani     – (possibly) Amendments Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 13:00 42 Action Plan for the Automotive Industry     – Motions for resolutions Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Monday, 31 March 2025, 19:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Monday, 31 March 2025, 20:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Tuesday, 1 April 2025, 13:00 24 Energy-intensive industries     – Motion for a resolution Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Friday, 28 March 2025, 12:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Monday, 31 March 2025, 19:00 11 Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150)     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 31 March 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 2 April 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 2 April 2025, 14:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 28 March 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 31 March 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 1 April 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 2 April 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Funding for Modul University Vienna – E-000458/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Council Implementing Decision 2022/2056 (CID)[1] sets out measures to protect the EU budget from breaches of the principles of the rule of law in Hungary under the mechanism established by the Conditionality Regulation[2].

    Under Article 2(2) of the CID no legal commitments shall be entered into with any public interest trust established on the basis of the Hungarian Act IX of 2021 or any entity maintained by such a public interest trust.

    The CID stipulates in its Article 2 that the Commission (and the implementing bodies that it entrusts with budget implementation in indirect management such as the Erasmus+ National Agency in Hungary) cannot enter into legal commitments with these public interest trusts or entities maintained by them, as listed in the annex to this Act.

    This list includes 25 higher education institutions where there is a risk of possible conflicts of interest in the boards of these trusts.

    As regards the Modul University Vienna, an assessment of its ownership structure, carried out by the Erasmus+ National Agency in Austria on the basis of documentation provided by the university itself, concluded that since 12 May 2023 it is to be considered an entity maintained by Mathias Corvinus Collegium, a public interest trust listed in the annex to the Hungarian Act IX of 2021. Communication on this assessment was conducted exclusively with Modul University.

    EU-funded projects, including under Erasmus+, managed by entities that are not concerned by the Hungarian Act IX of 2021, continue to be implemented.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2022/2506/oj/eng
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/2092/oj/eng
    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Common transport policy: overview – 24-07-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Transport policy has been one of the EU’s common policies for more than 30 years. Alongside the opening-up of transport markets and the creation of the Trans-European Transport Network, the ‘sustainable mobility’ model will take on even greater importance between now and 2020 – particularly in view of the constant rise in greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, which threatens to jeopardise the European Union’s efforts to achieve its climate goals. toto

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Test 1 Vanessa – 09-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    In July 2023, the European Commission tabled a package of three proposals for the greening of freight transport. Among them is a proposal for a single methodology for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport services, referred to as CountEmissionsEU. The initiative covers both freight and passenger transport. It seeks to ensure that GHG emissions data provided regarding transport services are reliable and accurate, to allow fair comparison between transport services. It establishes a methodological framework but does not govern where it has to be used. Nonetheless, if an organisation decides to calculate and disclose information on GHG emissions from transport services it needs to use the methodology provided. To avoid extra red tape for small and medium-sized enterprises, the proposal exempts these companies from mandatory verification of adherence to the rules. In the European Parliament, the file has been dealt with through the joint committee procedure, involving the Committees on Transport and Tourism and on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. The committees adopted their joint report on 4 March 2024. Parliament voted on its first-reading position during its April I plenary session. The new Parliament will now decide whether to enter into trilogue negotiations with the Council.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Croatia’s investment momentum remains strong in 2024, but competitiveness challenges persist

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Croatia’s economy grew steadily in 2024, supported by EU funds, the euro adoption, and financial instruments like EFSI and InvestEU
    • Key barriers: 84% of Croatian exporters face differing EU regulations, digital adoption lags behind (62% vs. EU’s 74%), and energy costs remain high.
    • A conference jointly organised with the Croatian National Bank explored the EIB Investment Survey 2024 for Croatia and the EIB Investment Report 2024/2025, highlighting solutions such as market integration, green investments, and mobilizing private co-investors.

    The Croatian economy kept the strong dynamic during 2024 after the rebound in 2022-2023. This was possible thanks to collective efforts by European Union Member States, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, EU funds and financial instruments like EFSI and InvestEU. Moreover, the euro adoption in Croatia represented a strategic shift and new business opportunities, driving the good investment momentum.

    Nevertheless, in the new geopolitical context, in order to increase competitiveness, the urgency of further action is enhanced both for the EU as a whole and for Croatia. According to the new EIB Investment Report 2024/2025, the solution toolkit comprises: (1) unlocking business opportunities via market integration and simplification (2) leveraging European strengths such as green leadership and an inclusive social model (3) maximising the impact of public-sector intervention through targeted support, EU coordination and focus on incentives that mobilise private co-investors.

    According to the latest EIBIS for Croatia, the business environment remains a concern. The availability of skilled staff, uncertainty about the future and energy costs remain the top three investment barriers while more than eight in 10 Croatian exporters (84%) report having to comply with different standards and consumer-protection rules across EU countries, above the EU average (60%). Moreover, there is a continued need of transformative investments as adoption of advanced digital technologies in Croatia is below EU peers (62% versus 74% respectively). Moreover, although most of Croatian firms (87%) have taken measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with EU firms, there is still more to do for all EU countries. Croatian firms are also less likely than EU firms to have invested in sustainable transport options and energy efficiency.

    At an event in Zagreb organised jointly with the Croatian National Bank (CNB), the European Investment Bank (EIB) today discussed the  EIB Investment Survey 2024 for Croatia  and key policy messages of the EIB Investment Report 2024/2025: Innovation, integration and simplification in Europe, focusing on the new insights on Croatian companies’ challenges and opportunities.

    Opening remarks were made by EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, Croatian National Bank Governor Boris Vujčić and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Marko Primorac. A presentation by Debora Revoltella, the EIB’s chief economist, assessed the state of the EU and Croatian economies through the EIBIS lens to understand their current performance, business prospects, concerns and enablers for a coordinated policy response.

    Croatian National Bank Governor Boris Vujčić said: “Croatia and the whole of Europe have been facing major challenges in preserving competitiveness in an unstable global environment. In order for Croatian companies to be able to leverage growth opportunities, it is necessary to provide them with access to venture capital and alternative financing sources as well as to strengthen links between European capital markets. This conference provides us with an opportunity to jointly discuss present obstacles and new solutions for the financing of growth and innovations in order to ensure that the Croatian economy remains competitive in a rapidly changing world.”

    EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska said: “The EIB Investment Survey, conducted across all EU member states, provides a powerful policy tool to better understand the challenges and barriers, helping to create our strategy and to respond to the identified market gaps with targeted policy response. To address the gap of scale-up financing, the EIB Group provides a diversified type of financing for corporates: loans, guarantees, venture debt and private equity. For Croatia in particular, we reinforced during 2024 the innovation ecosystem with investments in equity funds through the Croatian Venture Capital Initiative 2 (CVCi 2) and the Croatian Growth Investment Programme II (CROGIP II), benefiting hundreds of startups and high-growth enterprises.”

    “In the context of mounting pressure from international competition, Europe could reinforce its position as a global technology leader by focusing on three areas: market integration, simplification and large-scale investment in innovation,” said EIB Chief Economist Debora Revoltella “For large-scale investments for innovation and transformation, European firms need market scale to remain globally competitive. Larger and deeper capital markets are instrumental to mobilising higher-risk finance for innovation and the green transformation.”

    The panel discussion in the second session of the conference, composed of representatives of the EIB Group and players in the local financial market such as the Zagreb Stock Exchange, the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (HANFA) and co-founders of innovative startups, discussed the availability of growth finance for Croatian firms, the role of the stock market, private equity funds and financial market integration and depth. Both the Croatian and the EU financial systems are still ill-suited to properly finance the green and digital transformations and the high-growth innovative segment, especially on the scale-up face. The European financial system depends heavily on banking and this focus continues to constrain specific investment as firms do not have many alternative funding sources to support risky investments, especially in the early stage of growth. Nevertheless, recent initiatives for alternative financing of Croatian firms are encouraging. Moreover, reducing the fragmentation of EU capital markets and simplifying regulation may offer a better and more productive use of Europe’s substantial savings.

    Background information  

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group’s New Financing in Croatia Reaches Record €1.24 Billion in 2024

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB Group financing in Croatia rose to €1.24 billion last year from €464 million in 2023.
    • Focus on Croatian railways, cities and businesses in record year for commitments.
    • Climate action in Croatia received €721 million in support last year.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group’s new financing in Croatia has reached a record level of €1.24 billion last year, with major support aimed at greening transport, cities and businesses. The total financing for 2024 included €937 million from the EIB and €303,2 million from the European Investment Fund (EIF), which focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as Mid-Caps in Europe.

    EIB Group financing in Croatia last year amounted to 1.4% of its gross domestic product (GDP), whereof a third dedicated to the support of  Croatian SMEs and Midcaps throughout the intermediation of the Croatian banking system. The level of support rose 167% from €464 million in 2023.

    The largest EIB loan signed last year was a €400 million financing to the Croatian government to upgrade and expand rail infrastructure and services throughout the country – part of a €900 million agreement that marks the EIB’s largest-ever financing operation in Croatia. Other key initiatives included EIB loans of €207 million to the city of Zagreb to promote renewable energy, affordable housing and public transport, €200 million to the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development, or HBOR, to expand green and other financing for a range of companies and €30 million financing for the increase of renewable energy production (Kiepach/ Go Green project) implemented by HEP.

    “Our record investments in Croatia in 2024 are a testament to our unwavering commitment to the country’s sustainable growth,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska. “We are deepening our engagement, unlocking new financing for businesses, modernising critical infrastructure and promoting innovation. Working closely with national and local authorities as well as with private-sector partners, we are helping to build a greener, more competitive and resilient Croatia.”

    The latest annual results bring total EIB Group financing in Croatia over the past five years to almost €3.1 billion. The annual average in the country since 2020 has been €613 million.

    Green gains, social support and firm financing

    Last year, projects to advance climate action and environmental sustainability in Croatia received EIB Group support totalling €721 million.

    The €400 million loan to the Croatian government in 2024 is meant to improve rail travel for 22 million passengers annually, accelerate regional development, encourage a shift away from road transport and reduce emissions that cause climate change.

    The €207 million loan to Zagreb reflects increased EIB Group support for Croatian cities to promote cleaner energy, urban mobility and essential cultural and social infrastructure such as schools, kindergartens and affordable housing. Such financing also helps cities absorb faster the grants from the European Union.

    In response to a rising need for affordable homes, the EIB last year also agreed to provide advisory services to five major Croatian cities: Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek and Varaždin. The goal is to help expand social housing and promote inclusive urban development.

    In the area of business financing, the €200 million loan to HBOR is part of a €500 million approved commitment to help Croatian companies lower their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. The EIB is also advising HBOR and other key financial institutions in Croatia on enhancing their green-funding capacity.

    The EIF teamed up with the EIB to offer €169 million to Privredna Banka Zagreb and €160 million to Erste Croatia to expand financing for businesses. The EIF further reinforced Croatia’s innovation ecosystem with investments in equity funds through the Croatian Venture Capital Initiative 2 (CVCi 2)  and the Croatian Growth Investment Programme II (CROGIP II), benefiting hundreds of start-ups and high-growth enterprises. EIF’s equity fund investments in the country also included one of its first commitments to a CEE-based infrastructure fund and, additionally, €40 million was pledged to the Vesna Deep Tech Venture Fund, supporting Croatia’s first technology transfer fund that also represents a cross-border initiative with Slovenia, fostering innovation and collaboration between academia and businesses. Altogether, the EIF experienced a record year in Croatia in terms of investments in funds managed by local teams, which now cover a broad range of strategies, from early-stage venture capital, technology transfer, growth investments and social impact to investments in infrastructure projects.

    Background information  

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Team Europe provides nearly €60 million for digital connectivity in rural Central Asia

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • A €34.4 million EU grant and a €25.45 million EIB Global loan will support access to broadband services through satellite connectivity in approximately 1 600 villages in Central Asia.
    • The financial package will enable the deployment of satellite terminal antennas connected to SES’ medium earth orbit satellite network.
    • This Team Europe initiative aims to empower approximately three million people in remote areas by providing fast and reliable internet access.

    EIB Global – the European Investment Bank’s global arm – and the European Commission have signed a financial package worth almost €60 million with SES, a Europe-based provider of satellite-enabled content and connectivity solutions.This initiative aims to deliver satellite connectivity to remote rural areas in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

    Nearly half of the population in Central Asia does not have access to the internet. The project aims to reduce this figure by bringing broadband internet services to approximately 1 600 underserved villages across rural areas in the region. These communities currently have no access to broadband services, leaving millions without connection to the digital world. Through satellite technology, high-speed internet can be deployed in these remote areas, transforming the lives of an estimated three million people. This initiative will help to bridge the digital gap and also support Central Asia’s broader transition to a digital economy.

    “Beyond simply connecting people, connectivity infrastructures are pathways to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. This initiative is helping to address the digital divide and promoting global connectivity, which is a priority for EIB Global. This is an excellent example of cooperation under Team Europe for digital inclusion and human empowerment, and will also provide the European Union’s partners in Central Asia with know-how and expertise on secure and trusted digital connections,” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris, who oversees the Bank’s operations in Central Asia.

    This project is fully aligned with the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, which promotes investment in secure and sustainable infrastructure to connect people and improve lives across the world. It serves as a key driver of the Team Europe initiative for digital connectivity in Central Asia.

    “The European Union and Central Asia are working together to improve the internet connection in the whole region. European technology and our Central Asian partners’ expertise can ensure that more people have access to fast and secure internet, supporting business growth, creating new jobs and improving living conditions in local communities. By investing in digital connectivity, we are bridging gaps, creating opportunities, and ensuring that Central Asia has the necessary resources to benefit fully from the digital economy,” said European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela.

    The project will leverage SES’s O3b mPOWER medium earth orbit satellite network expansion, which is partially financed by the EIB through a €125 million loan provided earlier this year. The satellite network expansion will facilitate the delivery of high-speed broadband services to these remote areas, ensuring reliable and scalable digital infrastructure.

    “Securing this combined EU grant and EIB Global loan demonstrates that SES’ financial foundation is solid and that it is trusted by European institutions to provide reliable satellite services. SES has already done great work on large-scale digital inclusion projects by investing in satellite systems that deliver seamless connectivity in the most remote parts of the world. We are looking forward to reaping the benefits of O3b mPOWER in Central Asia, accelerated by the European Investment Bank’s partial funding to expand our MEO satellites,” said Global Head of Enterprise and Cloud at SES Nadine Allen.

    Background information

    About EIB Global

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 — around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    About SES

    SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on Earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless data connectivity services around the world. As a provider of global content and connectivity solutions, SES owns and operates a geosynchronous orbit fleet and medium earth orbit (GEO-MEO) constellation of satellites, offering a combination of global coverage and high-performance services. Using its intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES delivers high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners around the world. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). 

    Team Europe provides nearly €60 million for digital connectivity in rural Central Asia
    Team Europe provides nearly €60 million for digital connectivity in rural Central Asia
    ©EIB
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    Team Europe provides nearly €60 million for digital connectivity in rural Central Asia
    Team Europe provides nearly €60 million for digital connectivity in rural Central Asia
    ©EIB
    Download original
    Team Europe provides nearly €60 million for digital connectivity in rural Central Asia
    Team Europe provides nearly €60 million for digital connectivity in rural Central Asia
    ©EIB
    Download original
    Team Europe provides nearly €60 million for digital connectivity in rural Central Asia
    Team Europe provides nearly €60 million for digital connectivity in rural Central Asia
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Global helps improve air traffic control system in Serbia and Montenegro

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The EU bank is investing €25 million to make the air navigation system in Serbia and Montenegro safer and more efficient.
    • The loan will help to develop and implement cutting-edge software in line with the highest standards of the Single European Sky initiative.
    • As one of its leading supporters, EIB Global has invested €6.6 billion so far in the transport sector in the Western Balkans, helping to make transport networks in the region safer and more sustainable.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) will provide a €25 million loan to upgrade the air navigation control system in Serbia and Montenegro. State-of-the-art equipment and software will enable SMATSA, the air navigation service provider in both countries, to implement the highest operational and safety standards, ensuring interoperability and optimising flight routes. The project aims to make air traffic management over Serbia and Montenegro more efficient, improving safety and delivering environmental benefits to European air travel.

    The investment will be used to develop a new software solution for air traffic management in line with the requirements set out by Eurocontrol (the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation) and the Digital European Sky strategy, contributing to digitalisation and automation. This initiative will enable SMATSA – which currently manages around 9% of all European flights – to keep abreast of the latest technologies, while also improving the connections between its control centers in Belgrade, Podgorica, Tivat, Batajnica, Kraljevo and Niš. In this way, the project will help reduce operational costs, shorten flight times, minimise delays and CO2 emissions, while improving connectivity within the Western Balkans and with the EU.

    Co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), this project is part of the European Commission’s Economic and Investment Plan aimed at fostering connectivity and regional integration. As one of its leading supporters, EIB Global has invested €6.6 billion in total in the transport sector in the Western Balkans, helping to create safer and more sustainable transport networks in the region.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint Against Aircraft Used by Nicolás Maduro Moros in Violation of U.S. Sanctions and Export Control Laws

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Note: View the forfeiture complaint.

    The United States today filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Southern District of Florida against a Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, bearing tail number T7-ESPRT, which was smuggled from the United States under false pretenses and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros (Maduro) and his representatives in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (the Maduro Regime) in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws. The aircraft was seized last year in the Dominican Republic at the request of the United States.

    Today’s filing alleges that the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was purchased and maintained in violation of U.S. sanctions against Maduro and the Maduro Regime. According to the complaint, the aircraft is forfeitable based on violations of U.S. law, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and money laundering violations.

    Since 2014, the United States has imposed sanctions against targeted individuals, entities, and sectors in Venezuela to address the increasing political oppression and corruption in Venezuela by the Maduro Regime. On March 8, 2015, the President found that the situation in Venezuela constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and declared a national emergency pursuant to IEEPA to deal with that threat. See Executive Order (E.O.) 13692.

    In 2017, 2018, and 2019, President Trump took additional steps regarding the national emergency declared in E.O. 13692. On Aug. 5, 2019, the President issued E.O. 13884 “in light of the continued usurpation of power by Nicolás Maduro and persons affiliated with him, as well as human rights abuses, including arbitrary or unlawful arrest and detention of Venezuelan citizens, interference with freedom of expression, including for members of the media, and ongoing attempts to undermine Interim President Juan Guaidó and the Venezuelan National Assembly’s exercise of legitimate authority in Venezuela.”

    E.O. 13884 prohibits the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the order, including the Government of Venezuela and the Maduro Regime; the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person; and, any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in the order.

    The complaint alleges that on or about Jan. 23, 2023, a company purportedly based in the Caribbean island country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Foreign Company 1) entered into a contract to purchase the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft from a company in Florida for $13,250,000. The complaint further alleges that the individual in charge of purchasing the aircraft purportedly on behalf of Foreign Company 1 was a Venezuelan national (Foreign Principal 1), who concealed the fact that he was representing or associated with the Maduro Regime.

    The complaint further alleges that Foreign Company 1 merely acted as a nominee owner of the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft as it was formed shortly before the purchase, in June 2022, and was struck from the register of St. Vincent companies for failure to pay annual fees two years later, in May 2024.

    The complaint further alleges that funds used to purchase the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft were sent via multiple wire transfers from different countries, including Malaysia, using both U.S. dollars and euros, and that Foreign Company 1 used an email address with a “.ae” domain from the United Arab Emirates to correspond with the Florida-based seller even though Foreign Company 1’s representatives allegedly had Spanish names and some of the emails contained the phrase “Enviado desde mi iPhone,” or Spanish for “Sent from my iPhone.”

    The complaint further alleges that the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was flown from the United States to St. Vincent on or about April 3, 2023, and approximately five hours later, it departed for Caracas, Venezuela, piloted by two members of the Venezuelan Presidential Honor Guard, and accompanied by a second aircraft that operates out of a Venezuelan military base.

    The complaint further alleges that, since May 2023, the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft has flown to and from Venezuela at least 21 times and Maduro has been seen traveling with the aircraft on official visits to other countries, including for a December 2023 prisoner exchange with the United States.

    As alleged, in March 2024, the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft was flown to the Dominican Republic for service and maintenance where Foreign Company 1 held itself out to be the owner, concealing from the Dominican-based jet maintenance company that the aircraft had been purchased and operated for benefit of the Maduro Regime.

    The complaint further alleges that on at least two occasions in May 2024, Foreign Principal 1, purportedly acting on behalf of Foreign Company 1, and other Venezuelan individuals, including military personnel, attempted to retrieve the Dassault Falcon aircraft from the Dominican Republic.

    Following the attempts by the Venezuelan individuals to retrieve the Dassault Falcon 900 EX aircraft, the U.S. government obtained a seizure warrant and requested that the Dominican Republic seize, detain, and transfer the Dassault Falcon aircraft. Pursuant to U.S. request, the aircraft was transported back to the United States on Sept. 2, 2024. That same day, the Maduro Regime issued a statement admitting the Dassault Falcon aircraft “has been used by” Maduro.

    A second Dassault Falcon aircraft identified by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as blocked property of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), the sanctioned Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural-gas company, and illegally serviced and maintained in violation of U.S. sanctions, also was seized in the Dominican Republic at the request of the United States government on Feb. 6, 2025.

    The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security Miami Field Office is investigating the case, along with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Santo Domingo.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Paster and Jorge Delgado for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the matter.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and HSI El Dorado Task Force Miami provided significant assistance in working with authorities in the Dominican Republic. The United States thanks the Dominican Republic for its assistance in this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: High-Ranking Member of “Black Rain” Drug Crew Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for His Involvement in Three Cold Case Murders

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Jerome Jones, also known as “Sha,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis to 30 years’ imprisonment for his role in the 1991 murder of Oscar Flow and the 1992 murders of Robert Arroyo and Dorothy Taylor—all related to Jones’ narcotics trafficking operation.  Jones pleaded guilty in August 2024. 

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.

    “Jones now faces decades in prison for his role in a violent drug organization and for several vicious killings committed within less than one year.  His sentence is a reminder that no matter how much time has passed, my Office and our law enforcement partners will not rest until murderers like the defendant are held accountable and justice is served for their victims,” stated United States Attorney Durham.   

    Mr. Durham expressed his thanks to the FBI and the NYPD for their outstanding investigative work and the Queens District Attorney’s Office for its assistance.

    Jones was a high-ranking member of “Black Rain,” a Queen-based drug trafficking organization that sold narcotics at several locations on Rockaway Boulevard in the late 1980s and early 1990s.  The organization was responsible for poisoning the community with massive quantities of various drugs: heroin sold as “Black Rain,” cocaine sold as “White Lightning,” and crack sold as “Thunder.”  In the early 1990s, a single Black Rain drug spot brought in more than $10,000 per day in drug sales. To protect its profitable operation and to punish those who crossed its leaders, Black Rain members committed multiple acts of violence, including murders.

    In December 1991, Jones murdered Oscar Flow in Springfield Gardens, Queens, after he learned that Flow had stolen from one of Black Rain’s drug spots and that the victim’s sneaker matched a muddy footprint on the roof of the location that had been robbed.  Jones and a co-conspirator shot Flow multiple times.  Jones later boasted to an underling that Flow got “six in the head” for stealing from Black Rain.

    In September 1992, Robert Arroyo was murdered in the vicinity of 128th Street and Rockaway Boulevard in South Ozone Park, Queens, where Jones managed a drug spot.  Jones recruited and paid two co-conspirators to kill Arroyo, who Jones suspected was a drug trafficking competitor and a police informant.  In their first attempt, the recruits mistakenly shot and seriously wounded another man they incorrectly believed to be Arroyo.  That victim survived.  The hit team finally located Arroyo on a crowded street and shot him repeatedly, killing him.

    In November 1992, Jones again paid a co-conspirator to murder Dorothy Taylor, who the defendant blamed for having a Black Rain drug spot shut down by law enforcement when she failed to pay the rent and city marshals padlocked the apartment.  Taylor was shot to the death in the driveway of her home by the co-conspirator.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Tanya Hajjar, Emily J. Dean, Lindsey R. Oken, and Raffaela S. Belizaire are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Theodore Rader.

    The Defendant:

    JEROME JONES (also known as “Sha”)
    Age: 60
    West Virginia

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-54 (NGG)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Immigration Violation Charges for the Northern District of Ohio

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLEVELAND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) has announced that federal grand juries in the Northern District of Ohio have returned indictments for the following individuals on charges of immigration law violations. These are separate and unrelated cases filed during the months of January and February 2025.

    Yeixon Brito-Gonzalez, aka Yiexon Maikenedy Brito-Gonzalez, 21, a citizen of Venezuela, was indicted on two counts of possession of a fraudulent identification document. He possessed counterfeit Legal Permanent Resident and Social Security cards. Brito-Gonzalez was arrested Jan. 30, 2025, in Sandusky, Ohio. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Sandusky Bay Station.

    Juan A. Cabrera-Claros, 42, a citizen of El Salvador, was indicted on one charge of illegal re-entry into the United States. He has been previously removed three times: July 13, 2011; Nov. 23, 2011; and Feb. 22, 2013. Cabrera-Claros was arrested Feb. 15, 2025, in South Euclid, Ohio. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

    Mardoqueo Hernandez-Gomez, aka, Gabino Toj-Chac, 31, a citizen of Guatemala, was indicted on one charge of making a false claim of citizenship to obtain a federal or state benefit, and one count of misuse of a Social Security number. On April 17, 2023, the defendant is alleged to have attempted to obtain an Ohio Driver’s License by providing a Social Security card issued to another individual. Hernandez-Gomez was arrested Jan. 16, 2025, in the state of Kansas. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by CPB Sandusky Bay Station.

    Angel Baltazar Lux-Santay, 32, a citizen of Guatemala, was indicted on one charge of illegal re-entry into the United States after having previously been removed on Sept. 12, 2019 and Jan. 20, 2020. Lux-Santay was arrested in Ashland County, Ohio, on Feb. 2, 2025. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by ICE.

    Jorge Marrero-Padilla, 36, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted on one charge of illegal re-entry into the United States. He has been previously removed four times: July 9, 2008; June 29, 2010; Nov. 13, 2010; and Dec. 26, 2012. Marrero-Padilla was arrested in Painesville, Ohio, on Jan. 15, 2025. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by ICE.

    Raul Montes-Rodriguez, 52, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted on one charge of illegal re-entry into the United States after having been removed twice from the U.S. on Jan. 21, 2014 and April 23, 2013. Montes-Rodriguez was arrested Jan. 29, 2025 in Lorain, Ohio. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by CPB Sandusky Bay Station.

    Alando Roach, 24, a citizen of Jamaica, was charged with being an undocumented alien in possession of a firearm. Roach was arrested March 3, 2025, in Youngstown, Ohio. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and ICE.

    Mariano Tomas-Aguilar, 44, a citizen of Guatemala, was indicted on one charge of illegal re-entry into the United States. He was previously removed from the U.S. five times: Aug. 14, 2008; Sept. 8, 2009; Oct. 26, 2018; Feb. 19, 2019; and March 12, 2020. Tomas-Aguilar was arrested Dec. 9, 2024, in Eastlake, Ohio. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by ICE.

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

    A team of Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the USAO’s criminal division are prosecuting these cases.

    These cases are 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 communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Smoking Marijuana in a Parked Car Leads to 6-Year Sentence for Massachusetts Felon Found with a Gun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jermaine Gillespie was subject to bail conditions when officers encountered him in a Biddeford parking lot

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

    U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Jermaine Gillespie, 31, to 72 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gillespie pleaded guilty on August 26, 2024.

    According to court records, in September 2022, Biddeford police officers responded to a report that an individual was smoking marijuana in a parked vehicle. Responding officers identified Gillespie and learned that he had existing bail conditions that prohibited the use or possession of marijuana. After a search of the vehicle, the officers recovered a 9 mm pistol. Gillespie is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his conviction history which includes a 2013 conviction in Massachusetts for assault and battery with serious bodily injury, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the Biddeford Police Department.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Mexican national guilty of federal immigration and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Nacogdoches, has pleaded guilty to federal immigration and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Joel Bustamante Moreno, 25, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by a deported alien and unlawful possession of a machine gun before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on March 18, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on February 1, 2024, Moreno was arrested after selling multiple firearms, including a 9mm pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device, also known as a Glock switch.  Machine gun conversion devices are devices that once affixed to a pistol make the pistol capable of firing automatically by a single trigger pull. These devices allow a pistol to operate as a machine gun. After the purchase, law enforcement attempted to arrest Moreno as he fled the scene in his vehicle.  Moreno wrecked the vehicle and fled on foot to a residence where he was arrested.  Moreno had been previously deported in 2019 and 2020 and did not have permission to be in the United States.

    Moreno was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 20, 2024.  Moreno faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is a violent crime reduction strategy based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Nacogdoches Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Norman Man Sentenced to Serve 18 Months in Federal Prison after Tossing Molotov Cocktail at Norman Business

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, TIM RIXT BRENS, 31, of Norman, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison for possession of an illegal Molotov cocktail, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On October 1, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Brens with possession of an unregistered destructive device, a Molotov cocktail. According to public record, on May 16, 2024, a crew with the Norman Fire Department (NFD) responded to a reported grass fire in the city. On scene, NFD observed a grass fire that had partially burned a building belonging to a towing and recovery business. NFD crews extinguished the fire and located evidence that indicated the fire was started by a Molotov cocktail. NFD reviewed surveillance footage taken from a business across the street, and observed an individual arrive in a black sports car, get out of the vehicle, and toss a Molotov cocktail at the building before fleeing in the car. An investigation into the vehicle led authorities to Brens. NFD authorities learned that Brens had another vehicle which had recently been towed to the business, that Brens was angry at the amount of money the business required to retrieve his vehicle, and that the vehicle had been sold by the towing company. 

    On November 26, 2024, Brens pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing the illegal Molotov cocktail.

    At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Brens to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Russell noted that the circumstances of the crime were dangerous and could have resulted in far more extensive damage than was ultimately caused. The judge then emphasized the need to promote deterrence to those who might engage in similar activity and highlighted the need to promote respect for the rule of law.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Norman Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stan J. West and Daniel Gridley prosecuted the case.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Road Rage Shooting Lands Oklahoma County Man in Federal Prison for More Than Seven Years for Illegal Firearm Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – JESUS FLORES, 42, of Oklahoma County, has been sentenced to serve 92 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    According to public record, on May 30, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a reported assault. Officers learned a driver, later identified as Flores, had been cut off on the highway while driving. Flores chased down the car that cut him off and shot the driver in the head, though the victim recovered from their injuries. Officers later recovered two firearms in Flores’s child’s diaper bag. On September 5, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Flores with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    Public record further reflects that Flores has a lengthy criminal history, with previous felony charges in the California Superior Court that include carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and inflicting corporal injury on an intimate partner.

    On December 17, 2024, Flores pleaded guilty and admitted he knowingly possessed two firearms despite his criminal record.

    At the sentencing hearing on March 17, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Flores to serve 92 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Russell noted the need to protect the public from further crimes by Flores.

    This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Hutzell prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of “Operation 922” and Operation “Shots Fired,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. “Operation 922” prioritizes prosecution of federal firearms violations connected to domestic violence. “Shots Fired” targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Beaumont felon guilty of federal firearms violation

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

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Cydney James Dorsey, 23, pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a prohibited person before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on March 18, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on September 8, 2024, at approximately 3:30 a.m., law enforcement officers responded to the parking lot of SNS grocery store on Concord Avenue in Beaumont as a large crowd had gathered and refused to leave.  As police attempted to dispel the crowd, Dorsey ran from them, and in the process, discarded a firearm.  Dorsey was apprehended carrying a bag that had a magazine with ammunition.  Further investigation revealed Dorsey had a previous felony conviction which prohibited him from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. 

    Dorsey was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2024.  Dorsey faces up to 15 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is a violent crime reduction strategy based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: No interest loans locked in to help ease cost of living

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The Albanese Labor Government is locking in no interest loans for the next five years with an additional $48.7 million to support Australians with the cost of living.

    The funding boost to the No Interest Loans program (NILs) will allow Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand in partnership with National Australia Bank (NAB) to continue providing no-fee, no-interest loans for essentials to eligible people.

    More than one million Australians have already benefited from NILs.

    Good Shepherd administers the scheme, with NAB providing the loan capital. The loans can be used for urgent, critical household purchases and for vehicles for transport to work and essential day-to-day use.

    Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, said the Government’s investment will help ease cost of living pressures for many Australians who need support.

    “We’re proud to support Good Shepherd and NAB to deliver no-interest loans as an alternative to other high risk, high interest products such as Buy Now Pay Later products and payday loans,” Minister Rishworth said.

    “NILs provides support that is usually unavailable to low-income earners through mainstream providers, meaning tens of thousands of vulnerable Australians can purchase the essential things they need.

    “These loans also really help people achieve independence and financial recovery in escaping family, domestic, and sexual violence. And having access to a vehicle gives many Australians the ability and independence to work, study, provide care or seek medical care.”

    The NILs program is a great example of successful partnerships with industry. The Government has provided funding to Good Shepherd for the administration of NILs since 2009. Around 25,000 general NILs loans are provided each year while nearly 10,000 NILs for Vehicles loans have been provided since this program started in 2021.

    Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand CEO Stella Avramopoulos said: “Through powerful partnerships and expanded reach, including into the Northern Territory and First Nations communities, NILs is breaking down barriers, empowering women, sole parents and families, especially those escaping domestic violence, to achieve lasting financial independence and wellbeing.

    “With 25 per cent of recipients being sole parents and 18 per cent survivors of family and domestic violence, this support isn’t just about financial assistance — it’s about providing dignity, stability, and a pathway to a better future.

    “This work is only possible because of the strength of collaboration between not-for-profits, corporates such NAB, and government. Together, we’re creating meaningful, lasting change — removing credit barriers, preventing predatory lending, and ensuring vulnerable Australians, particularly those in regional and remote communities, have access to the resources they need to recover and rebuild.”
     
    NAB Executive Sustainability Jessica Forrest said: “NILs is NAB’s longest-standing community partnership, with more than $560 million in zero-interest capital provided over 21 years. Together, we are helping more Australians access credit for life’s essentials.

    “NAB is proud to provide the loan capital that supports the Good Shepherd NILs program, and pleased to keep working with Government on backing this longstanding program. This funding will ensure more people continue to get the support they need.

    “Too often, people in financial stress turn to high-interest payday loans. No interest loans offer a safer alternative, helping Australians borrow money without having to pay any fees or interest.”

    NILs assists vulnerable Australians to access affordable loans up to $3,000 for household goods, such as fridges, washing machines and furniture, as well as education and medical expenses.

    NILs for Vehicles loans up to $5,000 can be used to purchase cars, mobility scooters and related costs such as registration or maintenance expenses.

    Individuals can apply for NILs at over 600 locations across Australia. They are available to individuals and families who can service the loan and who:

    • earn less than $70,000 gross annually as a single person or $100,000 gross as a couple or person with dependants, or
    • have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years, or
    • have a Health Care Card or Pension Card.

    More information about NILs is available on the Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand website.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Jaynie Studenmund to Retire From EXL Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ExlService Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXLS), a global data and AI company, today announced that Jaynie Studenmund has notified EXL’s board of directors that she will not stand for re-election at EXL’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders and will serve out her current term on the board through June 2025.

    “On behalf of EXL and its board of directors, we are grateful for the valuable contributions Jaynie has made to the company,” said Rohit Kapoor, chairman and chief executive officer. “Jaynie’s extensive experience with early adopters of digital technology and business model disruption was extremely valuable as we transformed EXL to a leading data and AI company, growing stockholder value over 350% during her tenure on the board.”

    Vikram Pandit, lead director of the board of EXL said, “For seven years, Jaynie’s leadership and guidance as a member of both the Audit and the Compensation and Talent Management Committees, serving as chair of the latter, have greatly benefited the company, and we thank her for her wisdom and dedication. We wish her and her family all the best.”

    “It has been a privilege to serve on EXL’s board,” said Studenmund. “I have truly enjoyed being part of an incredible transformation journey over the last seven years. Today, EXL is winning in the quickly evolving data and AI arena, and I look forward to following its continued success as I refocus my professional activities to the West Coast.”

    About ExlService Holdings

    EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and artificial intelligence (“AI”) company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 59,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

    Contacts
    Media
    Keith Little
    +1 703-598-0980
    media.relations@exlservice.com

    Investor Relations
    John Kristoff
    +1 212 209 4613
    IR@exlservice.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Univest Securities, LLC Announces Closing of $12 Million Best Efforts Offering for its Client Bon Natural Life Limited (NASDAQ: BON)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, New York, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Univest Securities, LLC (“Univest”), a member of FINRA and SIPC, and a full-service investment bank and securities broker-dealer firm based in New York, today announced the closing of Best Efforts Offering (the “Offering”) for its client Bon Natural Life Limited (NASDAQ: BON) (the “Company”), one of the leading bio-ingredient solutions providers in the natural, health and personal care industries.

    The offering of ordinary units (or pre-funded units in lieu of such ordinary units) comprised of 8,333,332 shares of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares (or pre-funded warrants in lieu of Class A ordinary shares for the pre-funded units), Series A Warrants to purchase one Class A ordinary shares at an exercise price of $1.44 per share (the “Series A Warrants”) and Series B Warrants to purchase Class A ordinary shares at an exercise price of $2.16 per share (the “Series B Warrants” and, together with the Series A Warrants, the “Warrants”). The pre-funded warrant will be exercisable immediately upon issuance and will expire when exercised in full. The Warrants will be immediately exercisable upon issuance and will expire on the three-year anniversary of their initial exercise date.

    The purchase price of each ordinary unit will be $1.44, and the purchase price of each pre-funded unit will be equal to such price minus $0.001.

    The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company was approximately $12 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for sales network expansion, research and development, production capacity expansion, and working capital and other general corporate purposes.

    Univest Securities, LLC acted as the sole placement agent.

    The securities described above are being offered by the Company pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-283333), as amended, previously filed and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus describing the terms of the proposed offering were filed with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained, by contacting Univest Securities, LLC at info@univest.us, or by calling +1 (212) 343-8888.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Univest Securities, LLC

    Registered with FINRA since 1994, Univest Securities, LLC provides a wide variety of financial services to its institutional and retail clients globally including brokerage and execution services, sales and trading, market making, investment banking and advisory, wealth management. It strives to provide clients with value-add service and focuses on building long-term relationship with its clients. For more information, please visit: www.univest.us.

    About Bon Natural Life Limited

    BON is a Cayman Islands company engaged in the business of natural, health, and personal care industries. For more information, please visit http://www.bnlus.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may, “will, “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the initial public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. Univest Securities LLC and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    For more information, please contact:

    Univest Securities, LLC
    Edric Guo
    Chief Executive Officer
    75 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 18C
    New York, NY 10019
    Phone: (212) 343-8888
    Email: info@univest.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PIMCO Canada Corp. Announces Special Reinvested Distribution for PIMCO Global Income Opportunities Fund for 2024 Year-End

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States

    TORONTO, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PIMCO Canada Corp. (“PIMCO Canada”) announced today that a special reinvested income distribution on the Class A Units (the “Units”) of PIMCO Global Income Opportunities Fund (TSX: PGI.UN) (the “Fund”) in the amount of $0.25496 per Unit was paid on January 15, 2025, to the holders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. This amount is for the reinvested distribution only, and does not include the ongoing monthly cash distribution amount, which was announced in a separate press release on December 18, 2024.

    The reinvested distribution was reinvested in Units of the Fund and the resulting Units were immediately consolidated, so that the number of Units held by each unitholder did not change. Unitholders holding their Units outside registered plans will have taxable amounts to report and an increase in the adjusted cost base of their Units.

    The Manager, PIMCO Canada, retains Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”), to provide investment management services to the Fund.

    About PIMCO

    PIMCO was founded in 1971 in Newport Beach, California and is one of the world’s premier fixed income investment managers. Today we have offices across the globe and 3,000+ professionals united by a single purpose: creating opportunities for investors in every environment. PIMCO is owned by Allianz S.E., a leading global diversified financial services provider.

    This is not an offer to sell Units and not a solicitation of an offer to buy Units in any region where the offer or sale is not permitted. Before you invest, you should carefully read the Fund’s disclosure documents and consider carefully the risks you assume when you invest in the Units. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives or be able to structure its investment portfolio as anticipated. Copies of the Fund’s disclosure documents may be obtained from your financial advisor.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those identified by the expressions “expect”, “intend”, “will” and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Fund. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Fund, PIMCO Canada and/or PIMCO’s current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including, but not limited to, market factors. Although the Fund, PIMCO Canada and/or PIMCO believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Fund, PIMCO Canada and/or PIMCO undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement or information whether as a result of new information, future events or other factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

    You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell Units on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”). If the Units are purchased or sold on the TSX, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying Units and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning Units. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the fund. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in these documents. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    The Fund is a closed end exchange traded investment fund. Closed end funds, unlike open end funds, are not continuously offered. After the initial public offering, shares of closed end funds are sold on the open market through a stock exchange. For additional information, contact your financial advisor.

    For a summary of the risks of an investment in the Fund, please see the Principal Risks of the Fund section of the prospectus. Units of closed end funds frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase risk of loss. Distributions are not guaranteed and are subject to change and/or elimination.

    PIMCO as a general matter provides services to qualified institutions, financial intermediaries and institutional investors. Individual investors should contact their own financial professional to determine the most appropriate investment options for their financial situation. This material contains the current opinions of the manager, and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. PIMCO is a trademark of Allianz Asset Management of America L.P. in the United States and throughout the world. ©2025, PIMCO

    The products and services provided by PIMCO Canada Corp. may only be available in certain provinces or territories of Canada and only through dealers authorized for that purpose.

    PIMCO Canada has retained PIMCO LLC as sub-adviser. PIMCO Canada will remain responsible for any loss that arises out of the failure of its sub-adviser.

    PIMCO Canada Corp. 199 Bay Street, Suite 2050, Commerce Court Station, P.O. Box 363, Toronto, ON, M5L 1G2, 416-368-3350

    Contact:
    Agnes Crane
    PIMCO – Media Relations
    Phone: +212 597.1054

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New State Highway 2 roundabout to improve road safety in Eastern Bay of Plenty

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The intersection of State Highway 2 (SH2) and Wainui Road in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will be made safer and more efficient for vehicles and freight with the construction of a new and long-awaited roundabout, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop. 

    “The current intersection of SH2 and Wainui Road is on a sweeping bend with limited visibility. There were nine crashes at this intersection between 2014 and 2023, three of them were injury crashes, one of which was serious. Construction of a roundabout here will make a real difference to the safe and efficient travel of local road users,” Mr Bishop says. 

    “Delivering safe roading infrastructure that supports economic growth and productivity is a priority. SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne is a main route for locals, tourists, and freight between Tauranga and Gisborne. Around 5,000 per day vehicles use SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Wainui Road, with 15 percent heavy vehicles. 

    “The 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme prioritises investment in road safety and efficiency by encouraging safer driving behaviour, vehicles and infrastructure. Funding is available for improvements at the highest-risk locations, which includes the intersection between SH2 and Wainui Road. 

    “The roundabout at SH2 and Wainui Road is expected to cost around $10 million from business case through to completion and will complement a raft of improvements already completed in the area, such as road widening, side barrier installation, and line marking.  

    “Construction is due to start in April and will take approximately 12 months to complete. Final costs for the roundabout will be confirmed once the contract is awarded this month. 

    “I want to thank the local community in advance for their patience as this important work to make SH2 safer is carried out, and I look forward to it being completed as soon as possible.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stand Up for Palestine: A Call to Action Against Israels Treacherous Attack

    Source: Te Pati Maori

    At 2.30am local time, Israel launched a treacherous attack on Gaza killing more than 300 defenceless civilians while they slept.

    Many of them were children.

    This followed a more than 2 week-long blockade by Israel on the entry of all goods and aid into Gaza.

    Israel deliberately targeted densely populated areas, schools, homes, and shelters for displaced people in the middle of a ceasefire.

    Donald Trump, who claims credit for the ceasefire, was consulted ahead of this attack. Neither Israel nor the United States have provided any justification for their actions.

    “This was a clearly premeditated act of terrorism on people who are trying to piece their shattered lives back together during ceasefire,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and Human Rights spokesperson Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

    “Israel had no intention of honouring ceasefire. If they were capable of honour, we would not be in this situation to begin with.

    “A genocide is being live-streamed, and we are allowing it to happen. It is unforgivable.

    “History will judge all of us on where we stood today,” Ngarewa-Packer said.  

    “Donald Trump has openly called for the ethnic cleansing and colonisation of Gaza by the United States, and our spineless Prime Minister backs him,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Rawiri Waititi.

    “These people do not care, and they do not listen.

    “If they will not hear us, we need to make them feel us,” Waititi said.

    We are once again calling on te iwi Māori to stand up for Palestine.

    Hit the streets and join in the global call for action.

    Educate your whānau on who to boycott and who to support. Do not give one more dollar or click to Zionism.

    We must ramp up our efforts. The time for asking is over.

    Free Palestine.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: A rude awakening out west

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A man faces charges after a Police patrol caught him napping in a stolen vehicle in the small hours.

    Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison says a Crime Squad unit was travelling through Rānui at around 1.45am.

    “At first the night shift team came across a vehicle parked on Bahari Drive with the door wide open and the driver sound asleep.

    “On further checks, the vehicle was showing as stolen.”

    The vehicle had been reported stolen from the North Shore area in a burglary earlier this month.

    “The lone man was startled awake when our staff approached him, locating a screwdriver securely resting in his lap,” acting Detective Inspector Harrison says.

    “We arrested the 21-year-old man without further incident.”

    He has been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and will appear in the Waitākere District Court next week.

    Police enquiries are ongoing into the initial burglary in Wairau Valley.

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Public are big fans of truck drivers – survey

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    Polling shows strong positive public sentiment towards truck drivers, with more than seven times as many people surveyed having a positive perception of road freight drivers compared to those taking a negative view (52 per cent to 7 per cent).
    The survey respondents noted truck drivers’ professionalism and skill, essential service and economic contribution, and hard work and long hours, as the leading three reasons for the results.
    Public polling done by independent survey firm Research New Zealand, for road freight association Transporting New Zealand, surveyed 1005 New Zealanders across a representative population sample.
    52 per cent of respondents had a positive perception of truck drivers, 35 per cent were neutral, and 7 percent held a negative perception, just below the 5 per cent who did not give a response. [The full data set is provided below at Table 1]
    Support for truck drivers was consistent regardless of what form of private transport the survey respondents used (car, public transport, walking, bike or motorcycle, or other).
    The public polling was completed as part of the 2025 National Road Freight Survey, which also includes surveying road freight industry participants (available at https://survey.researchnz.com/S2/1/RoadFreight/).
    Transporting New Zealand Policy and Advocacy Lead Billy Clemens says the results are a great recognition of the incredible work New Zealand’s 33,000 professional truck drivers do, moving nearly 93 per cent of the country’s freight task.
    “Seeing that the public recognise the professionalism and skill of drivers, the economic contribution they make (over $8.6 billion per year), and the hard work road freight operators put in is a real endorsement of our driver workforce.
    “Transporting New Zealand has consistently said our people are the industry’s most valuable asset, and that’s reinforced by these results.
    “Over the past few years, the road freight industry has dealt with COVID disruption, supply chain issues, natural disasters and an increasingly pot-holed roading network. Throughout all these challenges, truck drivers have kept shelves stocked, businesses supplied and infrastructure projects moving. I think that’s reflected in the positive perception that the public has.
    Clemens says that while the results are positive, the survey results also show a minority of respondents had concerns about truck drivers, mainly based around road safety and driving behaviour.
    “All road freight businesses need to be setting clear expectations for their drivers around compliance and defensive driving, to help keep everyone feeling safe on the road.
    “Transporting New Zealand will also keep advocating for investment in overtaking lanes, road widening and corner easing, freight bypasses, and other infrastructure that improves safety and productivity outcomes for all road users.”
    Transporting New Zealand is also encouraging all road freight industry participants to complete the ten-minute long 2025 Road Freight Industry Survey, that will provide valuable insights on industry priorities and challenges and complement the public polling ( https://survey.researchnz.com/S2/1/RoadFreight/), the results of which will be shared publicly.
    Survey completed by Research New Zealand for Transporting New Zealand. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –