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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The dynamics of wealth transfer and taxation of inheritances in the European Union – E-002551/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002551/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Arash Saeidi (The Left)

    In 2022 and 2024, the Joint Research Centre published two studies on inheritance tax and wealth transfer (JRC128480 and JRC138223). They estimate that the annual volume of inheritances in Austria will double by 2050 to reach EUR 41 billion, and that only about 0.2 % of heirs will receive more than EUR 1 million. In the five countries studied, taxation of wealth transfers remains very limited (less than 1 % of overall tax revenues), mainly due to tax exemptions for heirs who are direct relatives or for high-wealth transfers. In Austria, even a modest tax, with an exemption threshold of EUR 1 million, could generate up to EUR 1.8 billion per year, without affecting the overwhelmingly vast majority of wealth transfers.

    European data shows that 50 % to 60 % of the wealth in the Union is inherited. Intergenerational accumulation of wealth exacerbates inequalities and undermines equal opportunity. The EU has no comprehensive, up-to-date assessment of the scale, dynamics and socio-economic consequences of inheritance at EU level.

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to apply the inheritance taxation simulation model (INTAXMOD), based on data from the Household Finance and Consumption Survey, to all Member States?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to carry out a comprehensive study on the impact of wealth transfers on wealth inequality, intergenerational mobility and access to housing?

    Submitted: 25.6.2025

    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The Commission’s position on an EU-funded propaganda campaign that is manifestly unfair to fathers – P-002649/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002649/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Branko Grims (PPE)

    In Slovenia, the Women’s Counselling Association (Association for Nonviolent Communication) has for some time been running a campaign featuring posters showing violence committed by fathers against children, which has generated a highly negative response. Roadside posters show pictures of a child with a birthmark on one side of his face, which is described as the ‘mother’s mark’. Also on the child’s face is the trace of a blow, which is referred to as the ‘father’s mark’. This clearly insinuating, manipulative and grossly misrepresentative campaign is unfair to all fathers who have never been violent towards their children. At the same time, it conceals and grossly distorts the reality, as statistics show that it is by no means only men who are violent in the home.

    At the bottom of the poster the Commission is listed as one of the sponsors of the campaign. I would therefore like to ask the Commission:

    • 1.On the basis of what criteria does it fund NGOs using taxpayers’ money to carry out such insidious, one-sidedly manipulative and manifestly unfair propaganda campaigns against fathers, and why?
    • 2.How would it comment on such posters, and on the biased insinuation that this violence against children is committed by fathers?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Deteriorating working conditions and labour rights violations – P-002609/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002609/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marlena Maląg (ECR)

    This year’s Global Rights Index report published by the International Trade Union Confederation reveals an alarming trend of deteriorating working conditions and violations of trade union rights. Europe has not seen such bad results since 2014, yet there was time until November 2024 to implement Directive (EU) 2022/2041 on adequate minimum wages, which should improve the situation in this area. The report unfortunately also includes Poland, which is mentioned alongside countries such as Senegal and Lesotho in the context of action taken against trade unions at PKP Cargo. Meanwhile, in recent days the management of PKP Cargo have announced further group redundancies – 4 000 people have already been made redundant, and a further 2 000 are set to go in 2025-2026. In addition, the trade unionists say the company is planning to sell or scrap 10 000 wagons, including those designed to transport military equipment, which is of economic and strategic importance.

    • 1.Does the Commission recognise the problem of labour rights violations at PKP Cargo?
    • 2.Has Poland applied for support under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in connection with the further waves of redundancies at PKP Cargo?
    • 3.Is the sale or scrapping of rolling stock suitable for transporting military equipment in line with the EU’s strategy to strengthen its competitiveness, autonomy and defence capabilities?

    Submitted: 27.6.2025

    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Dramatic deterioration of mental health services – E-001684/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. According to Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union[1], the responsibility for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care, including mental health services, rests with the Member States.

    The Commission adopted a communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health[2] in June 2023 with 20 flagship initiatives and EUR 1.3 billion in funding opportunities. It has the main objective of addressing mental health issues through a holistic, prevention-oriented and cross-sectoral approach. Through one of the flagship initiatives, Member States receive tailored support from the World Health Organisation to reform mental health systems[3]. The Commission also regularly discusses the challenges and progress of mental health policies in the Member States in the subgroup on mental health of the Public Health Expert Group[4].

    2. The Commission is aware of the mental health challenges faced by young people[5] and is supporting Member States in capacity-building through the implementation of best practices targeting young people[6], a multidisciplinary training and exchange programme for health and other professionals working with young people, and the development of a prevention toolkit together with Unicef[7].

    The mission letter to the Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare includes the priority of addressing the impact of social media and excessive screentime on wellbeing and mental health of young people.

    Based on this, the Commission plans to launch an EU-wide inquiry to start an evidence-based debate on the issue. The specific scope, methodology, and timeline of the inquiry are being discussed.

    • [1]  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT&from=en.
    • [2]  https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-06/com_2023_298_1_act_en.pdf.
    • [3]  https://www.who.int/europe/activities/partnering-with-the-european-union-(eu)-to-tackle-mental-health-challenges#:~:text=WHO%20is%20partnering%20with%20the%20European%20Commission%20to,to%20take%20a%20comprehensive%20approach%20to%20mental%20health.
    • [4]  https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/expert-group-public-health_en.
    • [5]  https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/dyna/bp-portal/submission/search?call=Mental%20Health.
    • [6]  https://eu-promens.eu/eu-promens.
    • [7]  https://www.unicef.org/eca/press-releases/european-commission-and-unicef-announce-new-partnership-improve-health-outcomes#:~:text=The%20three-year%20partnership%20%E2%80%93%20Promoting%20a%20comprehensive%2C%20prevention-oriented,consumption%20among%20children%20in%2029%20countries%20across%20Europe.
    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Supporting the development and standardisation of dementia registries across the EU – E-001733/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission is supporting collaborative action between Member States on dementia (JADE Health[1]) with funding of EUR 4.5 million under the EU4Health programme. The focus of the action which started on 1 January 2025 is on prevention, improving the management of dementia, promoting health equity, reducing health inequalities and the improvement of data availability. A stakeholder-led project[2] is supporting the development of innovative practices to tackle dementia and eliminate stigma. This is in the context of the ‘Healthier together’ EU non-communicable diseases (NCDs) initiative[3] which is the strategic framework at the EU level aiming to support Member States in reducing the burden of NCDs.

    2. The mission letter to the Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare[4] tasks the Commissioner to step up the Commission’s work on preventive health and to consider initiatives on degenerative illnesses, such as dementia, to improve knowledge sharing. The ongoing collaborative work under JADE Health will be the basis for the Commission to consider developing a European network of registries.

    3. The Commission does not plan to develop a dedicated inequalities registry. The Knowledge Gateway on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, hosted by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre, provides data on prevalence, information on risk factors and implemented policies and recommendations for NCDs, including on dementia[5].

    • [1]  https://jadementia.eu/#:~:text=JADE%20Health%20Joint%20Action%20is%20an%20EU%20initiative,dementia%20through%20prevention%2C%20early%20detection%2C%20and%20person-centered%20care.
    • [2]  https://care4elders.eu/.
    • [3]  https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseases-initiative_en#:~:text=The%20European%20Commission%20has%20launched%20in%20December%202021,major%20NCDs%20and%20improve%20citizens%E2%80%99%20health%20and%20well-being.
    • [4]  https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b628b5a2-ac1e-4b9c-bbdd-35b82da0ac6b_en?filename=mission-letter-varhelyi.pdf.
    • [5]  https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/health-promotion-knowledge-gateway/dementia-prevention_en.
    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Team of North Korean Remote IT Workers Indicted in Theft Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    FBI Atlanta Warns Public to Increase Hiring Scrutiny

    FBI Atlanta is warning the public about the threat of hiring Remote IT workers who use false identifications to conceal their true North Korean identities.

    Today, the Northern District of Georgia unsealed a five-count wire fraud and money laundering indictment charging four North Koreans, Kim Kwang Jin (김관진), Kang Tae Bok (강태복), Jong Pong Ju (정봉주) and Chang Nam Il (창남일), with a scheme to steal from two companies virtual currency, valued at over $900,000 at the time of the thefts, and to launder proceeds of those thefts. The defendants concealed their North Korean identities from their employers by providing the employers with false identification documents that contained stolen and fake identity information.

    In approximately December 2020 and May 2021, respectively, Kim Kwang Jin (using victim P.S.’s stolen identity) and Jong Pong Ju (using the alias “Bryan Cho”) were hired by a blockchain research and development company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and a virtual token company based in Serbia. Both defendants concealed their North Korean identities from their employers by providing false identification documents containing a mix of stolen and fraudulent identity information. Later, on a recommendation from Jong Pong Ju, the Serbian company hired “Peter Xiao,” who in fact was Chang Nam Il.

    After gaining their employers’ trust, Kim Kwang Jin and Jong Pong Ju were assigned projects that provided them access to their employers’ virtual currency assets. In February 2022, Jong Pong Ju used that access to steal virtual currency worth approximately $175,000 at the time of the theft, sending it to a virtual currency address he controlled. In March 2022, Kim Kwang Jin stole virtual currency worth approximately $740,000 at the time of theft by modifying the source code of two of his employer’s smart contracts, then sending it to a virtual currency address he controlled.

    To launder the funds after the thefts, Kim Kwang Jin and Jong Pong Ju “mixed” the stolen funds, using the virtual currency mixer Tornado Cash, and then transferred the funds to virtual currency exchange accounts controlled by Kang Tae Bok and Chang Nam Il but held in the names of aliases. These accounts were opened using fraudulent Malaysian identification documents.

    According to the indictment, the defendants traveled to the United Arab Emirates on North Korean travel documents, along with other individuals, and worked together as a co-located team.

    Neither of the victim companies in this investigation would have hired the individuals had they known they were North Korean citizens. FBI Atlanta is warning the public about the threat of North Korean citizens who often apply for Remote IT roles as blockchain developers. These individuals often use multiple fake names, identity cards, and social media accounts to gain employment at numerous companies. Companies looking to hire Remote IT workers, especially for blockchain development, are encouraged to apply additional layers of scrutiny to their interview and hiring processes.

    Recommendations for Strengthening Remote-Hiring Processes

    • Implement identity-verification processes during interviewing, onboarding, and throughout the employment of any remote worker. Cross-check HR systems for other applicants with the same resume content and/or contact information. The FBI has observed in other instances that North Korean IT workers use artificial intelligence and face-swapping technology during video job interviews to obfuscate their true identities.
    • Educate HR staff, hiring managers, and development teams regarding the North Korean IT worker threat, specifically focusing on changes in address or payment platforms during the onboarding process.
    • Review each applicant’s communication accounts as North Korean IT workers have reused phone numbers (particularly voice-over-IP numbers) and email addresses on multiple resumes purportedly belonging to different applicants.
    • Verify third-party staffing firms conduct robust hiring practices and routinely audit those practices.
    • Use “soft” interview questions to ask applicants for specific details about their location or educational background. North Korean IT workers often claim to have attended non-US educational institutions.
    • Check applicant resumes for typos and unusual terminology.
    • Complete as much of the hiring and onboarding process as possible in person.

    Reporting: If you suspect you have been approached or victimized by a North Korean IT worker, the FBI recommends taking the following actions:

    • Report the suspicious activity to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.IC3.gov as quickly as possible.
    • Evaluate network activity from the suspected employee and their assigned device(s), and use internal intrusion-detection software to capture activity on the suspected device(s).

    Reference

    In 2022 and 2023, the United States, along with foreign partners, issued public advisories regarding how North Korean IT workers operate and provided red-flag indicators and due diligence measures for businesses to avoid hiring North Korean freelance developers. In May 2024, the FBI provided further guidance regarding North Korean IT workers and their use of witting and unwitting US-based individuals.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Gun Crimes

    Source: US FBI

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that CARDELL GLOVER, (“GLOVER”), age 24, was sentenced on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, by United States District Judge Darrel J. Papillion, after previously pleading guilty to a three-count indictment.  Count One charged GLOVER with being a felon in possession a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).  Count Two charged GLOVER with possession of a stolen firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and (a)(2).  Count Three charged GLOVER with possession of a machine gun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o) and 924(a)(2).

    GLOVER was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment as to each of the three counts of the indictment, to be served concurrently.  Judge Papillion also ordered that GLOVER be placed on supervised release for three years as to each of the three counts, to be served concurrently, and pay a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to court documents, on July 9, 2024, a rideshare driver reported to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) that her weapon had been stolen.  She also works as a security guard and had placed her work firearm, a Glock Model 19 Gen 5, nine-millimeter pistol, in her trunk earlier that afternoon prior to starting her rideshare work.  She reported to law enforcement that she had picked up a fare, a male and a female passenger, at the Dollar General and allowed them to place their groceries in the trunk of her car.  When they arrived at the passengers’ destination, an apartment complex in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, the passengers retrieved the groceries from the trunk and went to an unknown second floor apartment.  The rideshare driver then looked in the trunk of her vehicle to discover her firearm missing.  She had said that the first name of the passenger who ordered the ride was “Dell.”

    GLOVER pled guilty to the entire indictment and admitted that he stole the Glock pistol.  GLOVER also admitted that, at the time of its recovery, the Glock pistol, was equipped with machinegun conversion device, making it a machinegun as defined by the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. § 5845(b)).

    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.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Juan County Man Indicted for Second-Degree Murder

    Source: US FBI

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a San Juan County man with second degree murder after he allegedly shot a man to death in San Juan County, Utah.

    Chevel Cottonwood, 34, of San Juan County, was charged by complaint on June 11, 2025, and ordered detained by a U.S. Magistrate Judge.  

    According to court documents, on June 10, 2025, Navajo Police Department Officers responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire near the Hovenweep area north of Aneth, Utah, within the Navajo Nation. Upon arrival at a residence, officers spoke with a woman who was allegedly at the residence at the time of the shooting and described hearing gunshots from the living room. She recalled hearing Cottonwood and the victim arguing and then heard another gunshot and saw the flash of the discharge. The woman then went to the living room and saw the victim laying on the floor bleeding from an apparent gunshot wound.

    As alleged in court documents, responding officers entered the residence and found the victim deceased with a gunshot wound and an empty shell casing next to him. Cottonwood was found hiding in nearby bushes with a loaded magazine and ammunition. A search warrant was executed, and officers seized a 9mm pistol and two 9mm shell casings. Agents also observed bullet holes through the roof of the house that appeared to have occurred at some point during the incident.

    Cottonwood is charged with second degree murder while within Indian Country and being a restricted person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Cottonwood will have his initial appearance on the indictment on June 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in courtroom 7.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

    Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.

    The case is being investigated jointly by the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Monticello Resident Agency.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Sam Pead and Tanner Zumwalt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Houston American Energy Acquires Abundia Global Impact Group, Creating a Publicly Traded Innovator in Low-Carbon Fuels

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) (“HUSA” or the “Company”) has completed its acquisition of Abundia Global Impact Group, LLC (“AGIG”), creating a leading company focused on converting waste plastics into high-value, drop-in low-carbon fuels and chemical products.

    The combined company will be led by Abundia’s founder, Ed Gillespie, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer and will join the Board of Directors. This strategic acquisition leverages HUSA’s public market platform to accelerate Abundia’s growth, scale its technology and execute on its plan to develop large-scale recycling projects, beginning with a new facility planned for the U.S. Gulf Coast.

    “The completion of this acquisition represents a pivotal transformation for HUSA,” said Peter Longo, Chairman of the combined company. “Abundia has a commercially ready solution for converting waste into valuable fuels and chemicals, with a backlog of development opportunities utilizing proprietary technologies and key industry partnerships. This transaction gives HUSA shareholders a ready-made platform and project pipeline for future value generation as the fuel and chemical industries accelerate their adoption of low-carbon solutions and sustainable aviation fuel.”

    CEO of the combined company Ed Gillespie commented, “This is a landmark moment for Abundia and a major step forward for the renewable industry. Joining forces with HUSA and entering the public capital markets positions us to accelerate growth, scale our technology and expand our influence within the renewable and recycling industries. I am proud of the hard work and determination of both the AGIG and HUSA teams to finalize this transaction. We look forward to delivering shareholder value and critical technologies to reduce carbon emissions.”

    Key Highlights of the Combined Company

    • Targeting a Multi-Billion Dollar Market: Directly serves the growing global demand for renewable fuels, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and recycled chemical feedstocks
    • Proprietary, Commercially Ready Technology: Utilizes a proven pyrolysis process to convert waste plastics into valuable, drop-in fuels and chemicals
    • Project Development: Near-term plans to develop a large-scale project in the U.S. Gulf Coast, which is a strategic location with access to waste feedstock and downstream customers, a large workforce and multiple transportation options

    Key Highlights of the Transaction

    • Proven Executive Leadership: The combined company will be led by:
      • Ed Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member
      • Peter Longo, Chairman of the Board
      • Lucie Harwood, Chief Financial Officer
      • Joseph Gasik, Chief Operating Officer
    • Structure: Abundia Global Impact Group, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HUSA through an exchange of outstanding membership interests of AGIG for newly authorized shares of HUSA common stock.

    About Houston American Energy Corp.

    Houston American Energy Corp. is a renewable energy company focused on converting waste materials into valuable low-carbon fuels and chemicals. Through its proprietary pyrolysis technology, the company addresses the global plastic waste crisis while supplying high-demand products like sustainable aviation fuel and recycled feedstocks to the energy and chemical industries.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: 

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking information generally is accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements about the future growth of the Company in the renewable energy industry and plans for new project development and facilities, the Company’s expectations with respect to the completed acquisition of AGIG (the “Acquisition”), including statements regarding the benefits of the Acquisition, the implied valuation of the Company, the products offered by the Company and the markets in which it operates, and the Company’s projected future results and market opportunities, as well as information with respect to the Company’s future operating results and business strategy. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: (i) risks and uncertainties impacting the Company’s business including, risks related to its current liquidity position and the need to obtain additional financing to support ongoing operations, the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, the Company’s ability to maintain the listing of its common stock on NYSE American, the Company’s ability to predict its rate of growth, the Company’s ability to hire, retain and motivate employees, the effects of competition on the Company’s business, including price competition, technological, regulatory and legal developments, developments in the economy and financial markets, risks related to the Company’s ability to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits from the Acquisition, and (iii) other risks as set forth from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of the Company.

    With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made numerous assumptions. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. A complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company’s business is disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC on www.sec.gov.

    All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    For additional information, view the company’s website at www.houstonamerican.com or contact Houston American Energy Corp. at (713) 222-6966.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Houston American Energy Acquires Abundia Global Impact Group, Creating a Publicly Traded Innovator in Low-Carbon Fuels

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) (“HUSA” or the “Company”) has completed its acquisition of Abundia Global Impact Group, LLC (“AGIG”), creating a leading company focused on converting waste plastics into high-value, drop-in low-carbon fuels and chemical products.

    The combined company will be led by Abundia’s founder, Ed Gillespie, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer and will join the Board of Directors. This strategic acquisition leverages HUSA’s public market platform to accelerate Abundia’s growth, scale its technology and execute on its plan to develop large-scale recycling projects, beginning with a new facility planned for the U.S. Gulf Coast.

    “The completion of this acquisition represents a pivotal transformation for HUSA,” said Peter Longo, Chairman of the combined company. “Abundia has a commercially ready solution for converting waste into valuable fuels and chemicals, with a backlog of development opportunities utilizing proprietary technologies and key industry partnerships. This transaction gives HUSA shareholders a ready-made platform and project pipeline for future value generation as the fuel and chemical industries accelerate their adoption of low-carbon solutions and sustainable aviation fuel.”

    CEO of the combined company Ed Gillespie commented, “This is a landmark moment for Abundia and a major step forward for the renewable industry. Joining forces with HUSA and entering the public capital markets positions us to accelerate growth, scale our technology and expand our influence within the renewable and recycling industries. I am proud of the hard work and determination of both the AGIG and HUSA teams to finalize this transaction. We look forward to delivering shareholder value and critical technologies to reduce carbon emissions.”

    Key Highlights of the Combined Company

    • Targeting a Multi-Billion Dollar Market: Directly serves the growing global demand for renewable fuels, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and recycled chemical feedstocks
    • Proprietary, Commercially Ready Technology: Utilizes a proven pyrolysis process to convert waste plastics into valuable, drop-in fuels and chemicals
    • Project Development: Near-term plans to develop a large-scale project in the U.S. Gulf Coast, which is a strategic location with access to waste feedstock and downstream customers, a large workforce and multiple transportation options

    Key Highlights of the Transaction

    • Proven Executive Leadership: The combined company will be led by:
      • Ed Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member
      • Peter Longo, Chairman of the Board
      • Lucie Harwood, Chief Financial Officer
      • Joseph Gasik, Chief Operating Officer
    • Structure: Abundia Global Impact Group, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HUSA through an exchange of outstanding membership interests of AGIG for newly authorized shares of HUSA common stock.

    About Houston American Energy Corp.

    Houston American Energy Corp. is a renewable energy company focused on converting waste materials into valuable low-carbon fuels and chemicals. Through its proprietary pyrolysis technology, the company addresses the global plastic waste crisis while supplying high-demand products like sustainable aviation fuel and recycled feedstocks to the energy and chemical industries.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: 

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking information generally is accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements about the future growth of the Company in the renewable energy industry and plans for new project development and facilities, the Company’s expectations with respect to the completed acquisition of AGIG (the “Acquisition”), including statements regarding the benefits of the Acquisition, the implied valuation of the Company, the products offered by the Company and the markets in which it operates, and the Company’s projected future results and market opportunities, as well as information with respect to the Company’s future operating results and business strategy. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: (i) risks and uncertainties impacting the Company’s business including, risks related to its current liquidity position and the need to obtain additional financing to support ongoing operations, the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, the Company’s ability to maintain the listing of its common stock on NYSE American, the Company’s ability to predict its rate of growth, the Company’s ability to hire, retain and motivate employees, the effects of competition on the Company’s business, including price competition, technological, regulatory and legal developments, developments in the economy and financial markets, risks related to the Company’s ability to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits from the Acquisition, and (iii) other risks as set forth from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of the Company.

    With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made numerous assumptions. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. A complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company’s business is disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC on www.sec.gov.

    All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    For additional information, view the company’s website at www.houstonamerican.com or contact Houston American Energy Corp. at (713) 222-6966.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Gold Investments Offers Smart Strategies for Investing in Gold in 2025 To Enhance Your Family’s Financial Future

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Beverly Hills, CA, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As families across the U.S. look for reliable ways to protect their financial future in 2025, expert guidance in gold investment has never been more critical. Global Gold Investments, a trusted leader in precious metals, is stepping forward with strategic solutions designed to help everyday Americans build a more secure financial legacy. From starting a Gold IRA to purchasing physical gold, the company provides customized options to help families navigate uncertain economic times with confidence.

    Safeguarding the value of wealth is more important than ever. At Global Gold Investments, the mission is simple yet powerful: to help clients protect and grow their family’s financial future. Recognizing that retirement savings represent a lifetime of dedication, the team takes a personalized approach—crafting strategies that not only meet but aim to exceed each client’s unique expectations.

    They understand that one of the smartest financial moves for 2025 is diversifying the investment portfolio. Gold and silver have long been valued for their ability to retain purchasing power and weather economic volatility. Incorporating gold and silver into the portfolio, either through direct purchase or a precious metals IRA, can help protect savings from inflation and market instability.

    Global Gold Investments makes it easy to begin this process. Whether the clients are new to gold or already have an IRA, their experts provide free portfolio analyses and help roll over high-risk retirement accounts into stable gold IRAs. Their commitment to educating clients and offering honest, tailored advice has earned them a reputation for excellence since 2006.

    For those interested in purchasing physical gold, the company offers expert insights into market trends and helps clients identify the best opportunities based on scarcity, demand, and long-term value. Every transaction is supported by 100% free shipping and insurance, and customers enjoy personalized consultations to guide their investment journey.

    “At Global Gold Investments, we understand how important your financial future is—not just for you, but for your family,” says a company representative. “That’s why we take the time to get to know every client and offer solutions that are built around their individual goals. Whether you’re rolling over a retirement account or buying your first gold coin, we’re here to make the process easy, transparent, and rewarding.”

    With a long-standing commitment to top-tier customer service, Global Gold Investments stands out for its one-on-one attention, professional integrity, and track record of client satisfaction. They’ve helped thousands of individuals secure their retirement through smart gold investments—and they’re ready to help many more in 2025.

    Those looking to financially secure their future can use their contact details below.

    About Global Gold Investments:

    Global Gold Investments, based in the United States, has been providing expert gold and silver investment solutions since 2006. Specializing in Gold IRAs, physical gold purchases, and diversified portfolio strategies, the company is known for exceptional service, experienced guidance, and a strong commitment to helping families secure their financial futures.

    Contact Details:

    Contact Person: Jimmy West

    Website: https://iragoldproof.com/

    Email: info@iragoldproof.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Houston American Energy Corp. Appoints Matthew T. Henninger to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a move to strengthen its leadership following a strategic share exchange with Abundia Global Impact Group (AGIG), Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) (“HUSA” or the “Company”) today announced the appointment of Matthew T. Henninger to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Henninger will serve on the Audit Committee and Compensation Committees.

    “We are pleased to welcome Matthew to the Company’s Board of Directors,” said Chairman Peter Longo. “Matthew’s global business expertise and extensive background in finance and strategic planning make him well-suited to help guide the Company’s growth and value creation strategies. We look forward to his contributions to the Board.”

    Mr. Henninger is a New York-based executive with over 35 years of investment banking, operational management and business advisory experience. He is currently a Managing Partner at BRM Holdings, a private family office and serves as the CEO of Exotropin, a BRM Holdings portfolio company. Previously, Mr. Henninger was the CEO of Cedi Global and was the President of Red Lion Partners. He has operated, advised and served on boards of directors in a range of industries including consumer products, medical chemicals, industrial manufacturing, and short-line rail transportation and others.

    “I am honored to join the Board at such a pivotal moment,” said Mr. Henninger. “The company’s new direction, powered by Abundia’s vision for converting waste into valuable resources, presents a compelling opportunity to create significant economic value while addressing a critical global challenge. I look forward to working with the team to drive this transformative strategy going forward.”

    Concurrent with the appointment and the closing of the share exchange on [July 1], 2025, Stephen P. Hartzell has resigned from the Board of Directors. The Company extends its gratitude to him for his service. Following these changes, the Board remains composed of five directors, including three independent members.

    About Houston American Energy Corp.

    Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) is a renewable energy company focused on converting waste materials into valuable low-carbon fuels and chemicals. Through its proprietary pyrolysis technology, the company addresses the global plastic waste crisis while supplying high-demand products like sustainable aviation fuel and recycled feedstocks to the energy and chemical industries.

    For additional information, view the company’s website at www.houstonamerican.com or contact Houston American Energy Corp. at (713) 222-6966.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Baldwin Votes Against Republicans’ Catastrophic Budget Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after she voted against the Republicans’ budget bill:
    “Today, I voted against rigging our tax code in favor of the biggest corporations and ultra-wealthy – all on the backs of working families who are just trying to get by and want a fair shot at success. As I travel across Wisconsin, I hear from families who are worried about paying for groceries, covering the cost of their medications, and keeping the lights on. Instead of standing up for these working families, my Republican colleagues jammed through a bill that guts Medicaid, kicks 17 million Americans off their health insurance, shutters rural hospitals, and takes food from families in need. And why? All to rig our already unfair tax code even more to help the rich get richer. This bill does not solve the problems that Wisconsin families are facing – in fact, it makes them worse. I am disappointed. I am disgusted. But, I am also fired up and ready. Ready to keep fighting alongside every Wisconsinite who believes we can do better to give hard-working families a fair shot and stop tilting the scales for the wealthy and well-connected. It’s not the people in Washington with power; it’s the people across this country. The people who keep speaking up and speaking out, who are emailing and calling, who are marching in the streets, and who are telling their stories. This fight isn’t over, and together, we can still beat this thing.”
    Senator Baldwin introduced the following amendments to the bill to block cuts to Medicaid that would rip away health care from Americans and also close a tax loophole that allows Wall Street investment managers to often pay almost half the tax rate compared to most other Wisconsin workers:
    Preventing seniors from having their health care ripped away, including those in nursing homes;
    Preventing children from having their health care ripped away, including those on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP);
    Preventing health care for those battling addiction and substance use disorder from being ripped away;
    Preventing cuts to funding for rural Americans, including essential funding for hospitals;
    Preventing pregnant women from having their health care ripped away; and
    Closing the carried interest loophole that benefits wealthy money managers on Wall Street, something that President Trump also supports.
    The Republicans’ bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of [51-50], will terminate health care for 17 million Americans, including 250,000 Wisconsinites. In Wisconsin, Medicaid provides care for more than 1.2 million people, including four in seven nursing home residents, one in three children, and one in three adults with disabilities. While over 12 million rural Americans rely on Medicaid for health care, severe cuts to Medicaid will also jeopardize rural hospitals and clinics’ ability to keep their doors open.
    The legislation also makes the largest cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in history. Approximately 700,000 Wisconsin residents rely on SNAP for food assistance.
    Over the past several months, Senator Baldwin has been speaking out against the harmful impact this bill will have on Wisconsinites – in the press, on the Senate floor, and in Wisconsin communities.
    Senator Baldwin hosted roundtables in La Crosse, Milwaukee, Wausau, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Racine, Waukesha, Superior, Beloit, and twice in Madison, convening Wisconsinites whose health care coverage is in jeopardy under the Republicans’ plan to slash Medicaid to pay for corporate tax breaks.
    VIDEO: Senator Baldwin spoke on the Senate floor, condemning the Republicans’ budget bill.
    VIDEO: Senator Baldwin held a virtual press conference with impacted Wisconsinites ahead of Senate Republicans bringing up their bill for a vote. 
    VIDEO: Senator Baldwin highlighted Congressional Republicans’ efforts to barrel ahead with a bill that defunds Planned Parenthood on the Senate floor.
    Senator Baldwin slammed republicans’ planned cuts to Medicaid, which will devastate our country’s fight against the opioid and fentanyl epidemic and jeopardize treatment for thousands of Wisconsinites. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warnock Statement on Passage of GOP Tax Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement after Senate Republicans passed their “Big Ugly Bill” by a vote of 51-50, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The legislation will kick over 16 million Americans off their health care, including 750,000 Georgians, raise premiums for 1.2 million Georgians, and threaten 66 rural Georgia hospitals.
    “The Senate just voted for legislation that will kick millions off their health care, close rural hospitals, and increase health care costs for everyone, all to give billionaires a tax break. Today’s vote is a disappointing reminder that Washington politicians aren’t working for ordinary people.”
    “But the power of the people is more powerful than the people in power. As the pastor of Dr. King’s church, I understand that our fight is not about any one vote, but about a moral vision for a world where all of God’s children can succeed.”
    “This is not over. Talk to your neighbors, call your U.S. House Representative, and continue to show up and use your voice.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper Votes Against Republicans’ Budget Bill That Strips Health Care from Americans, Closes Rural Hospitals, Explodes National Deficit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    Republicans’ legislation will increase prices for Coloradans, strip health care from 17 million Americans, increase the deficit, and give tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy
    Republicans blocked Hickenlooper-backed amendments to protect funding for Medicaid and clean energy
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after he voted against Republicans’ Senate budget bill:
    “This is pure lunacy, and downright cruel.
    “Republicans have voted to kick 17 million Americans off their health care, push hundreds of rural hospitals toward closure, wipe out millions of American clean energy careers, and add trillions to our national debt. And for what? For lavish tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.”
    Hickenlooper voted NO on the budget resolution after Republicans voted down critical Democratic-led amendments to prevent cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and Inflation Reduction Act clean energy funding. While Hickenlooper was successful in working with his colleagues to eliminate devastating public lands provisions and alter a few of the worst clean energy proposals, he joined a bipartisan group of senators in opposition to the final bill. The reconciliation bill now heads to the House for final passage. Hickenlooper will continue fighting against it and urge every member of the House to stop it from becoming law.
    HICKENLOOPER AMENDMENT:
    Hickenlooper spoke on the Senate floor in support of his amendment to protect the Inflation Reduction Act’s residential clean energy credit – which covers 30% of the cost of purchasing and installing residential solar, battery backup, or geothermal heat pumps. Hickenlooper’s amendment would protect the program from Republican cuts for one year, giving clean energy small businesses in Colorado and across the nation a runway (at bare minimum) to weather the storm the Republicans are causing and prepare for the loss of federal funding, in addition to  preserving more than 85,000 American jobs. Watch his full remarks about his amendment HERE.
    “They’re also taxing clean energy and cutting larger energy credits, which will create more expensive energy and more blackouts,” Hickenlooper said. “We should create jobs, cut costs, and boost energy production, not sacrifice working families so that the richest Americans pay less taxes.”
    Click to download full video
    WHAT’S IN THE BILL:
    The Republican-led Senate reconciliation bill includes a $3 trillion tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. It pays for those tax cuts by:
    Taking Health Care Away from 17 Million Americans
    The Republican budget proposal calls for extreme Medicaid cuts of more than $900 billion, which would take away people’s health benefits; make it harder for them to see their health care providers; and prevent seniors from getting nursing home care.
    The budget also fails to extend the Affordable Care Act expanded premium tax credits, which expire at the end of 2025.
    The latest CBO estimates that the combined cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act would result in 17 million Americans losing health insurance by 2034, and increase our national debt by $3.3 trillion.   
    The cuts would hit rural hospitals the hardest:
    According to initial estimates, more than 338 rural hospitals across the country are at an acute risk of closure as a result of these Medicaid cuts. Including 6 hospitals in Colorado:
    Delta County Memorial Hospital – Delta (CO-03)
    Conejos County Hospital – La Jara (CO-03)
    Grand River Hospital District – Rifle (CO-03)
    Prowers Medical Center – Lamar (CO-04)
    Southwest Memorial Hospital – Cortez (CO-03)
    Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center – La Junta (CO-03)

    Slashing Investments in Clean Energy and Driving up Energy Bills
    The Republican budget bill guts hundreds of billions in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) clean energy investments, including tax credits for wind and solar. The results: over a million jobs lost, hundreds of billions in lost GDP and lost wages, electricity price inflation, and killing new renewable energy needed to prevent blackouts.
    Increasing Our National Debt by Trillions
    Even after gutting over $1 trillion from Medicaid and other services, the Senate reconciliation bill will still increase our national debt by more than $3.3 TRILLION.
    The Senate version of the bill adds $900 billion moreto the national debt than the previous House version of the bill.
    Hickenlooper recently took to the Senate floor to slam the bill as “fiscal madness.”
    ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS:
    In total, Hickenlooper introduced and joined 16+ amendments to the 2025 Senate reconciliation bill to oppose Republican provisions that would harm Coloradans. Specifically, he introduced and joined amendments to:
    Prevent Americans from Losing Health Care
    Protect Nursing Homes and Medicaid Patients: Hickenlooper-led amendment to strike any provision that cuts funding for Medicaid, which covers care for 60% of all nursing home residents.
    Safeguard Small Businesses and Medicaid: Hickenlooper-led amendment to strike any provision that cuts funding for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which protects access for the 7,000,000 small businesses workers who depend on Medicaid coverage; and protects access for the 4,000,000 small businesses who depend on the ACA exchanges.
    Protect Medicaid: Led by Senator Wyden, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike any provision that cuts funding for Medicaid; and would ensure big corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay a fair share in taxes.
    Extend ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits: Led by Senator Jon Ossoff, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to permanently extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced Premium Tax Credits.
    Protect Safety Net Programs
    Safeguard SNAP-Education: Led by Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike the section that eliminates the SNAP Education Program, which provides free nutrition education to SNAP recipients.
    Expand Pell Grant Eligibility: Led by Senator Tim Kaine, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike the workforce Pell section in the budget bill and replace it with the bipartisan JOBS Act to expand Pell Grant eligibility to include short-term workforce training programs.
    Protect Public Lands
    Block Sale of Public Lands: Hickenlooper-led amendment to block the sale of our public lands. The amendment ensures that public lands cannot be sold if they hold any of the multiple values our public lands offer, including benefits for watershed health, hunting, fishing, recreation, and critical wildlife habitat. It also excludes sale of lands with cultural or historic significance, areas sensitive for national security, areas within an Indian reservation, or lands to which Tribes hold reserved rights.
    Non-Competitive Leasing: Hickenlooper-led amendment to strike provision that would reauthorize non-competitive leasing on federal public lands.
    Maintaining National Park Service Staffing: Led by Senator Angus King, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike the repeal of ~$267M in Inflation Reduction Act funding for the National Park Service staffing.
    Address our Climate Crisis + Invest in Renewable Energy
    Protect the solar industry:Hickenlooper-led amendment to change the termination date of the 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2026 to save jobs and small businesses and help American households power their homes and reduce energy costs with solar, battery storage, and geothermal heat pumps. It is paid for by increasing the top tax bracket to 39.6%.
    RECA Expansion: Hickenlooper-led amendment that adds Colorado to the list of states that benefit from an expanded downwinder provision under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
    Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit: Led by Senator Michael Bennet, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike all changes to the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit, but retain foreign entities of concern rules, and strike changes to 48C advanced energy tax credit.
    Maintaining Parity for Wind and Solar Facilities: Led by Senator Jacky Rosen, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to restore parity for solar and wind with other technologies under the Production Tax Credit (45Y) and Investment Tax Credit (48E), paid for with an increase to the top rate at $1 million for individual filers and $1.3M for married filing jointly.
    Eliminating the tax on wind and solar: Led by Senator Adam Schiff, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike the new excise tax on wind and solar, paid for with an increase to 39.6 percent for individuals making $10 million.
    Repeal of Termination of Certain Clean Energy Credits: Led by Senators Jean Shaheen and Peter Welch, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike provisions that would terminate the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C), the Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D), the New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit (45L), and the Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction (179D).
    Maintaining Modernized Royalty Rates: Led by Senator Jacky Rosen, Hickenlooper joined this amendment to strike the repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act royalty rate modernization for oil and gas.
    Budget resolutions guide federal spending and revenue policies for the year. This is the third budget resolution the Senate has voted on during the reconciliation process. Hickenlooper voted against the first package in February, and the second package in April. The Senate and the House must pass identical versions of the budget for the reconciliation bill to become law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Eje Transversal Ferroviario (‘Crosslink Railway Corridor’) – E-002496/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002496/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE)

    The Eje Transversal Ferroviario (‘Crosslink Railway Corridor’), or ETF, is a strategic piece of infrastructure to connect Lleida with Girona and France via the interior of Catalonia, with branches to the ports of Tarragona and Barcelona. Designed for passenger and freight transport, it would ease congestion on the Catalan coast, which is currently saturated by mixed traffic on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Mediterranean Corridor. The ETF would allow freight trains to be diverted from densely populated areas to a more efficient route compatible with local mobility. It would contribute to territorial rebalancing by giving a boost to inland districts and reducing the concentration in Barcelona.

    The project has had an approved plan since 2010, with estimated investment of EUR 7 000 million and phased development. The Catalan Parliament agreed to start a preliminary study. A number of institutional and social actors are calling for the project to be taken forward in the drive for more sustainable transport.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Would the Commission welcome it if the ETF made it possible to separate passenger and freight transport and promote the shift from road to rail, in line with the objectives of the EU’s 2020 sustainable and smart mobility strategy as part of the European Green Deal?
    • 2.Could the ETF be eligible for EU funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (Mediterranean Corridor framework)?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Suspension of EU funds to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – E-002504/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002504/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR)

    The Commission has suspended aid provided under the NDICI-Global Europe instrument (Regulation (EU) 2021/947) and has not presented revisions of the multiannual indicative programmes (MIPs) for Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, citing interruptions to the constitutional order as the basis for the decision.

    These funds were crucial for stability in the region and the objectives set out in the EU’s Sahel strategy. The Commission has adopted a completely different approach for other countries in similar situations, such as Chad, Gabon and Guinea.

    Italy has kept the cooperation channels open and the bilateral mission to Niger (MISIN) operational, unlike the EU. The EU’s absence risks undermining the protection of key areas for combating terrorism, migration and illicit trafficking, leaving room for hostile powers.

    In light of the above, can the Commission please answer the following questions:

    • 1.What legal and democratic assessment criteria form the basis for such different approaches to similar situations, and how will African criticisms of double standards be addressed?
    • 2.How will the growing influence of hostile foreign powers be countered in a key region for European strategic interests?
    • 3.Under what conditions would the Commission be willing to reinstate the MIPs?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ongoing job insecurity of part-time volunteer firefighters in Italy – state of play of procedure INFR(2014)4231 and structural staff shortages – E-002505/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002505/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)

    In Italy, thousands of workers known as ‘part-time volunteer firefighters’ have worked for years in precarious conditions, on repeated temporary contracts and with no structural protection.

    The Commission opened an infringement procedure in that regard against Italy[1] for breach of Directive 1999/70/EC, which is still open[2]. Although the Italian authorities said that from 1 January 2025 those precarious posts would no longer be allowed, as they were being replaced by permanent staff, it does not appear thus far that this plan has been fully implemented.

    What is more, Decree-Law No 131 of 2024 provided only for partial compensation for precarious workers in the public administration, but did not include a clear stabilisation path for part-time firefighters.

    At the same time, Italy faces a serious shortage of permanent firefighters[3]. The high average age[4], the absence of regular competitions and the reduction of training activities compound this state of affairs.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Can the Commission provide an update on the current state of play of the infringement procedure?
    • 2.Does it think that the measures Italy has announced are sufficient to put an end to the abuse of fixed-term contracts in practice and comply with Directive 1999/70/EC?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    • [1] INFR(2014)4231.
    • [2] In March 2025, it confirmed that the situation was still being assessed and monitored.
    • [3] In regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Sicily, shortages are as high as 40 %. Nationally, shortages are estimated at 4 000 operational units and 2 500 administrative units.
    • [4] Their average age is 47.
    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures to retain and recycle black mass from electric vehicle batteries within the EU – E-001428/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    For all waste destined for disposal, or in the case of hazardous and most mixed waste destined to recovery, the prior notification and consent procedure applies.

    This means that an operator planning such shipments needs the prior consent of all authorities from the countries concerned (from origin to destination, including transit) before the shipment can take place.

    The new Waste Shipment Regulation[1] will simplify this process and move away from a paper-based approach to an electronic one. A central EU system will ensure the smooth operation of this exchange from May 2026.

    The Commission will develop a central hub that will allow the exchange of information and documents between the central system and local system operated by some competent authorities as well as software offered by commercial software providers.

    The Implementing Act on interoperability of systems for electronic submission and exchange of information and documents is intended to be adopted in the coming weeks.

    Related to recycling, Article 72(3) of the Batteries Regulation[2] sets the clear and strict condition that waste batteries or fractions thereof exported from the Union shall only count towards the fulfilment of obligations, efficiencies and targets laid down in Articles 70 and 71 of the Batteries Regulation if the exporter of the waste batteries or fractions thereof provides documentary evidence approved by the competent authority of destination that the treatment took place in conditions that are equivalent to those required by the Batteries Regulation and in accordance with other Union law regarding human health and environmental protection.

    Together those provisions will improve the economic model for recycling black mass within the EU.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on shipments of waste, amending Regulations (EU) No 1257/2013 and (EU) 2020/1056 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006, OJ L, 2024/1157, 30.4.2024.
    • [2] 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. 1-117.
    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ensuring a fair and competitive green transition in the EU – E-002557/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002557/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sunčana Glavak (PPE)

    Regulations (EU) 2023/959 and 2023/956 of the European Parliament and of the Council have introduced new climate instruments, such as the Emissions Trading System for Buildings and Road Transport (ETS2) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). These instruments aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bolster the Union’s climate ambitions. However, their financial impact is causing concern among citizens and business entities. Additional costs arising from new requirements could lead to an increase in energy and product prices, which could reduce the competitiveness of the European economy in the long term. It is therefore imperative that, in addition to energy efficiency, we also ensure financial sustainability when implementing green policies, in particular with regard to the fair distribution of costs and the protection of the most vulnerable groups.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission plan to take additional measures to ensure that the green transition does not disproportionately affect the competitiveness of lower-income households and small businesses? If so, which ones?
    • 2.Is the Commission considering introducing targeted co-financing programmes for private users and small businesses to set up the charging infrastructure required for electric vehicles, so as to encourage their wider deployment and availability?

    Submitted: 25.6.2025

    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU competitiveness in the global technology race and the impact of excessive regulation – E-002507/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002507/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Harald Vilimsky (PfE), Georg Mayer (PfE)

    The growing technological dominance of the US and China, the EU’s growing investment gap and the EU’s persistent innovation deficit despite extensive programmes raise fundamental questions about the effectiveness of the EU’s strategies for promoting technological independence.

    • 1.How does the Commission justify the billions of euro it grants in subsidies for centrally managed flagship projects, the economic impact of which often bears no relation to the public investment made?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to ensure that, in future, technological innovation will no longer fail on account of ideological sustainability or equality objectives?
    • 3.Why is the EU still trailing behind in the development of its own cloud and data centre infrastructure, despite the fact that technological sovereignty is officially recognised as a priority?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    Last updated: 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Senate Democrats Just Voted Against Lower Taxes, Higher Pay, National Security, and More

    Source: US Whitehouse

    The One Big Beautiful Bill just PASSED the U.S. Senate, moving the landmark legislation one step closer to President Donald J. Trump’s desk — and once again, it was done without the support of a single Democrat.

    This is what Democrats just unanimously opposed:

    • Lower taxes and bigger paychecks. This means bigger paychecks with the largest tax cut in history for middle- and working-class Americans — plus No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security, an expanded child tax credit, and a tax break on car loans for American-made vehicles.
    • Strong border security. This fortifies President Trump’s unprecedented border enforcement action — which includes funding to deport one million illegal immigrants per year, finish the border wall, and hire 10,000 new ICE officers, 5,000 new Customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
    • Protecting Medicaid for American citizens who need it. This strengthens Medicaid for Americans who rely on it — like pregnant women, children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families — while eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.
    • Modernizing air traffic control. This allows President Trump to completely overhaul and improve the systems that keep Americans flying safely and efficiently.
    • Revolutionizing the nation’s defense. This funds President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense shield, restocks America’s arsenal, delivers the largest Coast Guard upgrade since WWII, and improves our military readiness.
    • Protecting family farmers. The bill prevents punitive double taxation from hitting two million family farms.
    • Unleashing American energy dominance. This finally ends Biden’s war on American energy and drives down energy costs — making America less dependent on foreign adversaries.
    • Reversing runaway spending. This slashes deficits by over $2 trillion and rescinds billions of dollars in wasteful funding for Biden’s Green New Scam.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks, McCaul, Bera, Huizenga Introduce Burma GAP Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Michael McCaul; Ami Bera, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific; and Bill Huizenga, Chairman of the Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, issued the following statement announcing the bipartisan introduction of the ‘‘Burma Genocide Accountability and Protection Act,” or the “Burma GAP Act.” 

    “In March 2022, Secretary of State Antony Blinken determined that the Burmese military’s widespread campaign of violence against Rohingya in Burma constituted genocide, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. And yet, in 2025, Rohingya and Burma remain in crisis because the military’s brutality has continued. Hundreds of thousands remain internally displaced in Burma, and refugee camps in Bangladesh and the surrounding region are overstretched due to the continued influx of refugees.

    “The United States must not shirk its moral leadership in addressing this crisis, which is also destabilizing the region. Today we are introducing the BURMA Genocide Accountability and Protection Act (the Burma GAP Act) to help create a pathway to safety for Rohingya. This legislation calls for the State Department to develop a holistic strategy to address the Rohingya crisis that involves providing humanitarian assistance, supporting refugees, creating protection mechanisms for ethnic minorities, and authorizing accountability and justice programs.”  

    A previous version of this bill passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee in the 118th Congress (H.R. 8936). A PDF copy of the bill text can be found here.

    BURMA GAP Act Highlights:  

    • Calls for a holistic U.S. strategy to support Rohingya that includes protection efforts; engagement with the Rohingya community and stakeholders to facilitate safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation to Burma; developing a comprehensive transitional justice strategy; humanitarian assistance, including basic needs and access to livelihoods; programs to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and trafficking; and support for Rohingya civil society organizations;
    • Authorizes the designation of a Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma to promote a comprehensive effort to resolve the crisis in ways that returns Burma to civilian rule and protects Rohingya and other ethnic minorities in Burma;
    • Authorizes $9 million per year for 5 years for the Department of State to support atrocity crime investigations, transitional justice and accountability mechanisms, as well as witness protection measures for Rohingya and other ethnic minorities in Burma.
    • Calls on the Administration to refuse to recognize the Burmese military and State Administrative Council as Burma’s legitimate government.
    • Calls on the Administration to ensure that Rohingya refugees in camps in Bangladesh receive a ration sufficient to meet the humanitarian minimum standards for food and nutrition;

    Several Rohingya and human rights organizations support the Burma GAP Act, including Campaign for a New Myanmar, Global Center for Responsibility to Protect, International Campaign for the Rohingya, Jewish Rohingya Justice Network, Never Again Coalition, No Business with Genocide, Peace Direct, Refugees International, The Sentry, and U.S. Campaign for Burma.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Meeks, McCaul Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Calling for the Return of Abducted Ukrainian Children

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    Washington, D.C. — Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Michael McCaul, Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning Russia’s abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children and calling for their return before a peace agreement is finalized.

    “Putin is a war criminal and, under his watch, the Russian military has cruelly abducted and illegally deported tens of thousands of Ukrainian children from their homeland,” said Ranking Member Meeks. “These atrocities are not isolated incidents; they are the direct result of Putin’s war of choice. The United States has a responsibility to condemn these unconscionable acts by Russia and to demand the immediate return of each and every one of the children Russia has taken.”

    “Since the beginning of Putin’s war of aggression, Russia has abducted at least 19,500 Ukrainian children from their homeland — with some estimates putting the true number as high as 200,000. These children have been stripped of their national identity, adopted into Russian families, or indoctrinated as soldiers for the Kremlin. As a father, I can’t imagine the pain their families have experienced. Russia’s mass-scale child abduction is nothing short of evil; the United States must demonstrate moral leadership by demanding every child be returned to his or her family in Ukraine before true peace can be achieved,” said Chair Emeritus McCaul.

    Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the resolution in the Senate.

    Background:

    Ukrainian authorities have received at least 19,546 confirmed reports of unlawful deportations and forced transfers of Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus, or Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. The abductions aim to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language, and identity. As of April 16, Ukraine and its partners have only managed to return 1,274 abducted children.

    The State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report found Russia recruits or uses child soldiers, has a state-sponsored policy or pattern of human trafficking and is among the worst hubs for human trafficking in the world.

    Read the full text of the resolution here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nigerian National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in $8-Million Federal Emergency Assistance Benefits Fraud Scheme

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

    Greenbelt, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Newton Ofioritse Jemide, 47, a Nigerian national extradited from France, to 41 months in federal prison for his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain federal benefits. Jemide will also serve three years of supervised release, pay $520,431.83 of restitution, and a forfeiture money judgment was entered against him in the amount of $311,036.64. Jemide executed his part of the criminal scheme from Nigeria where he resided when he committed the offense.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea with Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Acting Special Agent in Charge Colleen Lawlor, Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General – Philadelphia Field Division; and Special Agent in Charge William McCool, U.S. Secret Service – Washington Field Office.

    As a result of the conspiracy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided emergency benefits and compensation for damages to victims affected by declared national emergency disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires. Among other benefits, an individual in an affected area was immediately eligible for Critical Needs Assistance (CNA) to purchase life-saving or life-sustaining materials.  Victims could decide how to receive assistance payments, including deposits on pre-paid debit cards.

    According to his guilty plea, in 2016 and 2017, Jemide and others from Nigeria directed co-conspirators living in the United States to purchase hundreds of Green Dot Debit Cards. Co-conspirators living in Nigeria then registered the cards with Green Dot using stolen personal information from identity theft victims around the United States.  Jemide and his co-conspirators used an encrypted messaging application and other means to communicate.

    In 2017, following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria — and the California wildfires — Jemide and other co-conspirators from Nigeria used stolen personal information to apply online for FEMA and CNA benefits.  FEMA dispersed $500 per claim on the Green Dot Debit Cards that the co-conspirators purchased for a total of at least $8 million.

    In addition to filing false disaster-assistance claims with FEMA, Jemide and co-conspirators also submitted false online claims for Social Security benefits, IRS tax refunds, and other government benefits using stolen identities of multiple individuals, including names, addresses, Social Security Numbers (SSN), and other personal identifiers.

    As a result of fraudulent submissions, FEMA and other federal agencies deposited benefits onto the Green Dot Debit Cards.  The funds were deposited on the debit cards using multiple stolen identities, including identities different from the identities used to register the cards. Jemide and select co-conspirators informed other co-conspirators when the fraudulent funds became available on the debit cards and gave them information to cash out the funds from the cards in exchange for a commission.  Additionally, the co-conspirators took steps to conceal their identities by enlisting others to make purchases and withdrawals; utilizing multiple store and bank locations and methods of withdrawal; and making money orders payable to other individuals and/or corporate entities.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended DHS OIG, SSA OIG, and the USSS for their work in the investigation and thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Marshals Service for their valuable assistance in securing the extradition of Jemide to the United States.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Darren Gardner who are prosecuting the federal case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourth of Five Sentencings in Burglary of Dozens of Firearms from a Maryland Pawn Shop

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

                WASHINGTON – Tyjuan McNeal, 28, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 84 months in federal prison for participating in the December 2023 burglary of 34 firearms from a Maryland pawn shop. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                McNeal pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking. In addition to the 84-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered McNeal to serve three years of supervised release.

                According to the court documents, on December 13, 2023, McNeal and at least four co-conspirators drove from Washington, D.C. to the A&D Pawn Shop, a Federal Firearms Licensee in Glen Burnie, Maryland. McNeal was wearing an ankle monitor that he had wrapped in aluminum foil.

                At the pawn shop, one of the co-conspirators used a portable saw to cut the locks on a pull-down security gate. Another co-conspirator then used a crowbar-type tool to pry open the main door. Once inside, the quintet grabbed an array of rifles, shotguns, and pistols from the shelves and display racks and fled with at least 34 of the firearms. They later used social media to advertise the sale of the stolen guns.

                McNeal was arrested on March 22, 2024, with a Glock 29 pistol and has been detained since.

                Co-defendant Juwon Markel Anderson, 22, was sentenced to 84 months in prison. Vincent Lee Alston, aka “Vedo,” 23, was sentenced to 84 months. Niquan “Stickz” Odum, 23, was sentenced to 48 months. Sentencing is pending for Cy’juan Hemsley, 20, who pleaded to conspiracy to commit theft from a firearms licensee and to possession of stolen firearms.           

                This case was investigated by the ATF Washington Division and the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the ATF Baltimore Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar with valuable assistance from former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Lipes.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Returns 4 Indictments Charging 22 Defendants with Drug Trafficking, Firearms, and Money Laundering Offenses

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

    Louisville, KY – On May 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Louisville charged a total of 20 defendants from across Kentucky and California in 3 separate indictments involving methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking offenses and firearms offenses. On May 21, 2025, a federal grand jury charged 4 defendants, 2 of whom were previously charged, in an indictment involving methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking and money laundering offenses. The indictments charging all 22 defendants were the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Cincinnati Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Chicago Director of Field Operations Lafonda Sutton-Burke, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.  

    The following 9 defendants were charged in the first indictment on May 6, 2025:

    • James Havlicheck, 34, of California
    • Rodney Hollie, 38, of California
    • Joseph Nguyen, 38, of California
    • Minh Ngo, 40, of California
    • Kevin Nguyen, 30, of California
    • Johnathan Nguyen, 35, of California
    • Ordell Smith, Jr., 38, of Louisville
    • Vanray O’Neal, 38, of Louisville
    • Darren Render, 33, of Louisville 

    According to the first indictment, Havlicheck, Hollie, Joseph Nguyen, Ngo, Kevin Nguyen, and Johnathan Nguyen were charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine for a conspiracy beginning as early as April 2024 and continuing through July 19, 2024. Havlicheck and Ngo were also charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more.

    Smith, Jr. was charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more. 

    O’Neal was charged with three counts of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more and two counts of firearms trafficking.

    Render was charged with four counts of firearms trafficking, four counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of heroin, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Render was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.

    On April 2, 2020, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Render was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

    If convicted, Havlicheck, Hollie, Joseph Nguyen, Ngo, Kevin Nguyen, Johnathan Nguyen, Smith, Jr., and O’Neal face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Render faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison. All the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 

    The following 9 defendants were charged in the second indictment on May 6, 2025:

    • Antonio Taylor, 39, of Louisville
    • Terry Matthews, 44, of Louisville
    • Dylan Bradley, 21, of Louisville
    • Demetrius Brown, 42, of Louisville
    • Dominic McCray, 30, of Louisville
    • Joshua James, 42, of Louisville
    • Gregory Jackson, 34, of Louisville
    • Thai Quoc Tran, 24, of Louisville
    • Devon Wilson, 43, of Louisville 

    According to the second indictment, Taylor, Matthews, Bradley, Brown, McCray, James, and Jackson were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl for a conspiracy beginning as early as August 21, 2024, and continuing through October 23, 2024.

    Taylor was also charged with one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, eight counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Taylor was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On or about May 21, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Taylor was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and trafficking in a controlled substance first degree unspecified less than ten dosage units (two counts).

    Matthews was also charged with one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, three counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count firearms trafficking, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of distribution of a controlled substance. Matthews was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.

    On March 9, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Matthews was convicted of flagrant non-support.

    Bradley was also charged with three counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    Brown was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of distribution of a fentanyl mixture, and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Brown was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On or about July 17, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Brown was convicted of assault in the second degree, criminal mischief in the first degree, receiving stolen firearm, and wanton endangerment in the first degree.

    McCray was also charged with one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.

    James was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.

    Jackson was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.

    Tran was also charged with one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

    Wilson was also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Wilson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On July 16, 2024, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of flagrant non-support.

    On January 9, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, schedule I heroin less than two grams.

    If convicted, Taylor, Matthews, Bradley, Brown, James, Jackson, and Tran face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. McCray faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthews and McCray have not been federally arrested and are not yet before the Court.

    The following 2 defendants were charged in the third indictment on May 6, 2025:

    • Mark Foster, Jr., 33, of Louisville
    • Devante Rice, 30, of Louisville

    Foster was charged with two counts of distribution of controlled substances, nine counts of distribution of fentanyl, ten counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, seven counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of illegal possession of a machine gun, and one count of firearms trafficking. Foster was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On or about March 30, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Foster was convicted of receiving stolen property (firearm) and illegal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, heroin.   

    On or about June 15, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Foster was convicted of complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, opioids, complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, methamphetamine, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and tampering with physical evidence.

    Rice was charged with eleven counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of firearms trafficking, and two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. Rice was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On January 10, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of burglary in the second degree and receiving stolen property over $500.

    On April 30, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

    On August 8, 2023, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of complicity to possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, theft by unlawful taking – firearm (two counts), and theft by unlawful taking over $500 but under $10,000.

    If convicted, Foster faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 70 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Rice faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison on each count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and the single count of firearms trafficking and a 10-year maximum sentence for the two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 

    The following 4 defendants were charged in the fourth indictment on May 21, 2025:

    • Antonio Taylor
    • Joshua James
    • Celotia Evans, 39, of Louisville
    • Jaremei Hinkle, 24, of Louisville

    According to the fourth indictment, Taylor, James, Evans, and Hinkle were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl for a conspiracy beginning as early as June 2024 and continuing through July 11, 2024. 

    Hinkle was also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.

    James was also charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture.

    Taylor is also charged with engaging in monetary transactions derived from specific unlawful activities and laundering of a money instrument during his purchase of a vehicle.

    If convicted, Taylor, James, Evans, and Hinkle face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. All the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Evans and Hinkle have not been federally arrested and are not yet before the Court.

    The cases are being investigated by the FBI, HSI, ATF, DEA, IRS-CI, CBP, USPIS, KSP, and LMPD. 

    These cases were investigated and prosecuted by the Kentucky Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: PENSACOLA MAN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSION OF LOADED FIREARM AS A CONVICTED FELON

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

    PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Christ’Avian X’Zayvia Rayshon Sheard, 19, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    According to court records, on April 2, 2024, Sheard was located in a vehicle parked at Sanders Beach. Sheard was in possession of marijuana as well as a loaded Taurus 9 millimeter pistol. Sheard was a convicted felon at the time, with a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault by threat with a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm.

    U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Operation Take Back America is a promise by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi that we will do everything in our power to stop those who are victimizing our communities, and keeping a violent felon like this one off the streets is exactly what they meant.  I am proud of the work of our brave state and federal law enforcement partners who investigated this case, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenders to keep our communities safe.”

    “Pensacola Police is committed to reducing guns crimes and will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to hold everyone accountable that chooses to illegally possess a firearm in our city,” said Chief Randall of the Pensacola Police Department.

    The case involved a joint investigation by the Pensacola Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing With Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine

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

    The defendant, a felon, also possessed a firearm in connection with the drug offense.

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Freddie Anthony Curry, 54, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine. 

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division.

    In May 2024, the FBI and DEA began investigating Curry in connection with suspected fentanyl and cocaine trafficking in the Baltimore area.  During their investigation, they verified Curry’s vehicle and residence. Authorities then executed federal search warrants on Curry’s residence and vehicle. During the search, investigators recovered approximately 980 grams of fentanyl, 1,040 grams of cocaine, digital scales, drug-packaging materials, and a Glock 19 9-millimeter handgun. Curry is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions.

    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.

    This case is part of a Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Baltimore Strike Force is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle violent drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations to reduce drug-related and/or gang violence in the Baltimore metropolitan and surrounding areas.  The Baltimore Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Maryland State Police, the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore Sheriff’s Office, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and DEA, for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Simpkins who is prosecuting the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md  and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Memo to Shane Jones: what if NZ needs more regional government, not less?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeffrey McNeill, Honorary Research Associate, School of People, Environment and Planning, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    If the headlines are anything to go by, New Zealand’s regional councils are on life support.

    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones recently wondered whether “there’s going to be a compelling case for regional government to continue to exist”. And Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is open to exploring the possibility of scrapping the councils.

    This has all been driven by the realisation that the government’s proposed resource management reforms would essentially gut local authorities of their basic planning and environmental management functions. Various mayors and other interested parties have agreed. While some are circumspect, there’s broad agreement a review is needed.

    At present, each territorial council writes its own city or district plan. Regional councils write a series of thematic plans addressing different environmental issues. All the plans contain the councils’ regulatory “rules” that determine what people can or cannot do.

    Under the coming reforms, the territorial and regional councils of each region would have only a single chapter each within a broader regional spatial plan. Their function would, for the main part, involve tweaking all-embracing national policies and standards.

    Further, all compliance and monitoring – now a predominantly regional council activity – is to be taken over by a national agency (possibly the Environment Protection Authority). This won’t leave much for regional councils to do, compared with their broad remits now.

    How regional government evolved

    In truth, regional councils have been targets since they were created as part of the Labour government’s 1989 local government reform. Carried out in lockstep with the drafting of the Resource Management Act (passed in 1991), this established two levels of local government.

    City and district councils were to be responsible for infrastructure and the built environment. The new regional councils were more opaque, essentially multi-function, special-purpose authorities, recognising that some government actions are bigger than local but smaller than national.

    In the event, they became what in many countries would be thought of as environmental protection agencies. Their boundaries were drawn to capture river catchments, reflecting their catchment board antecedents, which looked after soil erosion and flood management.

    Other functions were drawn from other government departments. Air-quality management came from the old Department of Health. Coastal management was partly inherited from the Ministry of Transport, shared with the Department of Conservation.

    Public transport and civil defence were tacked on, given their cross-territorial scale and lack of anywhere else to put them.

    Parochialism and politics

    All their various functions have meant regional councils determine who gets to use the region’s resources – and who misses out. And political decisions are a surefire way to make enemies.

    For example, the Resource Management Act applied the presumption that no one could discharge any contaminant into water unless expressly allowed by a rule or a resource consent. Regional councils therefore required their territorial councils to upgrade their rubbish dumps and sewage treatment systems.

    Similarly, farmers could no longer simply take water to irrigate or empty cowshed effluent straight into the nearest stream as of right. The necessary infrastructure upgrades were expensive.

    Ironically, these attempts to minimise the immediate impacts of such demands on water users saw urban voters and environmental groups criticise the councils and the government for being too soft on “dirty dairying” and other polluters.

    Parochialism also plays a part, as does the feeling in some rural communities that they’re forgotten by their regions’ cities, where most voters live. The perceived poor handling of events such as last year’s Hawke’s Bay flooding and the 2018 Wellington bus network failure have not helped.

    The government even replaced Environment Canterbury’s elected council with appointed commissioners in 2010 over performance concerns, particularly in water management.

    Yet the regional council model has largely survived intact – with two exceptions. The Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council was replaced by the Nelson City and Marlborough and Tasman District unitary councils in 1992, as a token sacrifice to the conservative wing of the National government, which vehemently opposed the new regions.

    The genesis of the Auckland Council super-region can be traced to the 1999–2008 Labour government’s frustration at getting a unified position from the city’s seven councils on where to build a stadium for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Not everyone is happy with the resulting metro-regional solution.

    Who will be accountable?

    If regional government is indeed put to rest, it will be another phase in this piecemeal evolutionary process. But the new model will still require central government to have a significant regional presence – and commensurate central government funding.

    But central government has had a regional-scale presence for a long time. Police, the fire service, economic development and social welfare agencies all have their own regional boundaries. Public health and tertiary training and education are also essentially regional.

    All these functions are inherently political. And in many other countries, they are are delivered by regional governments. Maybe, once the implications are looked at more closely, leaving regional councils intact will seem the easier and cheaper option. Indeed, there is a counter argument that we need more regional government, not less.

    The current impulse for local government change – including district council amalgamation – continues an ad hoc process going back more than 30 years. As I have argued previously, the form, function and funding of local government need to be considered together.

    The regional level of administration will not go away. But the overriding question remains: who should speak for and be accountable to their communities for what are ultimately still political decisions, whoever makes them?

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

    – ref. Memo to Shane Jones: what if NZ needs more regional government, not less? – https://theconversation.com/memo-to-shane-jones-what-if-nz-needs-more-regional-government-not-less-259778

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –