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  • MIL-OSI China: Trump sends tariff letters to 8 more countries

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump sent letters to the leaders of eight countries Wednesday, notifying them that tariffs ranging from 20 percent to 50 percent will be charged on goods imported from these countries starting Aug. 1.

    Trump first posted letters to seven countries — the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Iraq, Libya and Sri Lanka — on Truth Social, his own social media platform.

    According to the letters, 30 percent tariffs will be imposed on Libya, Iraq, Algeria and Sri Lanka, 25 percent on Brunei and Moldova, and 20 percent on the Philippines.

    Later in the day, Trump announced that tariffs of 50 percent will be charged on goods from Brazil, also effective on Aug. 1.

    His letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva claimed that “Due in part to Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans … we will charge Brazil a Tariff of 50% on any and all Brazilian products sent into the United States.”

    “Any unilateral measure to raise tariffs will be responded to in light of Brazil’s economic reciprocity law,” Lula said Wednesday on X.

    Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said Wednesday it was “unjust” for Trump to impose tariffs of 50 percent on Brazilian products.

    “I see no reason to increase tariffs on Brazil. Brazil is not a problem for the United States; it is important to reiterate that. The United States has a trade deficit, but a surplus with Brazil,” Alckmin said.

    Trump sent the first batch of tariff letters to 14 countries on Monday, with tariffs ranging from 25 percent to 40 percent.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Red Bull sack F1 team principal Horner after 20 years

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

    Christian Horner has been dismissed as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, ending a 20-year tenure that transformed the team into one of the most successful outfits in Formula 1 history.

    The decision was confirmed on Wednesday, with Laurent Mekies – formerly of Ferrari and most recently team principal at Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls – announced as his successor.

    Christian Horner is seen before a free practice of the Formula One British Grand Prix 2025 at the Silverstone Circuit, in Sliverstone, Britain, July 4, 2025. Christian Horner has been dismissed as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, ending a 20-year tenure that transformed the team into one of the most successful outfits in Formula 1 history. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

    The sacking of Horner, 51, who had been Red Bull’s only team principal since its founding in 2005, follows a turbulent period both on and off the track. The Briton had been under intense scrutiny since early 2024, when he was investigated and cleared over allegations of inappropriate conduct toward a female colleague.

    Although he survived that episode, internal divisions deepened. Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull’s four-time world champion driver Max Verstappen, publicly called for Horner’s resignation earlier this year, warning that his presence was “destroying the team from within.”

    The departures of key personnel, including legendary designer Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley and strategy chief Will Courtenay, added to the sense of a team unravelling.

    Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull amassed six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles, first with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013 and then with Verstappen from 2021 to 2024. In total, the team won 124 races under his direction.

    But after dominating the early years of F1’s hybrid era, Red Bull’s performance faltered in 2024. The team finished third in that year’s Constructors’ standings and struggled to match the development pace of rivals McLaren and Ferrari.

    The 2025 campaign has offered little respite. Verstappen has won just twice, and sits 65 points adrift of championship leader Oscar Piastri at the season’s halfway stage. Compounding Red Bull’s struggles has been the continued underperformance of its second drivers. Sergio Perez’s form deteriorated throughout 2024, and his 2025 replacements Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have barely troubled the top ten, leaving Verstappen to shoulder the title challenge alone.

    Team executive Oliver Mintzlaff thanked Horner for his “exceptional work over the last 20 years,” calling him instrumental in building Red Bull Racing into a powerhouse. However, Mintzlaff also emphasized the need for a fresh approach to leadership ahead of the 2026 regulation overhaul, which includes new engine rules and the team’s transition to its own Ford-backed power unit.

    The decision to promote Mekies was reportedly made weeks ago and communicated to Verstappen’s camp in advance. Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, said the world champion remained focused on performance and welcomed the new leadership if it helps stabilize the team.

    Mekies, 48, brings extensive F1 experience, having held technical and operational roles at the FIA and Ferrari before joining Red Bull’s sister team. He will assume control with immediate effect. Former Alpine sporting director Alan Permane replaces Mekies at Racing Bulls.

    The shake-up has raised questions about Verstappen’s long-term future with the team. The Dutchman is contracted at Red Bull until 2028, but is rumoured to have clauses allowing him to leave if results do not meet expectations, and has been linked with a move to Mercedes. However, Horner’s departure could also increase the chances of him staying at Red Bull, given the souring of the relationship between the two.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Revamped Leverkusen prepares for unknown journey

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

    The 2023-24 Bundesliga champion Bayer Leverkusen is gearing up for a full reorganization due to the departure of coach Xabi Alonso, along with Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah.

    The journey into the unknown is guided by 55-year-old coach Erik ten Hag, who is relishing a second top-level chance after his dismissal from Manchester United in 2024.

    Florian Wirtz (L) of Bayer 04 Leverkusen vies with Ozan Kabak of TSG Hoffenheim during the first division of Bundesliga match in Leverkusen, Germany, March 30, 2024. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)

    The team’s pre-season plans reinforce the idea of a complete restart, including its unusual trip to Brazil from July 14 to 24 where it will visit the training ground of Flamengo.

    “You can’t sail on yesterday’s wind,” said Ten Hag. “We start from zero and have to readjust our compass.”

    Sporting director Simon Rolfes said the club’s goals include finishing in the top four in Germany and the top 16 in Europe.

    “In these spheres, you are inevitably a candidate for winning silverware,” he stated.

    With 150 million euros (about 176 million U.S. dollars) earned from Wirtz’s transfer, Leverkusen has signed Jarell Quansah, Malik Tillman, Ibrahim Maza, Abdoulaye Faye and Mark Flekken.

    The Brazil trip is said to create an inspiring atmosphere far away from local concerns about the future and display the club’s intention to strengthen ties to South America.

    “If you want, ties to South America have been growing over the past decades as we had several players from there in our shirt,” said Rolfes.

    While Ten Hag emphasizes that “everyone has to keep it as a pleasant memory to be ready for a new start,” the team is already ahead with tactical changes, as the new coach seems to prefer a back four.

    After the departure of Alonso, the team adopted a different model as Ten Hag is said to rely on strict discipline.

    Like his predecessor, Ten Hag favors a dominant playing style centered on a high level of ball possession.

    He discussed a “perfect foundation” established by Alonso. “It’s on us to rely on these pillars and, at the same time, create something new.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Everton sign striker Thierno Barry from Villareal

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

    Everton is on the verge of signing French striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal for a fee in the region of 27 million pounds (37 million U.S. dollars).

    Barry flew to Liverpool on Tuesday for his medical check and on Wednesday posted a message to supporters of his former club, all but confirming a done-deal to move to the Premier League.

    “It has been a great honor to have worn this shirt,” wrote Barry on social media.

    “Thank you for the love you’ve given me since day one, with that beautiful memory of my first goal in the stadium. That’s what gave me the strength to go out fighting every weekend for you.”

    “I want to thank my teammates for letting me live an incredible year, full of joy and wonderful people I’ve met within the club and the team,” he added, while also thanking Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia Toral.

    The 22-year-old striker scored 11 goals and gave four assists last season as Villarreal produced an impressive campaign to finish in fifth place in La Liga.

    Barry stood out for his pace and power, which allowed him to lead the Spanish side’s attack and create space for teammates such as Ayoze Perez and Alex Baena.

    He will replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who left Everton at the end of June after failing to sign a new contract. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mongolia to host 2027 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup

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

    FIBA announced on Wednesday that Mongolia will host the 2027 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup from March 31 to April 4 in its capital city Ulaanbaatar.

    Ozawa Ryo (R) of Japan guards against Haribon Agbalo Espinosa of Singapore during the FIBA 3×3 Basketball Asia Cup men’s quarterfinal match between Japan and Singapore in Singapore, March 30, 2025. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)

    FIBA data show that during the FIBA 3×3 World Cup recently held in Mongolia, more than 50,000 fans turned up in Sukhbaatar Square, where the Mongolian women’s team reached the final.

    “Mongolia continues to prove itself as a true world-class hub for 3×3 basketball,” said FIBA 3×3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez.

    “The fans, the atmosphere and the quality on the half-court make Mongolia the ideal host for the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2027. We are excited to return to Ulaanbaatar, ten years after Mongolia made history by staging the first-ever FIBA Asia Cup in 2017,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Payback time as Pedro goals cover part of transfer fee

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

    Very few new signings have made an instant sporting and economic impact in the same way that striker Joao Pedro did for Chelsea, as his goals took his new side to the FIFA Club World Cup final in a 2-0 victory over Fluminense on Tuesday.

    Joao Pedro of Chelsea reacts after scoring his first goal during the semifinal match between Fluminense FC (Brazil) and Chelsea FC (England) at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, the United States, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

    Pedro only signed from Brighton & Hove Albion a week ago, flying straight to the United States from Brazil to join up with his new side, as he was allowed to play in the Club World Cup – unlike Jamie Gittens, who has also joined Chelsea but is unable to play in the tournament as he has already represented Borussia Dortmund.

    It took Pedro just 18 minutes to open the scoring with a stunning curling shot into the corner of the Fluminense net.

    He sealed the win 11 minutes into the second half after latching onto Enzo Fernandez’s through ball and scoring with a shot that bounced off the crossbar and into the net.

    The fact Pedro scored goals after so little time adapting to his new teammates could be a sign that Chelsea’s long search for a center-forward is finally over.

    In just one game, Pedro has already paid back a big chunk of his transfer fee. Chelsea paid Brighton 55 million pounds (75 million U.S. dollars) for his services, and by taking Chelsea to the final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid, he has already earned the club a further 21 million pounds in prize money – over a third of his fee.

    If Chelsea wins the final and Pedro scores again, he will have already paid for himself.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Tasman low brings another bout of severe weather – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Thursday 10th – Sunday 13th July 2025 – Yet again, heavy rain and severe gales are on the way. 

    MetService has issued another boatload of Heavy Rain Watches and Warnings, as well as Strong Wind Watches and Warnings. 
    Most of the impacts will be felt on Friday as a front moves in from the Tasman Sea. Heavy rain is expected to peak in Auckland during the hours of the afternoon commute.

    Orange Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued for Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, Nelson and Marlborough regions. Heavy Rain Watches are also in place for remaining parts of the upper North Island.  There is a moderate to high chance that warnings for the top of the South Island could be upgraded to a Red Warning – this represents the heightened potential for rain related impacts on Friday.

    An Orange Strong Wind Warning has been issued for South Taranaki for severe gale northeasterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Strong Wind Watches are also in place for Taihape, Whanganui and Banks Peninsula.

    MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley adds, “Heavy rain will be falling in areas that have seen significant rainfall recently. Parts of Nelson have already received an average years’ worth of rain since January. The risk is that already saturated soil and damaged infrastructure will struggle to cope with an additional burst of rain.”

    On Saturday morning, the front pushes off to the east.  Behind it, northwesterly winds drag in showers to western areas for the remainder of the weekend. The east of both islands will remain drier.

    This comes at the end of the school holidays as families are returning to their hometowns. “Take it easy on the roads. Consider timing your journey for when the rain eases if you’re traveling though affected areas” advises Michael. “Keep up to date with the advice of local emergency management services and councils.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BusinessNZ – Relevant skills in short supply

    Source: BusinessNZ

    Legislation aimed at improving NZ’s vocational education and training system needs to focus on delivering the right skills needed for business and employment growth, BusinessNZ says.
    BusinessNZ says New Zealand’s new vocational education system should not be dominated by polytechnics to the detriment of work-based training and should focus on delivering better-skilled graduates who are more likely to get a job.
    BusinessNZ’s submission to the Education & Workforce Select Committee on the Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill says many of the skills that people currently get trained in are not the skills needed by business, and this is holding back graduates from successfully gaining employment – an industry-led, government-enabled vocational system for setting standards is required, to allow for more relevant, up-to-date skills to be taught.
    The Bill also allows for a training levy to be imposed on businesses, however BusinessNZ says its members strongly oppose this provision, as they believe the system first requires significant improvement to achieve the business and employment outcomes required from vocational training. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – EPA bans crop insecticide after reassessment

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is banning a crop insecticide, chlorpyrifos, after reassessing the chemical.
    The ban will come into effect progressively during an 18-month phase-out period.
    Chlorpyrifos is a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide used to control pests in pasture and grain crops such as wheat and for biosecurity treatment of pests.
    The chemical is banned in the European Union and Canada, and its use is heavily restricted in Australia. It is in the process of being phased out internationally via the Stockholm Convention, of which New Zealand is a signatory.
    As part of the reassessment, the EPA considered new information, called for submissions, and held a public hearing. A decision-making committee found that risks to people and the environment of using the insecticide outweighed the benefits.
    “Operators spraying the insecticide and bystanders are most at risk from immediate and long-term health issues,” says Dr Shaun Presow, Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager. “New evidence shows that even full personal and respiratory protective equipment don’t fully mitigate the health risks.
    “The health risks for children exposed to chlorpyrifos in particular are concerning, which is why we have put in place an immediate ban on using the chemical in public places,” says Dr Presow.
    “Chlorpyrifos also has harmful effects on plants and animals on land and in waterways.”
    An EPA decision-making committee set an extended phase-out period for the use of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-containing substances to allow users to transition to alternative products.
    “We acknowledge the concerns of some farmers who will need to find alternatives to chlorpyrifos products to control New Zealand grass grub,” says Dr Presow. “This is why we have approved and extended the 18-month phase-out period for farmers to find other ways to manage native grass grub.
    “We are equally mindful of the risks to human health and the environment, and that the phasing out of chlorpyrifos is supported by some industry groups. Furthermore, our international trade partners are already imposing restrictions on the use of chlorpyrifos on food crops.”
    From 10 July 2025 the use of chlorpyrifos will be phased out:
    – over 18 months for those using the active ingredient to control grass grub
    – over six months for all other industries
    – immediately in public places.
    Notes:
    – Chlorpyrifos is used only by professional users.
    – Pronunciation guide for “chlorpyrifos”: clore-pir-ee-fos 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA issues alert regarding specific website

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong that Chong Sing Heritage Trust Bank as referred to on the website (https://cshtb.com) does not have the authorization of the Monetary Authority (MA) under the Banking Ordinance (the Ordinance) to carry on banking business, or the business of taking deposits, in Hong Kong; and Chong Sing Heritage Trust Bank does not have the approval of the MA to establish a local representative office in Hong Kong under the Ordinance.

    Given the global nature of the Internet, members of the public are reminded to verify the status of any organisation making use of the Internet to offer bank accounts to, or to solicit deposits from, the public in Hong Kong prior to transferring any funds to, or providing any personal information to, any such organisation.

    A list of authorized institutions is available on the HKMA’s website (www.hkma.gov.hk). Members of the public may also check the status of any entity which appears to be soliciting deposits from the public in Hong Kong, or holding itself out as a bank or deposit-taking company in Hong Kong, by emailing the HKMA’s public enquiry service (publicenquiry@hkma.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: YZi Labs Announces Support for 10X Capital’s BNB Treasury Company in the U.S.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YZi Labs, an investment vehicle fueling impact in Web3, AI, and biotech, today announced its support for 10X Capital, a leading investment firm focused on digital assets & digital asset treasury companies, in establishing the BNB Treasury Company, an independent U.S. initiative for digital asset treasury management on BNB Chain.

    The BNB Treasury Company, which intends to pursue a public listing on a major U.S. stock exchange, aims to create a business that will provide investors in the USA with exposure to the growth and benefits of BNB, the world’s 4th largest digital asset token by market cap, and will be focused exclusively on the BNB Chain ecosystem.

    The development of the BNB Treasury Company will be led by an accomplished management team, including digital assets veteran David Namdar, Senior Partner at 10X Capital and co-founder of Galaxy Digital (Nasdaq:GLXY), formerly of Millennium Management; institutional investor Russell Read, CIO of 10X Capital and former CIO of CalPERS, the Alaska Permanent Fund, the Gulf Investment Corporation, and former deputy CIO of Deutsche (Bank) Asset Management; and former Kraken director Saad Naja, who sits on the executive board of directors of global retail brokerage firm Exinity.

    10X Capital, whose recent track record in digital asset treasury companies includes Nakamoto (Nasdaq:NAKA), has partnered with Cohen & Company Capital Markets, a division of Cohen & Company Securities, LLC, and Clear Street LLC to raise capital to fund its initial acquisition of BNB. 10X Capital will serve as the asset manager of the BNB Treasury Company.

    “BNB Chain is one of the most widely adopted blockchain ecosystems. BNB is the gas, the glue, and the governance layer for a scalable, decentralized future — powered by builders, for builders, and we believe expanding its institutional access can deliver meaningful benefits to the broader public,” said Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs. “By supporting this initiative, we aim to combine the strengths of the BNB ecosystem with 10X Capital’s institutional asset management and capital markets expertise. While we advocate for the adoption of BNB as a treasury asset, YZi Labs remains highly selective in formal partnerships and will only communicate any official collaborations through our official channels.”

    “BNB Chain is one of the largest, highest performing digital assets ecosystems globally, powering hundreds of millions of users, however institutional and retail investors in the U.S. have limited exposure to the growth of BNB.” added Hans Thomas, Founder & CEO of 10X Capital. “In line with our thesis on the unique ability of US-listed treasury companies to provide investors with access to digital assets opportunities globally, we believe the time is right for a well-capitalized, institutionally managed, pure-play treasury company to emerge as a gateway between U.S. investors and decentralized innovation on BNB Chain.”

    The BNB Treasury Company will emphasize transparency and verification of holdings, strong engagement with the BNB ecosystem and community, and expects to announce the closing of its related financing in the coming weeks.

    About YZi Labs

    YZi Labs manages over $10 billion in assets globally. Our investment philosophy emphasizes impact first—we believe that meaningful returns will naturally follow. We invest in ventures at every stage, prioritizing those with solid fundamentals in Web3, AI, and biotech.

    YZi Labs’ portfolio covers over 300 projects from over 25 countries across six continents. More than 65 of YZi Labs’ portfolio companies have gone through our incubation programs. For more information, follow YZi Labs on X.

    About 10X Capital

    10X Capital is a next-generation investment firm focused on digital transformation, including digital assets and digital infrastructure. 10X brings institutional capital to exceptional opportunities worldwide, via public & private structures, our portfolio companies, treasury business, and our affiliated investment bank.

    With capabilities in corporate development, asset management, treasury management, and capital markets, the firm takes a holistic merchant banking approach to building Digital Assets Treasury companies around the world, to help develop disruptive strategies with global reach. For more information, follow 10X Capital on X.

    Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, endorsement, analysis, or recommendations with respect to any financial instruments, investments, or issuers. This article may contain forward-looking statements which are by nature subject to risks and uncertainties. Investment in cryptocurrency and DeFi projects involves substantial risk, including the risk of complete loss. This article does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation, or specific needs of any particular person and each individual is urged to consult their legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.

    Media Contacts:

    Yuna Y,

    YZi Labs

    yuna.y@yzilabs.com

    Alexander Monje

    10X Capital

    info@10xcapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Announces Staff Additions, Trump Admin Appointments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) announced 6 additions to his staff in Tennessee and Washington, D.C. Hagerty’s team continues to be fully operational and serving the great state of Tennessee.
    Brian McCormack will soon assume the role of Chief of Staff. McCormack is currently serving as the Chief of Staff for the National Security Council at the White House. Previously, he served at the White House Office of Management and Budget responsible for nearly a dozen agencies and as the Chief of Staff at the Department of Energy. The current Chief of Staff, Adam Telle, was nominated in March by President Trump to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works where he will oversee the Corps of Engineers.
    “I’m glad to have someone of Brian’s caliber and experience to lead this exceptional team. He brings a set of highly-relevant perspectives to the role where the paramount focus is to serve the people of Tennessee and the interests of our nation,” said Senator Bill Hagerty. “Brian’s background and relationships within the Trump Administration will support my objective of making the federal government work for the American people.”
    “I’m thankful for the many years of service Adam has put in leading our team from day one in the Senate, which has helped me build a strong foundation for success here in the U.S. Senate going forward,” said Senator Bill Hagerty. “I’m so proud of the opportunity he’s been given to once again serve as an outstanding member of President Trump’s administration, and his management of the Corps of Engineers will bring the responses we’ve seen in my Senate office to bear on an organization central to Tennessee and our nation.”
    Robert Donachie is now serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications. Donachie served as Vice President of a Washington, DC-based public relations and literary agency. He spent several years working in the House of Representatives. He also served as the White House correspondent for The Washington Examiner and as a political reporter for The Daily Caller. Donachie has appeared on Fox News Channel, nationally syndicated radio programs, and provided commentary for The New York Times, POLITICO, Newsweek, The Hill, and other outlets.
    Tiffany Delgado recently joined as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, replacing Jim Durrett.  Delgado served as Senior Vice President of a Washington, DC-based marketing agency specializing in custom targeted voter contact, fundraising and issue advocacy programs, where she was recognized with the Rising Star Award from Campaigns and Elections.  Previously she worked at the National Republican Senatorial Committee as the Director of Direct Response.  Tiffany holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia, and is currently pursuing her MBA from Georgetown University.
    Michael Sullivan will become Senior Advisor to Senator Hagerty, where he will continue to be involved in state operations while also providing strategic advice on the Senator’s larger operation, leveraging Sullivan’s experience to benefit Hagerty’s broader mandate.
    Alec Richardson will become the State Director for Senator Hagerty. Currently, he serves as Senior Advisor to Governor Bill Lee and Director of External Affairs at the State of Tennessee. In this role, Richardson is responsible for overseeing strategic operations, managing federal relations, and advising on key legislative issues. He formerly served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Personal Aide to the Governor. He resides in Nashville with his wife and their one-year-old son.
    Kalleigh Ahern is now serving as Press & Digital Assistant in the office of U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty. Prior to joining the Senate, she worked as a Public Relations and Communications Intern at a national PR agency, where she contributed to strategic campaign planning, media monitoring and cross-sector client research. Ahern also gained firsthand experience in federal outreach and constituent services while working in her home congressional district in Tennessee. She graduated summa cum laude from The University of Alabama with a focus in public relations and political science.
    Serving in the Trump Administration
    Adam Telle has been advanced out of the Armed Services Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee to lead the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Telle has served as Hagerty’s Chief of Staff over the last four years and will continue to serve Hagerty while his nomination is pending before the Senate. Telle served during the first Trump Administration as the White House’s Senate lead in its Office of Legislative Affairs.  Prior to that role, Telle served as the top staff member on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security and as the top policy advisor to the late Senator Thad Cochran. Telle holds degrees in computer science and journalism from Mississippi State University.
    Jim Durrett is now the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice President and Deputy Assistant to the President. Previously, he served as Deputy Chief of Operations for Senator Hagerty. Durrett is a native of Clarksville, Tennessee.
    Luke Pettit has been advanced out of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Institutions. Pettit has served as Senator Hagerty’s Senior Policy Advisor and will continue to serve Hagerty while his nomination is pending before the Senate. Previously, he worked at the Senate Banking Committee, Bridgewater Associates, and the Federal Reserve. Luke holds a B.A from the University of Pennsylvania, and graduate degrees from the London School of Economics and Johns Hopkins University.
    Jonathan Greenstein is nominated to be Deputy Undersecretary of the Treasury for International Finance. Previously, he served as Senator Hagerty’s Senior Policy Advisor. Greenstein is a graduate of Harvard Business School and Yale Law School.
    Daniel Zimmerman has been confirmed to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. Zimmerman previously served in a Congressional Executive Fellowship in the office of Senator Hagerty. He previously has held many roles in the agency realm, and holds both a bachelor’s degree from Asbury University and a master’s degree from the Patterson School of Diplomacy at the University of Kentucky.
    Julia Hahn is serving as the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Department for the Office of Public Affairs. Hahn joins the Department after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications for Senator Hagerty. Prior to the Senate, Hahn served in the first Trump White House over all four years, most recently as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy White House Communications Director. Before that, she served as Special Assistant to the President and Director of Rapid Response and Surrogate Operations. Hahn has also worked in media as the Executive Producer of The Laura Ingraham Show and a reporter at Breitbart News. She also worked on Capitol Hill as Press Secretary to former Congressman Dave Brat. Hahn graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA in Philosophy.
    Clark Milner is serving as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Policy, focusing primarily on domestic policy. Milner formerly served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Chief Counsel to Senator Bill Hagerty. Milner previously served as Deputy Counsel to Governor Bill Lee.
    Natalie McIntyre currently serves as a Special Assistant to the President for the Office of Legislative Affairs where she handles the Healthcare, Education, Labor, Banking, and Agriculture portfolio. Previously, she was Senator Hagerty’s Legislative Director overseeing the legislative team and managing the Health, Education, Labor, Pension, and Veterans portfolio. Prior to her role in Hagerty’s office, she was part of the legislative office at OMB where she managed the Senate offices. She also served as a Senior Policy Advisor and White House liaison at ONDCP.
    Jason Hoffman is currently the Executive Secretary at the White House Office of Management and Budget. Hoffman formerly served as a Policy Advisor for Senator Hagerty, focusing on homeland security and judiciary issues. Previously, he worked at the Office of Management and Budget during President Trump’s first term and as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives.Nels Nordquist is serving as Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Policy and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council. Nordquist was Senior Fellow for Economic Policy in the office of Senator Hagerty. In addition, his prior service includes as Staff Director for the National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. From 2018-2021, Nordquist worked in the National Security Council and National Economic Council, first as Director for Trade & Investment and later as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for International Economic Policy. Nordquist graduated from Stanford and earned an MBA from the University of Virginia.
    Joel Rayburn is the Trump Administration’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. He is a historian, former diplomat, and retired military officer who previously served as special advisor for Middle East affairs in the office of Senator Hagerty. Rayburn is currently a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. In the first Trump Administration, he served as a senior director on the National Security Council staff and, from July 2018 to January 2021, as the U.S. special envoy for Syria. Before joining the State Department, Rayburn served 26 years as a US Army officer and co-authored the Army’s official history of the Iraq War. He holds an MA in history from Texas A&M University and an MS in strategic studies from the National War College.
    Kevin Kim serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the State Department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He previously worked as a National Security Fellow for Senator Hagerty. Kim was also the Senior Advisor to the Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea as part of the U.S. delegation to the 2020 U.S.-Russia arms control negotiations.  From 2018 to 2020, he served as the Chief of Staff to the Special Representative for North Korea and the Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun and worked closely with then-U.S. Ambassador to Japan Hagerty as he participated in various rounds of U.S.-DPRK nuclear negotiations. Kim received a BA from the Johns Hopkins University, MA from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.
    Daniel Tirosh now serves on the National Security Council. Tirosh previously served as Deputy National Security Advisor and Counsel for Senator Hagerty. He holds a bachelor’s degree from University of California, Santa Cruz, and graduated from Stanford Law School.
    Walton Stivender Mears has taken on a new role as scheduler for Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner. Mears joined HUD earlier this year after serving as Director of Scheduling for Senator Hagerty. She previously handled scheduling and assisted the chief of staff for Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and as a Staff Assistant for Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL). Mears is a graduate of Auburn University.
    J. Cal Mitchell is serving as Special Advisor for the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Treasury. He joins the Treasury Department after serving as Personal Aide to Senator Hagerty. Mitchell is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College.
    Nick Checker, a former national security fellow for Senator Hagerty, currently serves as Deputy Executive Secretary on the National Security Council. In that role, Checker provides senior-level review of NSC products for substance, policy relevance, and appropriateness for the President and senior White House officials. Checker has spent the last decade prior to his service on Senator Hagerty’s staff at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a military analyst covering conflicts in the greater Middle East. Most recently, Checker worked in CIA’s office of Congressional Affairs, where he supported the confirmation process for Director John Ratcliffe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University.
    Nicholas Elliot is the Confidential Assistant and Policy Advisor to the President’s Council of Advisors on Digital Assets. Previously, Elliot worked on Senator Hagerty’s 2020 campaign team and spent nearly four years working for Senator Hagerty on the Senator’s financial services and banking portfolio, where he advanced the Senator’s work on the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Elliot is a graduate of Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business where he received a BS in Business Administration with a major in Finance and a minor in Mandarin.
    Taylor Asher serves as Senior Policy Advisor to Chairman Paul Atkins. From April 2023 to January 2025, Asher served as Policy Advisor and Confidential Assistant to Commissioner Uyeda. Prior to his time at the SEC, Asher was Personal Aide to Senator Hagerty. His tenure in public service began with Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s Office, where he served as Staff Assistant and Intern Manager. Asher is currently pursuing a Master of Economics at George Mason University. He holds a Master of Finance with an Energy Specialization as well as a Bachelor of Science in Management from Tulane University. He is originally from Nashville, Tennessee.
    Cole Bornefeld will be serving as Director of Correspondence for the Office of the Vice President. He previously served as a Legislative Aide to Hagerty, assisting in the Judiciary, Homeland Security, Commerce, and Rules portfolio. Bornefeld previously served as a Legislative Correspondent, Staff Assistant, and Intern in Senator Hagerty’s office. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and public relations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: The Keg Royalties Income Fund announces July 2025 cash distribution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Keg Royalties Income Fund (the “Fund”) (TSX: KEG.UN) today announced that its July 2025 distribution of $0.0946 per unit has been declared and is payable to unitholders of record as at July 21, 2025. The July 2025 distribution will be paid on July 31, 2025.

    The Fund is a limited purpose, open-ended trust established under the laws of the Province of Ontario that, through The Keg Rights Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of the Fund, owns certain trademarks and other related intellectual property used by Keg Restaurants Ltd. (“KRL”). In exchange for use of those trademarks, KRL pays the Fund a royalty of 4% of gross sales of Keg restaurants included in the royalty pool.

    With approximately 10,000 employees, over 100 restaurants and annual system sales exceeding $700 million, Vancouver-based KRL is the leading operator and franchisor of steakhouse restaurants in Canada and has a substantial presence in select regional markets in the United States. KRL continues to operate The Keg restaurant system and expand that system through the addition of both corporate and franchised Keg steakhouses. KRL has been named the number one restaurant company to work for in Canada in the latest edition of Forbes “Canada’s Best Employers 2025” survey.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The Keg Royalties Income Fund announces July 2025 cash distribution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Keg Royalties Income Fund (the “Fund”) (TSX: KEG.UN) today announced that its July 2025 distribution of $0.0946 per unit has been declared and is payable to unitholders of record as at July 21, 2025. The July 2025 distribution will be paid on July 31, 2025.

    The Fund is a limited purpose, open-ended trust established under the laws of the Province of Ontario that, through The Keg Rights Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of the Fund, owns certain trademarks and other related intellectual property used by Keg Restaurants Ltd. (“KRL”). In exchange for use of those trademarks, KRL pays the Fund a royalty of 4% of gross sales of Keg restaurants included in the royalty pool.

    With approximately 10,000 employees, over 100 restaurants and annual system sales exceeding $700 million, Vancouver-based KRL is the leading operator and franchisor of steakhouse restaurants in Canada and has a substantial presence in select regional markets in the United States. KRL continues to operate The Keg restaurant system and expand that system through the addition of both corporate and franchised Keg steakhouses. KRL has been named the number one restaurant company to work for in Canada in the latest edition of Forbes “Canada’s Best Employers 2025” survey.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Bill to Strengthen Benefits for American Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in cosponsoring the Unlocking Benefits for Independent Workers Act, which establishes a safe harbor under federal law for companies that would like to voluntarily provide employee benefits. This would apply to any benefit or protection commonly provided to full-time employees, such as retirement and health care benefits. This will ultimately strengthen workplace benefits for independent workers.

    “Our labor laws are in desperate need of modernizing,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Our independent contract workers shouldn’t be barred from accessing their hard-earned health care and retirement benefits. The workforce is ever evolving in President Trump’s America First economy, and our bill takes great strides to make sure American workers are protected.” 

    Sens. Tuberville and Cassidy were joined by Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC) and Tim Scott (R-SC) in cosponsoring the legislation.

    Read full text of the legislation here. 

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Bill to Strengthen Benefits for American Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in cosponsoring the Unlocking Benefits for Independent Workers Act, which establishes a safe harbor under federal law for companies that would like to voluntarily provide employee benefits. This would apply to any benefit or protection commonly provided to full-time employees, such as retirement and health care benefits. This will ultimately strengthen workplace benefits for independent workers.

    “Our labor laws are in desperate need of modernizing,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Our independent contract workers shouldn’t be barred from accessing their hard-earned health care and retirement benefits. The workforce is ever evolving in President Trump’s America First economy, and our bill takes great strides to make sure American workers are protected.” 

    Sens. Tuberville and Cassidy were joined by Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC) and Tim Scott (R-SC) in cosponsoring the legislation.

    Read full text of the legislation here. 

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/9/2025 Blackburn Releases Fact Sheet and Video Debunking Democrats’ Lies on the One Big Beautiful Bill and Highlighting Wins for Tennesseans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a fact sheet, “Fiction v. Fact: Exposing Democrats’ Lies About the One Big Beautiful Bill,” to set the record straight on how the law will not cut Medicaid benefits for Tennesseans, provides historic tax relief, and gives low-income workers the largest percentage reduction in their tax liability.

    Senator Blackburn also released a video highlighting the once-in-a-generation victories for Tennesseans in the One Big Beautiful Bill, including the key provisions she secured. On behalf of Tennesseans, Senator Blackburn led the fight to provide tax relief for seniors and independent music creators; help local law enforcement enforce immigration laws; require DNA testing and fingerprinting of illegal alien children to protect them from exploitation; make the enhanced child tax credit permanent; and secure additional funding for Oak Ridge National Lab and the Coast Guard in Memphis. 

    Click here to download this video of Senator Blackburn highlighting the wins for Tennesseans.

    “Instead of telling the truth about how the One Big Beautiful Bill will improve life for Americans and Tennesseans, Democrats are resorting to fearmongering and lies,” said Senator Blackburn.“The facts are clear: this bill delivers historic tax relief, boosts wages, saves and creates jobs, provides the largest-ever investment in border security, eliminates wasteful spending, and bolsters the military. Tennesseans have every reason to celebrate now that the One Big Beautiful Bill is the law of the land.”

    Click here to download this fact sheet.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/9/2025 Blackburn Releases Fact Sheet and Video Debunking Democrats’ Lies on the One Big Beautiful Bill and Highlighting Wins for Tennesseans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a fact sheet, “Fiction v. Fact: Exposing Democrats’ Lies About the One Big Beautiful Bill,” to set the record straight on how the law will not cut Medicaid benefits for Tennesseans, provides historic tax relief, and gives low-income workers the largest percentage reduction in their tax liability.
    Senator Blackburn also released a video highlighting the once-in-a-generation victories for Tennesseans in the One Big Beautiful Bill, including the key provisions she secured. On behalf of Tennesseans, Senator Blackburn led the fight to provide tax relief for seniors and independent music creators; help local law enforcement enforce immigration laws; require DNA testing and fingerprinting of illegal alien children to protect them from exploitation; make the enhanced child tax credit permanent; and secure additional funding for Oak Ridge National Lab and the Coast Guard in Memphis. 

    Click here to download this video of Senator Blackburn highlighting the wins for Tennesseans.
    “Instead of telling the truth about how the One Big Beautiful Bill will improve life for Americans and Tennesseans, Democrats are resorting to fearmongering and lies,” said Senator Blackburn.“The facts are clear: this bill delivers historic tax relief, boosts wages, saves and creates jobs, provides the largest-ever investment in border security, eliminates wasteful spending, and bolsters the military. Tennesseans have every reason to celebrate now that the One Big Beautiful Bill is the law of the land.”

    Click here to download this fact sheet.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/9/2025 Blackburn Releases Fact Sheet and Video Debunking Democrats’ Lies on the One Big Beautiful Bill and Highlighting Wins for Tennesseans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a fact sheet, “Fiction v. Fact: Exposing Democrats’ Lies About the One Big Beautiful Bill,” to set the record straight on how the law will not cut Medicaid benefits for Tennesseans, provides historic tax relief, and gives low-income workers the largest percentage reduction in their tax liability.

    Senator Blackburn also released a video highlighting the once-in-a-generation victories for Tennesseans in the One Big Beautiful Bill, including the key provisions she secured. On behalf of Tennesseans, Senator Blackburn led the fight to provide tax relief for seniors and independent music creators; help local law enforcement enforce immigration laws; require DNA testing and fingerprinting of illegal alien children to protect them from exploitation; make the enhanced child tax credit permanent; and secure additional funding for Oak Ridge National Lab and the Coast Guard in Memphis. 

    Click here to download this video of Senator Blackburn highlighting the wins for Tennesseans.

    “Instead of telling the truth about how the One Big Beautiful Bill will improve life for Americans and Tennesseans, Democrats are resorting to fearmongering and lies,” said Senator Blackburn.“The facts are clear: this bill delivers historic tax relief, boosts wages, saves and creates jobs, provides the largest-ever investment in border security, eliminates wasteful spending, and bolsters the military. Tennesseans have every reason to celebrate now that the One Big Beautiful Bill is the law of the land.”

    Click here to download this fact sheet.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal Support Legislation to Fund Community Violence Intervention

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 09, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) co-sponsored the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, legislation that would create a new Office of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and a new grant program within the Department of Health and Human Services to award $5 billion in grants to community-based, nonprofit organizations and eligible units of local government to create or support evidence-based and prevention programs to interrupt cycles of violence. U.S. Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04) introduced companion legislation in the House.

    “Community violence intervention programs work – we’ve seen proof of that in Connecticut and in cities across the country. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act made a historic $250 million investment in these programs, helping lead to the largest two-year drop in gun violence rates in our country’s history. This legislation doubles down on that investment and makes sure we keep putting federal dollars behind evidence-based strategies that save lives and make communities safe,” said Murphy.

    “The gun violence epidemic requires tested and true community-centered solutions to break tragic cycles of violence. Here in Connecticut, dozens of organizations are saving lives through community violence intervention programs, but they do so with severely limited resources. While the Trump Administration slashes the life-saving grants these organizations depend on, our Break the Cycle of Violence Act makes investments that will save lives and make our communities safer,” said Blumenthal.

    Murphy’s past support for robust community-based violence intervention programs includes his Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which provided millions in grants to community-based nonprofits that directly provided counseling and support to at-risk youth, and families traumatized by gun violence. On day one of his presidency, President Trump shut down the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention responsible for coordinating efforts across the federal government and working with states and local governments to identify available resources for impacted communities. On April 30th, the Department of Education (ED) notified grant recipients of the School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Grant Programs, which BSCA funded, that their funding would not be continued after this fiscal year.

    The Break the Cycle of Violence Act provisions include:

    • $5 billion investment in anti-violence programs to create and support violence interruption and crisis management initiatives.
    • $1.5 billion investment in workforce training and job opportunities, including improved youth employment and training activities, paid work experience for school aged youth, and partnerships with community-based organizations to serve youth in high-crime and high-poverty areas.
    • An Office of Community Violence Intervention at HHS to implement evidence-based violence reduction initiatives.
    • A Community Violence Intervention Advisory Committee to ensure people with expertise in community violence intervention have a voice in CVI policies.
    • A National Community Violence Response Center to provide technical assistance for implementing community violence intervention and prevention programs.

    The bill is endorsed by Community Justice, Sandy Hook Promise, Giffords Gun Violence Prevention & Advocacy, and Everytown for Gun Safety.

    The Break the Cycle of Violence Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal Support Legislation to Fund Community Violence Intervention

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 09, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) co-sponsored the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, legislation that would create a new Office of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and a new grant program within the Department of Health and Human Services to award $5 billion in grants to community-based, nonprofit organizations and eligible units of local government to create or support evidence-based and prevention programs to interrupt cycles of violence. U.S. Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04) introduced companion legislation in the House.
    “Community violence intervention programs work – we’ve seen proof of that in Connecticut and in cities across the country. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act made a historic $250 million investment in these programs, helping lead to the largest two-year drop in gun violence rates in our country’s history. This legislation doubles down on that investment and makes sure we keep putting federal dollars behind evidence-based strategies that save lives and make communities safe,” said Murphy.
    “The gun violence epidemic requires tested and true community-centered solutions to break tragic cycles of violence. Here in Connecticut, dozens of organizations are saving lives through community violence intervention programs, but they do so with severely limited resources. While the Trump Administration slashes the life-saving grants these organizations depend on, our Break the Cycle of Violence Act makes investments that will save lives and make our communities safer,” said Blumenthal.
    Murphy’s past support for robust community-based violence intervention programs includes his Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which provided millions in grants to community-based nonprofits that directly provided counseling and support to at-risk youth, and families traumatized by gun violence. On day one of his presidency, President Trump shut down the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention responsible for coordinating efforts across the federal government and working with states and local governments to identify available resources for impacted communities. On April 30th, the Department of Education (ED) notified grant recipients of the School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Grant Programs, which BSCA funded, that their funding would not be continued after this fiscal year.
    The Break the Cycle of Violence Act provisions include:
    $5 billion investment in anti-violence programs to create and support violence interruption and crisis management initiatives.
    $1.5 billion investment in workforce training and job opportunities, including improved youth employment and training activities, paid work experience for school aged youth, and partnerships with community-based organizations to serve youth in high-crime and high-poverty areas.
    An Office of Community Violence Intervention at HHS to implement evidence-based violence reduction initiatives.
    A Community Violence Intervention Advisory Committee to ensure people with expertise in community violence intervention have a voice in CVI policies.
    A National Community Violence Response Center to provide technical assistance for implementing community violence intervention and prevention programs.
    The bill is endorsed by Community Justice, Sandy Hook Promise, Giffords Gun Violence Prevention & Advocacy, and Everytown for Gun Safety.
    The Break the Cycle of Violence Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal Support Legislation to Fund Community Violence Intervention

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 09, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) co-sponsored the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, legislation that would create a new Office of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and a new grant program within the Department of Health and Human Services to award $5 billion in grants to community-based, nonprofit organizations and eligible units of local government to create or support evidence-based and prevention programs to interrupt cycles of violence. U.S. Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04) introduced companion legislation in the House.

    “Community violence intervention programs work – we’ve seen proof of that in Connecticut and in cities across the country. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act made a historic $250 million investment in these programs, helping lead to the largest two-year drop in gun violence rates in our country’s history. This legislation doubles down on that investment and makes sure we keep putting federal dollars behind evidence-based strategies that save lives and make communities safe,” said Murphy.

    “The gun violence epidemic requires tested and true community-centered solutions to break tragic cycles of violence. Here in Connecticut, dozens of organizations are saving lives through community violence intervention programs, but they do so with severely limited resources. While the Trump Administration slashes the life-saving grants these organizations depend on, our Break the Cycle of Violence Act makes investments that will save lives and make our communities safer,” said Blumenthal.

    Murphy’s past support for robust community-based violence intervention programs includes his Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which provided millions in grants to community-based nonprofits that directly provided counseling and support to at-risk youth, and families traumatized by gun violence. On day one of his presidency, President Trump shut down the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention responsible for coordinating efforts across the federal government and working with states and local governments to identify available resources for impacted communities. On April 30th, the Department of Education (ED) notified grant recipients of the School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Grant Programs, which BSCA funded, that their funding would not be continued after this fiscal year.

    The Break the Cycle of Violence Act provisions include:

    • $5 billion investment in anti-violence programs to create and support violence interruption and crisis management initiatives.
    • $1.5 billion investment in workforce training and job opportunities, including improved youth employment and training activities, paid work experience for school aged youth, and partnerships with community-based organizations to serve youth in high-crime and high-poverty areas.
    • An Office of Community Violence Intervention at HHS to implement evidence-based violence reduction initiatives.
    • A Community Violence Intervention Advisory Committee to ensure people with expertise in community violence intervention have a voice in CVI policies.
    • A National Community Violence Response Center to provide technical assistance for implementing community violence intervention and prevention programs.

    The bill is endorsed by Community Justice, Sandy Hook Promise, Giffords Gun Violence Prevention & Advocacy, and Everytown for Gun Safety.

    The Break the Cycle of Violence Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Joins Bicameral Letter to Defense Secretary Hegseth to Rein In Dangerous, Wasteful “Golden Dome” Missile Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 09, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, joined colleagues in a bicameral letter urging U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to refrain from mindlessly pouring resources into the Trump administration’s unproven and ill-defined “Golden Dome” comprehensive missile defense shield. The letter emphasized how Trump’s proposed Golden Dome program would be technically unfeasible, strategically unwise, and overwhelmingly expensive. Instead of making the U.S. homeland safer from missile threats, this program sets the stage for the Trump administration to waste hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars, open the door to enormous corruption, and set off a destabilizing nuclear arms race that would make Americans less safe.
    In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “The Trump administration’s plans for Golden Dome could make it prohibitively expensive, operationally ineffective, massively corrupt, and detrimental to U.S. and global security by igniting a nuclear arms race with Russia and China. We are concerned that Golden Dome will be much more effective at wasting taxpayer dollars than countering missile attacks.”
    The lawmakers continued, “Countering a possible Russian or Chinese attack involving hundreds of warheads would require a much larger, more technologically advanced, and more costly system. That is why Congress, since 1999 on a bipartisan basis, has specifically said that U.S. national missile defenses should aim to counter only ‘limited’ threats, not Russian and Chinese arsenals. Golden Dome would overturn that long-standing consensus with the stroke of a pen.”
    The lawmakers requested responses to the following questions by July 21, 2025:
    What is the intended purpose of Golden Dome? How many missiles (and of what types) is it being designed to intercept? What system architecture will be used? Has the threat been validated as a requirement by the Joint Chiefs of Staff?
    How does the Administration plan to spend the proposed $175 billion on Golden Dome?
    What is the 20-year estimated cost of Golden Dome?
    How does the Administration plan to deal with known and anticipated countermeasures to space- and ground-based missile defense, including nuclear detonations in space?
    What aspects of the system would be based in space?
    Will the Administration propose a third missile defense interceptor site on the East Coast?
    How does the Pentagon plan to meet requirements for developmental and operational testing of the elements of the proposed system, given the very short timeline for deployment?
    How will the Administration award contracts under Golden Dome? Will SpaceX get preferential treatment?
    How does the Administration expect China and Russia to react to Golden Dome? How does the administration plan to reconcile its arms control goals with these reactions?
    The letter was co-signed in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); and in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.-8), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-8) Bill Foster (D-Ill.-11), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Greg Casar (D-Texas-35), and Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas-37).
    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Joins Bicameral Letter to Defense Secretary Hegseth to Rein In Dangerous, Wasteful “Golden Dome” Missile Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 09, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, joined colleagues in a bicameral letter urging U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to refrain from mindlessly pouring resources into the Trump administration’s unproven and ill-defined “Golden Dome” comprehensive missile defense shield. The letter emphasized how Trump’s proposed Golden Dome program would be technically unfeasible, strategically unwise, and overwhelmingly expensive. Instead of making the U.S. homeland safer from missile threats, this program sets the stage for the Trump administration to waste hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars, open the door to enormous corruption, and set off a destabilizing nuclear arms race that would make Americans less safe.

    In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “The Trump administration’s plans for Golden Dome could make it prohibitively expensive, operationally ineffective, massively corrupt, and detrimental to U.S. and global security by igniting a nuclear arms race with Russia and China. We are concerned that Golden Dome will be much more effective at wasting taxpayer dollars than countering missile attacks.”

    The lawmakers continued, “Countering a possible Russian or Chinese attack involving hundreds of warheads would require a much larger, more technologically advanced, and more costly system. That is why Congress, since 1999 on a bipartisan basis, has specifically said that U.S. national missile defenses should aim to counter only ‘limited’ threats, not Russian and Chinese arsenals. Golden Dome would overturn that long-standing consensus with the stroke of a pen.”

    The lawmakers requested responses to the following questions by July 21, 2025:

    1. What is the intended purpose of Golden Dome? How many missiles (and of what types) is it being designed to intercept? What system architecture will be used? Has the threat been validated as a requirement by the Joint Chiefs of Staff?
    2. How does the Administration plan to spend the proposed $175 billion on Golden Dome?
    3. What is the 20-year estimated cost of Golden Dome?
    4. How does the Administration plan to deal with known and anticipated countermeasures to space- and ground-based missile defense, including nuclear detonations in space?
    5. What aspects of the system would be based in space?
    6. Will the Administration propose a third missile defense interceptor site on the East Coast?
    7. How does the Pentagon plan to meet requirements for developmental and operational testing of the elements of the proposed system, given the very short timeline for deployment?
    8. How will the Administration award contracts under Golden Dome? Will SpaceX get preferential treatment?
    9. How does the Administration expect China and Russia to react to Golden Dome? How does the administration plan to reconcile its arms control goals with these reactions?

    The letter was co-signed in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); and in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.-8), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-8) Bill Foster (D-Ill.-11), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Greg Casar (D-Texas-35), and Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas-37).

    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Joins Bicameral Letter to Defense Secretary Hegseth to Rein In Dangerous, Wasteful “Golden Dome” Missile Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 09, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, joined colleagues in a bicameral letter urging U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to refrain from mindlessly pouring resources into the Trump administration’s unproven and ill-defined “Golden Dome” comprehensive missile defense shield. The letter emphasized how Trump’s proposed Golden Dome program would be technically unfeasible, strategically unwise, and overwhelmingly expensive. Instead of making the U.S. homeland safer from missile threats, this program sets the stage for the Trump administration to waste hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars, open the door to enormous corruption, and set off a destabilizing nuclear arms race that would make Americans less safe.

    In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “The Trump administration’s plans for Golden Dome could make it prohibitively expensive, operationally ineffective, massively corrupt, and detrimental to U.S. and global security by igniting a nuclear arms race with Russia and China. We are concerned that Golden Dome will be much more effective at wasting taxpayer dollars than countering missile attacks.”

    The lawmakers continued, “Countering a possible Russian or Chinese attack involving hundreds of warheads would require a much larger, more technologically advanced, and more costly system. That is why Congress, since 1999 on a bipartisan basis, has specifically said that U.S. national missile defenses should aim to counter only ‘limited’ threats, not Russian and Chinese arsenals. Golden Dome would overturn that long-standing consensus with the stroke of a pen.”

    The lawmakers requested responses to the following questions by July 21, 2025:

    1. What is the intended purpose of Golden Dome? How many missiles (and of what types) is it being designed to intercept? What system architecture will be used? Has the threat been validated as a requirement by the Joint Chiefs of Staff?
    2. How does the Administration plan to spend the proposed $175 billion on Golden Dome?
    3. What is the 20-year estimated cost of Golden Dome?
    4. How does the Administration plan to deal with known and anticipated countermeasures to space- and ground-based missile defense, including nuclear detonations in space?
    5. What aspects of the system would be based in space?
    6. Will the Administration propose a third missile defense interceptor site on the East Coast?
    7. How does the Pentagon plan to meet requirements for developmental and operational testing of the elements of the proposed system, given the very short timeline for deployment?
    8. How will the Administration award contracts under Golden Dome? Will SpaceX get preferential treatment?
    9. How does the Administration expect China and Russia to react to Golden Dome? How does the administration plan to reconcile its arms control goals with these reactions?

    The letter was co-signed in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); and in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.-8), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-8) Bill Foster (D-Ill.-11), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Greg Casar (D-Texas-35), and Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas-37).

    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Challenges Unconstitutional California Laws Driving Up National Egg Prices

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and other state officials over California laws that impose burdensome red tape on the production of eggs and poultry products nationally in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

    The laws and regulations challenged by the complaint impose costly requirements on farmers that have the effect of raising egg prices for American consumers by prohibiting farmers across the country from using commonly accepted agricultural methods that helped keep eggs affordable. These laws stand opposed to the Egg Products inspection Act, which sets standards to ensure eggs and egg products are properly labeled and packaged and preempts state laws that impose additional regulatory hurdles.

    “Americans across the country have suffered the consequences of liberal policies causing massive inflation for everyday items like eggs,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will use the full extent of federal law to ensure that American families are free from oppressive regulatory burdens and restore American prosperity.”  

    “Bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary regulations implemented by the State of California have made the cost of everyday goods, like eggs, less affordable for Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate. “This Department of Justice will work to free consumers from this regulatory burden and bring economic prosperity to families.”

    On his first day in office, President Trump directed federal agencies to work to end the “crushing regulatory burden” Americans were experience with the riding costs of every day items. This lawsuit is the latest of Department of Justice actions seeking to protect American consumers from predatory commercial practices and regulatory burdens.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: City calls for groups to be part of 2025 Seniors Festival

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The City of Greater Bendigo wants to hear from local community groups and organisations interested in holding a free or low-cost event or activity as part of this year’s Greater Bendigo Seniors Festival set to take place from October 5 to October 12, 2025.

    This year’s festival will celebrate with the theme Connect Create Celebrate!

    City of Greater Bendigo Acting Director Healthy Communities and Environments Andie West said the City is calling on local community groups and organisations to hold an event or activity during this year’s festival, to showcase their group, provide entertainment, activities and a chance for older adults to connect with others.

    “We are looking for groups to hold activities and events that older people will enjoy such as, craft and gardening activities, tours, morning teas, entertainment, information sessions, learning opportunities, come and try days or exercise programs and events that promote positive ageing,” Ms West said.

    “The annual Seniors Festival recognises and celebrates the valuable contribution of older adults to our community and encourages them to discover new activities and interests in our community.

    “It’s a great way for groups and organisations to connect with older adults who make up a large part of our population.

    “If you think your group or organisation can host a great event for older adults in the spirit of the festival then we want to hear from you.

    “We have limited space in the printed program but would love to include as many events as possible that meet the broad needs of the community.

    “Community events and activities registered by Wednesday August 6, 2025, where possible, will be listed and promoted in the printed and online festival program.

    “Groups and organisations are also encouraged to promote events through their own networks and on the Connect Greater Bendigo events calendar.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Challenges Unconstitutional California Laws Driving Up National Egg Prices

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and other state officials over California laws that impose burdensome red tape on the production of eggs and poultry products nationally in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

    The laws and regulations challenged by the complaint impose costly requirements on farmers that have the effect of raising egg prices for American consumers by prohibiting farmers across the country from using commonly accepted agricultural methods that helped keep eggs affordable. These laws stand opposed to the Egg Products inspection Act, which sets standards to ensure eggs and egg products are properly labeled and packaged and preempts state laws that impose additional regulatory hurdles.

    “Americans across the country have suffered the consequences of liberal policies causing massive inflation for everyday items like eggs,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will use the full extent of federal law to ensure that American families are free from oppressive regulatory burdens and restore American prosperity.”  

    “Bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary regulations implemented by the State of California have made the cost of everyday goods, like eggs, less affordable for Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate. “This Department of Justice will work to free consumers from this regulatory burden and bring economic prosperity to families.”

    On his first day in office, President Trump directed federal agencies to work to end the “crushing regulatory burden” Americans were experience with the riding costs of every day items. This lawsuit is the latest of Department of Justice actions seeking to protect American consumers from predatory commercial practices and regulatory burdens.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Laurel Lee and Gus Bilirakis Respond to the Eighth Circuit Court’s Decision

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)

    Tampa, FL – Yesterday, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the FTC’s final Negative Option Rule put in place by Lina Khan, October 2024. The rule was set to be implemented in 2025.  

    In June, Congresswoman Laurel Lee introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to rescind the Biden-Harris Administration rule. Congresswoman Lee and her colleague, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, CMT Subcommittee Chairman of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, were pleased by the Eighth Circuit Court’s ruling to dismiss the unlawful rule. Their reactions below:  

    “The Federal Trade Commission’s Negative Option Rule far exceeded the agency’s consumer protection mandate. By imposing sweeping and costly new requirements—estimated to exceed $100 million annually—the rule would have driven up costs for consumers rather than protecting them.

    As the Eighth Circuit rightly noted, the FTC rushed this partisan rule through just before the 2024 election, bypassing key steps in the rulemaking process and ignoring legitimate concerns raised by stakeholders. That is why I introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution months ago to overturn the rule, and called on the FTC to delay implementation until the courts could review its legality.

    I’m grateful the Eighth Circuit recognized the serious economic harm this rule would have caused and acted to vacate it. Moving forward, I remain committed to reining in executive overreach and collaborating with my colleagues on thoughtful reforms to ensure subscription practices are fair, transparent, and protect both consumers and businesses,” said Congresswoman Lee. 

    “The Eighth Circuit’s decision to vacate the FTC’s ‘negative option’ rule is a necessary check on regulatory overreach. In her rush to regulate, Lina Khan failed to follow appropriate procedures – undermining transparency and due process for stakeholders and consumers alike. This ruling reinforces the importance of accountability and adherence to the rule of law in regulatory actions. It’s now time to restore trust in the Federal Trade Commission and protect American consumers without unduly burdening legitimate business activity” said Congressman Bilirakis, Chairman of the House Commerce, Manufacturing, & Trade Subcommittee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Project Acacia: RBA and DFCRC announce chosen industry participants and ASIC provides regulatory relief for tokenised asset settlement research project

    Source: Reserve Bank of Australia

    Project Acacia has today reached a significant milestone with a number of industry participants (see below) selected to explore how innovations in digital money and existing settlement infrastructure might support the development of Australian wholesale tokenised asset markets.

    Project Acacia is a joint initiative between the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC). This work is also supported by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), and the Australian Treasury. This project is one of the initiatives highlighted in the Government’s March 2025 Statement on Developing an Innovative Australian Digital Asset Industry.

    24 innovative use cases from a diverse range of organisations, ranging from local fintechs to major banks, have been conditionally selected for this next stage of the project. There will be:

    • 19 pilot use cases, which will involve real money and real asset transactions, and
    • 5 proof-of-concept use cases involving simulated transactions.

    The use cases involve a range of asset classes, including fixed income, private markets, trade receivables and carbon credits.

    Proposed settlement assets for the use cases include stablecoins, bank deposit tokens, and pilot wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC), as well as new ways of using banks’ existing exchange settlement accounts at the RBA.

    Issuance of pilot wholesale CBDC for testing use cases will occur on a range of private and public-permissioned DLT platforms, including Hedera, Redbelly Network, R3 Corda, Canvas Connect and other EVM-compatible networks.

    ASIC clears way for industry participation

    Supporting Project Acacia, ASIC is providing regulatory relief to participants to support and streamline the pilot.

    ASIC’s relief will support the responsible testing of tokenised asset transactions, in some cases using CBDCs, between participants and a limited number of financial institutions in the coming months.

    ASIC has previously provided individual relief of a similar nature to participants in earlier digital money projects led by the RBA.

    The relief instrument is available on the Federal Register of Legislation.

    Project Acacia’s next steps

    Testing of use cases will occur over the next six months, with a report on the findings from the project expected to be published in the first quarter of 2026. The findings of this next stage of the project will support the RBA’s ongoing research into how innovation in the financial system can best support the Australian economy in the digital age.

    Lead use case participants

    • Australian Bond Exchange
    • Australia and New Zealand Banking Corporation
    • Australian Payments Plus
    • Canvas
    • Catena Digital
    • Commonwealth Bank of Australia
    • Fireblocks
    • Forte Tech Solutions
    • Imperium Markets
    • Northern Trust
    • NotCentralised
    • ProspEx Group
    • Westpac Banking Corporation
    • Zerocap

    Brad Jones, Assistant Governor (Financial System) at the RBA said: “Ensuring that Australia’s payments and monetary arrangements are fit-for-purpose in the digital age is a strategic priority for the RBA and the Payments System Board. Project Acacia represents an opportunity for further collaborative exploration on tokenised asset markets and the future of money by the public and private sectors in Australia.

    “The use cases selected in this project will help us to better understand how innovations in central bank and private digital money, alongside payments infrastructure, might help to uplift the functioning of wholesale financial markets in Australia.

    “We thank all interested parties for their efforts in Project Acacia to date and look forward to reporting back on the findings that will emerge over the reminder of the project.”

    ASIC Commissioner Kate O’Rourke said: “Innovation is a sign of a vibrant economy and society. ASIC supports the responsible development of new technologies, including tokenisation and distributed ledgers.

    “ASIC sees useful applications for the technologies underlying digital assets in wholesale markets. The relief from regulatory requirements that we have announced today will allow these technologies to be sensibly tested—to explore opportunities and identify and tackle risks.

    “Importantly, Project Acacia will allow industry and regulators to work together to learn more about how these use cases may reshape the financial services industry, potentially boosting efficiency and foster economic growth.”

    Professor Talis Putnins, Chief Scientist at DFCRC said: “It is great to have collaboration from so many parts of the industry, from small fintechs to large banks, alongside the key financial regulators in this forward-looking, innovative project. The real money settlement models being tested, including issuing pilot wholesale CBDC on third party platforms, reflects another world-first for Australia in this rapidly evolving field.

    “The project is of strategic importance to the DFCRC because, as a co-operative research centre, our focus is on bringing together key groups to unlock the large economic potential of digital finance innovation in Australia. Recent research suggests potential economic gains in markets and cross border payments could be in the order of AU $19 billion per year. Project Acacia is a significant step towards realising these gains, by providing evidence on the forms of money and settlement models that best enable tokenised real-world asset markets.”

    About Project Acacia

    Project Acacia is exploring how different forms of digital money and associated infrastructure could support the development of wholesale tokenised asset markets in Australia. The consultation paper initiating Project Acacia was released in November 2024 and called for industry feedback and expressions of interest in participating.

    Project Acacia is a joint research project between Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC). The project is supported by key stakeholders including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Treasury, which are all represented on the project Steering Committee, along with representatives from the RBA and DFCRC.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –