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  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Introduces Legislation to Increase Wages Nationwide for Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Bill Text (PDF)
    Washington (July 24, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, today introduced the Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act, legislation that would set a minimum wage for school staff of $45,000 per year, or $30 per hour.
    “Paraprofessionals and education support staff make our schools safe, healthy places where all students can learn, grow, and thrive. They are a critical part of our education infrastructure, and we must invest in them the way they invest in our students, their families, and their communities,” said Senator Markey, who earlier today participated in a town hall at the U.S. Capitol with more than 100 educators and educational leaders to discuss the educator pay crisis. “As Trump and Republicans work to cut public education and attack educators across the country, I am proud to introduce this legislation, which will uplift paraprofessionals and education support staff and give them the support and resources they need to succeed.”
    Several educational leaders voiced their support for the Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act. 
    “Every day, we fight for our paraprofessionals and school-related personnel who are not paid enough; they work under tough conditions, and many are subject to violence during the workday. Too many must work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Given the crucial role that PSRPs play in classrooms and the invaluable support they give to the students they serve, securing commensurate compensation and respect is critical. We are grateful to Sen. Markey for his commitment to paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, school office staff, school food service workers and all the school staff who make our schools run. Do you think teachers and principals could do their jobs without PSRPs? The answer is ‘no.’ Sen. Markey’s bill, the Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act, would guarantee that the more than 370,000 members who make up the AFT’s PSRP division would have access to a family-sustaining wage. We look forward to moving this bill forward in Congress,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.
    “Paraprofessionals play an invaluable role in our classrooms and are at the heart of our public school — helping students learn, grow, and meet their basic needs,” said Jessica Tang, President of the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts. “Outside of the classroom, they’re important members of the community, many have kids and grandkids in the schools and live in the communities they serve. For far too long, paraprofessionals have been forced to work multiple jobs, or rely on public assistance, just to make ends meet. One job should be enough. It’s time our paraprofessionals receive the fair wages, benefits, and respect that reflects the important work they do every day.”
    “Education Support Professionals strengthen our schools and communities by making sure our students are safe, healthy and ready to learn every day. But too many of these educators are forced to work two or three jobs to support their families, when one job should be enough. By passing the Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act, Congress will show they recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our ESPs – both inside and outside the classroom. We want to thank Senator Ed Markey for introducing this legislation, and we urge Congress to act swiftly in passing it to demonstrate to our Education Support Professionals that, as a nation, we respect and value all they do for our students,” said Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association. “As the Trump administration continues to take a wrecking ball to public education and the futures of the 50 million students in rural, suburban, and urban communities across America, this legislation is more important than ever to ensure our students get the support they need.”
    “An Education Support Professional told us how one of her students had an after-school job at a fast-food restaurant that paid more per hour than this district was paying veteran ESPs. This is shameful. ESPs play an increasingly vital role in our public schools, yet in too many districts across Massachusetts they do not earn a living wage. We have heard countless stories from ESPs who love working with their students but cannot afford to keep their school jobs. Senator Markey’s bill is a sensible and responsible approach to correcting a serious injustice in our public schools. By establishing a floor upon which to build a real living wage, this legislation will improve learning conditions – especially for our most vulnerable students – by stabilizing the education workforce,” said Max Page, President, and Deb McCarthy, Vice President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
    The bill is cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
    The bill is endorsed by the National Education Association, SEIU, American Federation of Teachers, AFSCME, Council for Exceptional Children, EdTrust, and National Women’s Law Center.
    On July 17, 2025, Senator Markey reintroduced the Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act, legislation that would establish higher wages, career pipelines, and professional development opportunities for school paraeducators. In April 2025, Senator Markey and Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights.
    On March 20, Senator Markey slammed Trump’s Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education. On March 11, Senator Markey delivered remarks on the Senate Floor to spotlight Trump’s plan to gut the Department. On February 27, Senator Markey introduced the No Cuts to Public Schools Act, which would prevent any cuts to federal education formula funding during the Trump administration. On February 10, Senator Markey held a press conference in Boston with Massachusetts educators and teachers’ unions on Trump’s vow to dismantle the Department, and the impact on Massachusetts students, educators, and communities.
    On February 6, 2025, Senator Markey, members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, along with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, released a joint statement after President Trump vowed to dismantle the Department of Education.
    In September 2023, Senator Markey introduced the Green New Deal for Public Schools Act, legislation that would invest $1.6 trillion over the next decade in public and Bureau of Indian Education schools to upgrade every public school building in the country; reduce hazardous pollution; give schools the resources to hire hundreds of thousands of educators, paraprofessionals, and counselors; invest in schools serving low-income students; and fully fund education for students with disabilities.
    Senator Markey first introduced the Paraprofessional and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights in November 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Lee, McIver Introduce Bill to Expand Legal Representation for Tenants Facing Eviction

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) along with U.S. Representatives Summer L. Lee (D-PA-12) and LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), reintroduced the Eviction Right to Counsel Act, a bold effort to combat the growing eviction crisis by ensuring that low-income tenants facing eviction have access to free legal representation.
    The Eviction Right to Counsel Act would establish a federal grant program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support state, local, and Tribal governments that pass legislation guaranteeing a right to counsel in eviction proceedings. The bill prioritizes funding for jurisdictions that also implement additional tenant protections like just cause eviction laws, longer notice periods, emergency rental assistance, and eviction diversion programs—creating a comprehensive strategy to prevent displacement and housing instability.
    “Millions of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck while facing rapidly increasing rent prices,” said Senator Booker. “Renters facing eviction are often left defenseless without an attorney to represent them. By creating a grant program to support communities that offer a right to counsel for those facing eviction, we will make our housing system more equitable and provide substantial cost savings to both local governments and overburdened housing services across the country.”
    “Right now, in eviction courtrooms across America, 90% of landlords have lawyers while most tenants have none. And it’s no coincidence that Black families, women, and parents are bearing the brunt of it. No one should lose their home simply because they couldn’t afford a lawyer,” said Representative Lee. “In Western Pennsylvania and across PA-12, families are being crushed by rising rents, stagnant wages, and eviction threats. This bill is about supporting working people and ensuring they have a fighting chance—and that starts with legal representation. I am proud to partner with Senator Booker and Rep. McIver on this bill to help keep people in their homes.”
    “No one should lose their home because they can’t afford to hire a lawyer to take on their case,” said Representative McIver. “The Eviction Right to Counsel Act gives people a fair shot—a chance to fight their cases in court and keep families from falling into the spiral of poverty. Housing is a human right, and this bill takes a critical step toward making sure that right is a reality that people feel.”
    “Not only is housing a basic human need, but loss of housing can lead to a cascade of harms to other needs such as health, safety, and liberty. This bill would support states and cities enacting a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction, an evidence-based approach to increasing housing stability and reducing homelessness that has been adopted by cities and states across the country,” said John Pollock, Coordinator of the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel.
    “For years, NLIHC has called for a national right to counsel fund to help renters stay in their homes and mitigate harm when eviction is avoidable,” said Renee Willis, NLIHC president and CEO. “I applaud Senator Booker for introducing the Eviction Right to Counsel Act to ensure low-income tenants have legal representation when their housing is most at risk. Eviction defense attorneys can make the difference between a renter staying in safe, stable housing or homelessness, and the right to counsel helps tenants know their rights and find support in navigating the complicated eviction process.”
    “We applaud Senator Booker’s leadership on this issue and very glad to see this legislation introduced today. Eviction is a policy failure and the federal government must support mechanisms that keep people safely and stably housed. We look forward to working with the Senator to see this legislation enacted,” said Arnold Cohen, Senior Policy Advisor, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey.
    The legislation comes amid skyrocketing rents and surging eviction filings. Nearly half of all renters in America are considered cost-burdened, spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent. Since the pandemic, rents have risen over 12 percent year-over-year, while the protections that temporarily shielded tenants from eviction have largely expired. The imbalance of legal power in eviction proceedings leaves many tenants—particularly Black renters and families with children—vulnerable to homelessness, economic instability, and trauma.
    Studies show that providing tenants with legal representation dramatically improves outcomes, often preventing eviction altogether and saving local governments millions in emergency shelter, health care, and social services costs. Cities that have invested in right to counsel programs have seen estimated cost savings of more than three times their annual investment.
    The Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2025:
    Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to create a grant program for state, local, and Tribal governments that enact right to counsel legislation.
    Defines “covered individuals” as tenants with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.
    Covers civil legal actions in court or administrative forums related to:
    Eviction: Forcible removal from a tenant’s primary residence.
    Termination of Housing Subsidy: Loss of subsidies that help tenants afford their homes, which often functions as a de facto eviction.
    Requires jurisdictions receiving funding to provide full legal representation at no cost to covered individuals in these proceedings.
    Prioritizes funding for jurisdictions that have enacted additional tenant protections, including just cause eviction laws, extended notice periods, and eviction diversion programs.
    Allows grantees to use funds for implementation costs such as attorney training and legal resources.
    Authorizes $100 million in federal funding annually for five years.
    The bill is endorsed by: the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, National Housing Law Project, and the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey.
    The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Introduces Legislation to Address America’s Teacher Pay Crisis, Holds Town Hall with Public School Educators

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, July 24 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today introduced the Pay Teachers Act after hearing from more than 200 teachers and educational leaders from across the country during a town hall at the U.S. Capitol. At a time when school districts nationwide report serious staffing shortages — largely due to unprecedented levels of stress, burnout and low pay — this legislation begins to address the teacher pay crisis in America and ensure that all public school teachers earn a livable and competitive wage that is at least $60,000 a year and increases over the course of their career.
    In addition to Sanders, Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) also cosponsored this legislation. Joining Sanders at the town hall today were Markey; Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Princess Moss, vice president of the National Education Association (NEA); and educators from across the country.
    “If we are serious about the need for a bright and hopeful future for America, we must understand that there is no more important job in our country than educating our young people. And yet, public school teachers in America have one of the toughest, one of the most demanding and one of the most under-appreciated jobs in America,” Sanders said. “The situation has become so absurd that just four hedge fund managers on Wall Street make more money in a single year than every kindergarten teacher in America combined – over 120,000 teachers. Far too many of our nation’s public schools are under-funded, under-resourced and in major need of repair. Far too many of our public school teachers are under-paid, under-appreciated and overwhelmed. And, as a result of the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ that Trump signed into law a few weeks ago, a bad situation is about to get even worse. If we are going to have the best public school system in the world, we have got to radically change our attitude toward education and make sure that every teacher in America receives the compensation that they deserve for the enormously important and difficult work that they do. No public school teacher in America should make less than $60,000 a year.”
    Today in America, nearly one in eight teaching jobs is vacant or filled by a teacher who is not fully certified. Approximately one-third of all public school teachers make less than $60,000 a year — including more than 90% of starting teachers. Hundreds of thousands of teachers have to work two or three jobs during the school year to make ends meet. Meanwhile, the average weekly wage for public school teachers has decreased by 5% over the past 30 years, adjusted for inflation. Today, 44% of public school teachers quit the profession within five years.
    The pandemic only made things worse for educators, with the historic staffing shortages disproportionately affecting schools primarily serving students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. Recent studies show that, of all workers, K-12 public school teachers were the most likely to report higher levels of anxiety, stress and burnout during the pandemic. Further, as badly as public school teachers are paid, our school custodians, food service workers and paraprofessionals earn even less. In America today, nearly 35% of paraprofessionals and school staff earn less than $25,000 a year.
    Unacceptably, the Republican reconciliation bill recently signed into law is disastrous for public education and for public school teachers. While it provides a $900 billion tax cut to large, profitable corporations and a $1 trillion tax cut to the top 1%, it cuts over $300 billion in education funding for millions of students and educators throughout America and provides over $50 billion a year for private school vouchers.
    “If we are going to attract the best and brightest young people into teaching, if we are going to encourage teachers to teach in underserved communities, if we are going to improve teacher retention and morale, and if we are going to improve student academic outcomes, then we need to pay teachers in America decent wages and decent benefits,” Sanders continued. “We need to make it clear that high-quality public education is a major priority. That is why I am introducing the Pay Teachers Act. Because if we can provide over a trillion dollars in tax breaks to the top 1% and large corporations, please don’t tell me that we cannot afford to make sure that every teacher in America is paid at least $60,000 a year. I look forward to working with teachers and schools all across the country — some of whom I had the pleasure of hearing from today — to make that happen.”
    The bill would also provide all teachers with at least $1,000 annually for classroom supply expenses and help schools create well-paid career ladders that allow teachers to advance without leaving the classroom. Additionally, it includes Markey’s Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act, which would raise pay for paraprofessionals and education support personnel to at least $45,000 a year or $30 an hour. In addition to requiring that states establish a minimum teacher’s salary of $60,000 a year and pay all teachers a livable and competitive salary that increases as experience and responsibilities grow, the Pay Teachers Act would significantly increase federal investments in teachers and public schools, including tripling Title I-A funding and funding for rural education programs, diversifying and expanding the teacher pipeline, and strengthening leadership and advancement opportunities for educators.
    “Sen. Sanders’s bill, the Pay Teachers Act, will help close the pay gap by significantly increasing federal investments in public schools and raising annual teacher salaries to at least $60,000—as well as providing increases throughout teachers’ careers—to help ensure they are paid a livable and competitive salary,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “It would also invest in the teacher pipeline and leadership opportunities. This is a crucial federal investment to help sustain the teaching profession, which will directly help us provide greater opportunities to our students. At a time when others are abandoning public schools and our students, Sen. Sanders is proposing a necessary strategic remedy that will help attract teachers to the profession and retain them.”
    “Across the country, most of us across race, place and background want the same thing – strong public schools where every student can thrive and strong communities that support them. In order to attract and retain the passionate, qualified educators that inspire our students, give them the one-on-one support, and do everything in their power to help each student succeed, we need to pay teachers like the professionals they are. America’s educators applaud Sen. Bernie Sanders for introducing the Pay Teachers Act, which takes steps to ensure that our nation’s committed public school educators and educator support personnel receive professional recognition, including appropriate pay while also augmenting the current federal programs that support the educator pipeline. We urge Senators to support educators and cosponsor this common-sense legislation that invests in our students, educators, and public schools,” said NEA Vice President Princess Moss.
    The reintroduction of the Pay Teachers Act comes as the Trump administration continues to illegally withhold nearly $5.5 billion in critical funding for public education that was appropriated by Congress, including funds that states use to provide professional development for teachers and to pay teacher salaries. Sanders and his colleagues have repeatedly pushed for the administration to immediately release these funds.
    More than 30 organizations endorsed the Teacher Pay Act, including American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, National PTA and The Education Trust.
    Read the bill text here.
    Read a summary of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ricketts Preserves the Good Life

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the One Big Beautiful Bill and his work to deliver results that matter for Nebraska families.
    Watch the video here.
    “Nebraska is what America is supposed to be,” said Ricketts.  “We believe in hard work.  We provide for our families and take care of our communities.  We defend our freedom.  The One Big Beautiful Bill reflects those values and delivers results where they matter most.”
    TRANSCRIPT:
    Senator Ricketts: “Nebraska is what America is supposed to be. 
    “We believe in hard work. 
    “We provide for our families and take care of our communities. 
    “We defend our freedom. 
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill reflects those values and delivers results where they matter most.  
    “Nebraska workers were under pressure after years of inflation, overregulation, and rising costs as a result of the Biden administration. 
    “This bill fights back with historic tax relief and educational opportunities. 
    “It helps Nebraskans keep more of what they earn and protects Nebraska values.   
    “President Trump and Congressional Republicans are determined to put money back into Americans’ pockets. 
    “The most essential relief helps workers making less than $50,000 a year. 
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill eliminates federal tax on tips up to $25,000 per year. 
    “The no tax on overtime provision provides a deduction of up to $12,500. 
    “Just last week, I was flying out from Nebraska to D.C. when a TSA officer stopped me and thanked me for no tax on overtime.
    “In fact, he even asked if we could make that permanent. 
    “But the no tax on overtime isn’t just for the TSA—it’s for nurses, factory workers, police officers, and servers. 
    “It’s for all of the jobs that keep Nebraska and this country safe and running.   
    “This tax cut is for all jobs that sometimes require workers to give a little more and work a little harder.  
    “We are rewarding their sacrifice. 
    “Without this bill, the average Nebraska family would have seen a hike of $2,400 in taxes.
    “That’s $2,400 that Nebraskans can continue to spend on groceries, utilities, or saving toward a family vacation. 
    “The Biden administration punished hard-working Americans with inflation and wasted taxpayer dollars. 
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill helps Americans save taxes and lays the groundwork for decades of economic growth. 
    “It preserves the good life.  
    “The bill is a win for Nebraska families. 
    “The Child Tax Credit was increased to $2,200. 
    “The child and dependent care tax credit increases the maximum credit rate from 35% to 50%.
    “It’s combined with enhancement of the dependent care assistance program, which excludes up to $7,500 of dependent care assistance expenses from income each year.   
    “That is up from a previous limit of $5,000. 
    “Finding affordable and reliable childcare can be a challenge all across our state for working parents. 
    “With this bill, employers can now offer families more support without raising their workers’ costs. 
    “The employer-provided childcare credit was expanded from $150,000 to $500,000 and a new $600,000 childcare credit was created for small businesses. 
    “This will encourage more businesses to invest in childcare for their workers. 
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill gives families educational freedom and fixes how students are paying for higher education. 
    “American families now have the opportunity to choose the education that fits their children best. 
    “The bill creates a new tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations that help K through 12 students access better educational opportunities. 
    “One of my priorities in this bill is the extension of Pell Grant eligibility to short-term, high-quality job training programs. 
    “This is a proven Nebraska solution I led when I was Governor. 
    “When I was Governor, we supported programs like the Nebraska Youth Registered Apprenticeship Program. 
    “We encouraged students to join the Registered Apprenticeship program and increased participation. 
    “We also started the Developing Youth Talent Initiative to connect young Nebraskans with learning opportunities in their schools about what careers they may want to choose in the future.
    “These give young people the opportunity to combine academic and technical experience with work experience.  
    “This gave Nebraska youth the foundation to choose from several pathways—to enroll in college, begin full-time employment, or combine work with training.   
    “Now, a young Nebraskan in Scottsbluff interested in welding or mechanics can qualify for federal financial aid and go to work, for example, at Aulick Industries. 
    “The bill also provides exemptions for agriculture-related assets, like farmland and combines, from FAFSA calculations. 
    “This means that farm families across the state, from Dawson to Dawes counties, aren’t going to be penalized when seeking financial aid for higher education. 
    “The bill simplifies repayment plans and caps runaway borrowing. 
    “It holds colleges accountable for leaving students with burdensome debt. 
    “Federal loans can no longer fund programs where graduates are earning less than someone with a high school diploma. 
    “Now that is common sense education policy.    
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill defends Nebraska’s values. 
    “It supports families. 
    “It encourages hard work and smart education. 
    “These are wins we promised and wins we delivered. 
    “This is how we fight for Nebraska. 
    “This is how we preserve the good life.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Arizona Woman Sentenced for $17M Information Technology Worker Fraud Scheme that Generated Revenue for North Korea

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    An Arizona woman was sentenced today to 102 months in prison for her role in a fraudulent scheme that assisted North Korean Information Technology (IT) workers posing as U.S. citizens and residents with obtaining remote IT positions at more than 300 U.S. companies. The scheme generated more than $17 million in illicit revenue for Chapman and for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea).

    Christina Marie Chapman, 50, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, pleaded guilty on Feb. 11 in the District of Columbia to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. In addition to the 102-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss ordered Chapman to serve three years of supervised release, to forfeit $284,555.92 that was to be paid to the North Koreans, and to pay a judgment of $176,850.

    “Christina Chapman perpetrated a years’ long scheme that resulted in millions of dollars raised for the DPRK regime, exploited more than 300 American companies and government agencies, and stole dozens of identities of American citizens,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Chapman made the wrong calculation: short term personal gains that inflict harm on our citizens and support a foreign adversary will have severe long term consequences.  I encourage companies to remain vigilant of these cyber threats, and warn individuals who may be tempted by similar schemes to take heed of today’s sentence.”

    “North Korea is not just a threat to the homeland from afar. It is an enemy within. It is perpetrating fraud on American citizens, American companies, and American banks. It is a threat to Main Street in every sense of the word,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia. “The call is coming from inside the house. If this happened to these big banks, to these Fortune 500, brand name, quintessential American companies, it can or is happening at your company. Corporations failing to verify virtual employees pose a security risk for all. You are the first line of defense against the North Korean threat.”

    “The North Korean regime has generated millions of dollars for its nuclear weapons program by victimizing American citizens, businesses, and financial institutions,” said Assistant Director Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “However, even an adversary as sophisticated as the North Korean government can’t succeed without the assistance of willing U.S. citizens like Christina Chapman, who was sentenced today for her role in an elaborate scheme to defraud more than 300 American companies by helping North Korean IT workers gain virtual employment and launder the money they earned. Today’s sentencing demonstrates that the FBI will work tirelessly with our partners to defend the homeland and hold those accountable who aid our adversaries.”

    “The sentencing today demonstrates the great lengths to which the North Korean government will go in its efforts and resources to fund its illicit activities. The FBI continues to pursue these threat actors to disrupt their network and hold those accountable wherever they may be,” said Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke of the FBI Phoenix Field Office.

    “Today’s sentencing brings justice to the victims whose identities were stolen for this international fraud scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office. “The scheme was elaborate. If this sentencing proves anything, it’s that no amount of obfuscation will prevent IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners from tracking down those that wish to steal the identities of U.S. nationals, launder money, or engage in criminality that jeopardizes national security.”

    The case involved one of the largest North Korean IT worker fraud schemes charged by the Department of Justice, with 68 identities stolen from victims in the United States and 309 U.S. businesses and two international businesses defrauded.

    According to court documents, North Korea has deployed thousands of highly skilled IT workers around the world, including to the United States, to obtain remote employment using false, stolen, or borrowed identities of U.S. persons. To circumvent controls employed by U.S. companies to prevent the hiring of illicit overseas IT workers, the North Korean IT workers obtain assistance from U.S.-based collaborators.

    Chapman helped North Korean IT workers obtain jobs at 309 U.S. companies, including Fortune 500 corporations. The impacted companies included a top-five major television network, a Silicon Valley technology company, an aerospace manufacturer, an American car maker, a luxury retail store, and a U.S media and entertainment company. Some of the companies were targeted by the IT workers, who maintained a repository of postings for companies that they wanted to employ them. The IT workers also attempted to obtain employment at two different U.S. government agencies, although these efforts were generally unsuccessful.

    Chapman operated a “laptop farm” where she received and hosted computers from the U.S. companies at her home, deceiving the companies into believing that the work was being performed in the United States. Chapman also shipped 49 laptops and other devices supplied by U.S. companies to locations overseas, including multiple shipments to a city in China on the border with North Korea. More than 90 laptops were seized from Chapman’s home following the execution of a search warrant in October 2023.

    Christina Chapman organized and stored U.S. company laptops in her home, and included notes identifying the U.S. company and identity associated with each laptop.

    Much of the millions of dollars in income generated by the scheme was falsely reported to the IRS and Social Security Administration in the names of actual U.S. individuals whose identities had been stolen or borrowed. Additionally, Chapman received and forged payroll checks in the names of the stolen identities used by the IT workers and received IT workers’ wages through direct deposit from U.S. companies into her U.S. financial accounts. Chapman further transferred the proceeds from the scheme to individuals overseas.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Phoenix Field Office, and the IRS-CI Phoenix Field Office. Assistance was provided by the FBI Chicago Field Office.

    Trial Attorney Ashley R. Pungello of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen P. Seifert for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Jorge Casillas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Rothstein for the District of Columbia, the Victim Witness Unit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, and the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section also provided assistance.

    ***

    In a coordinated effort, FBI Phoenix also issued guidance for HR professionals on detecting North Korean IT workers, and the Department of State issued guidance on the North Korean IT worker threat.

    Prior guidance was issued by the FBI, State Department, and the Department of the Treasury on this threat in a May 2022 advisory, and by the United States and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) in October 2023. The FBI issued updated guidance in May 2024 regarding the use of U.S. persons acting as facilitators by providing a U.S.-based location for U.S. companies to send devices and a U.S.-based internet connection for access to U.S. company networks and in January 2025 concerning the extortion and theft of sensitive company data by North Korean IT workers, along with recommended mitigations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Gallego, Salinas, Barragán Introduce Mental Health for Latinos Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the nation observes Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), along with Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.-02) and Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), introduced the Mental Health for Latinos Act, legislation to improve mental health outcomes among Latino and Hispanic communities. 

    Barriers to mental health care within Latino communities cause far too many individuals to suffer in silence. Only 47.4 percent of Hispanic adults ages 18 or older with any mental illness received services in 2023. Between 2010 and 2020, the suicide rate among male Hispanic adults (ages 20 to 64) increased by 35.7 percent, and the rate among women specifically increased by 40.6 percent. Even those who can access services rarely receive the effective, culturally competent care they need.

    “No one should suffer in silence,” said Senator Padilla. “We need to break down the barriers that keep Latinos from getting the mental health care they need, when stigma and language access can make it even harder to ask for help. The Mental Health for Latinos Act would improve mental health outcomes by reducing stigma in the Latino community and encouraging people to reach out for help. As we tackle the rise in mental health challenges, it’s critical that we acknowledge the distinct needs of our diverse communities and develop solutions that meet people where they are.”

    “Too many Latinos, especially men, shy away from seeking help because they’re afraid of being judged, and that only makes the problem worse. This issue is personal to me. This bill would help break the stigma around mental health and make it easier to get care from people who actually understand our community. I want everyone to know that they’re not alone and that getting help is not a weakness,” said Senator Gallego.

    “As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus and a proud Latina, I know how crucial it is to end the stigma around mental health care and improve outcomes and access to care among Latino communities,” said Representative Salinas. “I’ve been on the other end of a phone call with someone who is having a mental health crisis. I see how important it is for people not only to have access to mental health care, but also to be able to get the culturally competent care that meets them where they are.”

    “This legislation is a first step to breaking down the unique barriers that prevent our Latino communities from receiving the help they need. Mental health is a challenge that many Americans bear silently — but they shouldn’t have to,” said Representative Barragán. “Ensuring that our communities in need receive specialized resources and outreach will help break down cultural stigmas and language barriers that prevent Americans from accessing mental health care that is essential to their overall health and well-being.”

    Informed and culturally competent resources, education materials, and outreach programs are vital to addressing the mental health crisis. The Mental Health for Latinos Act recognizes the unique mental health challenges of the Latino community, aiming to reduce cultural stigma and rectify health care disparities that prevent people from receiving lifesaving mental health services. As our nation confronts a worsening mental health crisis, this critical legislation reinforces the message that there is zero shame in asking for help and that seeking support is a sign of strength.

    Specifically, the bill would:

    • Require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop and implement an outreach and education strategy to promote behavioral and mental health among the Latino and Hispanic populations that:
      • Meets diverse cultural and language needs and is developmentally and age-appropriate,
      • Increases awareness of symptoms of mental illnesses,
      • Provides information on evidence-based, culturally and linguistically appropriate adapted interventions and treatments,
      • Ensures full participation of community members, and
      • Uses a comprehensive public health approach to promoting behavioral health by focusing on the intersection between behavioral and physical health.
    • Require SAMHSA to report annually to Congress on the extent to which the strategy improved behavioral and mental health outcomes among these populations.

    The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).

    The Mental Health for Latinos Act is endorsed by organizations including American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness, UnidosUS, American Mental Health Counselors Association, Inseparable, American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN), Global Alliance for Behavioral Health & Social Justice, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP), American Group Psychotherapy Association, Epilepsy Foundation of America, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the International Society for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN), the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and Fountain House.

    Senator Padilla is a leading advocate for expanding mental health care access, especially for underserved communities. In 2023, Padilla launched the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus to serve as a forum for Senators to collaborate on and promote bipartisan legislation and solutions, hold events to raise awareness of critical mental health issues, and destigmatize mental health. Earlier this year, Padilla condemned the Trump Administration’s proposed dissolution of SAMHSA as part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) restructuring plan and the White House Office of Management and Budget’s HHS budget proposal. Padilla also led 12 Democratic Senators in warning HHS Secretary Kennedy that additional staffing cuts at SAMHSA would have disastrous ramifications for millions of Americans struggling with mental and behavioral health challenges. Previously, Padilla applauded the Federal Communications Commission for making critical improvements to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by adopting the main provisions of his Local 9-8-8 Response Act of 2023. Additionally, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation earlier this year to combat the growing youth mental health crisis in America through early intervention and prevention services. Padilla previously introduced bills to address the unique mental health needs of military children and farm workers.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Takes Action to End Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets

    Source: US Whitehouse

    ENDING VAGRANCY AND RESTORING ORDER: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to restore order to American cities and remove vagrant individuals from our streets, redirecting federal resources toward programs that tackle substance abuse and returning to the acute necessity of civil commitment.

    • The Order directs the Attorney General to reverse judicial precedents and end consent decrees that limit State and local governments’ ability to commit individuals on the streets who are a risk to themselves or others.  
    • The Order requires the Attorney General to work with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of Transportation to prioritize grants for states and municipalities that enforce prohibitions on open illicit drug use, urban camping and loitering, and urban squatting, and track the location of sex offenders.
    • The Order redirects funding to ensure that individuals camping on streets and causing public disorder and that are suffering from serious mental illness or addiction are moved into treatment centers, assisted outpatient treatment, or other facilities.
    • The Order ensures discretionary grants for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery do not fund drug injection sites or illicit drug use.
    • The Order stops sex offenders who receive homelessness assistance from being housed with children, and allows programs to exclusively house women and children.

    ENSURING AMERICANS FEEL SAFE IN THEIR OWN CITIES AND TOWNS: President Trump is taking a new approach focused on protecting public safety because surrendering our cities and citizens to disorder and fear is neither compassionate to the homeless nor to other citizens. 

    • The number of individuals living on the streets in the United States on a single night during the last year of the Biden administration—274,224 —was the highest ever recorded.
    • The overwhelming majority of these individuals are addicted to drugs, have a mental health disorder, or both.
    • Federal and state governments have spent tens of billions of dollars on failed programs that address homelessness but not its root causes, leaving other citizens vulnerable to public safety threats.
    • Shifting these individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment is the most proven way to restore public order. 

    MAKING AMERICA SAFE AGAIN: President Trump is committed to ending homelessness across America. 

    • In 2023, President Trump said: “We will use every tool, lever, and authority to get the homeless off our streets. We want to take care of them, but they have to be off our streets.”
    • In March 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to beautify Washington D.C., directing the National Park Service to clear all homeless encampments and graffiti on Federal lands.
    • In May 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the National Center for Warrior Independence, a place where homeless veterans can go to receive the care, benefits, and services to which they are entitled.
    • As part of First Lady Melania Trump’s BE BEST Initiative, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a $1.8 million dollar investment to prevent homelessness among young Americans aging out of the foster care system.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Backing Australia’s tourism, hospitality and travel sectors

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    Australia’s Tourism, Hospitality and Travel industries have a powerful new tool to attract, retain and train workers with the launch of eeger.

    The Albanese Labor Government, working in partnership with Accommodation Australia, is proud to launch this government-funded, industry-led national careers and training platform.

    Australia’s Tourism, Hospitality and Travel industries help put Australia on the map, with the workforce that make up the industry becoming the public face of our world class experiences, accommodation and food offerings.

    With workforce demand in the industry expected to grow by nearly 150,000 by 2033, eeger will go a long way to ensuring the future sustainability of Australia’s tourism, hospitality and travel sectors.

    The visitor economy is vital to Australia. It supports over 706,000 jobs – that’s one in every 23 jobs across the nation. It underpins more than 360,000 businesses, from hotels to tour operators, cafes to cultural centres – these are businesses that keep our communities vibrant and connected.

    eeger brings together job vacancies, training programs and career development resources into one, easy-to-use, digital platform, connecting jobseekers, employers and educators across these rapidly growing sectors.

    This groundbreaking initiative will tackle long-standing workforce challenges for the sector, helping to build a stronger, more resilient visitor economy.

    eeger was made possible by a $10 million grant from the Albanese Labor Government to strengthen the country’s visitor economy and secure the skilled workforce it needs for the future.

    eeger isn’t just a job board. It brings together job opportunities, training programs and career development in one place, making it easier for Australians to enter and grow within these vital industries.

    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:

    “The launch of eeger marks a pivotal moment for the industry, offering a national perspective for tourism, travel and hospitality job seekers to find the right opportunities and for employers to access the skilled workforce they need.

    “The Albanese Labor Government is proud to support this innovative platform, which will help rebuild and future-proof Australia’s visitor economy.

    “My first job was in tourism, and I know firsthand how magnificent this industry is to be a part of. I encourage businesses and jobseekers to sign up and make the most of this innovative platform and join this vibrant and important sector.”

    General Manager of eeger, Emilie Howe:

    “eeger is more than a job platform – it’s built by industry, for industry. It’s a unique solution that centralises career, job and training information for our workforce needs – the first of its kind on a national scale.

    “We encourage all businesses in Tourism, Hospitality and Travel, no matter the size, to sign up and take advantage of the free eeger platform.”

    Quotes attributable to Accommodation Australia CEO, James Goodwin:

    “We’re proud to have worked with so many sectors to develop such an innovative platform that responds exactly to what the industry needs.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: eSignatureGuarantee.com, An Online Medallion Guarantee Verification Platform, Acquired by Entrepreneur Jess Heron

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN — eSignature Guarantee, a trusted online medallion stamp verification solution platform that simplified a traditionally complex financial process, has been acquired by entrepreneur and operator Jess Heron.

    Since its launch, eSignatureGuarantee.com has been a valued resource for tens of thousands of shareholders and investors across the country who need a compliant and more convenient way to get things done. As banks pulled back from branch-based services, the platform filled the gap with a digital approach that made things faster, easier, and accessible from anywhere.

    For co-founder Seth Farbman, this was more than another exit: “One of the most important things I look for when selling a company is identifying someone who sees the value in what has already been built and who is ready to carry it forward with the same care. There is a certain connection to an idea when you take it from seed to sale. The goal is always to make sure it reaches its full potential and that the client audience is taken care of going forward. Jess Heron is the right person for this next chapter.”

    Jess Heron brings deep experience in scaling platforms and building customer-first technology. He said: “We see incredible upside and opportunity to extend the solution across new use cases, while continuing to serve shareholders, trusts, funds and corporate holders who depends on a trusted digital medallion verification experience. I am excited for what comes next.”

    Yoel Goldfeder added: “We are proud that eSignature Guarantee succeeded by integrating legal integrity and securities compliance with practical utility, offering a solution that met the standards of the industry while simplifying the experience for those it served.”

    With this acquisition, the eSignatureGuarantee.com platform will continue to operate without interruption, while the new leadership team explores new integrations and expanded service offerings to further simplify the medallion guarantee process. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    For those looking to use the service, feel free to visit www.eSignatureGuarantee.com.

    About eSignature Guarantee

    eSignatureGuarantee.com is a secure, online platform that offers Medallion Signature Guarantees for individual and institutional shareholders. Since its founding, the platform has served thousands of users who required fast, compliant, and remote solutions for financial transactions that traditionally required in-person banking services.

    Contact:

    info@esignatureguarantee.com

    Wire Service Contact:
    IBN
    Austin, Texas
    www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
    512.354.7000 Office
    Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Credit Acceptance Announces Timing of Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Southfield, Michigan, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Credit Acceptance Corporation (Nasdaq: CACC) (referred to as the “Company”, “Credit Acceptance”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) announced today that we expect to issue a news release with our second quarter 2025 earnings on Thursday, July 31, 2025, after the market closes. A webcast is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss second quarter 2025 earnings.  

    Conference Call and Webcast Information:
    Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
    Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

    Telephone Access: 

    Only persons accessing the webcast by telephone will be able to pose questions to the presenters during the webcast. To participate by telephone, you must pre-register using the following link:

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BIdf2e1302737241fd92014eec2b76a62f

    or through the link posted on the “Investor Relations” section of our website at ir.creditacceptance.com. Upon registering you will be provided with the dial-in number and a unique PIN to access the webcast by telephone.

    Webcast Access:
    The webcast can also be accessed live by visiting the “Investor Relations” section of our website at ir.creditacceptance.com.

    Additionally, a replay and transcript of the webcast will be archived in the “Investor Relations” section of our website.

    Description of Credit Acceptance Corporation

    We make vehicle ownership possible by providing innovative financing solutions that enable automobile dealers to sell vehicles to consumers regardless of their credit history. Our financing programs are offered through a nationwide network of automobile dealers who benefit from sales of vehicles to consumers who otherwise could not obtain financing; from repeat and referral sales generated by these same customers; and from sales to customers responding to advertisements for our financing programs, but who actually end up qualifying for traditional financing.

    Without our financing programs, consumers are often unable to purchase vehicles or they purchase unreliable ones. Further, as we report to the three national credit reporting agencies, an important ancillary benefit of our programs is that we provide consumers with an opportunity to improve their lives by improving their credit score and move on to more traditional sources of financing. Credit Acceptance is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol CACC. For more information, visit creditacceptance.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Definitive Healthcare Announces Timing of Its Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FRAMINGHAM, Mass., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Definitive Healthcare Corp. (“Definitive Healthcare”) (Nasdaq: DH), an industry leader in healthcare commercial intelligence, today announced that it will report financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2025, on Thursday, August 7, 2025 after market close. The company will host a conference call and webcast at 5:00 PM (ET) / 2:00 PM (PT) to discuss the company’s financial results.

    A live audio webcast of the event will be available on the Definitive Healthcare’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.definitivehc.com/.

    A live dial-in will be available at 877-358-7298 (domestic) or +1-848-488-9244 (international). Shortly after the conclusion of the call, a replay of this conference call will be available through September 6, 2025 at 800-645-7964 or 757-849-6722. The replay passcode is 1765#.

    About Definitive Healthcare
    At Definitive Healthcare, our mission is to transform data, analytics, and expertise into healthcare commercial intelligence. We help clients uncover the right markets, opportunities, and people, so they can shape tomorrow’s healthcare industry. Our SaaS products and solutions create new paths to commercial success in the healthcare market, so companies can identify where to go next. Learn more at definitivehc.com.

    Media Contact:
    Bethany Swackhamer
    bswackhamer@definitivehc.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Brian Denyeau
    ICR for Definitive Healthcare
    brian.denyeau@icrinc.com

    Source: Definitive Healthcare Corp.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ACM Research Announces Major Upgrades to Its Ultra C wb Wet Bench Cleaning Tool for Advanced Chip Manufacturing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ACM Research, Inc. (“ACM”) (NASDAQ: ACMR), a leading supplier of wafer and panel processing solutions for semiconductor and advanced packaging applications, today announced major upgrades to its Ultra C wb cleaning tool. These new enhancements are designed to meet the demanding technical requirements of advanced-node manufacturing processes.

    The upgraded Ultra C wb features a patent-pending nitrogen (N2) bubbling technology to solve poor wet etching uniformity and by-product regrowth. These issues frequently appear in conventional wet bench processes of phosphoric acid in high aspect ratio trenches and via structures in advanced-node processes. ACM’s patent-pending N2 bubbling technique enhances the transport efficiency of phosphoric acid and promotes the uniformity of temperature, concentration and flow velocity in wet etching bath. The improved mass transfer efficiency of the wet etching process avoids by-product accumulation in wafer micro-structures to prevent regrowth. This technology holds significant application potential in the wet etching process for manufacturing 3D DRAM, 3D logic and 500+ layer 3D NAND devices​​.

    “With performance a top priority, ACM has enhanced its Ultra C wb tool to deliver improved results by integrating the N2 bubbling technique,” said ACM’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. David Wang. “Batch processing remains a vital component of the wet processing market, offering advantages such as cost-effectiveness, increased efficiency, and lower chemical consumption compared to single-wafer wet cleaning.”

    New Features and Benefits of the Upgraded Ultra C wb Tool:

    • Enhanced Etching Uniformity: Compared to conventional batch processes for wet cleaning, the Ultra C wb platform is equipped with the N2 bubbling technique, improving within-wafer and wafer-to-wafer wet etching uniformity by more than 50%.
    • Enhanced Particle Removal Performance: The Ultra C wb platform’s advanced cleaning capabilities have been proven in organic residue removal of special phosphoric acid additives in advanced-node processes.
    • Expanded Process Capabilities: The upgraded bench module is qualified for three layers of advanced-node processes, including: stack silicon nitride removal, channel hole polysilicon etch back and gate line tungsten recess. It is compatible with a variety of chemical solutions, such as phosphoric acid, H4 etchant (a mixed acid solution typically used for metal film etching), tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), standard clean 1 (SC1) and silicon-germanium (SiGe) etching solution, etc. Additional layers and applications are currently in development at the customer site.
    • Proprietary Design: The nitrogen bubbling technology designs in the patent application generate large-size bubbles with good uniformity, while the bubble density can be precisely controlled. The N₂ bubbling core technology can be applied to ACM’s Ultra C Tahoe (single-wafer and bench combined cleaning tool) platform, effectively addressing customers’ future process requirements.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this press release are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “plans,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “designed,” and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on ACM management’s current expectations and beliefs, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. A description of certain of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in filings ACM makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by ACM. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. ACM undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in its expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    About ACM Research, Inc.

    ACM develops, manufactures and sells semiconductor process equipment spanning cleaning, electroplating, stress-free polishing, vertical furnace processes, track, PECVD, and wafer- and panel-level packaging tools, enabling advanced and semi-critical semiconductor device manufacturing. ACM is committed to delivering customized, high-performance, cost-effective process solutions that semiconductor manufacturers can use in numerous manufacturing steps to improve productivity and product yield. For more information, visit www.acmr.com.

    © ACM Research, Inc. ULTRA C and the ACM Research logo are trademarks of ACM Research, Inc. For convenience, these trademarks appear in this press release without ™ symbols, but that practice does not mean ACM will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights to such trademarks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

       
    Media Contact: Company Contacts:
    Alyssa Lundeen USA
    Kiterocket Robert Metter
    +1 218.398.0776 +1 503.367.9753
    alundeen@kiterocket.com  
      China
      Xi Wang
      ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc.
      +86 21 50808868
       
      Korea
      ACM Research (Korea), Inc.
      +82 70-41006699
       
      Taiwan
      David Chang
      +886 921999884
       
      Singapore
      Adrian Ong
      +65 8813-1107
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Open Lending Appoints Veteran Financial Services Executive Massimo Monaco as Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Open Lending Corporation (NASDAQ: LPRO) (“Open Lending” or the “Company”), an industry trailblazer in automotive lending enablement and risk analytics solutions for financial institutions, today announced the appointment of Massimo Monaco as Chief Financial Officer, effective August 18, 2025.

    Mr. Monaco brings over two decades of executive finance leadership experience in the residential mortgage lending and financial services industries, and he is known for driving change, strengthening financial discipline, and building strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Arc Home LLC, a residential mortgage lender, from 2018 to 2025, following his role as CFO at American Financial Resources from 2016 to 2018. His extensive background also includes various senior finance positions at PHH Corp. (formerly NYSE: PHH), one of the largest outsourcers of home loans in the United States. Mr. Monaco holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts from La Salle University.

    “Massimo’s extensive background in financial services and mortgage lending paired with his proven ability to develop and execute on the strategic vision of leadership teams make him an excellent addition to Open Lending’s executive management team,” said Jessica Buss, Chief Executive Officer of Open Lending. “His deep industry expertise and financial leadership will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth across our platform. We’re confident in the talent we have in place and look forward to working with Massimo during this exciting time for Open Lending.”

    “I am excited to join Open Lending at this pivotal moment in the Company’s journey,” said Mr. Monaco. “Open Lending’s innovative approach to lending enablement and risk analytics has established it as a trusted partner to financial institutions nationwide while enabling better results for both lenders and borrowers. I look forward to working with the team to drive continued growth and value creation for our stakeholders while furthering the Company’s mission to serve the underserved.”

    About Open Lending

    Open Lending (NASDAQ: LPRO) provides loan analytics, risk-based pricing, risk modeling, and default insurance to auto lenders throughout the United States. For over 20 years, we have been empowering financial institutions to create profitable auto loan portfolios with less risk and more reward. For more information, please visit www.openlending.com.

    Contact information:

    Investor Relations Inquiries:
    InvestorRelations@openlending.com

    Source: Open Lending Corporation

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Open Lending Appoints Veteran Financial Services Executive Massimo Monaco as Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Open Lending Corporation (NASDAQ: LPRO) (“Open Lending” or the “Company”), an industry trailblazer in automotive lending enablement and risk analytics solutions for financial institutions, today announced the appointment of Massimo Monaco as Chief Financial Officer, effective August 18, 2025.

    Mr. Monaco brings over two decades of executive finance leadership experience in the residential mortgage lending and financial services industries, and he is known for driving change, strengthening financial discipline, and building strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Arc Home LLC, a residential mortgage lender, from 2018 to 2025, following his role as CFO at American Financial Resources from 2016 to 2018. His extensive background also includes various senior finance positions at PHH Corp. (formerly NYSE: PHH), one of the largest outsourcers of home loans in the United States. Mr. Monaco holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts from La Salle University.

    “Massimo’s extensive background in financial services and mortgage lending paired with his proven ability to develop and execute on the strategic vision of leadership teams make him an excellent addition to Open Lending’s executive management team,” said Jessica Buss, Chief Executive Officer of Open Lending. “His deep industry expertise and financial leadership will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth across our platform. We’re confident in the talent we have in place and look forward to working with Massimo during this exciting time for Open Lending.”

    “I am excited to join Open Lending at this pivotal moment in the Company’s journey,” said Mr. Monaco. “Open Lending’s innovative approach to lending enablement and risk analytics has established it as a trusted partner to financial institutions nationwide while enabling better results for both lenders and borrowers. I look forward to working with the team to drive continued growth and value creation for our stakeholders while furthering the Company’s mission to serve the underserved.”

    About Open Lending

    Open Lending (NASDAQ: LPRO) provides loan analytics, risk-based pricing, risk modeling, and default insurance to auto lenders throughout the United States. For over 20 years, we have been empowering financial institutions to create profitable auto loan portfolios with less risk and more reward. For more information, please visit www.openlending.com.

    Contact information:

    Investor Relations Inquiries:
    InvestorRelations@openlending.com

    Source: Open Lending Corporation

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Long-term financing and development of Rail Baltica in light of EU and NATO strategic objectives – E-002997/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002997/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michał Dworczyk (ECR)

    Russia’s war against Ukraine has confirmed the crucial importance of military mobility for maintaining NATO and EU security. Therefore, Rail Baltica – as a pan-European project of strategic geopolitical and economic importance – not only strengthens the single market, but is also crucial to the security of the eastern flank.

    Given the continued delays in the implementation of the project, ongoing work on the new Multiannual Financial Framework, and the rapid exhaustion of funds under the Action Plan on Military Mobility 2.0, stable and long-term financing must be secured for the next stages of Rail Baltica, including from other European funds.

    I would therefore like to ask:

    • 1.How does the Commission plan to ensure stable and adequate co-financing for this project under the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, given that the current annual calls for proposals do not provide the predictability necessary for the long-term planning of infrastructure investments?
    • 2.Given that the Commission has recognised Rail Baltica as a project of strategic importance for the EU’s security and military mobility, are additional support instruments – including dedicated financing mechanisms – planned to enable faster implementation of the project under future programmes on defence, military mobility and critical infrastructure?
    • 3.Is the Commission considering extending the route with a section from Warsaw to Ukraine and to allied countries in the Black Sea region[1]?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    • [1] This matter is raised in point 1 of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1332 of 9 July 2025, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202501332.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Climate target for 2040 – E-002879/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002879/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Daniel Buda (PPE)

    The Commission proposes a 90 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as part of the pathway to climate neutrality by 2050. This measure supports clean industry, investment and energy security, and will be debated by Parliament and the Council.

    • 1.In view of the proposed climate goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 % by 2040, how does the Commission intend to ensure an equitable transition for Member States with less decarbonised economies so that they are not disadvantaged in the process of implementing the new measures, and so that their industrial competitiveness is not significantly affected?
    • 2.How will the Commission provide sufficient funds to ensure a fair transition to the 2040 climate goal so that no one and no region is left behind?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Dropped landing obligation infringement procedures – P-002982/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002982/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE)

    In July 2024, The Financial Times[1] reported that the Commission had dropped infringement proceedings launched in 2021 against France, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium for failing to enforce the EU’s ban on discarding unwanted fish at sea. These proceedings aimed to ensure compliance with the landing obligation, requiring catches, including by-catch, to be landed and counted against quotas. The Financial Times reported that the Commission ‘quietly’ dropped the cases without explanation, and that no evidence was seen that the breaches had been addressed.

    Experts have long warned that undocumented discards undermine quota monitoring and the scientific data underpinning fishing limits. Commission staff working document SWD(2025)0149 of 6 June 2025 echoed these warnings, citing a ‘lack of effective control measures adopted by Member States to date’[2], making such violations ‘very difficult to detect and confirm’. The European Fisheries Control Agency’s 2024 Annual Report[3] also found ‘low occurrence’ of detecting landing obligation infringements, while a recent report by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency[4] found ‘ineffective monitoring and enforcement’ of this rule at Member State level.

    Considering the above:

    • 1.Did the Commission receive any evidence that the identified non-compliance was corrected before closing the five cases?
    • 2.Has it since verified that compliance has improved in the Member States concerned?

    Submitted: 17.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.ft.com/content/92f54b80-24b7-4b57-80f6-a2eadd2a8211?accessToken=zwAGHiDi-6u4kdOS9UuAJLdLV9OA9qLq3SqCEQ.MEUCIBrgX1ar-IVixBkl3pH23gfxiYiS9Z15xqG6RGm62OmIAiEAoJ1fXbcn6CY7R9bUzWpzT_sZxJMVxmOSZSO4nhPbXT0&sharetype=gift&token=1ba2b62f-8594-41df-ba65-7d2607e2fdde.
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14725-Sustainable-fishing-in-the-EU-state-of-play-and-orientations-for-2026_en.
    • [3] https://www.efca.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2025-05/Annual%20Report%202024%20.pdf.
    • [4] https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/document/download/4a34e7aa-8548-4c4f-b8da-be8cdcf2681c_en?filename=Final%20report%20LO_en.pdf.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Human rights monitoring of EU border management funding in Libya – E-002912/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002912/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)

    In its answer to Written Question E-000728/2025[1], the Commission states that it ‘monitors its programmes through regular reports from implementing partners, on-the-ground visits, independent expert evaluations and external monitoring’. However, this contradicts European Court of Auditors (ECA) Special Report 17/2024, which concluded that ‘there was no evidence of checks being carried out’.

    The ECA report also concluded that Commission staff possess no in-depth knowledge of the activities funded by the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa in Libya, including their location, and therefore cannot assess whether EU-funded equipment is being used as intended and in line with the do-no-harm principle.

    • 1.How many checks have been carried out on EU-funded assets in total?
    • 2.Can the Commission confirm whether it is in possession of a list of all EU-funded equipment, including its exact location?
    • 3.How does the Commission assess whether EU-funded equipment is being used as intended and in line with the do-no-harm principle?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-000728-ASW_EN.html.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Türkiye’s use of pre-accession assistance (IPA) funds to finance espionage operations – Production of biometric passports – E-002880/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002880/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)

    Reliable and substantiated international reports[1] reveal that a large part of the EU’s IPA funds to Türkiye have been channelled by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Government into funding espionage operations across Europe. The Turkish Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs are alleged to have used hundreds of millions of euro to gather intelligence against Member States. The issue is further complicated by the fact that Türkiye is becoming a major producer of biometric passports and is already printing passports on behalf of Hungary and France,[2] while cooperation with the new Al-Jolani regime in Syria has also recently been announced.[3]

    In light of the above:

    • 1.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to monitor the funds received by Türkiye in the framework of pre-accession assistance?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to request the return of any funds not used for the purposes for which they were granted to Türkiye?
    • 3.Does the Commission intend to take measures to protect the biometric data of European citizens from non-EU countries such as Türkiye, which are involved in the collection and processing of such sensitive data?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    • [1] https://nordicmonitor.com/2025/06/eus-aid-to-turkey-diverted-to-spying-operations-in-europe-by-erdogan-government/
    • [2] https://www.biometricupdate.com/202209/turkey-to-print-hungarian-french-biometric-passports
    • [3] https://www.biometricupdate.com/202501/new-syrian-leadership-asks-turkey-to-supply-identity-cards-passports
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public procurement in healthcare – E-002931/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002931/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomislav Sokol (PPE)

    The ongoing review of the EU’s Public Procurement Directive[1] presents a key opportunity to embed a modern, sustainability-driven approach to procurement across Member States, including in sensitive sectors such as healthcare.

    Public tenders increasingly include environmental criteria, often focused on greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the EU’s Green Deal and efforts to promote value-based, circular procurement. However, environmental considerations must be counterbalanced with a broader, more holistic view, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where the human component is central. Here, sustainability should be understood not only in environmental terms, but also in terms of its economic, social, and human impact, meaning patient outcomes, patient safety, and the well-being of the healthcare workforce.

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that the revised Public Procurement Directive supports a holistic approach to the definition of sustainability – including human and economic impact in sectors such as healthcare?
    • 2.How will the Commission support procurement authorities in applying such an approach – e.g. through technical guidance, capacity-building or funding – to ensure a shared understanding of sustainability across Member States and a level playing field for economic operators?
    • 3.What steps will be taken to ensure sustainability criteria do not hamper innovation, safety or patient outcomes in healthcare environments?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] Directive 2014/24/EU of 26 February 2014 on public procurement, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj.
    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Social leasing schemes and used vehicles – E-002996/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002996/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE)

    In its communication of 5 March 2025 entitled ‘Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector’ (COM(2025)0095), the Commission declared that social leasing schemes ‘can support affordable clean mobility for less advantaged consumers, while giving a direct boost to zero-emission vehicles sales’. In its recommendation of 22 May 2025 on transport poverty, the Commission recognised the need to establish social leasing schemes for both new and second-hand zero-emission vehicles. Yet it did not really detail how second-hand zero-emission vehicles could be included in these social leasing schemes.

    Given the large stocks of used vehicles currently present in the Member States and the opportunity to make them more accessible to vulnerable groups by including them in social leasing schemes:

    • 1.has the Commission already conducted impact studies on the inclusion of used vehicles in social leasing schemes, and would it be willing to share the results?
    • 2.what would be the Commission’s recommendations on how precisely to include them in the social leasing schemes?
    • 3.does the Commission envisage any EU legislation on the matter to avoid fragmentation of the EU single market and promote the inclusion of both EU new and used electric vehicles in social leasing schemes?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Supervisor of Camden County Jail Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation in the Assault of Pretrial Detainee

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    A former deputy sheriff and Jail Corporal with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office was sentenced today to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting a pretrial detainee, identified by the initials J.H.

    Ryan Robert Biegel, 27, of Kingsland, Georgia, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Lisa G. Wood on January 28 to one count of using unreasonable force against the detainee. According to the plea agreement, on September 3, 2022, Biegel and two other correctional officers entered a holding cell in which J.H. was being detained. Upon entering the cell, two other correctional officers restrained J.H.’s arms and pushed him against a wall. Biegel admitted that he punched J.H. five times in the back of the head, which he knew was not reasonable or necessary to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and then struck J.H. in the head and body an additional twenty-two times with his fists and knees.

    The FBI Brunswick RA Field Office investigated the matter along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer J. Kirkland for the Southern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Liberia salutes African Development Bank President Adesina in landmark Government session

    Source: APO – Report:

    • I want you to know that your legacy in Liberia is strong and enduring, President Boakai tells Adesina
    • “With your vast natural resources, Liberia has no business being poor.” — Adesina

    Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai convened the full spectrum of his government leadership to hear from African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (www.AfDB.org), whom he lauded for a transformative decade at the helm of Africa’s premier development finance institution.

    The expanded cabinet meeting, held Tuesday 22 July at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, brought together all three branches of the Liberian government: executive ministers, legislative leaders, the Chief Justice, and heads of state-owned enterprises. The event served as both a celebration of partnership and a platform for Adesina to share leadership insights as he nears the end of his term in August 2025.

    “You have shown the world that bold ideas, when combined with clear vision and determination, can produce extraordinary results,” President Boakai declared. “Through your leadership, the African Development Bank has invested in real solutions that touch lives every day.”

    Underscoring the gravity of the occasion, the Liberian president added: “The fact that all three branches of our government are represented speaks volumes about the value we place on your visit and the respect we have for your leadership and contributions.”

    In his rousing keynote address titled “Liberia: Arise, and Shine!”, Dr. Adesina reflected on the Bank’s enduring partnership with Liberia, which has resulted in $1.02 billion in investments across 72 projects since 1967.

    Key achievements include nearly 2,500 km of electricity transmission lines connecting Liberia with Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Guinea; the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project, which delivered nearly 40,000 new grid connections; and 177 km of new roads including the transformational Fish Town-Harper and Karloken to Fish Town corridors.

    A central highlight of the event was the launch of the Liberia Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB), a flagship $17 million initiative under the African Development Bank’s Youth in Africa strategy. Liberia becomes the first African country to establish the dedicated youth-focused financial institution, aimed at equipping young Liberians aged 18-35 with the tools and capital to drive national development through entrepreneurship.

    President Boakai described the Bank’s portfolio as “more than numbers on paper.”

    “They are roads that connect our communities, energy that lights homes and businesses, and agriculture projects that strengthen food security and create income for our farmers,” he said.

    Drawing from his experience as Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture, and his decade-long leadership of the Bank, Adesina offered the Liberian cabinet a 7-point framework for transformational governance: setting clear and ambitious goals, ensuring measurable results, promoting teamwork and accountability and reforming institutions, especially the civil service and judiciary.

    “Don’t just blow the whistle, use your yellow card or red card. There is no need for rules in a soccer game if the referee never uses the yellow card or the red card,” Adesina said. “You cannot spend time baby-sitting poor performers. The public is eager for results and time is not on your side. So, be firm. Reward performers. Dispense with non-performers.”

    He recommended the adoption of a “One Government approach”, as well as the establishment of a presidential awards program to “recognize and incentivize inter-agency collaboration”; drawing from similar models at the African Development Bank.

    The Bank Group President urged the country to unlock greater value from its abundant resources. “With your vast natural resources, Liberia has no business being poor,” he stated. “The export of raw materials is the door to poverty. The export of value-added products is the highway to wealth.”

    During a Q&A session, Adesina emphasized the importance of technical and vocational training, citing that 60 percent of Liberia’s population is under the age of 35. He was responding to Education Minister Jarso Maley Jallah who inquired about strengthening entrepreneurship through the education system.

    Responding to a question from the Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Piah on achieving fiscal targets, Adesina urged the government to plug revenue leakages, noting that Africa loses $88 billion annually to illicit financial flows. “Make your country investable: invest in transparency, rule of law, create the right environment, provide incentives,” he added.

    Sannah Ziama, a local investor, praised Adesina’s visionary leadership and called for sustained investments in solar power to unlock Liberia’s industrial potential.

    As a low-income country and transition State, Liberia continues to benefit from the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional lending arm, as well as the Transition Support Facility, and the Nigeria Trust Fund.

    Liberia is also part of the inaugural group of countries that have developed energy compacts under the Mission 300 program, a joint initiative of the African Development Bank and the World Bank to deliver electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

    In recognition of his exceptional contributions, President Boakai presented Adesina with a Presidential Pin of Honour. Adesina had previously received Liberia’s highest national honour – the Order of the Star of Africa, Grade of Grand Band – in 2018.

    “Dr. Adesina, as you prepare to move on from this chapter, I want you to know that your legacy in Liberia is strong and enduring, President Boakai said. “The programs you have championed will continue to make an impact for years to come. Thank you for your faith in Liberia’s potential, and thank you for investing in our people, especially our youth.”

    Adesina was accompanied by the Bank’s Director General for West Africa, Lamin Barrow; Bank Executive Director for Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Ghana and Sudan, Rufus Darkortey; and Acting Country Manager, Foday Yusuf Bob.

    Liberia’s historical connection with the African Development Bank dates back to the institution’s founding, when Liberian official Romeo Alexander Horton served as the pioneer Chairman of the Committee of Nine that established the Bank in 1964.

    Read Dr. Adesina’s address here (https://apo-opa.co/4maNUla).

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media Contacts:
    Natalie Nkembuh and Tolu Ogunlesi
    Communication and External Relations
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unlocking the Development Potential of Diaspora Communities and Helping Reduce Reliance on Foreign Aid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Rep. Jonathan J. Jackson (D-IL) introduced the African Diaspora Investment and Development Act (AIDA), groundbreaking legislation that harnesses the economic power of African and Caribbean diaspora communities to advance sustainable development, reduce remittance costs, and align U.S. foreign policy with grassroots investment.

    Millions of Americans with heritage in Africa and the Caribbean send billions of dollars annually to support loved ones and communities in their countries of origin. Yet, they often face high transaction fees, limited investment tools, and few incentives to grow their impact. AIDA addresses these barriers head-on.

    As highlighted in Realizing Africa’s Potential: A Journey to Prosperity by Professor Landry Signé, published by the Brookings Institution, the diaspora can be a powerful driver of development in their home countries—not just through remittances, but by fostering trade, investment, research, innovation, and the transfer of knowledge and technology. This dynamic strengthens U.S. interests by empowering African and Caribbean diaspora communities, who are an integral part of the American fabric, to spur economic growth and innovation both abroad and at home, reinforcing U.S. global partnerships and domestic prosperity.

    The African Diaspora Investment and Development Act:

    • Reduces the cost of remittances by promoting transparency, competition, and innovation in money transfers.
    • Creates tax incentives for diaspora investments that drive sustainable economic development in African and Caribbean countries.
    • Encourages financial inclusion through fintech and diaspora-owned money transfer platforms.
    • Supports diaspora-led investments with U.S. financial backing.
    • Advances U.S. development goals by strengthening diaspora engagement in entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and community development projects abroad.

    “The African and Caribbean diasporas are economic engines that deserve recognition and support,” said Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “This bill creates smart incentives that empower families, foster sustainable development, and reflect our values in U.S. foreign policy. AIDA is about unlocking diaspora investment potential. By empowering these communities, we can reduce reliance on foreign aid and embrace a model based on investment, dignity, and shared prosperity.”

    “This bill is timely and vital, especially at a time when US policy towards Africa and the Diaspora is shifting from aid to trade,” said Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL). “Remittances ($90 billion inflow to Africa in 2023) have surpassed both foreign assistance and direct investment in many countries in Africa and the Caribbean; a source for development and economic growth. AIDA strengthens the Diaspora contributions in GPD growth through investments and family support – food, housing, education, health care, etc.”

    “Reducing remittance costs and eliminating taxes on remittances are critical measures that ensure every dollar sent goes further, directly benefiting health, education, small businesses, and local infrastructure,” said President of the Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group, Susan Edionwe. “These changes will empower organizations like ours, whose work relies heavily on diaspora contributions, to expand our impact and better serve the people of Nigeria and beyond.”

    “The proposed AIDA bill is a fundamental recognition that as a nation of immigrants, the USA holds the ultimate power of transformation in the contributions of its diaspora to the rest of the world,” said Founder and CEO of Hamstrings, Inc., Eric V. Guichard. “AIDA is about leveraging these diaspora resources for good. It is a paradigm shift in development finance whose time has come.”

    “Remittances from family and friends in the U.S. to these regions primarily address basic necessities for recipients, including housing, food, education, services, small business support, and humanitarian assistance,” said Haiti Renewal Alliance. “A framework for partnerships with the U.S. DFC and diasporas via the AIDA Act to channel remittances for coordinated and robust investments with people on the ground in African and Caribbean countries, ushers the U.S. leading the next generation of successful global development for inclusive growth, peace, stability and opportunity, appreciating diaspora from Africa and Caribbean as key contributors.”

    During a time when development assistance from the United States in Africa and in the Caribbean is being drastically curtailed or even eliminated, African and Caribbean countries will need to increasingly rely on remittances coming from the Diaspora to meet basic needs and to get by,” said President of Constituency for Africa (CFA), Melvin Foote. “The proposed AIDA legislation, if passed, would certainly be a huge step in the right direction.”

    The legislation has received early praise from diaspora organizations, development experts, and financial inclusion advocates.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REP. OGLES SECURES $74 MILLION FOR VETERANS

    Source:

    WASHINGTON, DC — After securing House passage of amendments supporting the expansion of community-based care for veterans, Congressman Ogles is thrilled to welcome a $74 million award for Veterans Affairs (VA) Community-Based Outpatient Clinic to Davidson County. The facility will offer services including medical treatment, counseling, and community-based programs. Congressman Ogles, along with President Trump and other congressional Republicans, promised to invest in the VA and improve veterans’ care systems, and they are keeping that promise.

    “This clinic will provide enhanced access to healthcare and benefits for the brave men and women who selflessly served our nation,” said Congressman Ogles. “Additionally, constructing and managing this new VA facility will create jobs for hardworking Middle Tennesseans, delivering both economic and social benefits to the constituents of the Fifth Congressional District. It took considerable time and effort to make this happen, but I couldn’t be more honored to help bring this opportunity to Middle Tennessee.”

    Congressman Ogles worked tirelessly during the 118th and 119th Congresses to draft and pass amendments that provide veterans with improved benefits across the board. These amendments include increased funding for PTSD medical care, securing grants for the construction and maintenance of extended-care facilities, and more.

    READ THE LETTER

    WATCH THE VIDEO

    # # #

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi condoles loss of lives in Himachal accident; announces assistance

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a road accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office shared PM Modi’s message, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to an accident in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the mishap. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.”

    According to officials, the bus, carrying 30 passengers, skidded off the road and rolled down a hillside near Tarangala in the Sarkaghat subdivision.

    Emergency services rushed to the scene, with police and administrative personnel from the Sarkaghat police station and the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police leading rescue operations. Ambulances were quickly deployed, but access to the crash site posed challenges due to the steep terrain.

    Locals were the first to respond and initiated rescue efforts before authorities arrived.

    Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma confirmed that four people – two men and two women – died on the spot. Several injured passengers were taken to the Civil Hospital in Sarkaghat. Three critically injured individuals were later referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bilaspur.

    The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, and an investigation is underway.

    Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the incident and said the administration has been directed to ensure proper treatment of the injured.

    “In this hour of sorrow, I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he wrote on X.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2024: Minister Ellis

    “I am pleased to see Statistics Canada’s 2024 police-reported crime statistics show significant improvement in Alberta. Our province achieved a nine per cent decrease in both crime severity and overall crime rate – more than double the national decline of four per cent. These strong results show that Alberta is on the right track.

    “While there is still more work to do to keep Albertans and their property safe, these results reflect the outstanding efforts of law enforcement officers across the province. I want to thank all the police services operating across Alberta for their commitment to protecting our communities. Their work, combined with strategic provincial investments in public safety, community engagement and crime prevention is delivering clear, measurable results for Albertans.

    “For instance, Statistics Canada reports that property crime and vehicle theft in Alberta dropped by eight and nine per cent respectively in 2024, continuing a broader downward trend.

    “Our year-over-year figures are encouraging and so are those illustrating long-term trends. Alberta has seen a significantly lower increase in crime severity compared to the rest of the country and recorded the lowest increase in crime rate among all provinces – six times lower than the national average.

    “While these short- and long-term trends are cause for optimism, Alberta’s government remains firmly committed to improving the safety and security of our communities through comprehensive action. While police services across the province are working hard to serve their communities, specialized units within the Alberta Sheriffs continue to augment and support their work, closing drug houses, apprehending fugitives and bolstering surveillance and officer presence in rural areas.

    “The province’s strong support for the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams is also helping disrupt organized and serious crime across the province. It’s clear that officer presence matters, and investments in front-line policing are helping address social disorder and improve public safety in our urban centres. 

    “However, these local successes stand in stark contrast to the ongoing inaction from the federal government whose policies have broken the bail system, allowing violent repeat offenders back on our streets, contributing to a national increase in crime. Alberta continues to call on Ottawa to reverse its harmful policy decisions that have made it harder for police to do their jobs and easier for offenders to reoffend.

    “I look forward to continuing our productive partnerships with police services across the province to maintain these positive provincial trends. People deserve communities in which they can live, work and raise a family in peace and security. While this recent data shows that things are moving in the right direction, we won’t take our eye off the ball. Alberta’s government will continue to do whatever it takes to improve public safety, reduce crime and foster safer streets and neighbourhoods for all Albertans.”

    Related news

    • New chief, next step for municipal policing option (July 2, 2025)
    • Expanding municipal police service options (April 7, 2025)
    • Tackling catalytic converter and scrap metal theft (April 7, 2025)
    • Helping rural municipalities with policing costs (Nov. 6, 2024)
    • Alberta Sheriffs help bring fugitives to justice (Sept. 17, 2024)
    • More boots on the ground to fight rural crime (July 18, 2024)
    • More boots on the ground in Calgary and Edmonton (Apr. 11, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kelly, Morelle, Langworthy, Houlahan lead bipartisan effort to squash the invasive Spotted Lanternfly

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R, PA-16), Joe Morelle (D, NY-25), Chrissy Houlahan (D, PA-06), and Nick Langworthy (R, NY-23) introduced bipartisan legislation to stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to the American agricultural economy.

    “Agriculture plays a vital role in Pennsylvania’s economy, especially in my district which is home to many family farms and agricultural businesses,” said Rep. Kelly. “In Pennsylvania alone, the Spotted Lanternfly could cost hundreds of millions of dollars in economic damage and eliminate thousands of agricultural jobs. We must protect our farmers and harvesters from this invasive and dangerous threat.”

    “It’s hard to visit the Finger Lakes without enjoying our amazing vineyards and orchards, but sadly, they’re under serious threat from the Spotted Lanternfly,” said Congressman Morelle. “My legislation would provide additional support for both local and national organizations committed to fighting back against this invasive, destructive pest. I’m grateful to Representatives Kelly, Houlahan, and Langworthy for joining me in supporting this critical bill, and I hope to see it passed and signed into law soon.”

    “Across our community, I hear time and again about how devastating these pests can be. Whether you’re a farmer, a homeowner, or just someone who enjoys the delicious produce grown by our community’s farmers, the invasive Spotted Lanternfly poses a serious problem,” said Rep. Houlahan. “I’m glad to join this bipartisan group of leaders who are once again stepping up to unlock new research funding on eradicating these insects. I was thrilled to see this legislation included last year in both the House and Senate drafts of the Farm Bill and remain optimistic that this year, we will be able to push this legislation forward to deliver these badly needed funds.”

    “The Spotted Lanternfly infestation continues to wreak havoc across Western New York and the Southern Tier, especially devastating our grape crops,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Year after year, this invasive pest inflicts severe damage, threatening not only our crops but the livelihoods of hardworking farmers and the very future of our agricultural communities. This crisis can no longer be ignored. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to safeguard our crops, protect our local farmers’ livelihoods, and preserve the future of our agricultural communities.”

    BACKGROUND

    The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act designates the Spotted Lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This designation authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants available for research projects related to the mitigation of this invasive species so we can find creative solutions to stop the spread before Pennsylvania’s cash crops are further decimated.

    How you can help stop the spread:

    • Learn how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly.
    • Inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles, and furniture for egg masses.
    • If you visit other states with Spotted Lanternfly, be sure to check all equipment and gear before leaving and scrape off any egg masses.
    • Report sightings by completing this form.
    • If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, kill it immediately by stepping on it or crushing it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bacon, Tonko, Fitzpatrick, and Markey Introduce Community Mental Wellness & Resilience Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

    Bacon, Tonko, Fitzpatrick, and Markey Introduce Community Mental Wellness & Resilience Act

    Bipartisan legislation bolsters mental wellness & resilience to traumas caused by natural disasters

    WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE), Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) today reintroduced H.R. 4744, the Community Mental Wellness & Resilience Act, a bipartisan bill that tackles the nation’s mental health crisis by addressing the extensive community trauma caused by natural disasters. This innovative legislation will empower communities through a new federal grant program to craft their own locally specific responses to the mental health problems caused by disasters and toxic stresses.

    “The mental health crisis affecting our communities is one of the most serious challenges of our time. We need comprehensive, community-driven solutions that empower local leaders to develop and implement programs that work for their specific needs,” said Congressman Don Bacon. “The bipartisan Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act puts the power back in the hands of our communities to create meaningful, lasting change in mental health care.” 

    “Extreme weather disasters don’t just wreak havoc on our homes, economies, and infrastructure — they inflict lasting trauma and mental harm for those both directly impacted and far beyond the affected area,” Congressman Tonko said. “We need to provide compassionate, evidence-informed solutions to support our communities. That’s why I’m leading this bipartisan legislation in partnership with my colleagues. We’ll continue working to further mental wellness and equip our communities with the resources they need to meet and overcome these traumas.”

    “Communities are struggling to meet the current need for mental health services, and as the climate crisis worsens, unprecedented disasters will only cause more unprecedented harm to our physical and mental health,” said Senator Markey.“Heat waves, flash floods, wildfires, and droughts leave devastation and trauma in their wake. My Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act would give communities the help they need to protect residents’ mental health, especially those in rural and underserved communities that are getting hit first and worst by disasters and have the fewest resources to deal with them.”

    “For too long, our disaster response has focused solely on physical recovery, while the mental and emotional toll has gone unaddressed. This bipartisan legislation corrects that imbalance by treating mental health as a core component of our public health and emergency preparedness strategy. By investing in evidence-based, community-driven solutions, we’re not just helping communities rebuild—we’re helping them heal,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.  

    In 2024, Mental Health America reported that nearly 23 percent of U.S. adults (~60 million people) experienced a diagnosed mental illness, with more than 5 percent facing severe conditions. Natural disasters only exacerbate the problem. Consequently, the number of people who experience a mental health problem as a result of a natural disaster often outweigh those with physical injuries by 40 to 1.

    The Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act will:

    • Establish a competitive grant program at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create, operate, or expand community-based programs that use a public health approach to build mental wellness and resilience
    • These programs will work to enhance the capacity of all residents for mental wellness and resilience to prevent and heal mental health problems generated by disasters and toxic stresses
      • Incorporates a set-aside to help address rural mental health disparities
    • Community initiatives will build their own strategies to enhance and sustain population-level mental wellness and resilience, with specific attention to high-risk individuals

    More than 110 organizations support Rep. Tonko’s legislation, including: Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Lung Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Public Health Association, International Transformational Resilience Coalition,  Mental Health America, Moms Clean Air Force, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Association of Social Workers, National League for Nursing, Rural Opportunity Institute, The Kennedy Forum, and YMCA of the USA.

    A full list of supporting organizations and their quotes can be found HERE.

    A fact sheet on the legislation can be found HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Supervisor of Camden County Jail Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation in the Assault of Pretrial Detainee

    Source: US State of California

    A former deputy sheriff and Jail Corporal with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office was sentenced today to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting a pretrial detainee, identified by the initials J.H.

    Ryan Robert Biegel, 27, of Kingsland, Georgia, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Lisa G. Wood on January 28 to one count of using unreasonable force against the detainee. According to the plea agreement, on September 3, 2022, Biegel and two other correctional officers entered a holding cell in which J.H. was being detained. Upon entering the cell, two other correctional officers restrained J.H.’s arms and pushed him against a wall. Biegel admitted that he punched J.H. five times in the back of the head, which he knew was not reasonable or necessary to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and then struck J.H. in the head and body an additional twenty-two times with his fists and knees.

    The FBI Brunswick RA Field Office investigated the matter along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer J. Kirkland for the Southern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –