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Category: Agriculture

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Healthy food revolution to tackle obesity epidemic

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Healthy food revolution to tackle obesity epidemic

    New healthy food standard will see big businesses promoting healthier food and drink

    • Reducing daily intake by just 50 calories could lift 340,000 children and 2 million adults out of obesity 
    • Reforms part of the shift from sickness to prevention in the forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan 
    • A healthy nation means less strain on the NHS, helping drive down pressure on waiting lists as part of the Plan for Change.

    Food retailers and manufacturers will “make the healthy choice the easy choice” in a world-first partnership between government and industry to tackle the obesity epidemic and ease pressure on the NHS as part of the Plan for Change. 

    As part of the forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan, large retailers including supermarkets will be set a new standard to make the average shopping basket of goods sold slightly healthier. 

    Businesses will be given the freedom to meet the standard however works best for them, whether that’s reformulating products and tweaking recipes, changing shop layouts, offering discounts on healthy foods, or changing loyalty schemes to promote healthier options. 

    Public health experts believe cutting the calorie count of a daily diet by just 50 calories would lift 340,000 children and 2 million adults out of obesity. If everyone who is overweight reduced their calorie intake by just 216 calories a day, equivalent to a single bottle of fizzy drink, obesity would be halved. 

    Obesity is one of the root causes of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. With the UK now having the third highest rate of adult obesity in Europe, it remains a critical public health challenge, costing the NHS £11.4 billion a year, three times the NHS budget for ambulance services. 

    Obesity rates have doubled since the 1990s, including among children. A forthcoming report by the Chief Medical Officer will show that more than 1 in 5 children are living with obesity by the time they leave primary school, rising to almost 1 in 3 in areas with higher levels of poverty and deprivation. 

    It follows the government setting out in recent days a number of measures to tackle rapidly growing health inequalities, including investing more in working class communities where health disparities are greatest, and rapid action on the maternal mortality gaps in Black, Asian and working class communities. 

    Through our Plan for Change, the government is shifting the focus from treatment to prevention and creating a more active state – that works with partners to make the healthy choice the easy choice – and a transition of the NHS from a sickness service to a prevention service.   

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:    

    Obesity has doubled since the 1990s and costs our NHS £11 billion a year, triple the budget for ambulance services. Unless we curb the rising tide of cost and demand, the NHS risks becoming unsustainable. 

    The good news is that it only takes a small change to make a big difference. If everyone who is overweight reduced their calorie intake by around 200 calories a day – the equivalent of a bottle of fizzy drink – obesity would be halved.   

    This government’s ambition for kids today is for them to be part of the healthiest generation of children ever. That is within our grasp. With the smart steps we’re taking today, we can give every child a healthy start to life.  

    Our brilliant supermarkets already do so much work for our communities and are trying to make their stores heathier, and we want to work with them and other businesses to create a level playing field. 

    Through our new healthy food standard, we will make the healthy choice the easy choice, because prevention is better than cure. 

    By shifting from sickness to prevention through our Plan for Change, we will make sure the NHS can be there for us when we need it.

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: 

    Britain has some of the best farmers, growers, food manufacturers and retailers in the world, which means we have more choice than ever before on our shelves.  

    It is vital for the nation that the food industry delivers healthy food, that is available, affordable and appealing.   

    Our food strategy will bring together the health plan, food producers and retailers to make sure we can feed the nation more healthily while growing the economic success of our food sector.

    The policy will see all big food businesses report on healthy food sales. This will set full transparency and accountability around the food that businesses are selling and encourage healthier products. 

    The government will then set targets to increase the healthiness of sales in communities across the UK and work with the Food Strategy Advisory Board on the sequencing of this policy.  

    Sarah Price, NHS England Director for Public Health, said: 

    A healthy diet, which includes a variety of nutritious food can help people stay well and provide long-term health benefits, which is good for them and good for the NHS. 

    That is why this move to make it easier for people to shop for healthy and nutritious food options is so important – it will help people reduce the risk of developing a range of life-altering physical conditions, such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes – both of which are on the increase in England.

    Major investment firms have already signalled that they would be keen to invest more in healthier products, if they were given due prominence and promotion by food retailers. 

    Many supermarkets want to do more to make the average shopping basket healthier, but they risk changes hitting their bottom lines if their competitors don’t act at the same time. The new standard will introduce a level playing field, so there isn’t a first mover disadvantage. 

    The changes are part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, due to be published shortly. The plan will radically reform the health service and improve the health of the nation, to make the NHS sustainable and fit for the future. 

    Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said:  

    All food businesses have a critical part to play in providing good quality, affordable and healthy food. At Tesco, we have measured and published our own healthier food sales for a number of years now – we believe it is key to more evidence-led policy and better-targeted health interventions. That’s why we have called for mandatory reporting for all supermarkets and major food businesses and why we welcome the Government’s announcement on this. We look forward to working with them on the detail of the Healthy Food Standard and its implementation by all relevant food businesses.

    Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s commented:  

    We’re passionate about making good food joyful, accessible and affordable for everyone and have been championing the need for mandatory health reporting, across the food industry for many years. Today’s announcement from Government is an important and positive step forward in helping the nation to eat well. We need a level playing field across the entirety of our food sector for these actions to have a real and lasting impact.  

    We look forward to working across Government and our wider industry on the further development of these policies and in helping to drive improved health outcomes across our nation.

    Ravi Gurumurthy, CEO of Nesta, said: 

    Most of us want to lose weight and make healthier choices but the food that surrounds us makes that too hard. That’s why obesity has doubled since the 90s. 

    This new standard focuses on lots of small changes that make it easier to buy food that’s a little bit healthier. Nationally, it could send obesity rates down by a fifth – through business and government working together to improve our health.

    Sue Davies, Which? Head of Food Policy, said: 

    Which? research has shown that people want retailers to do more to support them in making healthier choices. Six in 10 (60%) consumers said they support the government introducing health targets for supermarkets.  

    Mandatory food targets will help to incentivise retailers to use the range of tactics available to them to make small but significant changes – making it easier for people to eat a balanced diet and lead healthier lives.

    John Maingay, Director of Policy at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said: 

    A new standard to make meals across the UK healthier is a huge step towards creating a food environment that supports better heart health. This move recognises the vital role that businesses can play in supporting everyone to have a healthier diet. 

    Obesity puts people at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which remains one of the UK’s biggest killers. We hope to see real momentum behind this new standard to make the healthier choice the easiest choice once and for all.

    Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: 

    Businesses can play a major role in supporting people to make healthy choices, and this important step could help to reduce rising obesity rates. 

    Being overweight or obese is the second biggest cause of cancer in the UK, and is linked with 13 different types of the disease. The UK government must introduce further bold preventative policies in both the upcoming 10-year health plan and National Cancer Plan, so that more lives can be saved from cancer.

    Katharine Jenner, Director, Obesity Health Alliance 

    This is a fair and evidence-based prescription for better health; big businesses urgently need the government to level the playing field to help them focus on selling products that help people live well.  

    The government has rightly identified the root cause of obesity-related ill health: a food system that makes healthy eating difficult. Crucially, it puts the spotlight on the food industry and commits to holding it accountable for providing healthier options – rather than placing the burden on individuals who are already struggling to get by.

    Henry Dimbleby, Author of the National Food Strategy and Independent Review for Government said:

    What gets measured gets done. Mandatory reporting is a crucial first step in improving the food environment – it creates a level playing field, rewards the businesses already acting, and gives us a clear picture of what’s really being sold.

    It’s fantastic to see food retailers themselves calling for this. With proper data, we can start to reshape the food system and make healthier choices easier for everyone.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Graduation Ceremony of the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Dean Gonzalez, distinguished faculty members, ladies and gentlemen, 
      
    Most importantly, graduates, 

    Let me begin with the most important word of all: congratulations! 

    You now join a long line of Sciences Po alumni who have shaped our world – including some of whom are doing it every day at the United Nations as they work in my office supporting the Secretary-General. 

    Let’s also take a moment to recognise your families, friends and loved ones – who have been with you every step of the way.  

    They deserve a round of applause.   

    Students representing more than 120 nationalities come here to learn how the world works, and how it can work better.  

    That spirit of global curiosity and purpose has also carried me through every chapter of my own journey.   

    Designing schools and hospitals in my home country of Nigeria. 

    Advising four Presidents on poverty reduction, development policy planning and public sector reform. 

    Supporting Member States to lead the process that transformed global aspirations into the Sustainable Development Goals. 

    And now as the longest-serving Deputy Secretary-General in United Nations history, supporting the Secretary-General on some of the most complex situations in our history, from COVID, to Ukraine, to Sudan and Gaza and today’s continuing crisis in the Middle East.

    Today, I want to reflect on the lessons I have learned along the way.

    First, don’t agonise, organise. 

    We live in a world of hurt.  A world that is messy, complicated and often overwhelming.  

    And I know it might be easy to feel paralyzed by the scale and hopelessness of today’s challenges.  

    Don’t.

    Because more than ever, those challenges are connected – and we solve them by seeing those connections and coming together. 

    When I served as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, my job was never just about the environment.  

    When Lake Chad was drying up, it wasn’t just an ecological crisis – it was a security crisis.  Boko Haram was born and abducted 200 school girls. 

    When we faced population and urban sprawl and tensions rose between farmers and herders, it wasn’t just about water  access– it was about food systems and growing cities. 

    When I met girls walking hours to fetch water, missing school every day – it wasn’t just about resources – it was about gender equality.  

    We didn’t work in siloes.  We built coalitions across sectors – civil society, young people, traditional leaders, the private sector – to find real solutions.  

    We didn’t agonize, we organized. 

    And, yes, there’s plenty to agonize about today – especially when multilateralism is under attack and international cooperation is on the back foot. 

    But I have seen what’s possible when we find common ground and forge ahead.  

    Just look at the last two months at the UN.  

    A landmark Pandemic Treaty approved at the World Health Organization. 

    Major new protections for our oceans at the World Ocean Conference in Nice.  

    And from Paris, I head to Sevilla — where the world is coming together to commit to better finance sustainable development. 

    So, when the problems seem larger than life, too tangled, too tough — don’t agonize.

    Organize. 

    Mobilize. 

    And help realize the change our world so urgently needs. 

    Remember you did not fail for want of trying.

    The second lesson – keep learning and delivering.  

    Graduation isn’t the end of learning.  In many ways, it’s just the start of your lifelong journey.

    When I joined the UN, I was not steeped in the intricacies of international diplomacy.

    Throughout my career, I have had to learn fast – and deliver even faster.  

    So will you.  

    Even now, I am learning every day – about AI, about geothermal energy, space debris, biotechnology, cybersecurity.  

    You will face even more change, even faster, especially in the new era of super technologies. 

    Regardless of the task that is put in front of you, get ahead of it.  Learn more.  Do more.  Show your stuff and deliver.  Performance opens doors.  

    Yes, some of life is luck and privilege.  

    But I guarantee: the harder you work, the luckier you will get.  

    Third, make hope your most powerful asset. 
    The world is a cynical place. And international affairs is not for the faint of heart. 

    There will be setbacks and critics. 

    There will be many days when the problems seem too big, and the politics too small. When anxieties grip you like a fever.

    Just look around:  war in Ukraine, atrocities in Sudan, catastrophe in Gaza, climate chaos everywhere. 

    But never forget, hope is not a four-letter word. 

    Hope is the courage to build when others are tearing down. 

    Hope is the decision to get up one more time, to negotiate one more deal, even when the odds are against you.

    I have sat with young girls who survived the worst horrors of war and sexual violence. 

    And in their eyes, I saw not just pain – but power. 

    The power to heal. To lead.  To hope. To survive and thrive. 

    Hope is not the absence of fear.  It is the refusal to be defined by it.

    So, carry it with you. Guard it fiercely.  

    Because hope is not just a feeling.  It’s a force.  

    Fourth, hold onto your moral compass. 

    Your degree will open doors. 

    But your integrity will tell you which ones are worth walking through.

    And in today’s world – where the global moral compass is spinning – that clarity matters more than ever. 

    We live in a world where military spending is soaring, while development budgets shrink.  

    Where fossil fuel subsidies dwarf investments in climate action.  

    Where conflict and hardship has forced more people from their homes than at any time since the Second World War.

    In this world, your role as changemakers is not just to make the right deals. 

    It is to draw the right lines. 

    There will be pressure to stay silent. 

    There will be moments when abandoning principles may seem an easier choice.

    But integrity matters most.

    As Deputy Secretary-General, I have had to tell hard truths to powerful people.

    To remind leaders of the many promises they made – and the people they made them to. 

    It is never easy to challenge power. 

    But we don’t serve power. 

    We serve people.

    And if we truly serve people, we must use our superpower and stand for justice, dignity, and solidarity. 

    As we mark Beijing+30, we cannot talk about a future and leave women and girls behind.

    Gender equality is not charity.  It powers our agency. And human rights.   

    And everyone wins when we leave no one behind.  

    But let’s be honest, we are not there yet. 

    So, to the men here today, I say: don’t stand in the way.  

    Don’t walk ahead.  

    Walk with. Stand with.  And speak up. For the other half of your society, women.

    The final lesson is this: invest time in what truly sustains you. 

    Your career will have highs and lows. 

    Plans change. 

    Titles come and go.

    But what will carry you through are the people who know you beyond your résumé. 

    Friends, families, mentors, partners. 

    Protect those bonds. Nurture them.

    Because in the toughest moments, those relationships will remind you of who you are, why you started, and why you must keep going.

    So, no matter how far you go, or how fast — never lose sight of what, and who, matters most.

    Dear graduates,

    Today, you are not just stepping into the world. 

    You are inheriting its unfinished business, and its boundless possibilities.

    As I look out, I see the next generation of climate champions, human rights defenders, and world class diplomats.

    And I am filled with hope. 

    Whatever path you choose, walk it with courage and conviction.  

    Congratulations, Class of 2025.

    The world is waiting.

    And I, for one, can’t wait to see what you will do.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Information About the Budgetary Effects of an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as posted on the website of the Senate Committee on the Budget on June 27, 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    This letter provides information about the budgetary effects of an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 1. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) have estimated the effects of the amendment relative to the baseline used for budget enforcement for consideration in the Senate.

    Title II of H. Con. Res. 14, the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2025, included reconciliation instructions directing committees to propose legislation that would produce specified budgetary results. CBO has reviewed the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 1 and determined the following:

    • Title I, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, would reduce deficits by not less than $1 billion over the 2025–2034 period.
    • Title II, Committee on Armed Services, would increase deficits by not more than $150 billion over the 2025–2034 period.
    • Title III, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, would reduce deficits by not less than $1 billion over the 2025–2034 period.
    • Title IV, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, would increase deficits by not more than $20 billion over the 2025–2034 period.
    • Title V, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, would reduce deficits by not less than $1 billion over the 2025–2034 period.
    • Title VI, Committee on Environment and Public Works, would increase deficits by not more than $1 billion over the 2025–2034 period.
    • Title VII, Committee on Finance, would increase deficits by not more than $1.5 trillion over the 2025–2034 period.
    • Title VIII, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, would reduce deficits by not less than $1 billion over the 2025–2034 period.
    • Title IX, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, would increase deficits by not more than $175 billion over the 2025–2034 period.
    • Title X, Committee on the Judiciary, would increase deficits by not more than $175 billion over the 2025–2034 period.

    In addition, CBO projects that the legislation and each individual title would not increase on-budget deficits after 2034.

    H. Con. Res.14 provides the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget with the authority to make adjustments regarding current tax policy that include extending provisions of the 2017 tax act (Public Law 115-97) in the baseline. For those adjustments, JCT estimated the budgetary effects of extending 26 provisions of P.L. 115-97 relative to CBO’s January 2025 baseline budget projections. CBO and JCT have estimated the effects of H.R. 1 relative to a baseline that reflects the budgetary effects of extending those 26 provisions and that has been updated for enacted legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: $NMA Presale Surges Past Expectations, Setting a tune as the Next DeFi Mover as they Prepare for Full Launch of AI Agent Protocol

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, June 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The highly anticipated Nimanode (NMA) Presale has so far surpassed expectations, with a massive 35% filled in their Presale as they are set to Launch V1 of their AI Agent Protocol.

    Nimanode, coined the “first no-code AI agent platform built natively on the XRP Ledger”, presents a no-brainer opportunity to what is poised to be the next evolution of DeFi on XRP.

    Analysts have predicted $NMA could deliver high returns as we prepare for an alt season once it debuts on major decentralized exchanges (DEXs).

    $NMA Presale

    Why Massive Investor Interest in Nimanode?

    As XRP regains mainstream momentum, bolstered by its inclusion in the U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve and growing interest from institutional investors, Nimanode is emerging as a key infrastructure provider on the XRP Ledger. Designed to simplify, secure, and strategically enhance its users Web3 experience, Nimanode is well-positioned to lead the next wave of intelligent blockchain automation.

    In a comment from one of the development team members “ V1 of our AI Agent Protocol is already in development, presale participants will have the exclusive early access to becoming testers and in turn earn from rewards we have to offer”. This highlights the importance of being an early holder of $NMA offering multiple benefits to early birds via rewards and higher prices.

    Core Features at a Glance

    Zero-Code Agent Builder – Easily create and configure AI agents through a drag-and-drop interface
    Autonomous Execution – Agents perform on-chain tasks, react to data feeds, and interact across dApps
    Agent Marketplace – Build, deploy and monetize AI agents within a Nimanode ecosystem
    XRPL Integration – High-speed, low-cost, and eco-friendly infrastructure to power scalable agent activity.

    Why hold $NMA Token

    At the core of Nimanode ecosystem lies $NMA, the platform’s native utility token. $NMA will be in the Agent Marketplace, where users can license, share, and monetize AI agents with other users and businesses. Combined with its SDK for developers and drag-and-drop builder for creators, Nimanode is positioning itself as a hub for Web3 automation and on-chain labor.

    $NMA, the platform’s utility token, is used for:

    • Deploying and upgrading agents
    • Licensing agents via the marketplace
    • Staking to earn protocol rewards
    • Participating in decentralized governance

    Market Analysts already predict strong upside upon exchange listing of $NMA as demand for agent-based infrastructure gains traction.

    This is a chance to invest in $NMA before its Listing at 25% higher than Presale value, however whales position for more as they eye a 10X surge on Launch.

    Following the presale, $XDX will be listed on major exchanges:

    Binance

    Gate.io

    MEXC

    BitMart

    FirstLedger

    MagneticX

    Participate in the $NMA Presale

    $NMA Presale is Live now on the official Nimanode Presale Page

    How to participate in the Presale

    1. Buy XRP from reputable exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Bybit
    2. Send them to an XRP Compatible Wallet (Xaman recommended) to hold your purchased XRP.
    3. Go to Nimanode’s presale page, copy the deposit address, and send your XRP to it.
    4. Receive your tokens via airdrop 24 hours after the presale concludes.

    Don’t Miss Out Nimanode’s Innovation on XRP

    AI driven systems are poised to be the future, Nimanode is Pioneering a charge to bring AI to the XRP Ledger.

    Nimanode isn’t just creating another DeFi app, Chatbot, or AI demo. It’s building a protocol layer where artificial intelligence doesn’t just support the blockchain, but lives on it.

    Secure your Spot Now!

    Connect with Nimanode

    Website: https://nimanode.com

    Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai

    Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI

    Documentation: https://docs.nimanode.com

    Contact:
    Nick Lambert
    contact@nimanode.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd565d8a-233c-41a4-a9e0-d7ff2a9d225c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: $NMA Presale Surges Past Expectations, Setting a tune as the Next DeFi Mover as they Prepare for Full Launch of AI Agent Protocol

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, June 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The highly anticipated Nimanode (NMA) Presale has so far surpassed expectations, with a massive 35% filled in their Presale as they are set to Launch V1 of their AI Agent Protocol.

    Nimanode, coined the “first no-code AI agent platform built natively on the XRP Ledger”, presents a no-brainer opportunity to what is poised to be the next evolution of DeFi on XRP.

    Analysts have predicted $NMA could deliver high returns as we prepare for an alt season once it debuts on major decentralized exchanges (DEXs).

    $NMA Presale

    Why Massive Investor Interest in Nimanode?

    As XRP regains mainstream momentum, bolstered by its inclusion in the U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve and growing interest from institutional investors, Nimanode is emerging as a key infrastructure provider on the XRP Ledger. Designed to simplify, secure, and strategically enhance its users Web3 experience, Nimanode is well-positioned to lead the next wave of intelligent blockchain automation.

    In a comment from one of the development team members “ V1 of our AI Agent Protocol is already in development, presale participants will have the exclusive early access to becoming testers and in turn earn from rewards we have to offer”. This highlights the importance of being an early holder of $NMA offering multiple benefits to early birds via rewards and higher prices.

    Core Features at a Glance

    Zero-Code Agent Builder – Easily create and configure AI agents through a drag-and-drop interface
    Autonomous Execution – Agents perform on-chain tasks, react to data feeds, and interact across dApps
    Agent Marketplace – Build, deploy and monetize AI agents within a Nimanode ecosystem
    XRPL Integration – High-speed, low-cost, and eco-friendly infrastructure to power scalable agent activity.

    Why hold $NMA Token

    At the core of Nimanode ecosystem lies $NMA, the platform’s native utility token. $NMA will be in the Agent Marketplace, where users can license, share, and monetize AI agents with other users and businesses. Combined with its SDK for developers and drag-and-drop builder for creators, Nimanode is positioning itself as a hub for Web3 automation and on-chain labor.

    $NMA, the platform’s utility token, is used for:

    • Deploying and upgrading agents
    • Licensing agents via the marketplace
    • Staking to earn protocol rewards
    • Participating in decentralized governance

    Market Analysts already predict strong upside upon exchange listing of $NMA as demand for agent-based infrastructure gains traction.

    This is a chance to invest in $NMA before its Listing at 25% higher than Presale value, however whales position for more as they eye a 10X surge on Launch.

    Following the presale, $XDX will be listed on major exchanges:

    Binance

    Gate.io

    MEXC

    BitMart

    FirstLedger

    MagneticX

    Participate in the $NMA Presale

    $NMA Presale is Live now on the official Nimanode Presale Page

    How to participate in the Presale

    1. Buy XRP from reputable exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Bybit
    2. Send them to an XRP Compatible Wallet (Xaman recommended) to hold your purchased XRP.
    3. Go to Nimanode’s presale page, copy the deposit address, and send your XRP to it.
    4. Receive your tokens via airdrop 24 hours after the presale concludes.

    Don’t Miss Out Nimanode’s Innovation on XRP

    AI driven systems are poised to be the future, Nimanode is Pioneering a charge to bring AI to the XRP Ledger.

    Nimanode isn’t just creating another DeFi app, Chatbot, or AI demo. It’s building a protocol layer where artificial intelligence doesn’t just support the blockchain, but lives on it.

    Secure your Spot Now!

    Connect with Nimanode

    Website: https://nimanode.com

    Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai

    Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI

    Documentation: https://docs.nimanode.com

    Contact:
    Nick Lambert
    contact@nimanode.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Graham Releases Full Senate Text Of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today released the Senate’s full legislative text of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.
    “If you like higher taxes, open borders, a weak military and unchecked government spending, this bill is your nightmare.
    “I am proud to present to the public the Big Beautiful Bill. By making the Trump tax cuts permanent, working families will avoid a four trillion-dollar tax increase. Our bill provides full funding to secure the border in perpetuity and injects a much-needed $150 billion into our military to keep our nation safe. In addition, the bill raises the debt ceiling so that we do not default and crash the economy.
    “Equally important, our bill reforms Medicaid – which has grown by nearly 50 percent in five years. It eliminates waste, fraud and abuse – and requires able-bodied Medicaid recipients to work.  This bill is the largest reduction in government spending in recent memory, and is a down payment on fiscal reform.
    “The Big Beautiful Bill contains all of President Trump’s domestic economic priorities. By passing this bill now, we will make our nation more prosperous and secure.”
    View the full text HERE.        
    View the one-pager HERE.
    For more information on the:
    Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Title, click HERE for a section-by-section and HERE for a one-pager. 
    Senate Armed Services Committee Title, click HERE.
    Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Title, click HERE.
    Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Title, click HERE.
    Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Title, click HERE for a section-by-section and HERE for a one-pager.
    Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Title, click HERE for a section-by-section and HERE for a one-pager.
    Senate Finance Committee Title, click HERE.
    Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Title, click HERE for a section-by-section and HERE for a one-pager.
    Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Title, click HERE for Homeland Security and HERE for Governmental Affairs.
    Senate Judiciary Committee Title, click HERE for a section-by-section and HERE for a one-pager.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Davids Hosts K-State Professor Emeritus During U.S. House Agriculture Committee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Sharice Davids, Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit, helped lead a hearing on the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA). The law helps farmers get a fair, consistent price for their crops, both at home and abroad. Davids invited Dr. Kevin Donnelly, Professor Emeritus of Agronomy at Kansas State University, to testify on the university’s nationally recognized grain science programs and the importance of renewing the USGSA to protect reliable, stable export markets.

    “I am proud to introduce a Kansan to testify today,” said Davids. “Dr. Kevin Donnelly is an Emeritus Professor of Agronomy at Kansas State University and a farmer in central Kansas. During Dr. Donnelly’s 47-year teaching career, he taught college students about grain quality and grain grading using Federal Grain Inspection Service, known as FGIS, standards. He also conducts workshops illustrating FGIS grain inspection procedures for the International Grains Program at Kansas State University for industry professionals throughout the world.”

    “I have long been interested in grain quality, probably stemming from my 4-H and FFA days when my projects involved crop production, and I started exhibiting grain samples at the county fair,” said Dr. Kevin Donnelly during his opening testimony. “As a college professor, I have integrated crop quality topics into several of my courses. We offer three unique degree programs in Grain Science at Kansas State… These programs produce graduates that typically enter industries with a vested interest in quality characteristics as end users of grain and oilseeds.”

    WATCH: Davids and Dr. Donnelly speak on the importance of supporting Kansas producers

    The USGSA makes sure that when farmers sell their grain — like wheat, corn, or soybeans — it’s measured and graded the same way across the country. That means buyers can trust what they’re getting, and farmers can get a fair price for their crops. The law also helps the U.S. compete in global markets by giving trading partners confidence in the quality of American grain. It’s a key part of keeping our food supply strong and our farm economy stable.

    “Kansas is one of the top agricultural states in the country, and our farmers and ranchers feed not just the nation, but the world,” said Davids. “In 2023 alone, Kansas farmers exported $5.2 billion in agricultural products around the world. Whether it’s wheat, sorghum, or soybeans, Kansans know what it means to work hard and produce results. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’ve made it a priority to support family farmers and strengthen our supply chains, because I know how vital they are to rural economies and to our global competitiveness.”

    Dr. Donnelly is an Emeritus Professor of Agronomy at Kansas State University with a 47-year teaching career focused on grain quality and crop science. He taught hands-on courses in grain grading and coached competitive crops teams for 30 years. Dr. Donnelly has also led workshops for grain industry professionals from around the world through K-State’s International Grains Program and continues to support their work in retirement.

    To support Kansas producers, Davids embarked on a Farm Bill listening tour, where she visited a poultry and livestock operation in Anderson County, a co-op in Franklin County, a goat farm in Miami County, an organic vegetable farm in Johnson County, and an educational community farm in Wyandotte County. Davids also toured a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, participated in FFA activities at Spring Hill High School, served a school lunch at Black Bob Elementary in Olathe, spoke with industry leaders on financial support programs for farmers, toured a dairy farm in Garnett, and more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From Moscow to Shenyang – a Russian conductor’s creative journey enriches cultural exchanges between China and Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SHENYANG, June 28 (Xinhua) — In a rehearsal hall in Shenyang, China’s Liaoning Province, a 71-member symphony orchestra is deep in its work. In the center of the hall stands Russian conductor Anton Torbeev from Moscow, dressed in a black shirt and waving his arms. Under his direction, all the orchestra members are immersed in the music of a ballet based on the ancient Chinese love legend “Qixi.”

    40-year-old A. Torbeev graduated from the St. Petersburg State Conservatory named after N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov and an assistant-internship at the Moscow State Conservatory named after P. I. Tchaikovsky. In 2018-2022, he was a member of the conductor-intern group of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia.

    At the invitation of the Liaoning Symphony Orchestra, A. Torbeev began conducting the symphony concert “Eternal Classics” in 2024, which is the flagship cultural brand of this orchestra and has been held for 9 years in a row.

    In 2025, A. Torbeev came to China again. In addition to continuing to conduct the symphony concert “Eternal Classics”, he also joined the conducting and arrangement of the ballet “Qixi”.

    Qixi /7th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar/ has been called Chinese Valentine’s Day in recent years. According to Chinese folk tales, the lovers Niulang and Zhinyu /translated as Cowherd and Weaver/ were separated by the Tianhe /Heavenly River or Milky Way/ because their love was not approved by the gods. They could only be reunited once a year, when a flock of magpies formed a bridge across the Tianhe.

    “Chinese audiences have a great interest in symphonic music and deep musical literacy,” said A. Torbeev. “During the performance, they also interacted with the orchestra – such an atmosphere gives me, as a conductor, great pleasure.”

    The ballet “Qixi” is an original work co-created by the Liaoning Ballet Company and French dancers based on the classical Chinese myth “Niulang and Zhinyu”. This ballet premiered in Shenyang, Northeast China, in August 2024. The production is performed in the form of neoclassical ballet, combining elements of Eastern and Western art.

    “In order to better perform the music created by the artists for ‘Qixi’, we specially invited Anton as the conductor to better present this work with the combination of Eastern and Western arts,” said Yu Aoyou, deputy director of the Liaoning Symphony Orchestra.

    In April 2025, A. Torbeev, together with the Liaoning Ballet Troupe and the Liaoning Symphony Orchestra, was invited to the city of Xiamen /Fujian Province, East China/ to perform the ballet “Qixi”. The audience applauded the performance, which made A. Torbeev very happy.

    “The audience was very enthusiastic and it left a deep impression on me. These trips to China allowed me to feel the enthusiasm of the Chinese public and the fact that China is becoming more and more open and international,” said A. Torbeev.

    This time he came to China with his wife. In addition to performing and rehearsing, he and his wife strolled through the picturesque places and gastronomic streets of Shenyang and Xiamen.

    “My wife and I love Chinese dumplings, barbecue, sauerkraut and other delicacies. Our Chinese friends are very hospitable and took us to learn about Chinese customs,” said A. Torbeev, adding that he and his wife enjoyed their trip to China.

    Wang Jiyuan, deputy director of the Liaoning Provincial Public Cultural Service Center, said that in the future, Liaoning Province will continue to strengthen international cooperation and invite more outstanding musicians and conductors to Liaoning to help local symphony orchestras improve their professional level and strengthen the formation of talented teams.

    In addition, the Qixi Ballet is scheduled to tour internationally in the second half of 2025. The ballet will invite more international artists to perform in order to promote traditional Chinese culture to the world. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From Moscow to Shenyang – a Russian conductor’s creative journey enriches cultural exchanges between China and Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SHENYANG, June 28 (Xinhua) — In a rehearsal hall in Shenyang, China’s Liaoning Province, a 71-member symphony orchestra is deep in its work. In the center of the hall stands Russian conductor Anton Torbeev from Moscow, dressed in a black shirt and waving his arms. Under his direction, all the orchestra members are immersed in the music of a ballet based on the ancient Chinese love legend “Qixi.”

    40-year-old A. Torbeev graduated from the St. Petersburg State Conservatory named after N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov and an assistant-internship at the Moscow State Conservatory named after P. I. Tchaikovsky. In 2018-2022, he was a member of the conductor-intern group of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia.

    At the invitation of the Liaoning Symphony Orchestra, A. Torbeev began conducting the symphony concert “Eternal Classics” in 2024, which is the flagship cultural brand of this orchestra and has been held for 9 years in a row.

    In 2025, A. Torbeev came to China again. In addition to continuing to conduct the symphony concert “Eternal Classics”, he also joined the conducting and arrangement of the ballet “Qixi”.

    Qixi /7th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar/ has been called Chinese Valentine’s Day in recent years. According to Chinese folk tales, the lovers Niulang and Zhinyu /translated as Cowherd and Weaver/ were separated by the Tianhe /Heavenly River or Milky Way/ because their love was not approved by the gods. They could only be reunited once a year, when a flock of magpies formed a bridge across the Tianhe.

    “Chinese audiences have a great interest in symphonic music and deep musical literacy,” said A. Torbeev. “During the performance, they also interacted with the orchestra – such an atmosphere gives me, as a conductor, great pleasure.”

    The ballet “Qixi” is an original work co-created by the Liaoning Ballet Company and French dancers based on the classical Chinese myth “Niulang and Zhinyu”. This ballet premiered in Shenyang, Northeast China, in August 2024. The production is performed in the form of neoclassical ballet, combining elements of Eastern and Western art.

    “In order to better perform the music created by the artists for ‘Qixi’, we specially invited Anton as the conductor to better present this work with the combination of Eastern and Western arts,” said Yu Aoyou, deputy director of the Liaoning Symphony Orchestra.

    In April 2025, A. Torbeev, together with the Liaoning Ballet Troupe and the Liaoning Symphony Orchestra, was invited to the city of Xiamen /Fujian Province, East China/ to perform the ballet “Qixi”. The audience applauded the performance, which made A. Torbeev very happy.

    “The audience was very enthusiastic and it left a deep impression on me. These trips to China allowed me to feel the enthusiasm of the Chinese public and the fact that China is becoming more and more open and international,” said A. Torbeev.

    This time he came to China with his wife. In addition to performing and rehearsing, he and his wife strolled through the picturesque places and gastronomic streets of Shenyang and Xiamen.

    “My wife and I love Chinese dumplings, barbecue, sauerkraut and other delicacies. Our Chinese friends are very hospitable and took us to learn about Chinese customs,” said A. Torbeev, adding that he and his wife enjoyed their trip to China.

    Wang Jiyuan, deputy director of the Liaoning Provincial Public Cultural Service Center, said that in the future, Liaoning Province will continue to strengthen international cooperation and invite more outstanding musicians and conductors to Liaoning to help local symphony orchestras improve their professional level and strengthen the formation of talented teams.

    In addition, the Qixi Ballet is scheduled to tour internationally in the second half of 2025. The ballet will invite more international artists to perform in order to promote traditional Chinese culture to the world. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: El Gobernador Newsom firma un presupuesto estatal equilibrado que reduce los impuestos a los veteranos, financia completamente las comidas escolares gratuitas, construye más viviendas y crea empleos

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 27, 2025

    ✅ CUMPLIDO: Reducción de impuestos para jubilados militares

    ✅ CUMPLIDO: Pre-kinder universal para todos

    ✅ CUMPLIDO: Ampliación de programas antes y después de clases y cursos de verano

    ✅ CUMPLIDO: Alimentación escolar gratuita para todos los niños

    ✅ CUMPLIDO: Impulso de la alfabetización y la lectura

    ✅ CUMPLIDO: Construyendo más viviendas, lo antes posible

    ✅ CUMPLIDO: Reduciendo los costos de los medicamentos

    ✅ CUMPLIDO: Ampliando el acceso al aborto con medicamentos con CalRx

    ✅ CUMPLIDO: Inversiones históricas en la lucha contra incendios y la seguridad pública

    ✅ CUMPLIDO: Protegiendo la icónica industria cinematográfica de California

    Próximamente se firmará un paquete histórico para reducir la burocracia, agilizar la construcción de viviendas y la infraestructura

    Sacramento, California – Ante el asalto económico de Donald Trump, el Gobernador Gavin Newsom firmó hoy el proyecto de ley de presupuesto estatal para el 2025 en colaboración con el Presidente del Senado Mike McGuire y el Presidente de la Asamblea Robert Rivas. Juntos, el Gobernador y la Legislatura están implementando un plan de gasto responsable y equilibrado que salvaguarda los valores de California y, al mismo tiempo, mantiene la salud fiscal a largo plazo. Este presupuesto y los próximos proyectos de ley incluyen nuevas políticas históricas que acelerarán la producción de viviendas e impulsarán la asequibilidad en comunidades de todo el estado – abordando así los desafíos más urgentes de California.

    Mientras enfrentamos el sabotaje económico de Donald Trump, este acuerdo presupuestario demuestra que California no solo se mantendrá firme – sino que irá aún más lejos. Es equilibrado, mantiene reservas sustanciales y se centra en el apoyo a los californianos – reduciendo drásticamente la burocracia e impulsando el desarrollo de vivienda e infraestructura, preservando los servicios esenciales del cuidado de salud, financia la educación preescolar universal y reduce los impuestos para los veteranos.

    Gobernador Gavin Newsom

    El Presidente del Senado Mike McGuire dice: “El Estado está entregando un presupuesto responsable y puntual en un año difícil, centrado en la restricción fiscal y la inversión en las personas y los programas que hacen de este estado un gran estado. Este presupuesto prioriza una financiación récord para nuestros hijos y escuelas públicas, protege el acceso a la atención médica para millones de las personas más vulnerables y creará más viviendas a una escala sin precedentes en años. Gracias a este acuerdo presupuestario, el estado ayudará a que más personas salgan de las calles y encuentren refugios permanentes, y ampliaremos los equipos de CalFire, desplegando cientos de bomberos adicionales de CalFire a tiempo completo, lo que salvará vidas y nos hará a todos más seguros contra incendios forestales. Y este acuerdo ayuda a preparar a nuestro estado para el caos continuo y la enorme incertidumbre causada por la administración de Trump. Gracias al líder del Comité de Presupuesto del Senado Scott Wiener, a la Asamblea y al Gobernador Newsom y a sus equipos por su arduo trabajo para la gente de California.”

    El Presidente de la Asamblea Robert Rivas dice: Este es un momento increíblemente difícil para los californianos. Trump está socavando nuestra economía con aranceles imprudentes, recortes drásticos y agentes de ICE aterrorizando a nuestras comunidades. En un momento en que tantos ya están en dificultades, está aumentando el miedo y la inestabilidad. En contraste, los demócratas han presentado un presupuesto que protege a California. Reduce la burocracia para construir más viviendas con mayor rapidez, porque la vivienda es la base de la asequibilidad y la oportunidad. Preserva inversiones cruciales en atención médica, salud femenina, educación y seguridad pública. Y cumple con nuestro compromiso de no aumentar los impuestos a las familias, los trabajadores ni a las pequeñas empresas. En tiempos sin precedentes, en circunstancias difíciles, los demócratas están cumpliendo con los californianos.

    Recortes de impuestos para veteranos, tamaños de clases escolares más reducidas y comidas escolares gratuitas

    El presupuesto refleja un compromiso compartido para proteger las oportunidades y mejorar la accesibilidad en California, frente a los ataques selectivos de la administración de Trump. Preserva programas clave de cuidado médico para los californianos que han sido atacados por los republicanos. También preserva programas esenciales de la red de seguridad social, incluyendo servicios de apoyo domiciliario y la salud reproductiva femenina, a la vez que realiza inversiones históricas en la educación pública, desde el pre-kínder universal y las comidas escolares gratuitas hasta la ampliación de los programas antes y después de la escuela, los cursos de verano, clases con menos estudiantes y el fortalecimiento de la formación profesional y la educación superior. El presupuesto demuestra el compromiso del estado con el reconocimiento de los veteranos mediante la creación de recortes de impuestos para los jubilados militares, reconociendo su servicio y apoyando su seguridad financiera.

    Reduciendo los costos de los medicamentos recetados, proteger la atención reproductiva y las redes de seguridad

    El presupuesto preserva programas clave de atención médica para los californianos que están en la mira de los republicanos. Conserva programas vitales de protección social, como los servicios de apoyo domiciliario y la salud reproductiva femenina. Como parte del presupuesto, el Gobernador firmará legislación que protege al acceso al cuidado médico, el presupuesto lidera los esfuerzos para otorgar licencias y regular a los Administradores de Beneficios Farmacéuticos por primera vez, aumentando la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas en la cadena de suministro farmacéutica. La legislación también amplía la autoridad de CalRx para adquirir medicamentos de marca y responder a interrupciones del suministro por motivos políticos, ayudando a proteger el acceso a medicamentos críticos como la mifepristona.

    Luces, camara, trabajos

    El presupuesto protege la posición de California como la cuarta economía más grande del mundo – apoyando a las empresas y el continuo crecimiento económico, incluyendo la emblemática industria cinematográfica californiana. La próxima semana, el Gobernador firmará legislación adicional como parte de la expansión del programa de crédito fiscal para cine y televisión, lo que catapultará aún más el impacto del programa a $750 millones anuales.

    El ataque económico de Trump

    El presupuesto equilibrado se produce en un momento en que California continúa enfrentando importantes presiones fiscales impulsadas por las imprudentes políticas económicas y de inmigración de la administración de Trump. Según el Departamento de Finanzas de California, se proyecta que el régimen arancelario de Trump le costará al estado aproximadamente $16 mil millones en ingresos del Fondo General durante el próximo año fiscal. Un nuevo estudio publicado el 17 de junio por el Instituto Económico de la Área de la Bahía (Bay Area Council Economic Institute), en colaboración con UC Merced, concluyó que las deportaciones masivas de Trump podrían recortar $275 mil millones de la economía de California, eliminar $23 mil millones en ingresos fiscales anuales y afectar gravemente a industrias clave como la agricultura, la construcción y la industria hotelera. 

    Ante estos crecientes desafíos, el Gobernador emitió una proclamación para acceder a las reservas estatales bajo. Y este presupuesto responsable y equilibrado protege a los californianos, crea más viviendas, preserva programas esenciales, refuerza la disciplina fiscal e invierte en la fortaleza económica a largo plazo del estado. 

    El Gobernador anunció hoy la firma de los siguientes proyectos de ley:

    • AB 102 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) – Budget Act of 2025.
    • AB 118 by the Committee on Budget – Human services.
    • AB 121 by the Committee on Budget – Education finance: education omnibus budget trailer bill.
    • AB 123 by the Committee on Budget – Higher education budget trailer bill.
    • AB 134 by the Committee on Budget – Public Safety.
    • AB 136 by the Committee on Budget – Courts.
    • AB 143 by the Committee on Budget – Development Services.
    • SB 101 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Budget Act of 2025.
    • SB 103 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Budget Acts of 2022, 2023, and 2024.
    • SB 120 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Early childhood education and childcare.
    • SB 124 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Public resources trailer bill.
    • SB 127 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Climate change.
    • SB 128 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Transportation.
    • SB 132 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Taxation.
    • SB 141 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – California Cannabis Tax Fund: Department of Cannabis Control: Board of State and Community Corrections grants.
    • SB 142 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program.

    La firma del Gobernador en el presupuesto estatal depende de la promulgación de la AB 131 o la SB 131 el lunes 30 de junio.

    To read this release in English, click here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Announce $5,058,755 in Federal Funding for Virginia Airports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $5,058,755 in federal funding to support infrastructure improvements at seven airports across Virginia. This funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant program, made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law.

    “Investing in our airports means investing in safety, connectivity, and economic opportunity for communities across the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We’re proud to support these improvements that will help ensure Virginia’s airports continue to serve travelers and local economies for years to come.”

    The funding is broken down as follows:

    • 2,948,555 to the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission to upgrade taxiways B, B1, B2, B3, and B4 at the Roanoke Regional Airport;
    • $730,000 to the City of Suffolk to expand the terminal apron Suffolk Executive Airport to allow for a wider variety of aircrafts;
    • $661,200 to the Chesapeake Airport Authority to remove trees obstructing operations at the Chesapeake Regional Airport;
    • $260,000 to the County of Halifax to install runway end identifier lights and a precision approach path indicator system at Halifax Stanfield International Airport;
    • $190,000 to the Town of Farmville to reconstruct the precision approach path indicator system for Runway 3/21 at Farmville Regional Airport;
    • $159,000 to the Dinwiddie County Airport and Industrial Authority to construct a new hanger for aircraft storage at Dinwiddie County Airport;
    • $110,000 to the Town of Tangier to reseal taxiway and apron pavement prolonging their lifespan at Tangier Island Airport.

     Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve Virginia’s airports. Sens. Warner and Kaine have secured millions in federal funding for airports across Virginia through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In January of this year the senators announced over $12 million for improvements to Virginia’s airports. In October 2024, they announced nearly $57 million in federal funding for revitalizations efforts, and in September 2024, they announced more than $46 million in federal funding for improvements to Virginia airports through the Airport Improvement Program. The senators have previously announced $104.6 million in combined federal funding for the new terminal building at Dulles.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Op-Ed: Medicaid Is Broken. Republicans Are Trying To Save It

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Friday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) published an op-ed in Newsweek, writing that Medicaid is the most broken program in the country, and that despite seeing significant increases in spending for many years, it has failed to create positive health outcomes. However, there is a plan in the reconciliation bill to save it for those who rely on these programs most, such as seniors in nursing homes, the disabled, and single parents.
    Read the full op-ed HERE or below:
    Medicaid Is Broken. Republicans Are Trying To Save It
    Senator Roger Marshall
    Newsweek
    June 27, 2025
    As an OB-GYN in rural Kansas, I delivered a baby almost every day for over 25 years. About half of these deliveries were on Medicaid, and another 10 to 20 percent were done without reimbursement. Every doctor in our community, and our hospital, took all comers; no one was turned away based on their ability to pay. We thought it was our duty, our obligation to society. It’s why we wanted to become doctors: to serve our fellow human beings. All this despite no increase in reimbursement from Medicaid in my 25 years of practicing medicine.
    I’ve said it many times: Medicaid is the most broken program in the country. Having Medicaid does not mean you have access to health care. Only 74 percent of physicians accept Medicaid, and many of those who say they do never see patients on Medicaid. Others string out appointments and limit the number they will see. Many specialists use the “busy schedule excuse” and give Medicaid patients appointments months and months out; for all practical purposes, they exclude them from their practice.
    Over the past five years, Medicaid spending has increased by hundreds of billions of dollars while American health outcomes have declined. Our plan will strengthen and save Medicaid for those who need it the most. By keeping the program fiscally solvent, Republicans are protecting seniors in nursing homes and all those with disabilities. We are ensuring funding will remain available for pregnant moms and prioritizing funding for children. In fact, almost half of all the children in the country—37 million—are now on Medicaid’s CHIP program. We must prioritize every dollar we have for those who need it the most.
    Over 60 percent of Americans support work requirements for Medicaid; a job is the best safety net out there, not to mention a great treatment for mental health and addiction issues.
    I believe there are better solutions out there than throwing more money at a program that doesn’t work well. More block grants to federally funded Community Health Centers, which are developing a broad-based, more holistic approach to health care—which I believe will become a big part of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
    Another is block grants to rural hospitals, which are struggling. The best thing we can do for rural hospitals is strengthen our agricultural economy, which last year suffered its largest drop in net income in my lifetime. The GOP-led farm bill will help do just that; provisions related to biofuel production, taxes on farmers, and crop insurance will boost rural America’s economy. Rural hospitals are a reflection of their local economies, and with populations declining in many rural counties, the financial base to support rural hospitals is no longer there. Any hospital that builds its financial survival based on dependence on Medicaid is bound to fail.
    We hope that this GOP bill spurs the economy, and expect that if anyone loses Medicaid, it’ll only be because they found a good job with benefits. A good job is the best safety net out there.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Department Withdraws from Biden-Era Columbia River System Memorandum of Understanding

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced that the Department of Energy in coordination with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the Departments of Commerce and the Interior and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has officially withdrawn from the Columbia River System Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Today’s action follows President Trump’s Memorandum directing the federal government to halt the Biden Administration’s radical Columbia River basin policy and will ensure Americans living in the Pacific Northwest can continue to rely on affordable hydropower from the Lower Snake River dams to help meet their growing power needs.

    “The Pacific Northwest deserves energy security, not energy scarcity. Dams in the Columbia River Basin have provided affordable and reliable electricity to millions of American families and businesses for decades,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, American taxpayer dollars will not be spent dismantling critical infrastructure, reducing our energy-generating capacity or on radical nonsense policies that dramatically raise prices on the American people. This Administration will continue to protect America’s critical energy infrastructure and ensure reliable, affordable power for all Americans.”

    BACKGROUND:

    On June 10, 2025, President Trump signed the Presidential Memorandum, Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Generate Power for the Columbia River Basin, revoking the prior Presidential Memorandum, Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin, part of the radical green energy agenda calling for “equitable treatment for fish.”

    The Biden-era MOU required the federal government to spend over $1 billion and comply with 36 pages of costly, onerous commitments aimed at replacing services provided by the Lower Snake River Dams and advancing the possibility of breaching them. Breaching the dams would have doubled the region’s risk of power shortages, driven wholesale electricity rates up by as much as 50%, and cost as much as $31.3 billion to replace.

    The plan would have devastated regional agriculture by reducing water supply to farmers, eliminated several shipping channels, raised transportation costs, and destroyed recreational opportunities across the Columbia River Basin.

    The four dams on the Lower Snake River provide over 3,000 megawatts of secure, reliable and affordable hydroelectric generating capacity— enough generation to power 2.5 million American homes. The Trump administration is committed to protecting this critical infrastructure with lower energy costs, critical shipping channels, and vital water supply for local farmers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Agriculture negotiations Chair reports on prospects for progress ahead of MC14

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Agriculture negotiations Chair reports on prospects for progress ahead of MC14

    Ambassador Hussain told members he had held consultations on market access, domestic support and export restrictions on food as well as on food procurement at administered prices for developing economies’ public stockholding (PSH) programmes, and the proposed new Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM), which would allow developing economies to raise duties temporarily in the event of a sudden surge in import volumes or price depression.
    The Chair reported that since the last meeting on 30 April, he had held 14 meetings where he explored with members several potential MC14 outcomes. These included: agreement on a framework for continued negotiations on outstanding topics; a political declaration reaffirming the value of existing disciplines and committing  to continue negotiations beyond MC14; recognition of progress made so far; and an agreement delivering early results for vulnerable WTO members facing food insecurity. These approaches could complement one another.
    “Overall, I was encouraged by the constructive tone and positive engagement throughout the consultations,” Ambassador Hussain said.
    He told the meeting that, despite the prevailing geopolitical tensions and challenges, there was broad support for advancing substantive work across all pillars. During his consultations, many members had underscored the importance of securing at least some concrete and meaningful outcomes as part of the MC14 package, he said.
    The Chair also noted that several delegations had emphasized the need to focus on realistic yet meaningful deliverables, and had cautioned that outcomes perceived as overly modest could risk further eroding confidence in the multilateral trading system.
    The Chair will continue his consultations on the various topics in different configurations, with the next consultation scheduled for 30 June with the cotton quad plus members, namely the C4+ cotton-producing countries (Benin, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire) and other key players in the negotiations related to the trade-related aspects of cotton.
    During the meeting, proponents of easing agricultural market access stressed the importance of  reducing and simplifying tariffs and other trade barriers in order to support economic development, food security and environmental sustainability. 
    Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay told participants that their November 2023 proposal JOB/AG/255 remains a substantive contribution to the talks, and that an MC14 outcome lacking progress on market access would be insufficient.
    Many members stressed that enhancing food security must remain a central objective in the negotiations. Some members also identified strengthening rural livelihoods and development — as well as promoting sustainable agriculture — as key priorities. Several members also reaffirmed the importance of a well-functioning multilateral rules-based trading system, emphasizing that it is essential for ensuring predictability and reducing costly uncertainty.
    The Cairns Group of agricultural exporting countries and the African Group updated participants on their continued consultations. which have mainly focused so far on domestic support to the farm sector. The consultations were being held in a constructive spirit, they said. The Cairns Group proposal  JOB/AG/243 and the African Group proposal JOB/AG/242 were serving as a basis for dialogue.
    Some members told the meeting that it was critical to also address the issue of export restrictions on food as part of the negotiations to enhance food security. These members also noted that elements from their previous submissions remained relevant for ongoing discussions. Other ideas for further work were also mentioned, such as looking to facilitate trade in agricultural products including by looking at cross-cutting issues, such as agriculture-related supporting services.
    Ambassador Hussain noted that several members prefer to continue engaging with one another informally before widening discussions to the membership as a whole. These members also recognized that broader participation would soon be necessary.
    Several delegations called for more technical, data-informed discussions, including expert-led side events, to advance dialogue on complex, cross-cutting issues.
    Members had also acknowledged that it was too early to define the contours of a potential outcome for MC14, the Chair said. Their general view was that process and substance must continue to evolve in tandem to keep options open and ambition credible. He added that, overall, members had advocated for a balanced approach to negotiations, emphasizing the need for a spirit of engagement and transparency and the importance of avoiding maximalist positions.
    Ambassador Hussain told the meeting he will continue to facilitate focused discussions. He will encourage members to explore innovative approaches, collaborate effectively, and report their progress to the full membership. Delegations could usefully share written contributions which could be adopted at MC14, he said.
    Public food stockholding and Special Safeguard Mechanism
    Members held dedicated sessions on the procurement of food at administered prices for public stocks in developing economies and on the proposed Special Safeguard Mechanism  to facilitate more focused discussions on both topics. The Chair reported on his recent consultations on public food stockholding and noted that open and frank exchanges remain essential to making meaningful progress on this key issue.
    “I continue to believe that progress is possible if we focus on bridging differences through constructive and solution-oriented dialogues,” he said. He also told participants that he plans to pursue consultations in various configurations over the coming weeks to explore pragmatic and effective ways forward.
    During the meeting, developing economies that call for fast-tracking action in this area highlighted the importance of revisiting WTO rules in order to address food insecurity and called for text-based negotiations. Some other members called for technical sessions to enhance understanding of the technical aspects of the issue as well as the proposal on the table. Some noted that they were open to discussing the food security challenges faced by developing economies.
    On the Special Safeguard Mechanism, while developing economy proponents of the safeguard continue to consider it ought to be adopted as a stand-alone tool, agricultural exporting economies argue it should be addressed in parallel with talks on reducing barriers to the export of agricultural goods.
    Ambassador Hussain reported that, during his consultations, proponents of this issue made suggestions on how to break the current impasse and move the discussions forward. These included holding thematic sessions and targeted group discussions on specific technical issues and pursuing an interim price-based safeguard mechanism.
    The Chair urged members to continue exploring ways that could help to bridge differences and result in substantive progress.
    “We need to work towards identifying a practical way forward that could facilitate a meaningful conversation on various technical elements of an SSM,” he said.
    Next meeting
    The next meeting, followed by the dedicated sessions on public food stockholding and the Special Safeguard Mechanism, is tentatively scheduled for 9-10 July.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Agriculture negotiations Chair reports on prospects for progress ahead of MC14

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Agriculture negotiations Chair reports on prospects for progress ahead of MC14

    Ambassador Hussain told members he had held consultations on market access, domestic support and export restrictions on food as well as on food procurement at administered prices for developing economies’ public stockholding (PSH) programmes, and the proposed new Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM), which would allow developing economies to raise duties temporarily in the event of a sudden surge in import volumes or price depression.
    The Chair reported that since the last meeting on 30 April, he had held 14 meetings where he explored with members several potential MC14 outcomes. These included: agreement on a framework for continued negotiations on outstanding topics; a political declaration reaffirming the value of existing disciplines and committing  to continue negotiations beyond MC14; recognition of progress made so far; and an agreement delivering early results for vulnerable WTO members facing food insecurity. These approaches could complement one another.
    “Overall, I was encouraged by the constructive tone and positive engagement throughout the consultations,” Ambassador Hussain said.
    He told the meeting that, despite the prevailing geopolitical tensions and challenges, there was broad support for advancing substantive work across all pillars. During his consultations, many members had underscored the importance of securing at least some concrete and meaningful outcomes as part of the MC14 package, he said.
    The Chair also noted that several delegations had emphasized the need to focus on realistic yet meaningful deliverables, and had cautioned that outcomes perceived as overly modest could risk further eroding confidence in the multilateral trading system.
    The Chair will continue his consultations on the various topics in different configurations, with the next consultation scheduled for 30 June with the cotton quad plus members, namely the C4+ cotton-producing countries (Benin, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire) and other key players in the negotiations related to the trade-related aspects of cotton.
    During the meeting, proponents of easing agricultural market access stressed the importance of  reducing and simplifying tariffs and other trade barriers in order to support economic development, food security and environmental sustainability. 
    Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay told participants that their November 2023 proposal JOB/AG/255 remains a substantive contribution to the talks, and that an MC14 outcome lacking progress on market access would be insufficient.
    Many members stressed that enhancing food security must remain a central objective in the negotiations. Some members also identified strengthening rural livelihoods and development — as well as promoting sustainable agriculture — as key priorities. Several members also reaffirmed the importance of a well-functioning multilateral rules-based trading system, emphasizing that it is essential for ensuring predictability and reducing costly uncertainty.
    The Cairns Group of agricultural exporting countries and the African Group updated participants on their continued consultations. which have mainly focused so far on domestic support to the farm sector. The consultations were being held in a constructive spirit, they said. The Cairns Group proposal  JOB/AG/243 and the African Group proposal JOB/AG/242 were serving as a basis for dialogue.
    Some members told the meeting that it was critical to also address the issue of export restrictions on food as part of the negotiations to enhance food security. These members also noted that elements from their previous submissions remained relevant for ongoing discussions. Other ideas for further work were also mentioned, such as looking to facilitate trade in agricultural products including by looking at cross-cutting issues, such as agriculture-related supporting services.
    Ambassador Hussain noted that several members prefer to continue engaging with one another informally before widening discussions to the membership as a whole. These members also recognized that broader participation would soon be necessary.
    Several delegations called for more technical, data-informed discussions, including expert-led side events, to advance dialogue on complex, cross-cutting issues.
    Members had also acknowledged that it was too early to define the contours of a potential outcome for MC14, the Chair said. Their general view was that process and substance must continue to evolve in tandem to keep options open and ambition credible. He added that, overall, members had advocated for a balanced approach to negotiations, emphasizing the need for a spirit of engagement and transparency and the importance of avoiding maximalist positions.
    Ambassador Hussain told the meeting he will continue to facilitate focused discussions. He will encourage members to explore innovative approaches, collaborate effectively, and report their progress to the full membership. Delegations could usefully share written contributions which could be adopted at MC14, he said.
    Public food stockholding and Special Safeguard Mechanism
    Members held dedicated sessions on the procurement of food at administered prices for public stocks in developing economies and on the proposed Special Safeguard Mechanism  to facilitate more focused discussions on both topics. The Chair reported on his recent consultations on public food stockholding and noted that open and frank exchanges remain essential to making meaningful progress on this key issue.
    “I continue to believe that progress is possible if we focus on bridging differences through constructive and solution-oriented dialogues,” he said. He also told participants that he plans to pursue consultations in various configurations over the coming weeks to explore pragmatic and effective ways forward.
    During the meeting, developing economies that call for fast-tracking action in this area highlighted the importance of revisiting WTO rules in order to address food insecurity and called for text-based negotiations. Some other members called for technical sessions to enhance understanding of the technical aspects of the issue as well as the proposal on the table. Some noted that they were open to discussing the food security challenges faced by developing economies.
    On the Special Safeguard Mechanism, while developing economy proponents of the safeguard continue to consider it ought to be adopted as a stand-alone tool, agricultural exporting economies argue it should be addressed in parallel with talks on reducing barriers to the export of agricultural goods.
    Ambassador Hussain reported that, during his consultations, proponents of this issue made suggestions on how to break the current impasse and move the discussions forward. These included holding thematic sessions and targeted group discussions on specific technical issues and pursuing an interim price-based safeguard mechanism.
    The Chair urged members to continue exploring ways that could help to bridge differences and result in substantive progress.
    “We need to work towards identifying a practical way forward that could facilitate a meaningful conversation on various technical elements of an SSM,” he said.
    Next meeting
    The next meeting, followed by the dedicated sessions on public food stockholding and the Special Safeguard Mechanism, is tentatively scheduled for 9-10 July.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Introduces Legislation to Boost Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Investments in Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the Energy Circuit Riders Act to help ensure communities in rural America can take advantage of cost savings from energy efficiency and clean energy projects. Shaheen’s bill would establish a new grant program within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to help eligible entities hire local, on-the-ground experts that travel to rural communities and provide assistance on projects that can help save energy, cut costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    “Granite State communities are facing sky-high electricity prices and investing in energy efficiency and clean energy is an important tool for bringing these costs down,” said Senator Shaheen. “Energy Circuit Riders will help small towns and rural communities make improvements to become more energy efficient, reduce emissions and lower their energy bills.”

    The Energy Circuit Riders Shaheen’s bill supports would work with local governments in rural areas to provide assistance, such as energy planning, energy audits, grant writing, identifying federal, state, local and utility-based energy incentives and more. The legislation is modeled after a successful Energy Circuit Rider program in New Hampshire run by Clean Energy NH, a nonprofit based in Concord, New Hampshire.

    “Rural communities often face the highest energy costs and the fewest resources to do something about it. The Energy Circuit Riders Act gives local governments access to practical, technology-neutral technical assistance—helping them cut energy waste, lower bills, and make smarter investments with taxpayer dollars. This is about common-sense support for towns that want to do more with less.” said Sam Evans Brown, Executive Director of Clean Energy New Hampshire.

    Shaheen’s legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The legislation is also endorsed by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

    Shaheen leads legislative action in the U.S. Senate to support energy efficiency projects and initiatives. Last month, Shaheen pushed back on the Trump administration’s plans to scrap the Energy Star Program, which helps Americans save on energy costs.

    Shaheen was a lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided an approximately $6 billion investment in energy efficiency, including funding for residential, municipal, industrial and federal entities to implement efficiency upgrades based upon her longstanding bipartisan legislation with former U.S. Senator Rob Portman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to New York Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Hurricane Debby

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations in New York of the July 28 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by Hurricane Debby occurring Aug. 5-10, 2024.

    The declaration covers the New York counties of Albany, Allegany, Chemung, Dutchess, Fulton, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Montgomery, Ontario, Orange, Oswego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schuyler, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Yates and Oswego; the New Jersey counties of Passaic and Sussex as well as the Pennsylvania counties of Pike, Potter, and Tioga.

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

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

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not 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.

    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.

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than July 28, 2025.

    ###

    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, or 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: SBA Relief Still Available to New York Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Hurricane Debby

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations in New York of the July 28 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by Hurricane Debby occurring Aug. 5-10, 2024.

    The declaration covers the New York counties of Albany, Allegany, Chemung, Dutchess, Fulton, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Montgomery, Ontario, Orange, Oswego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schuyler, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Yates and Oswego; the New Jersey counties of Passaic and Sussex as well as the Pennsylvania counties of Pike, Potter, and Tioga.

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

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

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not 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.

    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.

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than July 28, 2025.

    ###

    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, or 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: Tobacco Farm Life Museum Reopens to the Public

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Tobacco Farm Life Museum Reopens to the Public

    Tobacco Farm Life Museum Reopens to the Public
    jejohnson6

    The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is getting ready to open the doors to one of its newest sites — one that already has a long history in the state.

    The Tobacco Farm Life Museum, which grew out of farm tours hosted at the site in the 1980s, preserves and presents the history and heritage of the North Carolina farming community. That mission will continue under the state’s Division of History Museums with additional resources and efforts to improve exhibits and the grounds to tell stories of agricultural heritage. To celebrate the updates to the site, the museum will host a public grand reopening on Saturday, July 5 at 10 a.m. There will be crafts to include coloring a quilt square that will then be used to create a community art piece, interactive activities like a ”hornworm hunt” across the museum and more available until 4 p.m. that day; supported by the Kiwanis Club of Kenly. The public is also invited to explore the exhibit gallery and grounds during a soft opening preview July 1-3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

    “This reopening represents more than the completion of site enhancements,” said North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “It’s about reconnecting people with the history, stories and values that built this region.”

    At the heart of the site is a 6,000-square-foot museum that helps preserve and interpret the agricultural heritage of eastern North Carolina, particularly the lives and culture of farm families from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Inside, visitors will find new interpretive panels on some of the displays, as well as a new, temporary exhibit featuring tobacco miniatures. The inches-tall models of tobacco barns, sleds and other related paraphernalia are a small-scale showcase of the tobacco industry that shaped the region.

    The site’s 4.5-acre grounds will also be open for exploring and learning about the seven historic structures on the site. A hard-packed gravel walkway throughout the grounds provides accessibility during the self-guided tours.

    In addition to the reopening of the site, the museum also has a new website — tobaccofarmlifemuseum.nc.gov. Public programs are expected to return later in the year; facility rentals will remain paused for the immediate future.

    Maria Vann, who as director of regional history museums oversees the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, described the museum as a vital resource for insights into life of farming families.

    “We’ve been working to develop new programs and updating our facilities but there will be more ahead!” Vann said. “For now, we are just excited about being able to share the museum again with our community.”

    Tobacco Farm Life Museum is located at 709 N Church St. in Kenly. It will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For the latest updates, follow the museum on Facebook and Instagram, @TobaccoFarmLifeMuseum, and after June 21 at tobaccofarmlifemuseum.nc.gov.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Jun 27, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Newcomb Man Charged with Assault for Violent Attack

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man is facing federal charges after a violent altercation left a victim with serious injuries.

    According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Vincent Torrez, 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe at a residence on the Navajo Nation. During the incident, Torrez entered John Doe’s bedroom, repeatedly struck him, slammed him to the floor, and used a ceramic cup as a weapon to inflict a deep laceration to John Doe’s leg. John Doe sustained multiple injuries, including lacerations to the head and leg, abrasions, and an arterial wound, and was transported to Northern Navajo Medical Center for treatment.

    Torrez is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Torrez faces up to 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Terra Amarilla Man Faces Federal Charges for Illegal Firearm Possession

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Terra Amarilla man has been federally charged for unlawful possession of a firearm despite prior felony convictions.

    According to court documents, on May 31, 2025, the Jicarilla Apache Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance involving Ronnie Martinez, 49, at a residence in Dulce, New Mexico. According to the investigation, Martinez became agitated after a dispute with Jane Doe and subsequently sent her threatening messages, including a photograph of a rifle.

    Officers located Martinez at the residence, where he was found carrying multiple knives. During questioning, Martinez admitted to possessing a rifle, which he claimed belonged to his father. Martinez consented to a search, and officers recovered a rifle from the home.

    Court records confirm Martinez has prior felony convictions, including first-degree assault with a deadly weapon and second-degree assault, both punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. As a previously convicted felon, Martinez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

    Martinez will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Martinez faces up to 15 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pahl is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Reinforcing global partnerships for development finance: EIB Group in Seville

    Source: European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank Group (EIB) President Nadia Calviño, Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle and Andrew McDowell Director General of EIB Global, the group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, will be leading the EIB’s delegation to the 4th United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain from Sunday, June 29th until Thursday, July 3rd.

    The EIB will announce new partnerships to boost g support for women’s health, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development across key global regions and sectors..contributing to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy for women’s empowerment and gender equality.

    The EIB will also join an initiative lead by the Government of Spain, the Debt Pause Clause Alliance, to promote debt pause clauses in vulnerable countries. In the past year, the EIB has introduced this possibility for more than 70 countries. The press conference on this will be livestreamed here on Tuesday July 1st at 3PM (CET).

    The EIB will join the initiative led by the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, which will focus on scaling up finance for climate-resilient social protection and smallholder agriculture, formalise a partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) to bridge investment gaps and increase the impact of multilateral project financing, and renew its memorandum of understanding with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to jointly transform food systems. The press conference on the initiative against poverty and hunger will be livestreamed here on Tuesday July 1st at 10:30AM (CET).

    Together with other multilateral development banks the EIB will launch a new report on water financing. As a top multilateral financier in the sector, the EIB will further strengthen its support for access to safe water for everyone, everywhere through its upcoming Water Resilience Programme, which foresees an investment of 15 billion euros from now to 2027. This is also in line with the commitment adopted by MDBs in December last year to significantly increase support for the water sector over the five years from 2025 to 2030, particularly in vulnerable regions. It serves as a great example of MDBs working together as a system.

    The EIB will also be convening, together with the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), multilateral development banks and private sector leaders to boost concrete action for scaling up private investment in emerging markets and developing economies.

    The EIB will also be unveiling several new financing deals, that are part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, and Memorandums of Understanding with partners across the world, including UN agencies and fellow multilateral development institutions. The EIB will also publish its 2024 Global Impact Report during the Summit.

    “This is a very timely opportunity to reinforce Europe’s global partnerships for prosperity, win-win outcomes and peace, and to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind,” said President Calviño.

    In case of interview requests for EIB’s principals in Seville, please contact: 

    Monica Faro (m.faro@eib.org, +34 678 37 7117)

    Shirin Wheeler (s.wheeler@eib.org, +32 474 242 494)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Strong year-end surplus for a stronger Alberta

    [embedded content]

    Alberta closed the 2024-25 fiscal year with its fourth consecutive surplus, totalling $8.3 billion. The increase is largely due to higher-than-expected resource revenues, corporate and personal income tax revenue and impressive investment income. In the face of rapidly changing economic conditions this year due to global trade challenges, the government will use the surplus to fortify Alberta’s economic position, repay debt and save for the future.

    “Alberta’s financial strength isn’t just luck, it’s the result of disciplined decisions and a clear commitment to responsible government. While others reach for higher taxes and more debt, we’re focused on stability, savings and respect for the people who keep Alberta’s economy moving. That means more security for families, more opportunity for young people, and stronger communities across our province. In uncertain times, Alberta showing this kind of economic leadership is important.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “This surplus shows Alberta’s strength. The road ahead may be rough, but Alberta is built to last. We’re paying down debt, saving for the future and backing the services Albertans count on. This surplus lets us save smart, spend wisely and stand strong for the long haul.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    Alberta’s economy expanded at a steady pace in 2024, supported by increased pipeline capacity through the spring opening of the Trans Mountain pipeline, record crude oil production and increased natural gas production. The price of West Texas Intermediate oil averaged $74.34 per barrel over the year, slightly higher than the $74 per barrel forecast in Budget 2024. A narrower light-heavy differential, which increases the price of Alberta’s heavy crude oil, plus a lower exchange rate also propelled higher returns for the energy sector. As a part of a Canada-wide settlement, a $713-million payment from three major Canadian tobacco companies also contributed to the surplus.

    Rapid population growth and falling interest rates bolstered the provincial economy. Alberta remained the fastest-growing province in Canada in 2024. With population growth, Alberta saw strong employment gains fuelled by full-time and permanent jobs, which led to more employed Albertans contributing to the tax base. To relieve added pressure on hospitals, schools and infrastructure, the government provided record funding for health care and education and continued to invest in the priorities of Albertans.

    When disaster hit, Alberta’s government answered the call. The government delivered $1.9 billion in disaster relief, including $702 million to fight wildfires, $191 million for evacuation and recovery, and $1 billion to support drought-hit farmers and producers.

    After calculations and adjustments, Alberta ended the year with a $5.1-billion in surplus cash. Following the province’s mandated fiscal framework, half – or $2.6 billion – will go towards improving the province’s net financial position, either through debt repayment or savings in the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. The other half will be allocated to the Alberta Fund for future use. This can include further debt payments, more savings or one-time initiatives.

    Revenue

    Revenue in 2024-25 was $82.5 billion, $8.9 billion more than estimated in Budget 2024, including:

    • $22.0 billion in non-renewable resource revenue, up from $17.3 billion at budget.
      • The increase was primarily driven by higher bitumen royalties due to narrower light-heavy oil price differentials and lower exchange rates.
    • $30.4 billion in tax revenue, $1.7 billion higher than estimated in Budget 2024. This included:
      • $8.1 billion in corporate income tax, $1.1 billion more than at budget, even as the province maintained the lowest corporate income tax rate in the country.
      • A record high of $16.1 billion in personal income tax, $0.5 billion more than estimated in Budget 2024, in large part because of strong growth in personal incomes and Alberta’s growing population.

    Expense

    Expense in 2024-25 was $74.1 billion, $967 million more than estimated in Budget 2024, including:

    • $29.6 billion in health expense, a 2.9 per cent increase from budget, as the province began refocusing the health system to better meet the needs of patients and families, provide more surgeries, recruit more doctors and provide lab services.  
    • $17.2 billion for education, or a 1.1 per cent increase from budget, including:
      • $9.9 billion for K-12 education, with more money to hire more teachers as enrolment increased.
      • $7.2 billion for post-secondary institutions to increase seats in high-demand areas, including apprenticeship training.
    • $1.9 billion for disaster relief and emergency supports.

    Debt

    The province ended the year with taxpayer-supported debt of $85.2 billion. Total debt-servicing costs were $3.2 billion in 2024-25, down $0.2 billion from budget because of lower-than-expected borrowing requirements.

    Oil Prices

    • A barrel of West Texas Intermediate averaged US$74.34 per barrel in 2024-25, slightly higher than the US$74 per barrel forecast in Budget 2024.
    • The light-heavy oil price differential averaged US$13.06 per barrel in 2024-25, $2.94 narrower than estimated in budget, influenced by increased demand for heavier crude and the completion of the TMX expansion project.

    Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund

    The province grew the market value of the Heritage Fund to a record high of $27.2 billion as of March 31, 2025. The Heritage Fund grew by $4.2 billion last year, fuelled by $1.9 billion in investment income and $2 billion in surplus cash reinvested from 2023-24. This growth supports Alberta’s bold plan to reach $250 billion by 2050 while diversifying the economy for a stronger future.

    Through responsible fiscal management, Alberta is building a stable economic foundation and saving for a secure tomorrow. No matter the challenges ahead, Alberta has the resources and resilience to protect its prosperity.

    Related information

    • Budget 2024: A responsible plan for a growing province

    Related news

    • Q2 update: Under Pressure (Nov. 21, 2024)
    • Q1 update: Continued fiscal growth (Aug. 31, 2023)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards more than $37M in continued grants to help homeless, at-risk veterans reenter workforce

    Source: US Department of Labor

    Categories24/7 OSI, labor, MIL-OSI, United States Government, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor

    Volunteers of America Southeast Inc.  

    Mobile

    AL

    GA: Baldwin, Bibb, Crisp, Houston, Laurens, Muscogee, Peach

    $214,654

    United States Veterans Initiative

    Phoenix

    AZ

    AZ: Maricopa

    $300,000

    Insights Housing

    Berkeley

    CA

    CA: Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Solano

    $500,000

    America Works of California Inc. 

    Fresno

    CA

    CA: San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside

    $300,000

    America Works of California Inc. 

    Fresno

    CA

    CA: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, Solano

    $200,000

    JVS SoCal

    Los Angeles

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles, Orange

    $498,000

    Volunteers of America of Los Angeles

    Los Angeles

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles

    $480,000

    United State Veterans Initiative Inc.

    March Air Reserve Base

    CA

    CA: Riverside, San Bernardino

    $427,794

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc.

    Marina

    CA

    IA: Adair, Adams, Allamakee, Appanoose, Audubon, Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clarke, Clay, Clayton, Crawford, Dallas, Davis, Decatur, Delaware, Des Moines, Dickinson, Dubuque, Emmet, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Fremont, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Howard, Humboldt, Ida, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Kossuth, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Lyon, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Mills, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, Montgomery, O’Brien, Osceola, Page, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Sac, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Tama, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Winnebago, Winneshiek, Woodbury, Worth, Wright

    $500,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc.

    Marina

    CA

    WI: Brown, Calumet, Columbia, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Shawano, Sheboygan, Washington, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago   

    $270,000

    Veteran Employment Services

    Monterey

    CA

    CO: Boulder, Larimer, Weld

    $347,000

    Swords to Plowshares Veterans Rights Organization

    Oakland

    CA

    CA: Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano

    $500,000

    Able-Disabled Advocacy Inc. 

    San Diego

    CA

    CA: San Diego

    $476,000

    Swords to Plowshares Veterans Rights Organization

    San Francisco

    CA

    CA: San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara

    $150,000

    Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

    Denver

    CO

    CO: Denver

    $500,000

    Boley Centers Inc. 

    St. Petersburg

    FL

    FL: Pasco

    $413,183

    Tampa Bay Academy of Hope

    Tampa

    FL

    FL: Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Sumter

    $500,000

    Get to Work Foundation Inc. 

    Douglasville

    GA

    GA: Bartow, Carroll, Chattooga, Coweta, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk

    $300,000

    Of Color Inc. 

    Chicago

    IL

    IL: Cook

    $478,081

    Transitional Living Services Inc. 

    Crystal Lake

    IL

    IL: Boone, Cook, Lake, McHenry, Winnebago

    $300,000

    ECHO Housing Corporation

    Evansville

    IN

    IN: Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Warrick

    $251,892

    Crossroads Rehabilitation Center Inc. 

    Indianapolis

    IN

    IN: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Shelby

    $378,200

    Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana

    Indianapolis

    IN

    IN: Bartholomew, Boone, Brown, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Shelby

    $364,035

    Mountain Comprehensive Care Center Inc. 

    Prestonsburg

    KY

    KY: Anderson, Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Boyd, Boyle, Breathitt, Carter, Clark, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Fayette, Fleming, Floyd, Franklin, Garrard, Greenup, Harlan, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, Mason, McCreary, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Scott, Wayne, Whitley, Wolfe, Woodford

    $238,112

    Volunteers of America Massachusetts

    Jamaica Plain

    MA

    MA: Barnstable, Bristol, Plymouth

    $443,832

    Volunteers of America Massachusetts

    Jamaica Plain

    MA

    MA: Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk

    $461,154

    Veterans Inc. 

    Worcester

    MA

    MA: Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Worcester

    $345,600

    Veterans Inc. 

    Worcester

    MA

    ME: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc, York

    $105,000

    Veterans Inc. 

    Worcester

    MA

    MT: Beaverhead, Big Horn, Broadwater, Carbon, Cascade, Custer, Dawson, Deer Lodge, Fergus, Flathead, Gallatin, Garfield, Glacier, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Pondera, Powell, Prairie, Ravalli, Richland, Rosebud, Sanders, Silver Bow, Teton, Toole, Valley, Wheatland, Yellowstone
    ND: Barnes, Benson, Bottineau, Burleigh, Cass, Dickey, Emmons, Grand Forks, McHenry, McKenzie, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Mountrail, Pembina, Ramsey, Richland, Rolette, Sioux, Stark, Stutsman, Traill, Walsh, Ward, Wells, Williams 

    $500,000

    Veterans Inc. 

    Worcester

    MA

    MA: Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth  RI: Bristol, Kent, Newport, Providence, Washington

    $360,000

    St. James A.M.E. Zion Church

    Salisbury

    MD

    MD: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester

    $310,000

    Easter Seals Serving DC / MD / VA Inc. 

    Silver Spring

    MD

    MD: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s, Washington  
    VA: Fauquier, Loudoun, Stafford

    $500,000

    Easter Seals Serving DC / MD / VA Inc. 

    Silver Spring

    MD

    MD: Baltimore, Baltimore City, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s
    DC: Washington
    VA: Alexandria City, Arlington, Fairfax, Fairfax City, Falls Church City, Manassas City, Manassas Park City, Prince William

    $500,000

    Michigan Ability Partners

    Ann Arbor

    MI

    MI: Jackson, Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne

    $174,405

    Southwest Economic Solutions Corporation

    Detroit

    MI

    MI: Macomb, St. Clair, Wayne

    $200,000

    Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans

    St. Paul

    MN

    MN: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington

    $440,000

    Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry Inc. 

    Asheville

    NC

    NC: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Yancey 
    Tribal Areas: Eastern Cherokee Reservation

    $500,000

    Veterans Multi-Service Center Inc. 

    Vineland

    NJ

    NJ: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem

    DE: Kent, New Castle, Sussex

    $270,698

    United Veterans Beacon House Inc. 

    Bay Shore

    NY

    NY: Nassau, Queens, Suffolk

    $120,000

    America Works of New York Inc. 

    New York

    NY

    NY: Nassau, Suffolk

    $300,000

    America Works of New York Inc. 

    New York

    NY

    NY: Kings, Queens, Richmond, Bronx, New York

    $500,000

    Easter Seals TriState LLC

    Cincinnati

    OH

    OH: Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Warren

    $321,015

    Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana

    Cincinnati

    OH

    IN: Dearborn, Franklin     

    KY: Boone, Caldwell, Kenton   

    OH: Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Warren

    $410,019

    Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana

    Cleveland

    OH

    OH: Cuyahoga, Erie, Lake, Lorain

    $457,773

    Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana

    Columbus

    OH

    OH: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, Union

    $365,822

    Volunteers of America Oklahoma Inc. 

    Tulsa

    OK

    OK: Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, Hughes, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Oklahoma, Pottawatomie, Seminole, Tulsa 

    $429,569

    Goodwill Industries of Lane and South Coast Counties

    Eugene

    OR

    OR: Lane

    $159,073

    Easter Seals Oregon

    Portland

    OR

    OR: Douglas, Lane

    $378,390

    Easter Seals Oregon

    Portland

    OR

    OR: Marion, Polk, Yamhill

    $344,100

    Veterans Multi-Service Center Inc. 

    Philadelphia

    PA

    PA: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia

    $495,951

    Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania Inc. 

    Pittsburgh

    PA

    PA: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Washington, Westmoreland

    $416,193

    Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard Inc. 

    Pittsburgh

    PA

    PA: Allegheny, Butler, Washington, Westmoreland

    $427,000

    Commission on Economic Opportunity

    Wilkes-Barre

    PA

    PA: Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Wayne, Wyoming

    $200,000

    Fast Forward

    Columbia

    SC

    SC: Richland, Lexington, Fairfield

    $400,000

    Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina Inc. 

    Greenville

    SC

    SC: Anderson, Oconee, Pickens, Greenville, Spartanburg

    $225,818

    Unity Partners dba Project Unity

    Bryan

    TX

    TX: Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Washington

    $419,870

    Citizens Development Center

    Dallas

    TX

    TX: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, Tarrant

    $320,000

    Adaptive Construction Solutions Inc.  

    Houston

    TX

    TX: Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Waller, Austin, Chambers, Colorado, Walker, Wharton, Matagorda

    $377,777

    Adaptive Construction Solutions Inc.  

    Houston

    TX

    TX: Bell, Bosque, Brown, Burleson, Callahan, Coleman, Collin, Comanche, Coryell, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Erath, Falls, Fisher, Freestone, Grimes, Hamilton, Haskell, Hill, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Kent, Knox, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Mitchell, Navarro, Nolan, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Runnels, San Saba, Scurry, Shackelford, Somervell, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, Throckmorton, Washington, Wise

    $245,432

    The Houston Launch Pad

    Houston

    TX

    TX: Angelina, Bell, Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Chambers, Crockett, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Tom Green, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Wharton   

    $500,000

    American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program Inc.

    San Antonio

    TX

    TX: Collin, Dallas, Rockwall, Tarrant

    $500,000

    American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program Inc.

    San Antonio

    TX

    TX: Travis

    $500,000

    Castle Cares Community Ministry Inc.

    West Columbia

    TX

    TX: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Jefferson, Matagorda

    $434,105

    Focused Outreach Richmond Inc.

    Richmond

    VA

    VA: Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights City, Dinwiddie, Emporia City, Greensville, Hampton city, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell City, James City, King and Queen, King William, New Kent, Newport News City, Petersburg City, Poquoson City, Prince George, Richmond City, Williamsburg City, York

    $397,862

    Center for Veterans Issues Inc.

    Milwaukee

    WI

    WI: Milwaukee, Waukesha

    $500,000

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaMalfa Statement on House Passage of Resolution Condemning LA Riots

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) released the following statement after the House passed H.Res.516, a resolution that condemns the violent riots in Los Angeles.

    “What happened in Los Angeles wasn’t a protest, it was a riot, plain and simple. ICE agents were attempting to do their jobs and enforce the law. They were met with violent mobs encouraged by politicians who’ve spent years urging people to resist law enforcement,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Cars were burned, businesses looted, American flags were torn down, and officers were attacked by hoards waving foreign flags; all while local officials were silent instead of backing them. Law and order are still a public priority. I’m glad the House stood up to condemn the chaos and back those who fought to restore order.”

    The resolution passed with bipartisan support and made it clear that the House condemns the violent attacks on law enforcement, calls on state and local officials to stop making excuses and start working with the federal government to restore order, and expresses gratitude to the officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect lives and property.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ambassador Yin Chengwu met with Liberian Minister of Agriculture Nuetah


    Download logo

    On June 26th , Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture of Liberia.

    Yin briefed on the relevant information of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and expressed that China is willing to strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two countries, deepening the bilateral relations.

    Dr. Nuetah said that the Liberian side thanks China for its strong support for Liberia’s development and looks forward to continuing to strengthen cooperation with China on agricultural mechanization and modernization.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Kansas Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Adverse Weather

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Kansas of the July 28 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the severe storm and tornado occurring May 18.

    The disaster declaration covers the Kansas counties of Gove, Graham, Lane, Logan, Ness, Scott, Sheridan, Thomas and Trego.

    Small 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 also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “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 physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations 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.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.81% 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.

    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.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 28.

    ###

    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: SBA Relief Still Available to Kansas Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Adverse Weather

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Kansas of the July 28 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the severe storm and tornado occurring May 18.

    The disaster declaration covers the Kansas counties of Gove, Graham, Lane, Logan, Ness, Scott, Sheridan, Thomas and Trego.

    Small 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 also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “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 physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations 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.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.81% 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.

    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.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 28.

    ###

    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: SBA Relief Still Available to Kansas Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Adverse Weather

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Kansas of the July 28 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by the severe storm and tornado occurring May 18.

    The disaster declaration covers the Kansas counties of Gove, Graham, Lane, Logan, Ness, Scott, Sheridan, Thomas and Trego.

    Small 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 also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “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 physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations 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.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.81% 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.

    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.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 28.

    ###

    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: Tuberville Introduces Legislation Imposing Term Limits on Senate Parliamentarian

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in introducing a resolution imposing 6-year term limits on the Senate Parliamentarian, a key figure in the United States Senate who advises on rules, procedures, and precedents as it relates to Senate procedure. On Thursday, Senator Tuberville called for the Parliamentarian to be fired for willfully attempting to undermine the will of 77 million Americans who voted for President Trump and his agenda.

    “The woke, Radical Left Senate Parliamentarian, who was appointed by Harry Reid and was an advisor to Al Gore, is actively trying to undermine President Trump’s agenda,” said Senator Tuberville. “Unelected bureaucrats should not be able to overturn the will of the 77 million Americans who voted for President Trump and his agenda. This is exactly why Americans hate the swamp. Proud to join my friend Senator Roger Marshall in introducing this resolution imposing 6-year term limits for the Senate Parliamentarian.”

    Read the full text of the resolution here.

    BACKGROUND:

    The Parliamentarian of the Senate serves at the will of the Secretary of the Senate, who is chosen by the Senate Majority Leader. Since 1981, only three different individuals have served as Parliamentarian of the Senate. Each served, on average, for 15 years.

    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 –