NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Holds Press Conference on Energy Choice Act, Vows to End Blue-State Wars on American Energy

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    ELMIRA, N.Y. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) held a press conference in Elmira, NY, on the Energy Choice Act to prohibit states or local governments from banning an energy service’s connection, reconnection, modification, installation, or expansion based on the type or source of energy to be delivered.

    “Governor Kathy Hochul and Democrats in Albany are hurting New Yorkers with their relentless war on American energy,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Her effort to ban the use of gas in buildings across the state will not only increase energy costs for families, but it will also eliminate a reliable and necessary source of energy that keeps homes heated and people safe. As this is becoming a dangerous trend in blue states across the country, the Energy Choice Act would end these costly bans and secure our nation’s energy future.”

    Watch the livestream here.

    “The Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York (IOGANY) fully supports the passage of the proposed Energy Choice Act. IOGANY is an association of oil and gas producers, pipeline companies, and associated support industries that provide safe, reliable, cost-effective energy in New York State. We are also New York State business owners and homeowners that are experiencing the same inflationary costs as NY citizens. 

    “During the past decade, New York has implemented policies to improve New York’s air quality through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Both of these policies are focused on reaching emission reduction goals by reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the use of green energy (wind and solar). These efforts have resulted in increased electric and natural gas utility bills as costs of these green energy programs are passed through to the business community and homeowners. Everyone knows the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow all the time, so this transition is impacting energy reliability.  

    “In addition to increased utility bills, these policies will force home and business owners to pay to convert buildings and homes to use primarily electric energy (new electric appliances and heating systems), as well as, purchase electric vehicles and pay for charging stations installation. This is increasing the cost of living in New York State at a time when we already have a high tax burden and people are leaving the state.

    “IOGANY members, as citizens and business owners in New York, want clean air but question what this effort will cost citizens and will reliable energy be available to support our current standard of living. We also question if the current established emission goals can be reached while still providing safe, reliable, cost-effective energy. Cleaner air is a wonderful objective but at what cost and impact on our standard of living. This is why as individuals and members of the oil and gas industry, we support the Clean Energy Choice Bill passage,” said the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York.

     

    “This Energy Choice legislation is of key importance to all New Yorkers. This bill gives the ability to adequately power and heat our homes, businesses, and institutions that make New York the Empire State. The plumbing and heating contractors of the NYS PHCC have members throughout the entire state, employing thousands of technicians, many union plumbers, who see firsthand how ill-conceived but well-intentioned local and state restrictive energy laws are jeopardizing our energy usage and supply in our great state.  Everyone wants to have efficient, environmentally friendly and reliable energy.  This law would allow for the use of not only renewable gas and hydrogen but also other fuels like bio biodiesel, all made in New York. The NYS PHCC fully supports Congress member Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act,” said Terence O’Brien Co-Executive Director; NYS PHCC.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Announces $594,115 HHS Grant for St. Bonaventure University

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $594,115 to St. Bonaventure University for a mental and behavioral health education and training program.

     

    “I’m proud to announce this critical investment in mental and behavioral health education at St. Bonaventure University,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This funding will help train the next generation of professionals who are so urgently needed in our communities. Expanding access to care starts with strengthening our workforce, and this grant is a strong step forward.”

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: State of Asylum Conference: Implementing the Pact, together with credible entry and return policies, are key to restoring public trust in migration management

    Source: European Asylum Support Office

    On 18 June 2025, the EUAA hosted the EU’s first annual State of Asylum Conference. Discussions centred around a key question: is EU Asylum at a Crossroads? To answer, the Conference brought together high-level European policy makers including Ministers of Interior, senior officials, and representatives of international and civil society organisations to debate the past, present and future of the EU’s evolving migration  policy agenda, in the face of a challenging international security environment.

    This week, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) hosted the EUAA’s first State of Asylum Conference. The event brought together around 1 000 online and in-person attendees to debate the evolving EU migration and asylum policy agenda. Opening the Conference, the EUAA’s Executive Director, Ms. Nina GREGORI, framed its central, titular question by asking participants to reflect on whether the EU’s migration and asylum systems are at a crossroads and, if they are, what choices are available to policy makers. With evidence-based policy-making being a core principle of democratic societies, she stressed the value of the Agency’s work and most notably, the recently-published Asylum Report 2025 as a factual basis that set the stage for the day’s discussions.

    Looking to the future, the first panel discussion, entitled “Migration and Asylum at a Crossroads: Where do we go from here?” invited high level European policymakers to reflect on where European migration policy might go next. Mr. Makis VORIDIS, Minister of Migration and Asylum in Greece noted the evolution of the EU’s migration policy as one headed in a stricter direction, concluding that a return policy needs to be a cornerstone of any serious migration strategy. He stressed the need for such a policy to be developed in parallel with the ongoing implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, welcoming the recent Commission proposal for a Regulation for a Common European System on Returns (CESR).  Ms. Mari RANTANEN, Minister of Interior of Finland distinguished between labour migration, international protection and the instrumentalisation of migrants, stressing the need for clear rules that address all three phenomena, as well as the need to strengthen European efforts at cooperation with third countries on migration management.

    In the same panel, Mr. Andi MAHILA, Deputy Minister of Interior in Albania, stressed the need for European countries to remain united and work together, noting that “migration and asylum are not mere challenges, they reflect the values we uphold”. Mr. Michael SPINDELEGGER, Director-General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) concluded by reflecting on the decreasing trend in asylum applications lodged in the EU+. This was the result of intense work by EU Institutions and Agencies, national administrations and other stakeholders he noted, but also geopolitical shifts that have driven the recent decrease in Syrian applications and, conversely, the increase in Venezuelan applications – stressing the need for cooperation with the US authorities.

    Turning to the present, a second panel discussion, entitled “EU Working Together: Stepping up EU Migration and Asylum Management, in the face of mounting European and international challenges” saw senior European officials, together with the UNHCR and IOM, reflect on the Pact on Migration and Asylum and its ongoing implementation. The EUAA’s Executive Director, Ms. Nina GREGORI stressed the need for ongoing political commitment for the implementation of the Pact, an observation that Ms. Beate GMINDER, recently appointed as Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs at the European Commission and Mr. Kim FREIDBERG, Director for Home Affairs at the Council of the EU, reiterated in their own comments. Ms. Gregori called for the allocation of sufficient resources to Pact implementation on a national level, including within judiciary bodies, and emphasised the plethora of Agency and European support available to make optimal use of finite resources. As the Pact enters into application in mid-2026, Ms. Gminder reflected on the ongoing transition to the new rules and the need to fine-tune some elements, referencing recent Commission legislative proposals on the Safe Country concepts. She nevertheless called for balanced ways to address irregular migration, including with stepped up efforts on legal pathways and integration into host communities.

    With international organisations being key partners, Mr. Philippe LECLERC, Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe at the UNHCR, urged both panellists and attendees not to lose sight of the human aspects of migration; stressing that refugees contribute to EU Member States’ GDP. Against the UNHCR Global Trends Report showing over 122 million forcibly displaced people, he emphasised the need for a protection-sensitive implementation of the Pact, ensuring effective solidarity between Member States and with people seeking safety. He also acknowledged the need for a routes-based approach to international protection, one that ensures protection closer to countries of origin. Mr. Lukas GEHRKE, IOM Director of the Global Office in Brussels, observed that displacement drivers are worsening, referencing several examples. All agreed that Pact implementation is going well so far, and Member States will be ready, as failing to implement is simply not an option.

    A final panel discussion reflected on the past and how it draws lessons for the future, notably the increasing role the EUAA has played in helping Member States manage their international protection obligations, and what this means for the Agency’s future. The panel featured notable actors from the Agency’s past, including its first Executive Director Mr. Robert VISSER, two former Chairpersons of its Management Board, including Dr. David COSTELLO and Mr. Wolfgang TAUCHER. Together with the current Chair of the EUAA Management Board, Ms. Evelina GUDZINSKAITĖ, they reflected on the challenges the Agency has faced, particularly in getting Member States to a place where they were able to accept European support in the field of asylum. In fact, Ms. Gudzinskaitė observed that while asylum may be at a crossroads, “the Agency is not at a crossroads, it’s on a highway” to building trust and solidarity between European countries.

    Closing the panel, Mr. Mikael RIBBENVIK CASSAR, the EUAA’s Deputy Executive Director, also a former Chair of both the-then EASO and current EUAA Management Boards, reflected on the Agency’s journey to unquestioned and critical relevance in the field of migration. However, he stressed that the path to restoring public trust in asylum management runs through recalling a basic principle in international protection: “Asylum is a binary system: Protection or return. Both outcomes must lead to different doors. Too often that is not the case.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine and Russia again exchange prisoners within the framework of the Istanbul agreements

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Kyiv, June 20 /Xinhua/ – Ukraine and Russia held a prisoner exchange on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram.

    According to him, during this procedure, Kyiv managed to secure the release of a group of Ukrainian servicemen, most of whom had been in Russian captivity for over two years. These are representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard and the State Border Service.

    The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, in turn, reported that this was the next stage of the exchange of prisoners within the framework of the agreements reached at the beginning of the month in Istanbul.

    On June 2, peace talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation took place in Istanbul. The parties agreed to exchange prisoners according to the formula “all for all” for two categories of servicemen – seriously ill and those aged 18 to 25.

    The exact number of released persons will be announced after all stages of the exchange are completed. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xinhua Director General Meets with Rossiyskaya Gazeta Director General

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    St. Petersburg, June 20 /Xinhua/ — Director General of China’s Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua, who is visiting Russia, met with Director General of Rossiyskaya Gazeta Pavel Negoitsa on Friday.

    Fu Hua said that Xinhua News Agency treasures the friendly relations with Rossiyskaya Gazeta and attaches great importance to exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. He hopes to further explore opportunities for personnel exchanges, joint reporting and photo exhibitions, strengthen cooperation in disseminating news content, so as to promote high-level development of China-Russia relations.

    P. Negoica highly appreciated the long-term friendly and cooperative relations between the two sides. He noted that Xinhua News Agency has rich experience in using new technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data to expand its editing and news gathering capabilities. Rossiyskaya Gazeta is willing to further deepen technical cooperation, increase personnel exchanges and enrich cooperation models with Xinhua News Agency to jointly promote mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Russia and China. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 20 killed in coltan mine collapse in eastern DRC

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    GOMA, June 20 (Xinhua) — More than 20 people were killed in a collapse at a coltan mine in the Rubaya region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday, local sources said on Friday.

    At least 21 bodies have so far been recovered from the mine, located in Masisi in North Kivu province, according to the Masisi Territory Administration Office.

    In addition, about 100 people were rescued during the ongoing operation.

    “The current death toll remains preliminary as rescue efforts have been ongoing since yesterday. Several people are still trapped under the rubble and emergency teams are working tirelessly at the scene to rescue those who show signs of life,” an official from Rubaya told Xinhua on Friday.

    “We plan to provide an update later this afternoon depending on how the situation develops,” the official said.

    The cause of the tragedy is still unknown. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Pass the One Big Beautiful Bill to Safeguard America’s Sovereignty

    Source: US Whitehouse

    President Donald J. Trump has overseen a dramatic reversal in the nation’s border security — going from 62,000 illegal immigrants released into the country in a single month under the Biden Administration to zero under the Trump Administration and achieving the lowest-ever numbers of daily illegal crossings.

    Now, we’re at a defining crossroads: pass the One Big Beautiful Bill and fortify that extraordinary progress — or don’t, and risk jeopardizing the nation’s safety and sovereignty once again.

    Pass the One Big Beautiful Bill and we will:

    • Invest in securing our homeland. We will make the largest-ever one-time investment in border security — enough to detain and deport at least one million illegals every year and massively expand detention capacity.
    • Give a boost to our frontline heroes. We will not only give the men and women of Border Patrol and ICE a $10,000/year bonus in each of the next four years, we will also deliver needed reinforcements to finish the job — with funding for 10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
    • Finish President Trump’s border wall. We will secure full operational control of our southern border by constructing hundreds of miles of border wall, river barriers, and vehicle and pedestrian barriers — critical for repelling future foreign invasion and maintaining our national security.

    Fail to act, and we risk squandering the historic gains we’ve achieved and setting the nation back on a course of chaos and vulnerability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Service Workers Rally Behind President Trump’s NO TAX ON TIPS

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Hourly workers in the service, hospitality, and retail industries overwhelmingly back President Donald J. Trump’s bold NO TAX ON TIPS plan in the One Big Beautiful Bill, according to a new survey — saying tax-free tips would bring them needed financial stability and relief.

    In fact, 83% of hourly workers want to see NO TAX ON TIPS become law — with just four percent saying otherwise: “These results suggest that any measure increasing the amount of immediately available income — such as untaxed tips — would provide meaningful, stabilizing support for a large segment of the hourly workforce,” the report says.

    As one Nevada food service worker put it: “I don’t know what the holdup is. I don’t know what the politics are, but if we can cut the BS now … it can help out a lot of people.”

    The NO TAX ON TIPS plan is just one aspect of President Trump’s Day One commitment to deliver relief to Americans ravaged by years of Bidenflation. In his first five months, President Trump has overseen the largest increase in blue-collar wage growth in 60 years, lower costs, and explosive job growth for native-born Americans.

    That progress will be supercharged by the One Big Beautiful Bill, which will deliver the largest tax cut in history for working and middle-class Americans, tax cuts for seniors, No Tax on Overtime, and much more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Competition Bureau reaches agreement with Canadian energy company to preserve competition in the oil and natural gas industry

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 20, 2025 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau

    The Competition Bureau has reached a consent agreement with Canadian Natural Resources Limited to address competition concerns related to its proposed acquisition of Schlumberger N.V.’s (SLB) interest in the Palliser Block joint venture. These assets include SLB’s 87.5% interest in 16 natural gas processing plants in southeastern Alberta.

    The Bureau found that the proposed transaction would likely result in a significant increase in market concentration in an area surrounding three natural gas processing plants: Seiu Lake, Wintering Hills and Wayne Dalum, all located approximately 130 kilometers east of Calgary. This could lead to higher prices, and fewer options for natural gas producers in that region.

    To resolve the Bureau’s concerns, Canadian Natural has agreed to sell 75% of its interest in the Seiu Lake natural gas processing plant to North 40 Resources Inc., an oil and natural gas exploration company operating in the same area. North 40 will be the operator of the natural gas processing plant, leaving Canadian Natural with a non-operating 25% interest in the facility.

    The Bureau is satisfied that the sale will preserve competition in the area around the Seiu Lake natural gas processing plant and ensure that producers in the area will continue to have two options for natural gas processing.

    The Bureau acknowledges the parties’ cooperation throughout the review to address the Bureau’s concerns.

    The complete consent agreement will be available on the website of the Competition Tribunal.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: National Indigenous Peoples Day: Minister Sawhney

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Making Sense of Financial Professional Designations: Investor Bulletin

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) are issuing this Investor Bulletin to help investors better understand the designations financial professionals use.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kemp Announces Second Round of Rural Site Development Grants

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced today the second round of grants in the OneGeorgia Authority’s Rural Site Development Initiative. This program enables Georgia’s rural communities to identify, assess, and develop new, ready-for-development industrial sites, further growing the state’s capacity for economic growth. Eligible activities for use of grant funds include, but are not limited to, site studies, land grading, and other essential community infrastructure efforts that support site development.

    “Georgia offers the workforce, connectivity, and business-friendly environment for companies to be successful in every corner of the state, which is why we’ve been named the top state for business for over a decade,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “The Rural Site Development Initiative helps us maintain that competitive edge over other states by empowering communities to build on that success and turn fields of dreams into sources of good-paying jobs for rural Georgians. I want to congratulate all of these communities on receiving these awards and thank our legislative partners who helped make this program possible through strategic funding.”

    For site improvement grants, grantees demonstrated substantive plans for industrial site development while meeting OneGeorgia Authority eligibility requirements. Total funding for this round of grants is $8 million, marking more than $18 million in grants distributed to rural site development since the program’s launch.

    “Georgia’s historic economic development success has not happened by accident. It is the direct result of our leadership’s decades-long dedication to strengthening our workforce, investing in our infrastructure, and building a better, brighter future for Georgians across the state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “The OneGeorgia Authority’s Rural Site Development Grants represent our state’s unwavering commitment to bringing new opportunities for economic success to every corner of the state, and I look forward to seeing the impact these awards will have on rural Georgia communities and citizens for generations to come.” 

    “The Rural Site Development Initiative is critical for our rural communities across the state, where a business-friendly environment is not only critical, but growing at a record pace,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “The approved funding will help current projects grow and future projects begin, while keeping Georgia’s business environment a model for the rest of the nation.” 

    “Georgia’s economic development success is the result of strong leadership and strategic investment,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “This tool enables communities to remain attractive for future prospects and achieve their vision of economic prosperity.”

    “The Rural Site Development Initiative empowers communities to proactively shape economic growth that aligns with their long-term goals,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “GRAD-certified sites offer speed-to-market advantages for companies and strengthen Georgia’s competitive site portfolio. As we build on years of economic success, investing in new site development ensures we sustain and accelerate that momentum.”

    In addition to meeting OneGeorgia Authority requirements, applicants leveraged other funding sources to demonstrate community commitment. Use of funds is subject to all applicable state laws and regulations, as well as to the policies and requirements of the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. OneGeorgia funds must be expended within the timeframe specified in the grant award documentation, which is generally two years from the date of the award.

    Site Improvement Grants

    Development Authority of the City of Milledgeville and Baldwin County
    The Development Authority of the City of Milledgeville and Baldwin County in middle Georgia was awarded $2 million for site readiness improvements, including the construction of an entry road and other road improvements, at the 1,500-acre, GRAD-certified Sibley Place. The total project costs are $2,193,982.

    Development Authority of Bulloch County
    The Development Authority of Bulloch County in coastal Georgia received a grant of $1,518,920 for site grading and sewer improvements at the 69-acre, GRAD-certified Cannady Site. The Development Authority of Bulloch County is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $2,024,960.

    Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority
    The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority in middle Georgia was awarded a grant of $2 million for sewage and drainage improvements at the 250-acre, “GRAD Select” Georgia Highway 257 Rail Site. The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $6,039,671.

    Worth County Economic Development Authority
    The Worth County Economic Development Authority in southwest Georgia received a grant of $2 million for water, drainage, road, and other infrastructure improvements at the 196-acre, “GRAD Select” Worth County Industrial Complex. The Worth County Economic Development Authority is contributing to the total project cost, which is expected to be $2,248,723.

    GRAD-Certification Scholarships

    Development Authority of Burke County
    The Development Authority of Burke County in east Georgia was awarded $35,278 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 150-acre Waynesboro-Burke Industrial Park. The total project costs are $39,198.

    Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority
    The Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority in southeast Georgia was awarded $75,000 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 72-acre Douglas Aviation Industrial Park. The total project costs are $90,050.

    Development Authority of Jefferson County
    The Development Authority of Jefferson County in east Georgia was awarded $75,000 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 230-acre Louisville Airport Industrial Park. The total project costs are $82,500.

    McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority
    The McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority in coastal Georgia was awarded $192,745 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 247-acre Tidewater East Industrial Park. The total project costs are $260,345.

    Pulaski County-Hawkinsville Development Authority
    The Pulaski County-Hawkinsville Development Authority in middle Georgia was awarded $31,455 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 170-acre Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Industrial Park. The total project costs are $34,950.

    Washington-Wilkes Payroll Development Authority
    The Washington-Wilkes Payroll Development Authority in east Georgia was awarded $142,450 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 455-acre Washington-Wilkes Industrial Park Expansion. The total project costs are $167,450.

    About GDEcD
    The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for arts, film, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit georgia.org for more information.

    About Department of Community Affairs  

    The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to build strong, vibrant neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low to moderate incomes buy homes, rent housing and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Energy Panel at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: Energy Panel at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

    Start: June 21, 10 a.m.

    The broadcast of the Energy Panel will be organized on internal television (channel F3) and the Roscongress news channel.

    Energy consumption and progress have always been interconnected. The higher mankind climbed up the ladder of development, the more energy was required for new achievements – from the campfires of primitive times to the nuclear power plants of today.

    Our civilization is at a critical stage now – the global energy industry is facing a large-scale transformation, the energy consumption model is changing. Against this background, every country faces the issue of the need to ensure energy security.

    What will the energy industry of the future look like and what factors will determine its development? What role will new technologies play in this process? Which country will be the first to ensure the transition to a new energy sector? And what is in store for the oil industry against the backdrop of these changes?

    The answers to these and other questions will be revealed during the broadcast of the Energy Panel.  

    Keynote Speech:
    ● Igor Ivanovich Sechin, Chief Executive Officer, Rosneft Oil Company  

    Moderator:
    ● Rick Sanchez, RT anchor

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    June 20, 2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By George E. Mitchell, Professor of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College, CUNY

    Trying to measure a charity’s impact requires the right tools. MirageC/Moment via Getty Images

    Charitable donors often make gifts despite having little information about the organizations they support. Without relevant data, that money may not flow to the charities that evidence suggests are delivering the biggest bang for donors’ bucks.

    But getting good information about what donors call “impact” takes money, time and effort. If donors are responsible for those costs, then they may not obtain the data, and charities would be less likely to produce the data in the first place.

    I’m a public and international affairs professor who researches nonprofits and philanthropy.. I conducted a study in 2023 with Chengxin Xu and Huafang Li, two other scholars of nonprofit management, to better understand whether these costs influence how donors pick charities. Through this study, which involved nearly 2,000 U.S. adults, we were able to estimate how much impact may be lost when donors incur information costs themselves.

    Impact refers to the effects a charity achieves. Donors can try to get the most impact per dollar by supporting charities that achieve high impact at low cost.

    We asked the participants in our experiment to choose one of 10 hypothetical charities to receive support. All the charities had the same mission: “to save lives.” Everyone was paired with a fictitious partner who would also be supporting the selected charity. Before choosing, the participant had the option to obtain information about each organization’s impact per dollar.

    About half the time, the participant could pay for the information themselves out of their own hypothetical budget. In the other half, they could tell their partner to pay out of their partner’s budget. The charity would receive the combined gifts, minus any money paid for information. The total amount spent stayed the same no matter who paid or whether anyone paid.

    When someone else paid, participants were more likely to direct their gifts to more efficient charities, raising the average impact of donations by about 13%. In other words, donors gave smarter when someone else picked up the tab for the information.

    Why it matters

    Americans gave more than US$550 billion to charity in 2023.

    If shifting information costs can boost the impact of charitable giving by 13%, then applying that gain to just one-tenth of that giving could potentially unlock about $7 billion worth of additional impact. Funders who are very interested in the potential of data to increase impact, such as effective altruists, philanthropists who emphasize outcomes, and some large foundations, may be willing to bear the costs so others don’t have to. The challenge is that not all donors are equally willing to pay for information that could increase the impact of charitable giving.

    Other research findings have suggested that most Americans want to see data about the impact that charities have, but it is not obvious where the funding for this should come from. If charities cover the cost themselves, then they are essentially asking their donors to pay for it. But many donors may want all their gifts to pay for program delivery, not data production.

    What still isn’t known

    It’s unclear how well these findings would translate into real-world giving behavior. Donors’ appetite for information that comes at the expense of direct services may be limited, even if it improves the overall impact of their gifts. And using data about impact per dollar to guide giving could have downsides. For example, it might reward work that is easy to measure and discourage efforts that are just as important but are harder to assess, or just take longer for the results to be seen.

    What’s next

    Philanthropists can access more data about charities than ever before. Platforms like Candid and Charity Navigator offer the potential to harness that data to better inform donors. Organizations like GiveWell go even further, recommending specific charities based on rigorous data analysis. I’ll be studying these kinds of opportunities for boosting the impact of charitable giving, because when donors are better informed, they can accomplish more with their money.

    The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

    George E. Mitchell receives funding from the Baruch College Fund.

    – ref. Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck – https://theconversation.com/outsourcing-cost-of-impact-data-could-mean-13-more-bang-for-every-charitable-buck-255825

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call for Entries: Africa Property Investment Awards 2025 Submit Your Applications by 30 June!

    The countdown is on for the prestigious 9th Africa Property Investment (API) Awards 2025, part of the highly anticipated API Summit themed “Growth Through Adventure” taking place on 18 and 19 September 2025 at The Westin Hotel, Cape Town.  

    The deadline for submissions has been extended to 30 June 2025, giving developers, consultants, suppliers, professional teams, and property owners across Africa an exciting opportunity to showcase their excellence in the continent’s dynamic real estate sector. 

    Why enter the API Awards? 

    The API Awards are the continent’s definitive recognition platform celebrating outstanding achievements in African real estate. Open to a wide range of participants —from developers and consultants to suppliers and property owners— the awards highlight innovation, sustainability, and impactful growth in the industry.  

    Judged by a distinguished panel of over 20 industry experts and thought leaders, the awards ensure impartiality and credibility, making being named a finalist or winner a coveted accolade that significantly boosts brand exposure and credibility. This year, the judges will evaluate submissions across three key categories: Development; Personnel; Service, Technology, and Innovation.  These categories reflect the multifaceted nature of the real estate ecosystem. 

    Spotlight on 2024 winners: Success stories that inspire 

    The impact of winning an API Award is profound and far-reaching. Last year’s winners have not only gained industry recognition but have leveraged their awards to accelerate growth, attract investment, and amplify their influence across Africa’s property landscape. 

    AlleyRoads: Best Affordable Housing Development 2024 

    AlleyRoads, a South Africa-based developer, won the Best Affordable Housing Development award for their innovative Inkanyezi Village project in Katlehong, Gauteng. Ivan Pretorius, Founder and CEO of AlleyRoads, shared how the award has been transformative: 

    “Winning the Best Affordable Housing Development award has highlighted that AlleyRoads plays an important and instrumental role in affordable housing development across South Africa. It has attracted select investors to invest in our group and demonstrated our dedication to improving all aspects of affordable housing.” 

    Pretorius also emphasized the broader social impact of the Inkanyezi Village project that was recognised by the API Awards. Inkanyezi Village in Katlehong boasts 378 apartments that cater to lower-to-middle income households. The apartments are powered by solar panels and a battery system, ensuring supply of electricity even during load-shedding.  

    “The award raised significant awareness about affordable housing in Katlehong, particularly the innovative use of off-grid power systems. Traditionally a feature of high-end residential projects, off-grid power solutions designed for affordability have improved quality of life in the lower end of the affordable housing market,” says Pretorius.  

    This recognition has not only enhanced AlleyRoads’ reputation but also underscored the potential for sustainable, affordable housing solutions across the continent. 

    REdimension Capital: Dealmakers of the Year 2024 

    REdimension Capital, led by Peter Clark and Matt Marshall, was honoured as Dealmakers of the Year for their outstanding deal-making prowess in the South African property investment market. REdimension Capital is a South Africa based investment firm that funds early-stage technology companies improving real estate through innovation and sustainability. The API accolade has had a tangible impact on REdimension Capital.  

    Says Clark and Marshall:  

    “Receiving the Dealmakers of the Year award was a meaningful milestone recognizing the significant work we have undertaken. It has enhanced our visibility and credibility within the property and venture investment ecosystem, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for real estate stakeholders and technology founders.” 

    The pair says the award has also opened new doors for REdimension Capital, helping the company with its capital-raising efforts and expansion of strategic networks.   

    “Since receiving the award, we have executed additional deals, deepened our pipeline, and been able to provide credible support for our portfolio companies as they add scale. It has also helped strengthen our position as a leader in driving innovation in the built environment—something we are deeply committed to as we continue to bridge the gap between traditional real estate and the next generation of technology-enabled solutions.” 

    Submit Your Entry Today – Deadline Extended to 30 June 2025 

    The API Awards 2025 are your platform to showcase excellence and innovation in African real estate. Whether you are a developer pushing boundaries in sustainable housing, a consultant delivering cutting-edge solutions, or a supplier enabling transformative projects, your achievements deserve to be celebrated on the continent’s biggest stage.   

    Don’t miss this chance to join the ranks of Africa’s most respected property leaders. Visit the official API Summit Awards page for detailed criteria and submission guidelines: https://apo-opa.co/45xWg1g

    The API Summit is Africa’s premier real estate investment event, bringing together industry leaders, investors, government officials, and innovators to explore opportunities and challenges shaping the continent’s property market.  

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

    Distributed for API Events by Dmix:  
    API Events  
    Murray Anderson-Ogle  
    Email: Murray@apievents.com   
    Contact: +27 71 890 77 39  

    Social Media: 
    Website: https://www.APIEvents.com/ 
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4e6RtG4
    Instagram: @ APIsummit 
    LinkedIn: API Events 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By George E. Mitchell, Professor of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College, CUNY

    Trying to measure a charity’s impact requires the right tools. MirageC/Moment via Getty Images

    Charitable donors often make gifts despite having little information about the organizations they support. Without relevant data, that money may not flow to the charities that evidence suggests are delivering the biggest bang for donors’ bucks.

    But getting good information about what donors call “impact” takes money, time and effort. If donors are responsible for those costs, then they may not obtain the data, and charities would be less likely to produce the data in the first place.

    I’m a public and international affairs professor who researches nonprofits and philanthropy.. I conducted a study in 2023 with Chengxin Xu and Huafang Li, two other scholars of nonprofit management, to better understand whether these costs influence how donors pick charities. Through this study, which involved nearly 2,000 U.S. adults, we were able to estimate how much impact may be lost when donors incur information costs themselves.

    Impact refers to the effects a charity achieves. Donors can try to get the most impact per dollar by supporting charities that achieve high impact at low cost.

    We asked the participants in our experiment to choose one of 10 hypothetical charities to receive support. All the charities had the same mission: “to save lives.” Everyone was paired with a fictitious partner who would also be supporting the selected charity. Before choosing, the participant had the option to obtain information about each organization’s impact per dollar.

    About half the time, the participant could pay for the information themselves out of their own hypothetical budget. In the other half, they could tell their partner to pay out of their partner’s budget. The charity would receive the combined gifts, minus any money paid for information. The total amount spent stayed the same no matter who paid or whether anyone paid.

    When someone else paid, participants were more likely to direct their gifts to more efficient charities, raising the average impact of donations by about 13%. In other words, donors gave smarter when someone else picked up the tab for the information.

    Why it matters

    Americans gave more than US$550 billion to charity in 2023.

    If shifting information costs can boost the impact of charitable giving by 13%, then applying that gain to just one-tenth of that giving could potentially unlock about $7 billion worth of additional impact. Funders who are very interested in the potential of data to increase impact, such as effective altruists, philanthropists who emphasize outcomes, and some large foundations, may be willing to bear the costs so others don’t have to. The challenge is that not all donors are equally willing to pay for information that could increase the impact of charitable giving.

    Other research findings have suggested that most Americans want to see data about the impact that charities have, but it is not obvious where the funding for this should come from. If charities cover the cost themselves, then they are essentially asking their donors to pay for it. But many donors may want all their gifts to pay for program delivery, not data production.

    What still isn’t known

    It’s unclear how well these findings would translate into real-world giving behavior. Donors’ appetite for information that comes at the expense of direct services may be limited, even if it improves the overall impact of their gifts. And using data about impact per dollar to guide giving could have downsides. For example, it might reward work that is easy to measure and discourage efforts that are just as important but are harder to assess, or just take longer for the results to be seen.

    What’s next

    Philanthropists can access more data about charities than ever before. Platforms like Candid and Charity Navigator offer the potential to harness that data to better inform donors. Organizations like GiveWell go even further, recommending specific charities based on rigorous data analysis. I’ll be studying these kinds of opportunities for boosting the impact of charitable giving, because when donors are better informed, they can accomplish more with their money.

    The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

    George E. Mitchell receives funding from the Baruch College Fund.

    – ref. Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck – https://theconversation.com/outsourcing-cost-of-impact-data-could-mean-13-more-bang-for-every-charitable-buck-255825

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Invites Alabama Students to Join 3rd Annual Summer Reading Challenge on First Day of Summer

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – On the first official day of summer, Governor Kay Ivey invited Alabama students to join her 3rd Annual Summer Reading Challenge and encouraged participation in Second Lady Usha Vance’s national reading challenge as well.

    “Our students have earned a well-deserved summer break, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops,” said Governor Ivey. “Reading is one of the best ways to keep young minds sharp, and for the third year now, I’m proud to once again invite Alabama’s students to take part in my Summer Reading Challenge. I have heard from thousands of our students in the past, and I look forward to even more sharing their favorite reads with me this summer.”

    Governor Ivey’s Summer Reading Challenge, which runs through September 5, 2025, is open to all Alabama students. Whether receiving public, private or homeschool instruction, rising students in grades K through 8th for the 2025-26 school year are invited to join.

    To participate, grade-eligible students may write a letter to Governor Ivey, sharing what their preferred summer reading book was and why it was their favorite, whether it be assigned summer reading or book of choice.

    In addition to the written portion of the letter, students must include their name, grade they are entering and school he or she attends.

    All letters to Governor Ivey should be addressed and mailed to:

    Governor Kay Ivey

    Attn: Governor Ivey’s Summer Reading Challenge

    600 Dexter Avenue

    Montgomery, AL 36130

    Governor Ivey also recognized the national effort led by Second Lady Usha Vance and encouraged students to take advantage of both opportunities.

    “The more we can do to keep our students reading, the better – and I’m proud to stand alongside Second Lady Usha Vance in encouraging that effort. I hope families across our state will take part in both our reading challenge here in Alabama and the national one led by our Second Lady. There’s no better way to spend the summer than with a good book, or two, OR twelve, in hand,” said Governor Ivey.

    The Second Lady’s 2025 Summer Reading Challenge invites K through 8th students across the country to read 12 books by September 5 and track progress on a designated reading log. Students who complete her challenge are eligible for a certificate, prize and a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C.

    Alabama students can double up and take part in both programs for a well-rounded summer of reading.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1765, Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1765 would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to encourage trusted companies and standards-setting bodies to participate in setting standards for 5G and future generations of wireless communications networks. Under the bill, the NTIA would provide technical assistance to those entities to facilitate participation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1721, Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1721 would require the Department of Commerce to identify, within each critical infrastructure sector, high-demand products that are imported to the United States because of manufacturing, material, or supply chain constraints. The department would analyze the feasibility, costs, and benefits of producing such products in the United States and report the findings to the Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1679, Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1679 would require the Department of Commerce, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and a federal interagency working group to study and report to the Congress on the ability of the United States to attract foreign direct investment and about barriers to foreign trade faced by advanced-technology firms in the United States.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1455, ITS Codification Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1455 would codify the authority for and delineate the responsibilities of the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), a research and engineering laboratory within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The bill also would require ITS to develop emergency communication and tracking technologies to locate people trapped in confined spaces, such as underground mines. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Conclusion of misconduct hearing for former Detective Chief Inspector

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A misconduct hearing has found that a former officer would have been dismissed for his inappropriate actions towards a victim of crime.

    Gross misconduct had been proven in October 2021 for Detective Chief Inspector James Mason, with the panel giving him a final written warning.

    Following a legal challenge, a hearing which began on Thursday, 19 June reconsidered the sanction, and amended it to dismissal on the basis of the high level of harm caused by DCI Mason.

    Former DCI Mason, who resigned and left the Met in November 2022, will also be placed on the police Barred List.

    Detective Superintendent Neil Smithson, Professional Standards, said: “The Met took the allegations against DCI James Mason seriously and conducted an investigation that led to a misconduct hearing. The hearing panel, led by an independent legally qualified chair, made the decision not to dismiss him and the Met Police has in no way sought to justify that decision.

    “Former DCI Mason’s behaviour was wholly unacceptable. A victim of crime is already likely to feel vulnerable, they should never be made to feel worse by the actions of a police officer. I hope the victim in this case takes some comfort from the outcome of the fresh hearing.

    “The Commissioner has made it very clear that officers who abuse their position of trust and authority have no place in the Met. We continue our ongoing drive to improve our standards and culture.”

    The hearing in 2021 found all allegations proven against DCI Mason.

    The hearing heard that in October 2011 while a detective sergeant, DCI Mason took a witness statement from a female victim of an attempted robbery.

    He asked inappropriate questions about her personal life, relationships and whether she would like to go for dinner that evening.

    The following day he was contacted by the woman to ask if further investigation could be done. DCI Mason began an inappropriate email exchange with her, including suggesting they meet for drinks and commenting on her appearance.

    The victim began a legal challenge against the panel for its decision to issue a three-year final written warning. In January the Court of Appeal directed that the panel should convene on the issue of sanction.

    The Barred List is held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police and a number of other policing bodies.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Review of Priority Sector Lending norms – Small Finance Banks

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    RBI/2025-26/61
    DOR.LIC.REC.36/16.13.218/2025-26

    June 20, 2025

    All Small Finance Banks

    Madam/ Dear Sir,

    Review of Priority Sector Lending norms – Small Finance Banks

    Please refer to the ‘Guidelines for Licensing of Small Finance Banks in Private Sector’ dated November 27, 2014 and the ‘Guidelines for ‘on-tap’ Licensing of Small Finance Banks in Private Sector’ released by Reserve Bank on December 5, 2019. In terms of paragraph II (9) of the aforesaid Licensing Guidelines, a small finance bank (SFB) is required to extend 75 per cent of its Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to the sectors eligible for classification as priority sector lending (PSL) by the Reserve Bank. Further, while 40 per cent of its ANBC should be allocated to different sub-sectors under PSL as per the extant PSL prescriptions, the bank can allocate the balance 35 per cent to any one or more sub-sectors under the PSL where it has competitive advantage.

    Revised provisions

    2. On a review, it has been decided that financial year 2025-26 onwards, the additional component (35 per cent) of PSL shall be reduced to 20 per cent, thereby making the overall PSL target as 60 per cent of ANBC or Credit Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures (CEOBE), whichever is higher. The SFB shall continue to allocate 40 per cent of its ANBC or CEOBE, whichever is higher, to different sub-sectors under PSL as per the extant PSL prescriptions, while the balance 20 per cent shall be allocated to any one or more sub-sectors under the PSL where the bank has competitive advantage.

    3. These instructions are issued in exercise of the powers conferred on the Reserve Bank of India under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    Yours faithfully,

    (Manoranjan Padhy)
    Chief General Manager

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN and India reaffirm commitment to strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    JAKARTA, 20 June 2025 – The Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN held an informal meeting with Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, P. Kumaran, today at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. The Meeting exchanged views on the progress of ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
     
    The Meeting took note of the substantive, meaningful and mutually beneficial ASEAN-India CSP, and highlighted the progress of cooperation across various sectors.  Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the CSP through various frameworks of cooperation and commended the substantial progress in implementing the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (POA) 2021-2025 and its Annex. The Meeting looked forward to the adoption of the succeeding POA that will guide both sides in realising the full potential of ASEAN-India CSP over the next five years, with a view to bringing tangible benefits to the people of both sides.
     
    Looking ahead, the Meeting agreed to continue their close engagement and consultations to further advance the ASEAN-India CSP, and looked forward to explore opportunities to further enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest such as defence; maritime; combatting transnational crimes; cybersecurity, trade and investment; agriculture; science and technology, including space technology; connectivity, including land, air, sea and people-to-people connectivity; digital economy and infrastructure; artificial intelligence; tourism; culture; health; education; youth; sustainable development; renewable energy; climate change; disaster management; capacity-building initiatives; and people-to-people exchanges.
     
    ****
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Leads NYC Delegation in Issuing Oversight Demand Letter to the Department of Homeland Security for Violating Congress’ Statutory Authority to Conduct Oversight

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Goldman and Numerous Other Congressmembers Have Been Illegally Denied Access to ICE Field Offices Used to House Immigrants in Inhumane Conditions 

     

    Letter Follows ICE Turning Goldman Away from the 26 Federal Plaza Field Office in Lower Manhattan, Despite Staff Admitting Its Use for Immigrant Detention 

     

    Read the Letter Here 
    New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today led 8 of his New York City House Democratic colleagues in sending an oversight letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons demanding ICE comply with Section 527(a) of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 and stop denying members of Congress access to facilities that ICE is using to house immigrants. The demand letter follows ICE’s refusal, in direct violation of Section 527(a), to allow Congressman Goldman to investigate the 10th Floor of the 26 Federal Plaza federal building in Lower Manhattan on June 18, where hundreds of immigrants are reportedly being detained. 

    During Congressmen Goldman and Nadler’s oversight visit to the ICE Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday, Deputy Field Director Bill Joyce confirmed that immigrants housed on the 10th floor were being forced to sleep on benches, floors, and in bathrooms for multiple days. Despite admitting that the facility was being used to detain migrants for several days at a time, Joyce barred the lawmakers from accessing the area, citing administration guidance. 

    The letter was signed by Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY-11), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), and Yvette Clarke (NY-09). 

    Read the letter here or below: 

    Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons: 

    We write to express alarm about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) continued obstruction of lawful congressional oversight visits, including recent denials of access to ICE field offices being used to house immigrants, such as the one located at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City. These denials are not only indefensible, but they are also a clear violation of current law. 

    As you know, Section 527(a) of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118–47), states that: 

    “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Homeland Security by this Act may be used to prevent…a Member of Congress…from entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security used to detain or otherwise house aliens.” 

    ICE has claimed in official guidance, titled “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Facility Visit and Engagement Protocol for Members of Congress and Staff” that its field offices fall outside of Section 527 requirements because “ICE does not house aliens at field offices.” However, this assertion is directly contradicted by the agency’s own leadership.  

    On June 18, in the process of denying a request by Congressmen Dan Goldman and Jerry Nadler to observe the ICE facilities where immigrants are being housed, New York Deputy Field Director Bill Joyce confirmed that individuals are in fact held – without beds – at 26 Federal Plaza for multiple days. 

    When individuals are deprived of their liberty in a secure facility for multiple days, they are unquestionably being “detained” or “housed” under the plain language of Section 527(a).  And the facility need not be designated as a “detention facility;” rather, the plain language of the statute refers to a facility “used” to detain or house immigrants.  By ICE’s own admission, the Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza is being “used” to “house” immigrants.   

    Thus, any and all attempts to deny or delay such access violate the law and obstruct our constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the Executive Branch. Congressmen Goldman and Nadler should therefore have been permitted to conduct their oversight duties to observe the circumstances and conditions of detention of the non-violent, non-criminal immigrants who are being snatched out of court proceedings in order to be quickly deported without due process. 

    Congressional oversight is essential to bring transparency to the conduct of the Department of Homeland Security. Given the overaggressive and excessive force used to handcuff and detain elected officials in public, DHS’s refusal to allow members of Congress to observe the conditions for immigrants behind closed doors begs the obvious question: what are you hiding?  

    Accordingly, we demand that you do the following no later than June 30, 2025: 

    1. Immediately rescind all guidance or instructions suggesting that ICE field offices are exempt from Section 527 oversight. 

    2. Reaffirm that Members of Congress are legally entitled to conduct unannounced oversight visits to any facility where people are detained or housed by or for DHS, including field offices where immigrants are kept overnight. 

    3. Direct all ICE field offices and relevant personnel to comply with Section 527 and facilitate congressional access consistent with current law. 

    Your cooperation, or lack thereof, will determine whether the Department of Homeland Security is committed to transparency and upholding the law with integrity or to secrecy and obstruction of congressional oversight. 

    We look forward to your prompt and forthright response.   

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE enhances Moldovan police units’ K9 capabilities

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE enhances Moldovan police units’ K9 capabilities

    K9 specialized vehicles donated by OSCE to Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate (GPI), 19 June 2025. (OSCE) Photo details

    The OSCE supported Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate (GPI) in adopting a revised regulation to improve the governance of its K9 Directorate and upgrading its K9 capacities through the donation of two specialized vehicles and training equipment.
    The recently updated regulation on K9 activities introduces unified standards for the operational deployment of detector dogs as well as their reproduction, acquisition, and training across specialized and territorial units. The revision brings national practices in line with international standards and good practices.
    These activities were part of the implementation of a master plan (2025–2028) developed with OSCE support and adopted by the GPI in March 2025. It provides a structured roadmap for expanding and professionalizing Moldova’s K9 capabilities, which play a vital role in law enforcement operations and public safety.
    “The two donated specialized vehicles, along with the flashlights, safety glasses, training gear, protective equipment, narcotics detection kit, scent carousel, full protective suits, trial sleeves, and training balls, will greatly enhance the Moldovan Police’s capacity to detect and combat crime,” said Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the Head of the General Police Inspectorate.
    These initiatives are part of the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region”, implemented jointly by the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department and the Conflict Prevention Centre. The project is made possible through financial contributions from France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE enhances Moldovan police units’ K9 capabilities

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE enhances Moldovan police units’ K9 capabilities

    K9 specialized vehicles donated by OSCE to Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate (GPI), 19 June 2025. (OSCE) Photo details

    The OSCE supported Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate (GPI) in adopting a revised regulation to improve the governance of its K9 Directorate and upgrading its K9 capacities through the donation of two specialized vehicles and training equipment.
    The recently updated regulation on K9 activities introduces unified standards for the operational deployment of detector dogs as well as their reproduction, acquisition, and training across specialized and territorial units. The revision brings national practices in line with international standards and good practices.
    These activities were part of the implementation of a master plan (2025–2028) developed with OSCE support and adopted by the GPI in March 2025. It provides a structured roadmap for expanding and professionalizing Moldova’s K9 capabilities, which play a vital role in law enforcement operations and public safety.
    “The two donated specialized vehicles, along with the flashlights, safety glasses, training gear, protective equipment, narcotics detection kit, scent carousel, full protective suits, trial sleeves, and training balls, will greatly enhance the Moldovan Police’s capacity to detect and combat crime,” said Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the Head of the General Police Inspectorate.
    These initiatives are part of the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region”, implemented jointly by the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department and the Conflict Prevention Centre. The project is made possible through financial contributions from France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NB8++ joint statement on the shadow fleet

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    NB8++ joint statement on the shadow fleet

    Statement from the Nordic-Baltic 8++ on joint action to further counter Russia’s shadow fleet.

    We, the Foreign Ministers and government representatives of Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have met today to address the challenge posed by the Russian shadow fleet. We call for further joint and coordinated action to effectively address Russian attempts to circumvent international sanctions.   

    Russia’s destabilising actions have strengthened our resolve to protect maritime security, safety, the marine environment and freedom of navigation in accordance with international law. We are particularly concerned about stateless vessels and falsely flagged vessels. Stateless vessels, including those falsely claiming to fly a flag, do not have a responsible flag state and are not entitled to rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including freedom of navigation. If vessels fail to fly a valid flag in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, we will take appropriate action within international law.   

    Today, we have agreed to further strengthen our cooperation and ensure a joint and coordinated approach by our national authorities to address Russia’s shadow fleet. We intend to compile a common set of guidelines in line with international law to promote responsible behaviour at sea, strengthen compliance with international law, and ensure transparency across maritime operations.   

    We recall that the risks posed by the shadow fleet, including potential environmental damage as well as risks to maritime safety and security, the integrity of international seaborne trade, critical undersea infrastructure and respect for international maritime rules and standards, extend far beyond the Baltic and North Seas and could have global impact. We call on others to join our efforts.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of British High Commissioner to Jamaica: Alicia Herbert

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Change of British High Commissioner to Jamaica: Alicia Herbert

    Ms Alicia Herbert OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to Jamaica in succession to Ms Judith Slater. Ms Herbert will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae           

    Full name                                Alicia Jacinta Herbert

    Year Role
    2021 to 2025 FCDO, Director Education, Gender and Equality and UK Gender Envoy
    2016 to 2020 DFID/FCDO, Head, Children Youth and Education
    2012 to 2016 Maputo, Country Director, DFID Mozambique
    2009 to 2012 Abuja, Deputy Country Director, DFID Nigeria
    2006 to 2009 Khartoum, Head, Governance, Security and Development, DFID Sudan
    2002 to 2006 Maputo, Social Development Adviser, DFID Mozambique
    1999 to 2002 DFID, Social Development Adviser, Climate and Environment Department

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKAEA welcomes UK-Japan fusion partnership

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UKAEA welcomes UK-Japan fusion partnership

    UK-Japan partnership to further collaboration in key fusion areas, including R&D, regulation, skills and workforce

    Kerry McCarthy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Climate) and Hiroshi Masuko, Senior Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, signing the Memorandum of Cooperation on fusion energy.

    UKAEA welcomes the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between UK and Japan, to strengthen our already close bond on developing fusion energy.

    Fusion is a global challenge with global solutions and UKAEA looks forward to working with Japanese scientists and innovators to advance fusion energy.

    More information can be found here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –