NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pryor man sentenced to 2 years in prison for strangulation and assault

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILINGS – A Pryor man who admitted strangling and assaulting his dating partner was sentenced today to two years in prison to be followed by three of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Thomas Larson Medicinehorse III, 19, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to strangulation and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating or intimate partner.

    U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that on February 5, 2024, Medicinehorse and the victim, referred to here as Jane Doe, got into an argument. The altercation turned physical, and Medicinehorse strangled Doe by placing his hands around her throat. Doe’s vision went dark and she could not breathe.

    The next day, February 6, 2024, Medicinehorse and Doe got into another argument. Medicinehorse struck Doe on the face, arms, and legs, causing bruising and swelling to her right eye and various bruises on her arms and legs.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, BIA, and Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK to clamp down on criminal networks in Western Balkans as the Prime Minister travels to Albania

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK to clamp down on criminal networks in Western Balkans as the Prime Minister travels to Albania

    The UK will step up efforts to break the crime web fuelling illegal migration across the Western Balkans on a historic visit to the region by the Prime Minister. 

    • Prime Minister visits Albania in historic first official visit, as the two countries step up cooperation on defence and security, organised immigration crime and economic growth  
    • UK to expand Joint Migration Task Force in the Western Balkans to intercept migrants upstream before they reach UK shores  
    • Discussions on illegal migration come after the Prime Minister unveiled the government’s Immigration White Paper, a comprehensive plan to drive down net migration 
    • Prime Minister set to see UK cooperation with Albania in action during visit to Port, as both countries double down on efforts to tackle forged documents, illicit finance and incentives to migration  

    The UK will step up efforts to break the crime web fuelling illegal migration across the Western Balkans on a historic visit to the region by the Prime Minister.  

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer will begin a two-day visit to Tirana today, to step up cooperation on migration and expand successful joint initiatives with Albania to more countries in the region.  

    It comes after the Prime Minister unveiled the government’s Immigration White Paper, a comprehensive plan that will bring net migration to the UK down significantly, earlier this week. 

    During the first ever official visit to Albania by a UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer will visit the Port of Durres to see firsthand how UK cooperation is intercepting people smugglers, deterring would-be migrants and snaring criminals using fake documents.  

    The UK’s cooperation with Albania has underlined how this government’s approach of intercepting and deterring migrants upstream can dramatically cut illegal migration to British shores. 

    There has been a 95% reduction in Albanian small boat arrivals in the last three years, while the number of Albanians returned to the country has also doubled in the past two years, with 5,294 Albanians returned in 2024, more than double the 2,035 Albanian nationals returned two years earlier.  

    But the Prime Minister has been clear that the government cannot be complacent about the success, and while in Albania this week, he is expected to announce the expansion of the Joint Migration Task Force with Albania and Kosovo to include North Macedonia and will further progress positive discussions with Montenegro.

    The task force brings together specialists from the countries involved to design and execute operations to detect, deter and manage illegal migration. It will see the UK share greater intelligence to allow local law enforcement to intercept smuggling gangs and deploy UK funded drones to snare gangsters funnelling migrants through the Western Balkans corridor and on to the UK.  

    The UK will also support both countries to reinforce checks at border crossing points.  

    The expansion of the task force comes ahead of the UK hosted Western Balkans Summit in the Autumn, which is expected to focus on regional security, economic growth and tackling shared challenges such as foreign interference and illegal migration with innovative solutions. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:   

    Global challenges need shared solutions, and the work the UK and Albania is doing together is delivering security for working people in both countries.   

    And our joint work to deter, detect and return illegal migrants is further proof that intervening upstream to protect British shores and secure our borders is the right approach.   

    Every step we take to tackle illegal migration overseas, cripple the criminal networks that facilitate it and stem the finance streams that fund it is delivering safer streets in the UK, and reducing the strain on taxpayer funded services.  

    But we cannot take this action alone, through closer partnerships and greater cooperation, we are creating real change with our partners across Europe and delivering on our Plan for Change.

    The UK will also double down on its success with Albania, ensuring the barriers deterring migrants from making the journey from Tirana to British shores remain in place.  

    As part of an enhanced strategic partnership with Albania, the Prime Minister and Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama are expected to agree to go further on clamping down on people smuggling, supporting human trafficking victims and ensuring Albanians deported home do not attempt a second journey.   

    The two countries will also launch a new project to tackle illicit finance and investigate underground finance streams that are laundering money between Albania and the UK.   

    Two forgery detection machines will also be donated to the Albanian State Police to quickly identify discrepancies and confirm document authenticity through regular checks, allowing Albanian law enforcement to track and apprehend individuals trying to illegally enter the UK on stolen or fake passports.  

    And the UK will support Albania tackle what is known as the ‘revolving door effect’ – when a migrant is returned home, only to evade law enforcement and leave the country again –  through a new programme to help young Albanians reintegrate into society and find meaningful employment. The focus of the programme will be in northern Albania, where the majority of migrants who arrive illegally in the UK are traced back to.   

    The leaders are also expected to step up cooperation to counter serious organised crime, including the funding of a new forensic evidence programme to share and track the DNA swabs of criminals in Albania to solve crimes in the UK.   

    The recent roll out of the programme saw more than 55 serious criminals – including murderers, rapists and manslaughter offenders – taken off UK streets thanks to the closer cooperation between the two countries. The project has seen 1000 hits in the past 18 months in UK data bases, resulting in 55 arrests in the UK.  

    The government will invest a further £1 million in the partnership this year to upgrade Albania’s forensics, biometrics and digital capability to detect and detain further criminals and protect UK streets. It will also allow law enforcement in both countries to identify and gather evidence in some of the most serious crimes committed in Albania, the UK and beyond.  

    Later in the day, the Prime Minister will see firsthand the deeper defence and security cooperation between the UK and Albania when he visits troops from both countries working together to train up Ukrainian soldiers under Operation Interflex.  

    Day two of the programme will see the Prime Minister attend the European Political Community summit, where he will convene a roundtable on Defence and Security and continue conversations on innovative solutions to the challenge of illegal migration.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: Epizootic well-being is the key to Russia’s food security

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of the permanent government anti-epizootic commission. The event was attended by the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Rosselkhoznadzor, Rospotrebnadzor, other relevant departments, as well as representatives of the regions.

    “The President of Russia has set the task for the agro-industrial complex to significantly increase production volumes by 2030. This applies to all areas of the industry, including, of course, livestock farming. According to the plans of the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, meat production should increase to almost 20 million tons in six years. It is planned that milk volumes will exceed 38 million tons. One of the key factors in achieving these indicators is ensuring epizootic well-being. Systematic work is being carried out at all levels today to achieve this. In this way, we ensure food security for our country and increase the export potential of the Russian agro-industrial complex. I would like to separately note that thanks to the activities of Rosselkhoznadzor, including those related to the active implementation of digital control tools, Russia has established one of the world’s best practices for supervisory activities in the field of veterinary well-being,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that although the epizootic situation in the world remains difficult in 2025, the situation in Russia is stable. No outbreaks of African swine fever or bird flu have been recorded in the industrial sector.

    Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that all preventive measures must be carried out locally in full compliance with veterinary safety requirements.

    The meeting also discussed measures to prevent animal diseases in the wild.

    Following the event, Dmitry Patrushev ordered that measures to prevent the spread of infections in the regions be strengthened and that control over the movement of animals and products be strengthened on all types of transport.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Traffic on Russian highways increased during May holidays

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Traffic on Russian highways increased during May holidays

    May 14, 2025

    Traffic on Russian highways increased during May holidays

    May 14, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Traffic on Russian highways increased during May holidays

    Highways continue to be one of the key factors in the country’s infrastructure development. Their demand among road users increases annually, especially on weekends and holidays. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “Expressways allow citizens to quickly, conveniently and safely get to their destination. The absence of traffic lights, level crossings, high-quality pavement, intelligent transport systems and modern multifunctional road service zones (MFSZ) make travel on such roads as comfortable as possible. All these factors affect the growth of traffic on them and the increase in traffic intensity, especially during holidays. During the May holidays, this figure increased significantly across the entire network of expressways. For example, on May 1 of this year, cars and trucks traveled a record number of kilometers on the M-12 Vostok – 21.5 million km, which is 29% higher compared to the same period last year,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that on the M-11 Neva highway, during the May holidays, an average of over 21,000 trips were recorded per day. The peak was recorded on May 1, when the figure rose to almost 33,000. The traffic intensity on the section of the road from Moscow to the Tver Region exceeded 40,000 trips per day. Overall, on the highway this year, it has grown by 14% compared to the same period last year.

    The peak traffic intensity on the Central Ring Road was on April 30 – on average over 25 thousand trips per day, and in some areas over 37 thousand were recorded. During the May holidays, over 20 thousand trips were recorded on the Malye Vyazme bypass that opened last year.

    The new road A-289 Krasnodar – Kerch also shows a steady growth in traffic intensity. On April 30, traffic was 19.5 thousand trips. The peak value was recorded on May 1 – more than 22.5 thousand. At the end of the May holidays, as of May 11, the traffic intensity on this road was 16.8 thousand trips per day.

    Chairman of the Board of the state company Avtodor Vyacheslav Petushenko noted that during the holidays there is an increase in passenger car traffic on all routes of high-speed highways. The high-speed road to the south, M-4 Don, is in particular demand.

    “The average daily traffic intensity on the M-4 Don also increased during the May holidays. The peak value on this highway was recorded on April 30, on some sections of the road the flow of cars reached high values. Thus, on the highway within the Moscow Region, more than 80 thousand trips were registered on this day. High figures were observed on May 1 in the Rostov Region – over 55 thousand trips were recorded here. In general, during the first and last days of the holiday period, the highway demonstrated a stable load. On some sections, more than 75 thousand trips per day were recorded,” noted Vyacheslav Petushenko.

    The highest traffic intensity is observed on the eve and at the end of holidays, when people go on trips and to their summer cottages. More and more motorists choose expressways due to their high capacity, safety, comfort and service, making them the main routes on these days. Modern multifunctional road service zones, 24-hour free assistance from emergency commissioners and monitoring systems that improve traffic safety are available on the highways.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Votes to Extend Concealed Carry for Law Enforcement Officers Beyond Retirement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Reform Act.

    This legislation would allow qualified police and law enforcement officers to retain their concealed carry privileges even after retirement.

    “When police and law enforcement officers retire, they should not lose their right to concealed carry. These privileges help keep our families and communities safe by allowing qualified and trained law enforcement professionals to respond to violent crimes and other threats,” said Rep. Feenstra. “It’s why I voted to preserve concealed carry for police and law enforcement beyond retirement. These men and women are heroes who can continue to protect our communities, and our laws should help them promote public safety and wellbeing.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pfluger Secures Big Wins in the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced a strong, commonsense reconciliation bill after over twenty-six hours of debate. Upon passage, Rep. Pfluger released the following statement.

    “After over twenty-six hours of Democrat distractions, falsehoods, and baseless debate, Energy and Commerce Republicans stayed focused on delivering real, commonsense results for the American people. We have now completed our part in advancing President Trump’s agenda through the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill.’ This package ends wasteful spending on woke Green New Deal-style programs, secures American energy dominance to support the rapid innovation of American industry, and preserves and protects Medicaid for all vulnerable Texans and Americans who truly need it. This legislation also expands rural connectivity through smart spectrum policy while safeguarding national security interests. Through these commonsense policies, we’re building a stronger, more secure America for generations to come.”

    Among the many Republican-backed victories supported by Rep. Pfluger in this legislation, this bill includes several key priorities Rep. Pfluger has specifically championed, which will directly benefit Texans and all Americans alike:

    Energy Wins:

    ·     Expedited LNG Exports (Section 41003) — Expedites approvals by deeming applications to non-free trade countries “in the public interest” upon payment of a $1 million fee, eliminating a previously lengthy review process. This streamlining preserves existing legal and regulatory authorities while potentially reducing approval timelines from years to months. This directly aligns with Rep. Pfluger’s bill to strengthen energy leadership and expand LNG exports.

    ·     Natural Gas Permitting Reform (Section 41005) — Creates a voluntary expedited permitting pathway with guaranteed timelines, requiring agencies to complete reviews within one year of fee payment ($10M or 1% of project cost). If review deadlines are missed, applications are automatically approved, and legal challenges are limited. This provision advances Rep. Pfluger’s permitting reform priority and provides greater certainty for major energy projects.

    ·     Strategic Petroleum Reserve Funding (Section 41008) — Provides a $2 billion appropriation for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), including $218 million for cavern repairs, $1.32 billion for oil purchases, and directs the remaining funds to reverse prior mandated sales. This targeted investment strengthens U.S. energy security and reserve readiness and directly supports Rep. Pfluger’s priority to refill the SPR.

    Environment Wins:

    ·     Air Pollution Monitoring Limitation (Section 42105) — Repeals and rescinds unobligated funds from IRA Section 60105, which had allocated $281.5 million to the EPA for expanding air quality monitoring networks. This reduces the EPA’s ability to identify new non-attainment zones, limiting additional regulatory burdens. This acts on Rep. Pfluger’s priority to protect the Permian Basin from costly regulatory designations that could impact energy producers.

    ·     Methane Emissions Program Delay (Section 42113) — Extends the timeline for the Methane Emissions Reduction Program charges by an additional 10 years. This extension reinforces Rep. Pfluger’s success with his legislation that President Trump signed into law earlier this year. It also supports his position against the immediate implementation of the harmful program’s current requirements.

    Healthcare Wins:

    ·     Affordable Care Act Exchange Reforms (Section 44201) — Amends the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) definition of “lawfully present” to exclude Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. This change counters the Biden Administration’s May 2024 rule, which expanded ACA eligibility to include DACA recipients, a move with potential legal and financial implications. This aligns with Rep. Pfluger’s previous Congressional Review Act efforts to prevent ACA expansion to DACA recipients.

    WATCH: Rep. Pfluger Dismantled Several Democrat Lies On Key Provisions in the Final Package, Including:

    ·     Lies on the LNG export user fees HERE

    ·     Work requirements for Medicaid benefits HERE

    How this bill protects Medicaid for vulnerable, eligible Americans HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier urges all-out summer harvest efforts

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, makes arrangements for the summer harvest at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, May 14 — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on Wednesday called for all-out efforts to ensure the summer harvest and consolidate the foundations of grain production.

    Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while making arrangements for the summer harvest at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

    Liu noted that summer planting, harvesting and field management are crucial to meeting the whole year’s grain production target. He called for strengthened field management and meteorological monitoring and early warning during later stages of summer grain production.

    He also urged the careful organization of summer grain purchases, and called for the connection between production and sales to be strengthened while guarding against natural disasters such as droughts, torrential rains, plant diseases and pests.

    All relevant local authorities should shoulder their responsibilities and coordinate with one another to ensure summer harvest purchases, transportation and funds, the vice premier stressed.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NHS leaders face both ‘carrot and stick’ in new performance drive

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    NHS leaders face both ‘carrot and stick’ in new performance drive

    NHS leaders will face new performance-based pay system with bonuses for improved patient care and penalties for failing trust executives.

    • CEOs cutting waiting times and delivering improvements for patients could be rewarded with bonuses of up to 10% 

    • But failing trust execs face will have annual pay rises docked under tough new government measures 

    • New measures are part of government’s Plan for Change to deliver investment and reform for the NHS 

    Failing trust leaders will have annual pay rises docked under tough new measures aimed at improving NHS performance and driving progress on cutting waiting lists. 

    Bonuses of up to 10% will also be on offer for top performers under the new ‘carrot and stick’ approach. 

    The bold shakeup will transform NHS services from boardroom to bedside, cutting waiting lists and driving better patient care as part of the government’s Plan for Change. 

    Under the new plans, the government will look to learn from some of the most effective businesses in the country to recruit top talent to struggling trusts – with leadership vacancies in badly performing areas coming with a temporary pay increase of 15%, worth up to £45,000**.  

    Pay bands for senior managers will also be refreshed to attract and retain effective leaders within the NHS.

    At the same time, failing CEOs could see up to £15,000* docked from their salaries if they run into debt or fail to deliver improvements. This is in addition to any existing processes to tackle poor performance, where persistently failing managers could be sacked if they do not turn things around.

    The bold overhaul also establishes stricter accountability for very senior managers, demanding greater financial rigour across all NHS trusts and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and drive productivity.   

    Today’s announcement comes after Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting declared in November there would be ‘no more reward for failure’.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:  

    Some of the best businesses and most effective organisations across Britain and the world reward their top talent so they can keep on delivering. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t do the same in our NHS.

    We will reward leaders who are cutting waiting times and making sure patients get better services. But bonuses and pay rises will be a reward and not a right – because I’m determined that every penny we invest through our Plan for Change is money well spent.

    Our carrot and stick reforms will boost productivity, tackle underperformance and drive-up standards for patients.

    Sir Jim Mackey, NHS England Chief Executive, said:

    If we are to consistently reach the standards of care the public rightly expect, it is clear that we need to reward those who are delivering for patients.

    An important element of driving improvements must be strengthening the link between pay and operational performance at a very senior level – this happens in almost every other sector and there is no reason for the NHS to shy away from it, particularly when we rely on money that comes directly from taxpayers’ pockets.

    We will be working together with local leaders to improve transparency and ensure progress is recognised, while offering sufficient flexibility to attract talented candidates to the most challenging roles and organisations.

    Today’s guidelines setting out new penalties and rewards for trust leaders will introduce learning from leading businesses in the NHS.

    It will include strict rules for NHS bosses, who will be expected to spend budgets wisely and ensuring trusts are not going into debt. The government wants to see trusts deliver more efficiency, ensuring patients get more for taxpayers’ money being invested.

    Today’s move follows some of the most ambitious efficiency targets in the health service’s history. As set out in NHS England’s Planning Guidance published in January, NHS organisations will need to reduce their cost base by at least 1% and achieve 4% improvement in productivity and efficiency this financial year to deal with demand growth.

    The new performance-based pay structure will help deliver on these targets, improving services and delivering better care for patients. 

    As part of the plans, the government is also bringing together pay structures for senior managers at ICBs and NHS trusts to boost consistency and align standards. 

    Any trust or ICB that fails to comply with the new guidelines will be required to publicly justify its decision in its annual report under a strict “comply or explain” approach. 

    The tough new measures form part of the government’s Plan for Change, which will see the government deliver investment and reform to cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks. 

    Notes to editors: 

    • *The £15,000 is based on last year’s 5% pay uplifts, and the highest current salary of a trust CEO being £299,250 (under the new framework). 

    • **Based on the highest current salary of a trust CEO (under the new framework).

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Competition watchdog gets green light for growth in latest move to back business

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Competition watchdog gets green light for growth in latest move to back business

    Businesses and consumers will benefit from new growth-focused Strategic Steer set for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), in the latest step of the government’s agenda to reform regulation to drive growth as part of the plan for change.

    • Government delivers new strategic steer to competition watchdog to prioritise growth while ensuring effective competition and consumer protection
    • The steer reset CMA’s priorities with aim to create a level-playing field for businesses through more transparent, timely and responsive regulation
    • Part of wider push to ensure regulators drive investor confidence and support economic growth across the UK as part of the plan for change

    Businesses and consumers will benefit from new growth-focused Strategic Steer set for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) today (Thursday 15 May), in the latest step of the government’s agenda to reform regulation to drive growth as part of the plan for change.

    The steer resets the competition watchdog’s priorities, with a renewed focus on prioritising growth and investment while ensuring free and fair competition and protecting the rights of consumers.

    In addition to this, the steer is focused on minimising uncertainty for businesses by encouraging the CMA to be proactive, transparent, timely, predictable and responsive in its engagement, underpinning the government’s upcoming industrial strategy.

    The independent CMA has already set out positive plans to address these issues to deliver meaningful reforms, by announcing their new public commitment to the pace, predictability, proportionality and process of their mergers investigations, digital and consumer work   – giving businesses more clarity and confidence in the CMA’s work. The Government wants to see the same level of ambition from other regulators.

    This is just one part of its wider commitment to reforming the regulatory landscape with work underway to improve licensing regulations for businesses, a new regulation innovation office to speed up regulatory decisions and consolidating the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) into the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

    This is to ensure delivery not only for businesses but for taxpayers too by driving investment, boosting confidence and setting out the stall for the upcoming industrial strategy that will articulate a new relationship between business and government to boost growth – delivering the plan for change.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This government believes in promoting and protecting competition – that is fundamental to our growth mission and Britain’s modern Industrial Strategy. Our economic regulators are crucial to creating the conditions for increased growth and investment. This steer sets out the government’s priorities for the CMA.

    I am grateful for the positive approach taken by the new Interim Chair and the Chief Executive as they re-focus the work of the CMA, supporting our Plan for Change to drive growth, investment and business confidence while protecting consumers.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Competitive markets are more important than ever for attracting investment into the UK and driving economic growth, and our new Strategic Steer for the CMA will help us achieve these goals, making Britain the best country to do business.

    We fully support the CMA’s independence and welcome the steps it has already taken to act swiftly, predictably, independently, and proportionately to promote competition, protect consumers and strengthen our economy.

    Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: 

    The Strategic Steer reinforces the importance of a strong, independent competition and consumer protection regime, whilst situating this squarely in the context of the growth mission. 

    The steer provides helpful clarity on how the CMA should prioritise and go about our work, promoting competition and protecting consumers with a sharp focus on supporting higher levels of investment and economic growth.

    It reinforces the approach we have set out in the CMA’s 2025/26 Annual Plan and in the roll out of our 4Ps approach, focused on driving greater pace, predictability, proportionality and an improved process committed to strong stakeholder engagement. 

    The government expects the CMA to clearly communicate how it is taking account of the steer and report on how it has applied the steer in practice in its annual report.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ramirez to Noem: “YOU are not fit to hold the office, and I, again, – to your face – demand your resignation.”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    Washington, DC —  Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) demanded Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s resign after confirming her understanding of her constitutional duties and confronting her with her unconstitutional, illegal weaponization of DHS to pursue a campaign of persecution, mass incarceration, and deportation. 

    During her questioning of Secretary Noem, Congresswoman Ramirez slammed Noem for profiling and dehumanizing individuals, betraying the constitutional commitment to due process, undermining court orders, breaking the law, engaging in corruption, and weaponizing the immigration system to violate our civil rights. 

    Video of Ramirez’s remarks here. 

    Remarks as prepared for delivery:

    Do you agree that the Judiciary is a coequal branch of government, and it is your obligation as a member of the Executive Branch to honor decisions made by the highest court of the land? Yes or no.   

    Do you agree that Congress is a coequal branch of government, and it is your obligation as a member of the Executive Branch to honor legislation and appropriations duly authorized by Congress? Yes or no

    Do you agree that Article 1 of the Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse? Yes or no

    Do you believe you have the power to disregard Congressional appropriations and unilaterally repurpose funds that have been duly appropriated by Congress? Yes or no.

    Since you have been Secretary, you have repeatedly disregarded the law. You have illegally impounded funds that Congress appropriated, and your branch of government must implement pursuant to the law. Yet…

    You closed offices established in law, including the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman.

    You cancelled contracts for programs authorized in law, including shelter and services programs, and citizenship and integration grants. 

    You obstructed and roughed up Members of this committee as they conducted Congressional oversight. 

    You redirected funds to terrorize our communities, create taxpayer-funded political propaganda campaigns, and hold sick, disrespectful press conferences in my state, where let me be clear, you are not welcome. 

    You corruptly used emergency authority to avoid procurement to make Trump’s private prison donors richer by directing $45 billion to them for expanded ICE detention centers.

    You defunded work to address real threats to the Homeland, while you pursue the college newspaper editor, labor leaders, and a Harvard scientist who failed to declare frog embryos at the airport. 

    Clearly, we don’t have time for all my questions, so I will be submitting questions to the record that I expect you and the Administration to answer. 

    Here is my final question: When you took your oath did you swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States? Yes or no. 

    See, I find that laughable. You don’t behave like someone who takes that oath seriously. Let me tell you why…

    We don’t live in a dictatorship or a monarchy. Trump’s will is not the guiding doctrine of the nation, and our country is not a playground for his and your twisted authoritarian fantasies. 

    We are a democracy. We defend the Constitution, and we affirm the rule of law. We respect the co-equal branches of government, and we uphold our rights, even when we disagree. The foundation of our nation is based on a core set of constitutional rights, upon which our prosperity, pluralism, and peace depend. 

    You, however, have been leading this work for 110 days. And in that time, you have profiled and dehumanized our neighbors, betrayed our constitutional commitment to due process, undermined the courts, broken the law, engaged in corruption, and weaponized the immigration system to violate our civil rights. As Senator Murphy stated, your department is out of control, and as their leader, YOU are responsible. YOU have betrayed the sacred fundamentals of your oath; YOU are not fit to hold the office, and I, again, – to your face – demand your resignation and place that request on the record. 

    Mr Chairman, I yield back. “

    For the full text of the letter demanding Noem’s resignation, CLICK HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bean Praises Committee Passage of Historic Tax Relief for Northeast Florida Families and Businesses

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) released the following statement upon the House Ways and Means Committee’s successful vote of reconciliation legislation that will provide tax relief for Northeast Florida families and businesses.   

    “I have been fighting tirelessly for working families, small businesses, and seniors to keep more of their hard-earned money, not less—and that’s exactly what this bill delivers. No tax on tips, no tax on overtime pay, tax relief for our seniors, and expanding the child tax credit. In addition, I have championed expanding the use of health savings accounts, increasing the standard deduction that benefits all Northeast Florida families, and expanding educational opportunities by creating a tax credit for students to attend private schools.

    By extending and expanding successful provisions within the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we are laying the foundation for an economy that works for everyone, not just today, but for generations to come. I look forward to getting this America First bill to the President’s desk.”

    Watch Congressman Bean’s opening remarks here.

    BACKGROUND 

    Make American Families & Workers Thrive Again

    • Makes the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent – protecting the average taxpayer from a 22 percent tax hike and providing an additional $1,300 tax cut for the average American family.
    • Delivers on President Trump’s priorities of no tax on tips, overtime pay, and car loan interest, and provides additional tax relief for seniors.
    • Locks in and boosts the doubled Child Tax Credit for more than 40 million families and provides additional tax relief for American families.
    • Preserves and increases the doubled guaranteed deduction for 91 percent of all taxpayers.
    • Expands 529 education savings accounts to empower American families and students to choose the education that best fits their needs, whether it is K-12 materials or obtaining a postsecondary trades credential.
    • Supports working families by expanding access to childcare and making permanent the paid leave tax credit.
    • Puts American families in control of their health care by expanding health savings accounts and cementing into law a Trump Administration policy that offers more choice and flexibility for health coverage options.
    • Starts building financial security for America’s children at birth with the creation of new savings accounts.

    Make Rural America & Main Street Grow Again

    Make America Win Again

    • Holds elite universities that operate more like major corporations and other tax-exempt entities accountable, ensuring they can no longer abuse generous benefits provided through the tax code.
      • Increases the university endowment tax and subjects the largest endowments to the corporate tax rate.
      • Increase tax on massive non-profits that resemble hedge funds and pay their employees huge salaries.
    • Ends $500 billion in Biden-era tax breaks and special interest giveaways to the wealthy, big corporations, and China.
    • Prevents taxpayer benefits from going to illegal immigrants by requiring a Social Security number for individuals claiming tax credits and deductions, ending illegal immigrant eligibility for Obamacare premium tax credits and Medicare, and applying new fees on remittance payments from illegal immigrants to outside the U.S.

    The tax package passed the House Ways and Means Committee by a vote of 26 to 19.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Media law reforms to boost press sustainability and protect independence

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Media law reforms to boost press sustainability and protect independence

    People’s access to independent and accurate news will be better protected under updated government rules, which will modernise powers around media mergers while supporting investment and growth.

    • Long-term sustainability and independence of UK press protected with government plans to modernise media merger rules in public interest
    • Powers to call in media mergers extended beyond TV, radio and newspapers to include online news sites and news magazines
    • Introduction of a 15% cap for state-owned investors will minimise potential ‘chilling effect’ whilst ensuring there is minimal risk of foreign state influence or control

    People’s access to independent and accurate news will be better protected under updated government rules being set out today, which will modernise powers around media mergers while supporting investment and growth.

    The Culture Secretary will today confirm reforms to extend powers to scrutinise takeovers beyond traditional media to online news sites and magazines for the first time.

    The media mergers regime will now cover acquisitions of UK online news publications and periodical news magazines, expanding beyond just television, radio and print newspapers as it presently stands.

    This reflects modern news consumption habits, with Ofcom reporting that seven in ten UK adults say they consume online news in some capacity.

    The expanded powers will allow greater scrutiny of takeovers that might negatively impact accurate reporting, freedom of expression and media plurality – which are essential to the UK’s democracy.

    The government is also introducing targeted exceptions to allow certain state-owned investment funds – such as sovereign wealth funds or pension funds – to invest up to 15% in UK newspapers and news periodicals. This balanced approach will still limit any scope for foreign state control or influence of news organisations while giving them much-needed flexibility to seek business investment that supports their long-term sustainability. 

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    Britain’s free and independent press is a national asset like no other and it is right that we have strong measures in place to allow scrutiny of UK takeovers that might go against the public interest.

    These important, modernising reforms are about protecting media plurality and reflect the changing ways in which people are consuming news.

    We are fully upholding the need to safeguard our news media from foreign state control whilst recognising that  news organisations must be able to raise vital funding. We are taking a proportionate, balanced approach to a threshold for low-risk investments that will remove a potential chilling effect on press sustainability, while supporting growth under our Plan for Change.

    Secondary legislation will be laid to enact these changes and will be subject to votes in both Houses of Parliament.

    The proposed amendments to the definition of newspaper for the Foreign State Influence regime will apply with retrospective effect from today.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    Exceptions to Foreign State Influence Regime 

    The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 created new rules to prevent foreign states from acquiring ownership, control or influence over UK newspapers and news magazines.

    The legislation covers a number of scenarios in which a foreign power could control or influence the policy of a newspaper or a news magazine enterprise – including if it holds, whether directly or indirectly, any shares or voting rights in a corporate body that carries on a newspaper enterprise, or if it has the right to appoint or remove members of staff.

    The regime defines ‘foreign power’ broadly to include: the sovereign or head of a foreign state, any part of a foreign government including ministers, government agencies and authorities, and any governing political party or its officers. It applies where a foreign power could acquire control or influence over the policy of a newspaper through persons associated with it.

    As permitted by the Act, the Government intends to introduce a number of targeted and specific exceptions to the regime via regulations, which are intended to offset potential negative impacts on inward investment into the press sector without undermining the core principles of the regime.

    The previous government launched a consultation on exceptions to the regime which closed in July 2024. Ministers have carefully considered the responses received, including the views of newspaper groups that the previous government’s suggested thresholds were too low and would place unnecessary restrictions on their ability to raise funding. 

    Ministers consider that setting the threshold for State Owned Investors’ investment at 15% of shares or voting rights in a newspaper or news magazine is the most effective, simple and proportionate approach. State Owned Investors (SOIs) include sovereign wealth funds or public pension or social security schemes that make long-term investments on behalf of that state and which in many cases are operated at arms length. 

    The new measures carefully balance the need for newspapers and news magazines to have access to a range of investment from SOIs where control or influence by foreign states is unlikely to be a risk. It will avoid the need for the Culture Secretary to refer low levels of investment to the CMA for investigation where there is no likelihood of any material influence.

    The UK has a strong track record for encouraging investment critical to growth within the media industry, and this pro-growth decision will continue that trend while providing a robust regulatory framework that protects press freedom and free speech. 

    Extending the scope of the media mergers regime

    In November, the government launched a consultation on proposals to broaden the scope of the UK’s media merger regime. Having taken into account responses to the consultation, the government has decided to expand the scope of the media mergers regime from print newspapers and broadcasters to encompass online news platforms and periodical news magazines.

    This will mean the Culture Secretary has the ability to intervene in a merger involving an online news publication that meets certain conditions relating to turnover or share of supply, where they believe a public interest consideration may be relevant. According to Ofcom’s annual report on news consumption in the UK, 71 percent of UK adults consume online news in some capacity, level with news consumed via TV and on demand (70 percent); and nearly a quarter of UK adults (22 percent) access news via print newspapers, increasing to 34 percent when including their online platforms.

    News publications circulated on a weekly or monthly basis will also be brought in scope of the regime to ensure the legislation is fit for purpose given daily, local, and Sunday publications are already included. 

    The measures will ensure that the public interest can be safeguarded across these popular sources of news content for people across the UK. They will enable the Culture Secretary to intervene where necessary to protect the availability of a wide range of accurate and high-quality news, particularly for younger audiences as technology and news habits evolve. 

    The announcement follows recommendations from the independent regulator Ofcom as part of its statutory review of media ownership rules.

    The inclusion of online news sites will apply both to the public interest media mergers regime and to the new Foreign State Influence regime.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Zinke and Neguse Introduce Bill to Extend Successful Forest Management Program

    Source: US Congressman Ryan Zinke (Western Montana)

    Originally authorized in 2009, the program has treated and restored 5.7 million acres of forests

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01) and Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) introduced the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) Program Reauthorization Act of 2025, which would extend and expand a successful program focused on reducing wildfire risk, restoring forest health, and supporting rural economies through proven, locally driven strategies. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

    Originally authorized in 2009, the CFLR program is a model of how communities, industry partners, landowners, and local governments can work together to improve forest conditions and prevent catastrophic wildfires. In its first decade, CFLR projects treated and restored 5.7 million acres of forest, improved 1,000 miles of trails, and maintained over 25,000 miles of forest roads helping keep public lands open and safe.

    The CFLR Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 will:

    • Extend the program for ten years.
    • Increase support for collaborative, science-based forest projects.
    • Expand the program’s reach to more high-risk areas.
    • Improve project flexibility and reduce bureaucratic delays.

    “Every year hundreds of thousands of acres of forest burn to the ground destroying landscapes, watersheds and homes. We can’t prevent every fire, but we can certainly manage our forests, so they are in better health and more resilient against catastrophic fires,” said Congressman Zinke. “The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program was a proven success that leverages public and private entities to grow more resilient forests. When a program works, we should extend it. Montana forests must be multi-use. Recreation, conservation, and resource development all have their place and must be part of the conversation, but none of them can exist if our forests are unhealthy or burning down. The continuation of this program will promote the collaboration needed preserve more of our forests for use by the communities around them.”

    “In Colorado and across the Rocky Mountain West, we know that protecting our forests and lands benefits our communities,” said Congressman Neguse. “The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program is a successful partnership program that bolsters community-based stewardship, supporting efforts to promote cooperative, science-based wildfire mitigation. I’m incredibly proud to lead my colleagues in the House to champion its reauthorization.”

    “The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program has a proven track record of improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk in Montana. Collaborative fuel reduction work completed as part of the Colt Summit Project in Seeley Lake protected homes and infrastructure during the 2023 Colt Fire,” said Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director Amanda Kaster. “Montana DNRC thanks Representative Zinke for his leadership in working to maintain this impactful work that directly helps communities in Montana.”

    “Wildfire doesn’t recognize state or county lines, and the Kootenai National Forest in Montana and the Panhandle National Forest in Idaho share the same fire shed, the Kootenai Complex. The 80,000-acre Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative project on the Panhandle National Forest funded under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) Program has benefitted our residents here in neighboring Lincoln County, Montana in several ways,” said Jim Hammons, Lincoln County Commissioner. “Treatments under the project have reduced the risk of wildfire crossing into the county from Idaho and has sustained one of the few local mills vital to our timber infrastructure, while providing jobs to our local logging contractors, many that work in Idaho forests. The CFLR program addresses the values that large landscapes have in providing wildlife habitat, timber products and the large-scale wildfire threats that exist in our neck-of-the-woods.”

    “I’m grateful to Congressman Zinke for sponsoring this critical legislation,” said Beaverhead County Commissioner, Mike McGinley. “Beaverhead County has already seen a 1,500-acre wildfire this spring, a clear sign that we’ve got to get control of our forest management.” 

    The legislation is also co-led by Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and the companion is additionally supported by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Steve Daines (R-MT).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Ogles Calls for Probe Into Nashville Mayor Over ICE Obstruction

    Source:

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, during a Homeland Security briefing, Congressman Andy Ogles (TN-05) directly questioned Governor Kristi Noem on whether public officials who are found aiding and abetting illegal aliens to evade federal law enforcement, impede ICE, in defiance of federal law, are committing a crime.

    Secretary Noem responded unequivocally: “Yes.”

    Following that exchange, Congressman Ogles announced he will formally request that both the House Judiciary Committee and the Homeland Security Committee open investigations into Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and other city officials for their repeated efforts to obstruct lawful ICE operations.

    “When federal agents and Tennessee law enforcement risk their lives to detain rapists, traffickers, and gang members, the only appropriate response from our leaders should be gratitude—not obstruction,” said Congressman Ogles.

    “Mayor Freddie O’Connell is blatantly obstructing ICE officials. By ordering city agencies to monitor and potentially sabotage ICE operations, he has crossed a dangerous line—using the power of government to shield criminal illegal aliens from the law.”

    “Let me make this plain: aiding and abetting illegal aliens to evade federal enforcement is not just reckless—it is a crime. That’s why I’m calling for immediate investigations by the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees into the actions of Mayor O’Connell and Nashville’s city government, Congressman Ogles Said.”

    “This isn’t San Francisco. This isn’t Portland. And I refuse to let Democrats turn our state into a playground for cartels and predators. Nashville will not become a sanctuary city on my watch.”

    Watch The Exchange Here

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Moran Votes to Advance the ‘One, Big, Beautiful’ Bill Out of the Ways and Means Committee

    Source: Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01)

    Washington, D.C. ­– Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) and fellow Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee voted today to advance their portion of the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” after more than 17 hours of deliberation. This bill cuts taxes for individuals and businesses—protecting working Americans’ paychecks, reducing the burden of childcare and healthcare costs, and supporting small businesses—all in a united effort to strengthen the American dream.

    Watch Congressman Moran’s Full Remarks HERE

    At its core, this bill aims to be broad-based and to increase the liberty of every American by reducing taxation,” said Congressman Moran. “That’s the goal of the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ we’re advancing today—because when the tax rate goes down, liberty goes up for every American.”

    For the past two years, House Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee have travelled across the country meeting with small business owners, farmers and ranchers, working families, and everyday Americans to ensure their voices are reflected in this legislation. That work culminated this week in the Committee’s markup of key tax provisions that will strengthen the backbone of America: working families, small businesses, and rural communities.

    Congressman Moran also praised Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO-08) for his leadership on the Committee and his close collaboration with President Trump to align conservative tax policy with the America First agenda.

    What’s at Stake for TX-01 if the Trump Tax Cuts Expire:

    • The average TX-01 taxpayer would face a 24% tax hike if the Trump Tax Cuts expire at the end of 2025
    • A family of four earning the median income of $62,182 would see a $1,142 tax increase—the equivalent of six weeks of groceries
    • 83,600 TX-01 families would see their Child Tax Credit cut in half
    • 93% of TX-01 taxpayers would lose half of their Guaranteed Deduction
    • 41,330 small businesses would be hit with a 43.4% tax rate if the Section 199A small business deduction expires
    • 12,193 family-owned farms would see their death tax exemption slashed in half
    • 5,558 TX-01 taxpayers would again be impacted by the Alternative Minimum Tax

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Continues Push to Safeguard Conscience Rights of Health Care Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

    WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the Conscience Protection Act to protect health care providers and insurance plans from government discrimination if they decline to participate in abortions. The Conscience Protection Act provides enforcement for existing conscience laws by providing a private right of action for victims of conscience discrimination. 

    “When conscience protections aren’t enforced, health care workers are forced to decide if they should lose their job or violate their beliefs by performing an abortion. Many health care professionals went into their careers to protect life, not take life. Doctors and nurses should never have to make the choice between their career and their conscience. The Conscience Protection Act defends health care workers and empowers them to stand by convictions as they care for their community,” said Lankford.

    Lankford first introduced the Conscience Protection Act in 2019 and again in 2021 and 2024.  He spoke on the Senate floor after Democrats blocked his bill to protect all Americans’ conscience rights.

    Lankford is joined on the bill by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ted Budd (R-NC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Todd Young (R-IN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jim Banks (R-IN), and Mike Crapo (R-ID). Representative August Plfuger (R-TX) is leading the legislation in the House of Representatives.

    This legislation is also supported by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Students for Life, American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists Action, Alliance Defending Freedom, Eagle Forum, National Right to Life Committee, First Liberty Institute, CatholicVote, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, and March for Life.

    Background

    Congress has enacted more than 25 laws to protect conscience rights for individuals who have a religious or moral objection to performing certain medical procedures, including abortion. Yet, courts have consistently declined to find that these laws provide a “private right of action” for an individual to commence litigation to defend their right of conscience—thereby leaving victims of conscience discrimination unable to defend their rights in court. Currently, if a health care worker refuses to provide abortions, the only recourse available is to file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR). 

    In 2014, California required that health plans must cover abortions, which forced religious employers to offer plans that violate their religious beliefs. In December 2014, under the Obama Administration, HHS opened an investigation. Despite the then-current laws protecting conscience rights, in June 2016, HHS declared that California could force all its health plans to cover elective abortions, which President Biden’s nominee for HHS Secretary has advocated for and enforced as Attorney General of California.

    During the first Trump Administration, several landmark actions were taken to enforce current law and protect conscience: (1) created the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division, (2) partnered with the Department of Justice to notice and enforce conscience violations in Vermont and California, resulting in the disallowance of $200 million per quarter from the state due to former Attorney General Becerra’s refusal to comply with the law, and (3) issued the final rule “Protecting Statutory Conscience Rights In Health Care” to enforce existing statutory protections, which Lankford supported. Unfortunately, a federal court vacated the conscience rule in November 2019. Litigation on the final rule continued at the Second Circuit in New York v. HHS, and seventy-eight Members of Congress filed an amicus brief led by Senator Lankford in the case.

    In response to the Biden Administration’s proposed rule that would insufficiently enforce conscience protections for medical professionals, Lankford led his colleagues in filing a public comment letter demanding greater implementation and enforcement of all of the statutory conscience protections enacted by Congress, as reflected in the previous rule issued under the Trump Administration. 

    This week, President Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it is initiating a compliance review under the Church Amendments, which is central to the legislation. This key development pairs perfectly with the Conscience Protection Act and underscores the need for further action to protect conscience rights.

    You can read the exclusive in the Daily Signal HERE, and can read the full text of the Conscience Protection Act HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior to return for 40th anniversary of French bombing

    By Russel Norman

    The iconic Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior will return to Aotearoa this year to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the original campaign ship at Marsden Wharf in Auckland by French secret agents on 10 July 1985.

    The return to Aotearoa comes at a pivotal moment — when the fight to protect our planet’s fragile life-support systems has never been as urgent, or more critical.

    Here in Aotearoa, the Luxon government is waging an all-out war on nature, and on a planetary scale, climate change, ecosystem collapse, and accelerating species extinction pose an existential threat.

    Greenpeace Aotearoa’s Dr Russel Norman . . . “Our ship was targeted because Greenpeace and the campaign to stop nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific were so effective.” Image: Greenpeace

    As we remember the bombing and the murder of our crew member, Fernando Pereira, it’s important to remember why the French government was compelled to commit such a cowardly act of violence.

    Our ship was targeted because Greenpeace and the campaign to stop nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific were so effective. We posed a very real threat to the French government’s military programme and colonial power.

    It’s also critical to remember that they failed to stop us. They failed to intimidate us, and they failed to silence us. Greenpeace only grew stronger and continued the successful campaign against nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific.

    Forty years later, it’s the oil industry that’s trying to stop us. This time, not with bombs but with a legal attack that threatens the existence of Greenpeace in the US and beyond.

    We will not be intimidated
    But just like in 1985 when the French bombed our ship, now too in 2025, we will not be intimidated, we will not back down, and we will not be silenced.

    We cannot be silenced because we are a movement of people committed to peace and to protecting Earth’s ability to sustain life, protecting the blue oceans, the forests and the life we share this planet with,” says Norman.

    In the 40 years since, the Rainbow Warrior has sailed on the front lines of our campaigns around the world to protect nature and promote peace. In the fight to end oil exploration, turn the tide of plastic production, stop the destruction of ancient forests and protect the ocean, the Rainbow Warrior has been there to this day.

    Right now the Rainbow Warrior is preparing to sail through the Tasman Sea to expose the damage being done to ocean life, continuing a decades-long tradition of defending ocean health.

    This follows the Rainbow Warrior spending six weeks in the Marshall Islands where the original ship carried out Operation Exodus, in which the Greenpeace crew evacuated the people of Rongelap from their home island that had been made uninhabitable by nuclear weapons testing by the US government.

    In Auckland this year, several events will be held on and around the ship to mark the anniversary, including open days with tours of the ship for the public.

    Dr Russel Norman is executive director of Greenpeace Aotearoa.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to trial of treating depression with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in those who haven’t improved after NHS Talking Therapies

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A trial published in Lancet Psychiatry looks at mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression in those who haven’t improved after NHS Talking Therapies. 

    Dr Elena Makovac, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Brunel University of London, said:

    “Treatment-resistant or difficult-to-treat depression poses a significant challenge for the NHS system, with its impact on healthcare costs being substantial and possibly underestimated. This is due to the multifaceted nature of depression, which often includes various somatic symptoms. This study addresses a critical question: what additional treatment options can be offered to patients who have exhausted first-line interventions, including a full course of Talking Therapies—typically 12 or more sessions? Patients with treatment-resistant depression not only continue to suffer, but the knowledge that no further treatment options are available exacerbates feelings of hopelessness, leading to further deterioration of their mental health.

    “A key limitation of the study is that, by comparing MCBT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy) plus treatment-as-usual with the treatment-as-usual group, we cannot definitively determine whether the observed improvements were specifically due to the MCBT, or if they resulted from the fact that the MCBT group received more treatment overall compared to the control group. This improvement could potentially have been achieved with an extension of the originally delivered Talking Therapies.

    “While research into additional treatments for difficult-to-treat depression is essential, it is even more important to offer interventions grounded in well-understood mechanisms. This process begins with a crucial first step: answering the question of why some patients do not respond to Talking Therapies.”

    From our colleagues at SMC Spain

    Maria Serra-Blasco, Principal investigator, Digital Health Programme ICOnnecta’t, and member of the Group of Psycho-oncology and Digital Health at IDIBELL, said:

    “This study provides very strong evidence for the value of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as a treatment option for people with depression who have not improved after receiving intensive psychological treatments within the NHS. Compared to treatment as usual, adding MBCT – delivered in a group and by video call – achieved a greater reduction in depressive symptoms, with benefits sustained up to six months later. Improvements in participants’ work and social functioning were also observed.

    “A particularly relevant finding is that this intervention, validated in a group and online format, proves to be effective even in people with complex clinical conditions: many of the participants had a history of depression from an early age, several relapses, comorbidities and were on medication. The fact that MBCT works in this context suggests that it can be an effective and safe alternative in cases of difficult-to-treat depression, and not only as an add-on, but also as a possible next step when other approaches have failed.

    “Validating this approach in an online and group format is an important step forward, as it considerably improves its scalability: it allows it to be offered to more people, at lower cost and without the need for travel, which is key to broadening access to evidence-based psychological treatments.

    “Furthermore, from a health perspective, MBCT showed good cost-effectiveness: not only was it clinically more effective, but it also reduced costs in health and social services, even considering the resources needed for its implementation. This evidence, together with previous studies, supports its inclusion in clinical guidelines as a second- or third-line treatment.

    “In Spain, MBCT has also been shown to be feasible and safe in primary care (Elices et al., 2022). Although it does not replace conventional treatments, it represents a promising, accessible and scalable tool that can expand therapeutic options in the public health system.”

    Jesús Montero-Marín, Miguel Servet Senior Researcher at the Teaching, Research and Innovation Unit of the Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, member of the Department of Psychiatry at Warneford Hospital-University of Oxford (UK) and member of Spain’s Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), said:

    “The study published in The Lancet Psychiatry represents a major advance in the treatment of resistant depression. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) showed higher effectiveness compared to treatment as usual, even in patients who had not remitted after previous intensive interventions. The study methodology is robust, with a randomised, controlled design and 34-week follow-up, which supports the robustness of its conclusions.

    “This work provides conclusive evidence that MBCT can be an effective and cost-effective second-line treatment option in structured clinical settings. Although direct extrapolation to other health systems, such as the Spanish one, should be done with caution and requires further research, the model is scalable and compatible with primary mental health care. Its implementation could lead to a substantial improvement in the continuity of care for cases of difficult-to-treat depression.”

    ‘Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy versus treatment as usual after non-remission with NHS Talking Therapies high intensity psychological therapy for depression: a UK-based clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness randomised, controlled, superiority trial’ by Thorsten Barnhofer et al. was published in Lancet Psychiatry at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 14th May. 

     

    Declared interests

    Maria Serra-Blasco:She declares that she has no conflicts of interest.

    Jesús Montero-Marín:“I am a member of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre and collaborate regularly with some of the papers’ authors.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Planning underway for Hahei Beach Walk reroute

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  15 May 2025

    The track, which links Hahei to the Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track, has been closed since early 2023 due to landslide risks and land movement following severe weather events including Cyclone Gabrielle.

    “This track has been a priority for DOC since reopening walking access to Cathedral Cove,” says DOC Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly.

    “This area’s incredible nature is at the heart of its tourism economy. We know this link between Hahei and Cathedral Cove is important for the community.

    “Given its cliff-side alignment through high-risk terrain, we weren’t sure a safe and affordable solution would be possible. It’s fantastic to now have a feasible design to progress.

    “The proposed reroute offers greatly improved safety and resilience, avoiding the unstable upper section of the old track altogether. It follows moderate terrain and avoids the need for complex structures like staircases or bridges.

    “Although it will still require some work including tree felling, groundwater management, and the installation of box steps, it’s been designed to keep ongoing maintenance requirements to a minimum.”

    Initial funding will come from the $5M allocated from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy in July 2024. This investment was designed to support restoring and maintaining access to Mautohe Cathedral Cove over the longer-term, says Nick Kelly.

    “Initial estimates put the cost of this work around the design and delivery costs around $140,000 and we’ll carry out more detailed planning to confirm the final budget required.”

    Construction is scheduled to begin in September and be completed by the end of November 2025.

    “As always, we’ll need the community’s patience and support in giving work crews space to get the job done,” says Nick Kelly.

    “We all have a role to play in caring for this place. We urge the community to help keep visitors safe by ensuring people stay off the track and away from the worksite until the reroute is completed.”

    The Hahei reroute will branch off midway along the existing Hahei track and connect with Grange Road near the start of the Mautohe Cathedral Cove track.

    Tourism on public conservation land is estimated to be worth $3.4 billion annually. More than 50% of international visitors and around 80% of New Zealanders visit protected natural areas a year.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: DOC ranger snaps rare footage of tuatara and takahē “having a scrap”

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  15 May 2025

    Filmed on pest-free Tiritiri Matangi Island, the video shows New Zealand’s unique nature at its quirky best and highlights the value in protecting it.

    It started with the takahē seemingly attacking the tuatara, says DOC Ranger Nick Fisentzidis – who quickly whipped out his phone to record the footage.

    “I saw them having a bit of a nip at each other; the takahē definitely had a go at the tail of the tuatara, and they had a bit of a scrap.

    “I followed them down the hill, and the tuatara got a couple of bites in, so the takahē backed off and snuck back away up the forest,” says Nick.

    Although historically both takahē and tuatara were widespread across New Zealand, they now only co-exist in two locations, Tiritiri Matangi in the Hauraki Gulf and Zealandia in Wellington.

    “It’s a neat snapshot of how these interactions may have gone in the past. It also shows what’s possible in the future if we really start to rally together to bring more of our native wildlife back,” says Nick.

    Tuatara are the last survivors of an order of reptiles known as sphenodontia, that thrived in the age of the dinosaurs, 200 million years ago, but now only survive in places where invasive mammalian predators have been eradicated.

    The endemic, flightless takahē are the world’s largest living rail are a taonga species to Ngāi Tahu. Historically thought to be extinct twice, there are now just over 500 throughout the country, with around half living at sanctuary sites and half in the wild.

    DOC Takahē Recovery Senior Ranger, Glen Greaves says takahē are often thought to be herbivorous (vegetarian), but in reality they are omnivorous.

    “This means they’ll eat almost anything. Although primarily grass feeders, they will often supplement their diet with insects, lizards, and have even been spotted taking ducklings. Protein is obviously an important part of their diet.

    “Like their cousins the pūkeko and weka, takahē can be quite predatory. Although taking on a tuatara hasn’t been seen before that I’m aware of, it is not at all surprising. Just a bit bigger than their usual snack! It’s good to see the tuatara stand up for itself,” says Glen.

    Tiritiri Matangi Island is regarded as one of the most successful community-led conservation projects in the world, where rare native birds and reptiles thrive.

    The island is open to the public and is just a 75-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.

    Before visiting any pest-free island you should check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don’t bring pests, soil, and seeds.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: POET Technologies Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Company”) (TSX Venture: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), the designer and developer of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), light sources and optical modules for the AI and data center markets, today reported its unaudited condensed consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Company’s financial results as well as the Management Discussion and Analysis have been filed on SEDAR+. All financial figures are in United States dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise indicated.

    Management Commentary:

    “In the first quarter of 2025, we continued to build momentum across multiple fronts—technology innovation, commercial progress, strategic partnerships and production capacity – positioning the company for accelerated revenue growth in the second half of the year,” said Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, Chairman & CEO of POET Technologies. “The transition out of SPX in China into Malaysia was a timely and energizing event for the Company. Opening a 10,000 square foot clean room filled with wafer-level production tools at our partner, Globetronics, was the indispensable next step to accepting volume orders from AI and cloud data center customers. As we look ahead, we are building on the strong foundation of innovative products introduced at OFC, and the reaction of customers and partners, reinforces our conviction that POET is on the cusp of a meaningful revenue inflection later this year.”

    Notable Business Highlights:

    • Shipped final design samples of its POET Infinity transmit product line for 400G and 800G applications to three major technology leaders. The products include 400G FR4, 800G 2xFR4 and 800G DR8 transmit formats, all assembled at our high-volume production facility in Malaysia.
    • Demonstrated its latest innovations, POET Teralight™, a line of 1.6T highly integrated transmit and receive optical engines and the new POET Blazar™, an advanced light source at the Optical Fiber Communications (“OFC”) Conference.
    • Partnered with Lessengers, an innovative optical solution provider based in South Korea, to offer a differentiated 800G DR8 transceiver

    Non-IFRS Financial Summary
    The Company reported non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) and product revenue of $166,760 in the first quarter of 2025 compared to $8,710 for the same period in 2024 and $29,032 in the fourth quarter of 2024. Historically, the Company provided NRE services to multiple customers for unique projects that are being addressed utilizing the capabilities of the POET Optical Interposer. The Company only had small product revenue in Q1 2025.

    The Company reported a net income of $6.3 million, or $0.08 per share, in the first quarter of 2025 compared with a net loss of $5.7 million, or ($0.13) per share, for the same period in 2024 and a net loss of $30.2 million, or ($0.50) per share, in the fourth quarter of 2024. The net income in the first quarter of 2025 included research and development costs of $4.3 million compared to $1.9 million for the same period in 2024 and $3.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Fluctuations in R&D for a Company of this size and this stage of growth is expected on a period-over-period basis as the Company transitions from technology development to product development.

    The largest component of the Company’s income was from the non-cash gain in fair value adjustment to derivative warrant liability of $15.4 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to loss of $630,000 in the same period in 2024 and a loss of $12.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This non-cash item relates to warrants issued in a foreign currency and is periodically remeasured.

    Other non-cash expenses in the first quarter of 2025 included stock-based compensation of $0.8 million and depreciation and amortization of $0.7 million. Non-cash stock-based compensation and depreciation and amortization in the same period of 2024 were $0.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Fourth quarter 2024 stock-based compensation and depreciation and amortization were $1.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The Company had non-cash finance costs of $33,000 in the first quarter of 2025 compared to non-cash finance costs of $20,000 in the first quarter of 2024 and non-cash costs of $32,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The Company recognized other income, including interest of $528,000 in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $52,000 in the same period in 2024 and $511,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company acquired the remaining 24.8% interest of SPX from SAIC. The acquisition of this interest resulted in a non-cash loss to the Company of $6,852,687. There was no impact of the acquisition transaction in the first quarter of 2025.

    Cash flow from operating activities in the first quarter of 2025 was ($8.9) million compared to ($4.6) million in the first quarter of 2024 and ($8.7) million in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Summary of Financial Performance
    The following is a summary of the Company’s operations over the five quarters ending March 31, 2025. This information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements filed on Sedar+ on May 14, 2025.

     
    POET TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    PROFORMA – NON-IFRS AND IFRS PRESENTATION OF OPERATIONS
    (All figures are in U.S. Dollars)
     
    For the Quarter ended: 31-Mar-25     31-Dec-24     30-Sep-24     30-Jun-24     31-Mar-24    
    Revenue 166,760     29,032     3,685     –     8,710    
    Research and development (4,360,192 )   (3,437,683 )   (1,765,481 )   (2,117,828 )   (1,922,066 )  
    Depreciation and amortization (726,868 )   (475,281 )   (525,955 )   (509,699 )   (509,260 )  
    Professional fees (276,184 )   (679,156 )   (480,871 )   (366,839 )   (409,726 )  
    Wages and benefits (2,123,274 )   (758,883 )   (667,963 )   (780,146 )   (768,496 )  
    Loss on acquisition of 24.8% of SPX –     (6,852,687 )   –     –     –    
    Stock-based compensation (841,793 )   (1,404,995 )   (1,525,131 )   (1,591,741 )   (947,502 )  
    General expenses and rent (898,056 )   (474,937 )   (465,448 )   (448,357 )   (570,819 )  
    Finance advisory fees (476,802 )   (4,239,831 )   (1,319,392 )   (942,576 )   –    
    Derivative liability adjustment 15,382,971     (12,444,661 )   (6,179,836 )   (1,376,761 )   (629,824 )  
    Interest expense (32,786 )   (31,605 )   (30,482 )   (20,833 )   (19,753 )  
    Other (income), including interest 527,782     511,448     216,337     174,911     52,558    
    Net loss 6,341,558     (30,259,239 )   (12,740,537 )   (7,979,869 )   (5,716,178 )  
                                   
    Net income (loss) per share – Basic 0.08     (0.50 )   (0.20 )   (0.14 )   (0.13 )  
    Net income (loss) per share – Diluted –     (0.50 )   (0.20 )   (0.14 )   (0.13 )  
     

    About POET Technologies Inc.
    POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical modules, optical engines and light source products to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers. POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems. POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges in 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, self-contained “Edge” computing applications and sensing applications, such as LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles. POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Allentown, PA, Shenzhen, China, and Singapore. More information about POET is available on our website at www.poet-technologies.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include the Company’s expectations with respect to its move of production capacity from China to Malaysia, the ability of its partners to install and operate production equipment, the reaction of customers and partners to the Company’s product offerings, the success of the Company’s product development efforts, the performance of its products, the expected results of its operations, meeting revenue targets, and the expectation of continued success in the financing efforts, the capability, functionality, performance and cost of the Company’s technology as well as the market acceptance, inclusion and timing of the Company’s technology in current and future products and expectations for approval of proposals at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders.

    Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, management’s expectations regarding its move of production capacity from China to Malaysia, the ability of its partner to meet production expectations, the reaction of customers and partners to the Company’s product offerings, the success and timing for completion of its development efforts, the introduction of new products, financing activities, future growth, recruitment of personnel, opening of offices, the form and potential of its joint venture, plans for and completion of projects by the Company’s consultants, contractors and partners, availability of capital, and the necessity to incur capital and other expenditures. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the failure to achieve high volume production in Malaysia on time, the failure of its products to meet performance requirements or to be produced in Malaysia on time and budget, the lack of sales in its products, once released, operational risks in the completion of the Company’s anticipated projects, risks affecting the Company’s ability to execute projects, the ability of the Company to generate sales for its products, the ability to attract key personnel, the ability to raise additional capital and the agreement by shareholders to approve proposals put forth by the Company at shareholders’ meetings. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
    120 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON, M4P 1E2 – Tel: 416-368-9411 – Fax: 416-322-5075

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Africa Road Builders: Angolan President João Lourenco, winner of the Babacar Ndiaye Prize 2025

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    Angolan President João Lourenço has won the 2025 “Africa Road Builders” prize –awarded to African leaders who have invested in infrastructure development. He follows Equatorial Guinea’s Téodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and Congo Denis Sassou-Nguesso, who were joint winners in 2024.

    The selection committee for the Babacar Ndiaye Road Builder Super Prize, meeting in Dubai on 25 April, awarded it to Lourenço for the construction of major transport infrastructure in Angola. Projects include the Lobito Corridor, a strategic regional railway line between Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The African Development Fund, the African Development Bank Group’s concessional loans window, provided a grant of $8.14 million towards implementing the project, which will improve regional integration and support trade between the three countries.

    The construction of the new Dr Agostinho Neto international airport, which opened in November 2023, paving 2,000 km of roads, resurfacing a further 2,000 km and building a light metro system in Luanda were the key factors in making their decision, the committee said.

    “We were aware that in recent years, Angola has embarked on a major transformation of its transport infrastructure, with the aim of strengthening its strategic position in southern and central Africa and diversifying its economy. The immediate impacts of these various projects and achievements have been the creation of several services, including the use of new information and communication technologies,” explained the Africa Road Builders selection committee.

    The latest winner of the Babacar Ndiaye prize will receive his award in Abidjan on 28 May, alongside the Annual Meetings 2025 of the African Development Bank Group.

    Sponsored by the African Development Bank Group, the Babacar Ndiaye Africa Road Builders prize is awarded by Acturoutes, a platform that provides information on the road network and infrastructure in Africa, and the organization Media for Infrastructure and Finance in Africa (MIFA), a network of African journalists specializing in road infrastructure.

    The prize was created in honour of Babacar Ndiaye (1936-2017), President of the African Development Bank Group from 1985 – 1995. Each year, the “Africa Road Builders” Selection Committee evaluates ambitious, tangible projects that have a real impact on people’s mobility in Africa.

    Since its launch in 2016, the Babacar Ndiaye Prize has been awarded to the following heads of state: King Mohamed VI (Morocco), Edgar Lungu (Zambia), Alassane Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire), Ali Bongo Ondimba (Gabon), Macky Sall (Senegal) and Paul Kagamé (Rwanda) as joint winners in 2017, Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Adama Barrow (Gambia), Abdel Fattah-al Sissi (Egypt), Muhammadu Buhari (Nigeria), Samia Suhulu Hassan (Tanzania), Andry Rajoelina (Madagascar), and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) and Denis Sassou-Nguesso (Congo), joint winners in 2024.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Calls Out Republicans’ As Trump Administration Slashed Funding For Mental Health Grants, Gun Violence Prevention Efforts That Had Bipartisan Support

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 14, 2025
    “The next time the President or any of his friends go to Fox News and try to start scapegoating Democrats for the gun violence in Chicago, they should remember that the President and his billionaire cronies eliminated these successful, bipartisan grants,” Durbin said on the Senate floor
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke out against the Trump Administration’s cuts to critical mental health programs and gun violence prevention efforts.  Despite strong bipartisan support for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022, congressional Republicans have remained silent about these disastrous funding cuts that erode efforts to mitigate gun violence.
    “Currently, the number one cause of death for American kids and teenagers is gun violence.  Not automobile accidents, not cancer.  We need to treat this crisis like the national emergency that it is,” Durbin began his remarks.  “Common-sense gun safety measures are overwhelmingly popular with the American people, even with gun owners, including banning high-capacity assault weapons meant for the battlefield, as well as universal background checks and requiring safe storage of guns.”
    “But we also know that making communities safer requires addressing the root causes of violence,” Durbin said.
    Durbin continued his remarks, reflecting on the third anniversary of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that resulted in the death of 19 innocent children and two teachers.
    “On what should have been an ordinary school day, 19 innocent children and two teachers were gunned down in their classrooms by a man armed with an AR-15.  After that horrific day, Congress came together on a bipartisan basis, a rare bipartisan basis, to pass the most significant gun safety reform in generations,” Durbin said.  “We recognized that too many parents were losing children, and too many communities have been irreparably scarred.”
    Durbin spoke about key components in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, including provisions that invested in breaking the cycle of violence by addressing mental health.
    “When Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we agreed we must do more to prevent gun violence from happening in the first place.  One of the most prominent provisions of that legislation was Congress’ decision to invest in using trained neighborhood leaders to break the cycle of violence,” Durbin said.  “With $250 million in funding, we supported community violence interrupters from the South Side of Chicago to… Houston, Texas.”
    Yet, previous bipartisan support did not stop the Trump Administration and unelected billionaire Elon Musk from axing federal funding for these critical programs.  As a result of these cuts, organizations like Metropolitan Family Services in Chicago lost $3.7 million in federal funding.  Prior to being slashed, these funds provided mental health training and job skills to hundreds of individuals who are most likely to perpetrate or be victims of violence.  Because of these initiatives, homicides in the City of Chicago have decreased by 50 percent since 2021.
    “Unfortunately, DOGE had a different idea when it came to preventing violence.  Last month, the Department of Justice cancelled more than $800 million in violence prevention, public safety, and victim service grants.  That includes millions of dollars in community violence intervention funding that was senselessly cut,” Durbin continued.
    “Does Attorney General Bondi really think that eliminating these grants will stop the violence?  Ignoring reality won’t stop the bloodshed that will occur without these funds,” Durbin said.  “Does President Trump really think that cutting this funding makes America safer?”
    “The next time the President or any of his friends go to Fox News and try to start scapegoating Democrats for the gun violence in Chicago, they should remember that the President and his billionaire cronies eliminated these successful, bipartisan grants,” Durbin said.
    Further destroying the gun violence prevention efforts in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the Trump Administration has also rescinded $1 billion in mental health grants from schools that were included in the bill. 
    “After any mass shooting, many are quick to explain away the tragedy as just a ‘mental health’ issue, not the result of the fact that America has far too many deadly weapons,” Durbin said.  “Yet barely 100 days into this Administration, they have dropped any pretense about mental health in dealing with gun violence.  Apparently, preventing gun violence by providing treatment to children is just too much for them to take.”
    Durbin concluded his remarks by pointing to an initiative in Illinois losing its federal funding without a clear justification from the Trump Administration.
    “An initiative in Lake County, Illinois, received nearly $6 million in federal funds to recruit and train mental health providers to work in the schools,” Durbin said.  “In an outrageous and unsubstantiated justification, the Department of Education claimed that these funds ‘violated the letter of purpose or Federal civil rights law’ or ‘undermined the well-being of students these programs are intended to help.’  There is no evidence of that.”
    “Where is the outrage from those who joined in this bipartisan response several years ago?  We took great pride in it.  Democrats and Republicans finally agreed on something.  Mental health counseling of children who are most vulnerable is a way to reduce gun violence.  I still believe that to this day. But the Trump Administration says ‘no, we’re not going to invest in that.’
    “You know what’s going to happen? There will be more gun violence… Innocent kids will die. Innocent people will die.  People will say, ‘well, we just need more mental health counseling.’  Keep in mind, this Administration just eliminated the funds for it. What are they thinking?” Durbin said.
    “Where is the outrage from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle?” Durbin asked.  “That silence is shameful.”
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: HMCS William Hall Departs for Operation CARIBBE

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    May 14, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    On May 14, 2025, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall will depart from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to join Operation CARIBBE, Canada’s contribution to the U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations under the Joint Interagency Task Force South.

    As noted in its name, Operation CARIBBE specifically aims to detect and interdict illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean region. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) contribute naval and air capabilities to support these efforts, working closely with international partners to disrupt the flow of narcotics and enhance the safety and security of North America, the Caribbean, and South America. Operation CARIBBE underscores Canada’s commitment to international efforts aimed at curbing illicit trafficking and enhancing regional security.

    HMCS William Hall’s deployment follows the recent success of HMCS Harry DeWolf, which assisted the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in seizing 750 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea on March 1, 2025. This operation, supported by Colombian air and maritime assets, highlighted the strong interoperability and cooperation between the Royal Canadian Navy, the USCG, and other regional partners.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: In Response to Deadly Port Newark Fire, Rep. Sherrill Introduces Bill To Protect Firefighters

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    On Monday, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill introduced legislation to keep firefighters safe in crisis situations by improving equipment, training, and staffing for departments’ emergency rescue teams.

    In addition to bipartisan support from Congressman Don Bacon, Sherrill’s legislation earned the endorsement of the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
     

    NJ Spotlight News: Help planned for fighting port fires

    By: Ben Hulac | May 12, 2025
     

    • Legislation to craft a new national strategy for fighting port fires like the 2023 blaze that killed two firefighters at the Newark port has a good shot at becoming law, according to its lead sponsor, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th).
       
    • Fighting fires on ships demands particular knowledge and skills, said Sherrill […]
       
    • The two Newark firefighters who responded to and died from the fire two years ago on an Italian cargo ship did not have special training, she said. This bill would include specific measures to better train firefighters for combat maritime fires.
       
    • “They had not been given any specialized training,” Sherrill said in an interview with NJ Spotlight News. “Had they had a lesson in maritime training, I think it would have made a big difference. I think they would be alive today.”
       
    • Experts with the National Transportation Safety Board, an independent federal agency that dispatches investigators to emergency sites, found thick smoke disoriented the two firefighters — Wayne Brooks Jr. and Augusto Acabou — who could not find their way out of the vessel as the fire burned.
       
    • Six other emergency responders were hurt. The fire burned for five days. The probable cause was a Jeep the ship crew used to push other vehicles on board, the NTSB found.
       
    • Liquids from the Jeep’s transmission boiled over and ignited the blaze, investigators said. “Also contributing to the severity of the fire was the Newark Fire Division’s lack of marine vessel firefighting training, which resulted in an ineffective response and led to the firefighter casualties,” the NTSB said in its final report, released in April.
       
    • The port of Newark and New York is the largest by volume on the East Coast and the third largest in the country, behind Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif.
       
    • Sherrill’s Republican co-sponsor on the bill is Don Bacon, a former Air Force general from Nebraska and one of the few moderate members of his party in the House. 
       
    • The bill directs the U.S. Fire Administration, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, to establish a “comprehensive strategy to improve equipment, training, and staffing standards,” including for groups of firefighters that respond to fires at ports.
       
    • Moving around on a ship can be tricky given the tight quarters and segmented structure, Sherrill said, referencing fire training sessions she completed during her Navy career.
       
    • “When you get on ships, it can be very, very hard to get in and out. They’re compartmentalized for various reasons,” Sherrill said. “So getting throughout the ship is difficult.”
       
    • The bill contains no funding, which could make passage easier.
       
    • Bills expire at the end of each Congress, which last for two years, and must pass the House and Senate before the president can sign them into law.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Emergency services are responding to a serious crash in Hamilton this morning, which is blocking the road near Waikato Hospital.

    The two vehicle collision has occurred around the intersection of Ohaupo and Kahikatea Drive in Melville. The road will be blocked for sometime.

    Indications are there are serious injuries. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Available to Arkansas Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Severe Storms and Tornadoes

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued May 8, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Arkansas small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms and tornadoes occurring March 14-15.

    The disaster declaration covers the Arkansas counties of Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp, and Stone.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for PNPs and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Jayapal to Host Viewing of No Other Land at the U.S. Capitol

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) will host a panel discussion and special Capitol Hill viewing of the Academy Award winning documentary film, “No Other Land” for Members of Congress, congressional staff, civil society leaders, and members of the press. The panel of experts, moderated by journalist Mehdi Hasan, will discuss the film, settler violence in the West Bank, the expansion of Israeli settlements, and shifts in U.S. policy.  
    Event: Panel Discussion and Viewing of “No Other Land” Date and Time: Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00PM Location: South Orientation Theater (CVC 241), Capitol Visitor Center Panel: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07); Zaha Hassan; Dr. Debra Shushan; and Josh Paul; moderated by Mehdi Hasan. 
    RSVP: Please RSVP using this LINK 
    Entry Instructions: Please see Capitol Visitor Guidelines here. Use the main entrance near the intersection of East Capitol St NE and First St NE (by the Supreme Court and Library of Congress). Follow the signage down to the Capitol Visitor Center entrance, to the lower floor of the Visitor Center. 
    Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film, “No Other Land” is directed by a collective of directors from Palestine and Israel—Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, and Rachel Szor. The Oscar winning documentary follows Palestinian activist Basel Adra as he documents the demolition of his community in Masafer Yatta. It is a powerful testament to shared resistance, human rights, and the enduring struggle for justice. 
    Senator Welch and Representative Jayapal have co-led several efforts on issues related to the West Bank, including legislation to fund UNRWA. In April, Senator Welch and Representative Jayapal led 29 of their bicameral colleagues in raising the alarm over escalating violence in the West Bank. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the lawmakers urged the Trump Administration to immediately reinstate sanctions against individuals who perpetrate violence that undermines regional stability and security in the West Bank. The bicameral letter was in response to the violent assault of Hamdan Ballal, a director of “No Other Land.” On March 24, 2025, Mr. Ballal was attacked by a group of Israeli settlers in the village of Susiya in the occupied West Bank. Following this attack, Israeli Defense Forces arrested and detained Mr. Ballal.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Details How to Fuel the Great American Industrial Comeback

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – Today, at a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing, Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) discussed how Congress can continue to fuel the manufacturing boom across America by reigniting investment in small manufacturers.
    Ernst highlighted that small manufacturers are the key to the great American industrial comeback because they make up 98% of all manufacturing firms in the United States.
    Watch Chair Ernst’s remarks here.
    Ernst’s full remarks:
    “I am excited to hold this hearing to discuss opportunities to reignite investment in small American manufacturers and ensure our industrial future is built right here, at home.
    “America is and has always been a nation of builders — men and women who roll up their sleeves, put in a hard day’s work, and take pride not just in what they make, but what it means for their families, their communities, and their country. That entrepreneurial spirit is in our DNA.
    “For far too long, Washington looked the other way as factories and farms shut down and the jobs that once sustained many U.S. families were shipped overseas.
    “Despite the importance of domestic industrial production to our national security, production of critical goods was off shored to foreign countries.
    “In doing so, we’ve made ourselves dependent on an international supply chains offering fast, mass-produced goods — mostly coming from China.
    “This came at a cost. Not just economic, but strategic.
    “In January of this year, the U.S. recorded a $29.7 billion trade deficit with China —we’ve been massively reliant on our chief adversary for the goods and services we consume.
    “Today, the manufacturing sector comprises only 10.1 percent of America’s gross domestic product, a figure trailing most other industrialized nations.
    “We’ve left ourselves economically beholden to the rest of the world and hollowed out our industrial core that once employed millions of Americans.
    “We cannot accept that status quo.
    “I believe in a great American comeback, one driven by the world’s most talented workforce and a new era of domestic manufacturing ensuring this nation’s economic security.
    “We can make ‘Made in America’ the norm instead of the exception.
    “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are already seeing the early signs of a manufacturing revival and industrial boom in Iowa and all across the country.
    “No group is more eager to lead this charge than small manufacturers, who make up 98 percent of all manufacturing firms in the United States.
    They are ready to build, ready to grow, and they want to do it here – in the United States.
    “But Washington needs to do its part.
    “It’s time Congress acts to ensure that the federal government does not stand in the way of small manufacturers.
    “We must empower them by providing them the tools they need to generate new jobs – to rebuild and fortify American supply chain stability, and to reduce our reliance on other countries, including adversaries.
    “However, breaking ground on new manufacturing facilities or upgrading existing ones is a major investment.
    “In many cases, these projects require long-term financing options, which can be particularly difficult for small businesses to access.
    “That is why I was proud to introduce the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act, along with another member of this Committee, Senator Coons.
    “This bipartisan legislation would double the SBA-backed loan limit from $5 million to $10 million for small manufacturers.
    “By allowing manufacturers to access greater capital my legislation encourages small manufacturers to invest in their operations and support the training and expansion of our manufacturing workforce.
    “This is about leveling the playing field for American manufacturers on the world stage. It is a straightforward, commonsense, and bipartisan solution to unlock the potential small manufacturers have to secure our national and economic security.
    “I am also interested in how we can leverage another SBA program—the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) to support small manufacturers.
    “This program supports the flow of private capital to small businesses across the country.
    “I am grateful that we’re joined today by Mr. Mickelson, from Iowa, and Mr. Geis, from Missouri, who invest in small businesses across the heartland through the SBIC program.
    “I look forward to hearing from all our witnesses about how we can best align SBA programs and private investment to spark America’s next industrial boom.
    “The independence, prosperity, and security of our next generation depends on it.
    “Thanks to our witnesses for being here today and I look forward to your testimony.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons meets with Chief of the National Guard Bureau

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, met yesterday with General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
    During their meeting, Senator Coons discussed ways he can support the National Guard through his new role as the lead Senate Democrat in charge of defense spending. Senator Coons also pressed General Nordhaus about Delaware’s National Guard priorities, including the provision of C-130J cargo planes to the Delaware National Guard and the expansion of the State Partnership Program (SPP), which links National Guard units from states across the country with the militaries of partner nations for mutual training, disaster relief, and other purposes. Delaware is paired with Trinidad and Tobago through the SPP.
    “National Guard units around the country serve vital functions for our nation across a number of areas from disaster relief to military readiness to joining the fight on the front lines when called upon,” said Senator Coons. “I enjoyed meeting with General Nordhaus to better understand how the Senate can fund the National Guard more effectively and ensure that every state, including Delaware, benefits from hosting National Guard units.”

    MIL OSI USA News –