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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Jamieson raises concerns over double standards when it comes to bail following trouble in Ballymena when compared with sectarian disorder in Londonderry

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement from TUV Braid Christopher Jamieson:

    “I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are deeply concerned about the apparent discrepancy in how police bail has been handled following the serious sectarian rioting in Londonderry last night, compared to the arrests made in Ballymena last week.

    “It appears that some of those arrested in Londonderry were released on police bail, whereas those detained in Ballymena were charged, brought before the courts, and refused bail.

    “There are even reports of juveniles from Ballymena being remanded in custody, while a very different approach seems to have been taken in Londonderry.

    “Such disparity does nothing to ease tensions and only fuels the perception of a two-tier system of justice.

    “The criminal justice system must not only be fair, but must also be seen to be fair. People must not be left with the impression that the disorder in Londonderry — which the Chief Constable himself described as “blatant sectarian violence” — is being treated more leniently.

    “Londonderry has long been plagued, particularly at this time of year, by violence directed towards its minority Protestant population. It is high time that this was dealt with with the seriousness it deserves — not only by the police and the courts, but by the media as well.

    “To that end, I have written formally to both the Chief Constable and the Director of Public Prosecutions to seek urgent clarification on why such differing approaches appear to have been taken. The public deserves transparency and reassurance that the law is applied consistently, without fear or favour.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: DPO will help overcome the shortage of personnel

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Photo: Dmitry Orlov / Fornd Roscongress

    One of the key topics of the business program of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is taking place from June 18 to 21, was the development of education and personnel training. At the session “Personnel shortage and strategies for overcoming it”, held within the framework of the forum of small and medium entrepreneurship, Senior Director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Andrey Lavrov spoke about the role of additional professional education in solving the personnel problem.

    Opening the discussion, session moderator Sergei Nuzhdin, member of the presidium of the board of the All-Russian public organization of small and medium-sized businesses “OPORA RUSSIA”, called the shortage of personnel one of the most pressing problems of the country and the economy as a whole.

    Andrey Lavrov noted that this problem needs to be solved here and now, so it would be wrong to talk about long-term strategies, including changes in approaches to university education, in this context. “A university is not a supplier of personnel to the labor market, but an environment that creates people who are able to respond to changes at different periods of their lives and careers,” he noted.

    According to the senior director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, additional professional education helps to respond correctly to these changes. At HSE, the portfolio of additional professional education programs is formed taking into account the demands of consumers, which can be divided into two halves. The first half are employers who contact the university with a request to train their employees, the second are people who want to independently develop their qualifications.

    “We focus primarily on such people. If we take the broadest possible view, their age is from 25 to 45 years old, that is, they are not yesterday’s students,” Andrey Lavrov clarified. It is clear that, for example, AI technologies, for which they have demand today, were impossible to master earlier, within the framework of higher education, because such technologies did not exist at all.

    “We slightly underestimate the system of additional education. I am deeply convinced that a person’s educational trajectory, starting in early childhood, should in no case end with receiving a diploma of higher education. In order for each person to be competitive, so that the problem of personnel shortage does not arise, it is necessary to form a culture of continuous education of people,” says Andrei Lavrov.

    “The challenge and responsibility of universities is to create continuing education programs that, on the one hand, people need, and on the other hand, make them more competitive,” concluded the senior director of the HSE.

    Other approaches to solving the personnel problem were also considered at the session.

    Vladislav Grib, Deputy Secretary of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, proposed creating Russian colleges and universities in friendly countries and giving their graduates priority when finding employment in our country.

    Sergei Morozov, State Duma deputy and federal coordinator of the “Choose Your Own” project, spoke about the national project “Personnel”, comparing the conditions for its implementation with the era of the first five-year plans.

    Alexander Vaino, Director of the Young Professionals Department at the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, focused on developing the interest of young people in working at strategically important enterprises, primarily industrial ones, in their regions.

    Elena Didenko, Vice-Rector for Continuing Professional Education at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, proposed reconfiguring employment services to make them more client-centric.

    Natalia Vershinina-Adelman, Director, Private Employment Agency Regional Labor Exchange LLC, spoke about infrastructure solutions for attracting qualified personnel from BRICS countries.

    At the end of the session, the participants were presented with the project “Why are you needed at home”, within the framework of which the professional socialization of young people is carried out.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to Zimbabwe

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 18, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussions and decision.

    Harare, Zimbabwe: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Mr. Wojciech Maliszewski visited Harare from June 4 to June 18, 2025, to conduct the 2025 Article IV Consultation.

    At the conclusion of the IMF mission, Mr. Maliszewski issued the following statement:

    “Zimbabwe is experiencing a degree of macroeconomic stability despite lingering policy challenges. Following successive bouts of hyperinflation over the past few years, more disciplined policies—including halting and transferring to the Treasury the quasi-fiscal operations (QFOs) of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and tighter monetary policy despite fiscal pressures—have helped stabilize the local currency (the ‘ZiG’) and reduce inflation. Growth this year is recovering following a sharp slowdown in 2024, which was affected by a drought that lowered agricultural output by 15 percent. Electricity production also fell, and declining prices for platinum and lithium weighed on the mining output. During the first half of 2025, better climate conditions and historically high gold prices have boosted agricultural and mining activity, strengthening the current account and contributing to the recovery, with growth projected at 6 percent in 2025.

    “Buoyed by the growth recovery and policy measures—a reduction in VAT tax reliefs, increased fees and levies, taxation of the COVID public servant allowance, and steps to reduce smuggling—revenue ratio increased sharply to 18 percent of GDP. That said, fiscal pressures intensified in 2024 and in the first months of 2025 as higher revenues proved insufficient to meet growing spending needs. These came notably from higher public sector wages, capital outlays related to a SADC summit, debt servicing costs on past QFOs by the RBZ taken over by the Treasury, and servicing liabilities related to the acquisition of assets for the Mutapa Investment Fund. The fiscal deficit was financed by T-bills issuance and direct borrowing from the RBZ’s overdraft facility to service debt, contributing to the expansion of domestic liquidity and an overnight drop in the value of the ZiG in September 2024, and a significant buildup of expenditure arrears that continued into 2025.

    “Following the overnight drop in the value of the ZiG, inflation spiked in October 2024 then declined significantly as both the willing-buyer willing-seller (WBWS) and parallel market rates have since stabilized, helping to bring month-on-month inflation down to an average of 0.5 percent over the period February to May 2025. At the same time, the gap between the WBWS and parallel market rates has narrowed significantly, but remains at around 20 percent. In this context, the mission welcomed the repeal of Statutory Instrument 81A of 2024—which had mandated the formal sector to use the WBWS rate in the pricing of goods and services, contributing to an increase in dollarization and informality.

    “To support the authorities’ stabilization efforts, key Article IV recommendations include: in the near term, fiscal policy actions to center on closing the financing gap without recourse to monetary financing and further domestic arrears buildup, while safeguarding social spending, and delivering a durable fiscal adjustment in the longer term; monetary and FX policy to focus on supporting a transition to stable national currency, with an effective monetary policy framework and market-determined exchange rate policy; and, to boost growth, structural and economic governance reforms. In this context, policy priorities include:

    • Fiscal. Closing a substantial fiscal financing gap for 2025 in a way consistent with available sustainable and non-inflationary financing. This would require rationalizing spending and increasing the effectiveness of the authorities’ strategy to run a cash budget through better planning and stronger political commitment to control spending. This would also require strengthening the public spending commitment control system to avoid further arrears accumulation; and a close monitoring of domestic arrears (including through an audit of remaining arrears). The 2026 Budget will be critical to establish a policy track record, and measures will be needed to close the fiscal gap in 2026. Over the medium term, fiscal adjustment should be accompanied by fiscal-structural policies to strengthen public financial management (PFM), expenditure controls, and budget credibility.
    • Monetary and FX. The mission recommends improving the functioning of the WBWS market through a more transparent price-setting mechanism and by gradually replacing surrender requirements with a requirement to convert export proceeds directly into the market through Authorized Dealers, while focusing the RBZ’s FX interventions to managing excessive volatility in the exchange rate. Monetary policy can be enhanced by the introduction of an effective deposit facility at the RBZ, followed by fully introducing indirect market instruments and phasing out direct instruments. In the longer-term, a comprehensive package of macroeconomic, financial, and structural policies should be pursued to allow for a gradual relaxation of other Capital Flow Management Measures (CFMs) and elimination of undesirable exchange restrictions noted by the Article VIII mission.
    • Mutapa Investment Fund and State-owned enterprises (SOEs). To mitigate fiscal risks, the mission recommends strengthening the governance framework for the Mutapa Investment Fund—including strengthening its reporting, audit, disclosure, and oversight requirements in line with international best practices—and the overall public sector transparency and reporting.

    “The authorities have also announced their plan to transition to a mono-currency system by 2030. The mission emphasized the need to continue strengthening the monetary and FX market framework in line with IMF staff recommendations. This should be complemented by measures to enhance the demand for ZiG in the domestic economy—most notably, increasing the share of Treasury’s operations (revenues and expenditures) in ZiG. To reduce any uncertainty weighing on financial intermediation, the authorities should provide more clarity on the operational implications of the transition plan, including clarifying that the use of a mono-currency will be limited to domestic transactions, allowing for bank deposits to remain denominated in both currencies.

    “In the context of the requested SMP, IMF staff stands ready to resume discussions in due course once decisive steps have been taken by authorities to address the key policy issues highlighted by the mission.

    “International reengagement remains critical for debt resolution and arrears clearance, which would open the door for access to external financing. In this context, the authorities’ reengagement efforts, through the Structured Dialogue Platform, are key for attaining debt sustainability and gaining access to concessional external financing.

    “The IMF maintains an active engagement with Zimbabwe and continues to provide policy advice and extensive technical assistance in the areas of revenue mobilization, expenditure control, financial supervision, debt management, economic governance, as well as macroeconomic statistics. However, the IMF is currently precluded from providing financial support to Zimbabwe due to its unsustainable debt situation—based on the IMF’s Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA)—and official external arrears. An IMF financial arrangement would require a clear path to comprehensive restructuring of Zimbabwe’s external debt, including the clearance of arrears and a reform plan that is consistent with durably restoring macroeconomic stability; enhancing inclusive growth; lowering poverty; and strengthening economic governance.

    “IMF staff held meetings with His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa; Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Honorable Professor Mthuli Ncube, his Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Honorable David Mnangagwa and his Permanent Secretary Mr. George Guvamatanga; Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu; Mr. Willard Manungo, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet; other senior government and RBZ officials; honorable members of Parliament; and representatives of the private sector, civil society, and Zimbabwe’s development partners.

    “The IMF staff would like to thank the Zimbabwean authorities and other stakeholders for constructive discussions and support during the 2025 Article IV consultation process.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Wafa Amr

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/18/pr-25203-zimbabwe-imf-completes-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Living Together, a documentary by Halima Elkhatabi, coming to NFB platforms July 1

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 18, 2025 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

    The feature-length documentary Living Together, directed by Halima Elkhatabi, launches on NFB streaming platforms on Tuesday, July 1. It’s an engaging portrait of Gen Y and Gen Z set against the backdrop of the housing crisis. The film had its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and has since been an official selection at Canadian festivals—including Vancouver, Victoria and the Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma—as well as at festivals in Europe and Morocco. It also had a theatrical release in Quebec in fall 2024.

    About the film

    Living Together by Halima Elkhatabi (2024, NFB, 75 min)
    Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/living-together

    • In a series of inquisitive encounters and captivating conversations, young people looking for a roommate explore the prospect of forging genuine connections. Placing her camera in 15 Montreal apartments advertising a “room for rent,” director Halima Elkhatabi paints a complex and engaging picture of a generation accustomed to playing all their identity cards to find their place in the world.
    • Everyone reveals themselves with candour and vulnerability, hoping for that rare discovery: someone to share their space with who also shares their values. The debut feature-length documentary by a filmmaker with a compassionate and generous eye, Living Togethermaps a mosaic of cultures and ideas, with explorations of community, individualism and the right to housing in constant interplay.

    About the filmmaker

    Born in France, Halima Elkhatabi is a Montreal writer and director of Moroccan descent. A graduate of the Institut national de l’image et du son (INIS), Elkhatabi works in documentary and fiction film as well as audio documentary production. She co-directed the NFB collaborative doc St-Henri, the 26th of August, directed the short fiction films Nina (TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten 2015) and Fantas (TIFF 2024), and authored the podcasts La route du bled, Chloé et Abdi, Songe d’une nuit d’hiver and La route de l’Eldorado.

    – 30 –

    Stay Connected

    Online Screening Room: nfb.ca
    NFB Facebook | NFB X | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo
    Curator’s perspective | Director’s notes

    About the NFB

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson to ICE Officers: We’ve Got Your Back

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — This morning, after meeting with brave and patriotic Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Chicago, Speaker Johnson joined Bill Hemmer on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom to discuss how House Republicans are delivering much needed relief and reinforcements to ICE through the One Big Beautiful Bill. 

    Watch the full interview here

    On Speaker Johnson’s visit to ICE offices in Chicago:

    We came here to make sure that these brave men and women that serve in ICE, who are protecting our communities and upholding federal law, I want to make sure that they know that Republicans have their back. The President, Kristi Noem at Homeland Security, all the leadership, Tom Homan, we are all in this together. And we want them to know that even though assaults on ICE officers have risen by 413% just in this recent period. Democrats are leading that. Republicans are on the opposite side. We are for the rule of law and for law enforcement, and we are doing everything we can to support them.

    On the One Big Beautiful Bill’s impact on immigration and deportations:

    I can tell you that every Republican in Congress, in the House and Senate, are completely supportive of this idea that we’ve got to give more resources. This was the number one issue in the election in 2024 in the fall. Largely, President Trump was elected, got the record number, 77 million popular votes, because people believed in his ability and his determination to solve this problem, this illegal immigration crisis that we’ve had. And so they need the resources now to do it.

    Tom Homan said, as recently as yesterday, he was in the media saying that yesterday, 95 people were detained who came across the border. That’s the lowest number crossing the border in history ever recorded. And every single one of them are being held and will be sent home. But you need the resources to continue that. Tom Homan said, we have to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill so that they have all those funds that you just listed. Included in that, by the way, is $10,000 bonus for the people on the front lines here. They need it.

    On ICE needing additional resources from Congress:

    They’ve got a very difficult job here in this deep blue territory with a mayor who is on the wrong side of the law. They’re doing everything they can, it’s a patriotic duty. They’re understaffed; they’re overwhelmed with the workload. They’re trying to go after the dangerous, criminal, illegal aliens that are in the country harming American citizens. The mayor of Chicago thinks that is an ill-conceived mission. What is he talking about? It’s madness. They have to do the job and they need to do it better. 

    We’re working on the, the One Big Beautiful Bill to allow them the resources that are desperately needed. I mean, they are doing the job. The border is secured. We are locked down. We’re not allowing illegals into the country anymore. But the enforcement and removal of the dangerous people who got here, is an essential task for our ICE agents and officers to take care of. They need more personnel. They need more facilities. We’re here to see it.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rep. Gomez Hosts Tele Town Hall with Over 4,500 Constituents to Discuss Trump’s Lawless Attacks on Hardworking Immigrants and Working Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    ICYMI: Rep. Gomez Hosts Tele Town Hall with Over 4,500 Constituents to Discuss Trump’s Lawless Attacks on Hardworking Immigrants and Working Families

    LOS ANGELES, CA, June 18, 2025

    LOS ANGELES, CA – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) hosted a Tele Town hall with 4,535 constituents to discuss how he’s fighting back against the Trump administration’s lawless attacks on immigrant families, the illegal deployment of federal troops in LA, and the Republicans’ Big Billionaire Bill that slashes Medicaid and threatens Social Security to fund more tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.

    “Thank you to the 4,533 Angelenos who joined my Tele Town Hall tonight—it’s always good hearing from you,” said Rep. Gomez. “From lawless ICE raids to protecting Medicaid and Social Security, we discussed how we’re fighting back and standing up for our working families. We might not agree on everything, but one thing’s clear: we must stop Trump and the billionaire establishment taking root in DC.”

    Over the course of the Tele Town Hall, Rep. Gomez outlined his efforts to:

    Constituents who didn’t get a chance to join the town hall can still reach out for assistance or updates. Please contact Rep. Gomez’s office at (213) 481-1425 or visit www.gomez.house.gov for help with a federal agency—including Social Security, veterans’ benefits, immigration services, or Medicare.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: D.D.C. Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud Forfeiture Announcement

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Thank you, United States Attorney Pirro. My name is Matthew Galeotti, and I am the Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, which is over the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).

    Today’s civil forfeiture complaint against over $225 million worth of cryptocurrency is the Department’s latest action in our ongoing fight against cryptocurrency fraud schemes, which the FBI estimates caused more than $9.3 billion in reported losses in 2024 alone. And $5.8 billion of those reported losses can be attributed to cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, specifically.

    The criminal scheme alleged in the complaint laundered millions of dollars in cryptocurrency taken by fraud and deceit from over four hundred suspected victims who were misled to believe that they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments. These scammers tried to conceal their actions, executing thousands of transactions across an extensive network of wallets and accounts to launder their ill-gotten gains.

    This is not the first action we’ve taken to hold cryptocurrency scammers to account—and it will not be the last. These schemes harm American victims and undermine investor confidence in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

    Just last week, the Department announced the guilty pleas of five men who laundered over $36 million from victims of a cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme that operated out of Cambodia. These defendants face maximum penalties of between five and 20 years in prison.

    And last month, a federal District Court here in D.C. ordered the forfeiture of approximately $2.5 million worth of cryptocurrency associated with one of these schemes. And we also announced the seizure of an additional $868,247 worth of cryptocurrency from scammers.

    You’ve just heard from United States Attorney Pirro about why today’s announcement matters, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these schemes. But it bears emphasizing the points she made here today.

    The impact of these schemes on their victims can be devastating—both financially and personally—and this impact is compounded many times over by the sheer scale of these schemes.

    The FBI estimates that cryptocurrency investment fraud led to roughly $9.3 billion in losses in 2024 alone. Individuals over the age of 60 were the most affected, with roughly $2.8 billion in losses.

    To put it plainly, these are con artists. Protect yourselves by educating yourselves. Before considering any investment involving cryptocurrency, read the FBI’s web page about Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud and check if you see any of the “red flags” identified there. For example, if an unknown individual contacts you, do not release any financial or personal identifying information (PII) and do not send any money; verify the validity of any investment opportunity from strangers or long-lost contacts on social media websites; and if an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

    There are additional red flags on the FBI’s page and I encourage the public to review them carefully. 

    Today, I’m here to underscore the Department’s commitment to protecting the American public from these transnational criminal organizations—and to securing justice for victims. You are not alone. Our skilled investigators and prosecutors are working relentlessly to identify and hold to account those who seek to profit from harming our citizens. We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that these crimes do not pay and to bring these perpetrators to justice. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Head of the Criminal Division, Matthew R. Galeotti, Delivers Remarks in Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud Forfeiture Announcement

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Thank you, United States Attorney Pirro. My name is Matthew Galeotti, and I am the Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, which is over the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).

    Today’s civil forfeiture complaint against over $225 million worth of cryptocurrency is the Department’s latest action in our ongoing fight against cryptocurrency fraud schemes, which the FBI estimates caused more than $9.3 billion in reported losses in 2024 alone. And $5.8 billion of those reported losses can be attributed to cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, specifically.

    The criminal scheme alleged in the complaint laundered millions of dollars in cryptocurrency taken by fraud and deceit from over four hundred suspected victims who were misled to believe that they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments. These scammers tried to conceal their actions, executing thousands of transactions across an extensive network of wallets and accounts to launder their ill-gotten gains.

    This is not the first action we’ve taken to hold cryptocurrency scammers to account—and it will not be the last. These schemes harm American victims and undermine investor confidence in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

    Just last week, the Department announced the guilty pleas of five men who laundered over $36 million from victims of a cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme that operated out of Cambodia. These defendants face maximum penalties of between five and 20 years in prison.

    And last month, a federal District Court here in D.C. ordered the forfeiture of approximately $2.5 million worth of cryptocurrency associated with one of these schemes. And we also announced the seizure of an additional $868,247 worth of cryptocurrency from scammers.

    You’ve just heard from United States Attorney Pirro about why today’s announcement matters, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these schemes. But it bears emphasizing the points she made here today.

    The impact of these schemes on their victims can be devastating—both financially and personally—and this impact is compounded many times over by the sheer scale of these schemes.

    The FBI estimates that cryptocurrency investment fraud led to roughly $9.3 billion in losses in 2024 alone. Individuals over the age of 60 were the most affected, with roughly $2.8 billion in losses.

    To put it plainly, these are con artists. Protect yourselves by educating yourselves. Before considering any investment involving cryptocurrency, read the FBI’s web page about Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud and check if you see any of the “red flags” identified there. For example, if an unknown individual contacts you, do not release any financial or personal identifying information (PII) and do not send any money; verify the validity of any investment opportunity from strangers or long-lost contacts on social media websites; and if an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

    There are additional red flags on the FBI’s page and I encourage the public to review them carefully. 

    Today, I’m here to underscore the Department’s commitment to protecting the American public from these transnational criminal organizations—and to securing justice for victims. You are not alone. Our skilled investigators and prosecutors are working relentlessly to identify and hold to account those who seek to profit from harming our citizens. We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that these crimes do not pay and to bring these perpetrators to justice. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Sorensen Meets with NOAA Hurricane Hunters in Show of Support During Severe Weather Season

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) met with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters to show his support for their critical and lifesaving work during severe weather season. These brave men and women collect weather data on hurricanes that have the potential to hit the United States by flying missions directly into the eye of hurricanes.

    “NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters are an indispensable part of the agency’s forecasting operation, allowing us to track hurricanes heading toward the United States with accuracy and precision,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “The data we get back from the men and women flying these dangerous missions into the eye of hurricanes help us issue evacuations and warnings well in advance of severe weather. With storm systems getting both more frequent and severe, it is essential that we fully fund and staff all aspects of NOAA and the National Weather Service’s forecasting missions.”

    Congressman Sorensen has been a fierce advocate for protecting and strengthening NOAA and the National Weather Service (NWS) from cuts. Starting last year, he has been warning about the impact of Project 2025’s plans to dismantle and privatize NOAA and the NWS. As the Department of Government Efficiency began making cuts to the agencies, Congressman Sorensen has been speaking out, introducing legislation, and calling on the Administration to bring a stop to the disastrous cuts.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Sorensen Meets with NOAA Hurricane Hunters in Show of Support During Severe Weather Season

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) met with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters to show his support for their critical and lifesaving work during severe weather season. These brave men and women collect weather data on hurricanes that have the potential to hit the United States by flying missions directly into the eye of hurricanes.

    “NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters are an indispensable part of the agency’s forecasting operation, allowing us to track hurricanes heading toward the United States with accuracy and precision,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “The data we get back from the men and women flying these dangerous missions into the eye of hurricanes help us issue evacuations and warnings well in advance of severe weather. With storm systems getting both more frequent and severe, it is essential that we fully fund and staff all aspects of NOAA and the National Weather Service’s forecasting missions.”

    Congressman Sorensen has been a fierce advocate for protecting and strengthening NOAA and the National Weather Service (NWS) from cuts. Starting last year, he has been warning about the impact of Project 2025’s plans to dismantle and privatize NOAA and the NWS. As the Department of Government Efficiency began making cuts to the agencies, Congressman Sorensen has been speaking out, introducing legislation, and calling on the Administration to bring a stop to the disastrous cuts.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Merck Foundation’s 7th Edition of First Ladies Initiative Summit Brings Together 14 African and Asian First Ladies to discuss the impact of their programs

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    • Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo

    Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19th and 20th June in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

    Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative” emphasized, “It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and Ambassadors of our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign to the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit.

    Through this important platform, we have collectively exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.”

    Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “At Merck Foundation, our goal is improving overall health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and by providing access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in the Africa, Asia and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank our Ambassadors and partners. Together, with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will continue to work towards our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”

    The First Ladies of 14 countries, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. They are:

    • H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola
    • H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde
    • H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic
    • H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic
    • H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia
    • H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana
    • H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya
    • H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
    • H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives
    • H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
    • H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
    • H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
    • H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal
    • H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe

    Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and Partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries.”

    “During our Conference, we also marked together the World Infertility Awareness Month, observed in June, through our signature campaign “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, which aims to empower infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, and change of mindset. I am happy to share that out of the total 2280 scholarships, more than 700 scholarships have been provided for training in Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine, to improve access to fertility care and women’s health”, she further added. 

    During the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation’s development programs that started in 2012.

    On the first day, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe.

    The Day 2 of the conference will have three key parallel session will be held- Two medical and scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics, and a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls’ Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.

    The conference is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling over 6,000 audiences from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health and social challenges in their countries safely and effectively.

    Countries participating in the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative:

    Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.

    The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

    @ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf).

    @ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3ZBhIi7), X (https://apo-opa.co/3FT5D13), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3HNpOOr), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3ZF3Xiq).

    Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo

    Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

    • 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.  

    Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

    • 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues

    • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs

    • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa

    • 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages – English, French, and Portuguese

    • 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.

    • Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community

    • 950+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies

    • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers.

    – on behalf of Merck Foundation.

    Contact:
    Mehak Handa
    Community Awareness Program Manager
    +91 9310087613
    +91 9319606669
    mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

    Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4edCwCi
    X: https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w
    Threads: https://apo-opa.co/460CnzW
    Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/460Conu
    Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
    Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/460ClIk

    About Merck Foundation:
    The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/460CnzW) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/460Conu).

    The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Scott, Graham Resolution Commemorating Mother Emanuel AME Church Attack Victims Unanimously Passes The Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — Today, a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) commemorating the nine people brutally murdered in an attack at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina ten years ago unanimously passed the U.S. Senate. 

    In addition to Senators Scott and Graham, this bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)

    “As we continue to wrestle with the grief and pain of loss from that tragic night, we must not succumb to hate,” said Senator Scott. “Instead, let us celebrate their stories and be empowered by their legacies to join together in a spirit of unity.”

    “The senseless violence that occurred ten years ago was motivated by sheer hate and bigotry, but the people of South Carolina came together in a way that I haven’t seen in a long time. Out of this terrible tragedy, we are stronger than we were before, and Mother Emanuel is still standing today,” said Senator Graham. “I greatly appreciate Senator Scott’s leadership and I am honored to join with him to commemorate the lives lost and continue to lift up their loved ones.”

    In addition to the resolution, Senator Scott took to the Senate floor to share his thoughts on the anniversary of the attack.

    [embedded content]

    Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Scott’s remarks. 

    For full text of the resolution, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Wyden, Risch, Merkley Celebrate Senate Passage of Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of their legislation, S. 356, to reauthorize the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through Fiscal Year 2026.

    “In many rural counties in Idaho, the loss of resource revenue sharing from vast tracts of federally owned land inhibit counties’ ability to support local schools or even fund basic emergency services–including search and rescue,” said Crapo.  “The Senate’s unanimous passage of legislation to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program is a critical first step in meeting the federal government’s responsibility to rural communities containing tax-exempt public lands.  Without SRS, many counties in Idaho and across the country will fall short of the financial means to provide for these integral community functions for local residents and visitors alike.  I urge the U.S. House of Representatives to move expeditiously on this legislation.”

    “This is a significant, encouraging and urgently needed step for Oregonians living and working in counties that have depended for decades on these federal investments for local schools, roads, law enforcement and more,” said Wyden, who co-authored the initial bipartisan SRS legislation in 2000.  “I’m glad the Senate has once again done the right thing by passing this bill in a timely fashion, and I strongly urge the House to act ASAP to reconnect this proven lifeline for rural communities in Oregon and nationwide.”

    “Idaho counties rely on SRS funding for schools, road maintenance, and other essential services. Until we can bring historic timber revenue back to these areas, this program must be reauthorized,” said Risch. “The federal government made a promise to rural communities, and I’m proud to see the Senate follow through.”

    “Our bipartisan bill provides reliable funding that is crucial to keeping schools and libraries open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds, and ensuring there are police officers and firefighters to keep rural?communities safe,” said Merkley.  “Congress must swiftly pass this bill to extend the SRS program so Oregon communities can maintain access to these important lifelines and resources.” 

    The Senate’s additional co-sponsors of the measure include Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), John Curtis (R-Utah), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) and Adam Schiff (D-California).

    Crapo, Wyden, Risch and Merkley introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress, and the Senate unanimously passed it in November 2024.  It did not receive a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives before the end of the Congress.  The program needs to be reauthorized as soon as possible to avoid a gap in funding for rural counties that rely on the program for much-needed services.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 500 days to Dakar 2026: a bold celebration of youth, sport and African identity

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Today marks 500 days to go until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 – the first Olympic event to take place on African soil. To mark the milestone, the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) is rolling out a series of cultural and community-led initiatives across Senegal, blending sport, art and youth engagement in a uniquely local celebration of global spirit.

    A love letter to Africa: Dakar 2026 official video launched

    At the heart of the 500-days-to-go celebration is the release of the official Dakar 2026 promotional video – a powerful piece of storytelling and poetic imagery that sets the tone for what lies ahead. The video is a tribute to the power of sport, the strength of youth and the diversity of Africa.

    Narrated with emotional depth and featuring a special appearance by Senegalese Olympic silver medallist Amadou Dia Ba (400m hurdles, Seoul 1988), the film also showcases young athletes from across Senegal and teases the 35 sports featured on the YOG programme. It offers a vibrant look at the host sites – Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly – and reflects the values that will define these historic Games.

    Street art connects Games to communities

    To bring the Olympic spirit into public spaces, a national graffiti campaign will see 10 young artists create murals in Dakar, Diamniadio, Saly, Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis. Each artwork will weave the Dakar 2026 logo and motto – “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates” – into vivid expressions of local identity and pride. This initiative will bring the Games into the streets and aims to connect directly with Senegalese youth.

    Olympic Day to shine a spotlight on youth and sport

    Looking ahead, the Dakar 2026 celebrations will continue on Olympic Day, 23 June, with a half-day event bringing together more than 1,000 schoolchildren in Dakar. The programme will feature sports demonstrations across 12 disciplines, a group fitness session and interactive educational spaces celebrating the Olympic values.

    The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place over two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world’s best young athletes up to the age of 17. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly).

    – on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China criticizes EU Commission chief’s industrial policy remarks, calls for rejection of double standards

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent remarks on China’s industrial subsidy policies, calling her words factually inaccurate and filled with bias and double standards.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the statement at a regular briefing in response to a journalist’s question about U. von der Leyen’s remarks at the G7 summit on June 16.

    China’s industrial subsidy policy adheres to the principles of openness, fairness and compliance with established norms, and strictly abides by the rules of the World Trade Organization, Guo Jiakun emphasized. According to him, China’s industrial development relies on the advantages of consistent technological innovation, a complete supply chain system, full-fledged market competition and abundant labor resources, which are due to the country’s actual capabilities rather than subsidies.

    As the diplomat emphasized, China’s new energy production capacity makes a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change and the energy transition. The so-called “overcapacity” problem, he noted, is essentially a projection of individual countries’ concerns about their own competitiveness and market share, which they intend to use as a pretext to justify protectionist measures.

    The official representative pointed out that in recent years the European Union has been continuously implementing industrial policy measures, providing a significant amount of subsidies to support European enterprises, and even openly offering to give preference to purchasing products from European manufacturers.

    The EU plans to provide more than €1.44 trillion in various subsidies from 2021 to 2030, with more than €300 billion already provided by 2024, Guo Jiakun said, citing incomplete statistics.

    According to him, at a time when the EU is striving to stimulate economic growth and increase competitiveness, it needs to abandon double standards and move towards greater openness in cooperation.

    In the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, cooperation between China and the EU has yielded fruitful results and brought tangible benefits to both sides, the official said, assuring that China, while continuing to firmly adhere to high-level opening up, will continue to provide European companies with its vast market and development opportunities.

    China hopes to strengthen communication and coordination with the European side and properly handle trade differences to achieve win-win results and common development, Guo Jiakun said. At the same time, he added, China firmly opposes any attempt to undermine its right to development or sacrifice Chinese interests for its own gains. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israeli Defense Minister Says Iran’s ‘Internal Security Headquarters’ Destroyed

    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

    JERUSALEM, June 18 (Xinhua) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that fighter jets from the Jewish state’s air force destroyed “the headquarters of Iran’s internal security forces.”

    He added that Israel would continue to strike “symbols of Iranian rule,” without giving details of the operation or its targets.

    I. Katz’s comments came shortly after the Israeli military announced that its planes had begun a new series of airstrikes on “military targets of the Iranian regime” in Tehran.

    Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from several locations in east and southeast Tehran after the explosions.

    Iran’s Fars news agency reported that Israel also attacked Payam International Airport, a key Iranian aviation hub near Tehran, on Wednesday, adding that firefighters and rescue teams were working at the site of the blast northwest of the Iranian capital.

    According to official figures, the military action that began on June 13 with surprise Israeli airstrikes on Iran has so far killed about 600 people in Iran and 24 in Israel. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Iceland

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 18, 2025

    • Growth decelerated in 2024 but is expected to rise to 1.6 percent in 2025 and 2.2 percent in 2026, while inflation is projected to decline to the Central Bank of Iceland’s 2.5 percent target in the second half of 2026. The direct impact of escalating global trade tensions is projected to be limited.
    • The authorities’ plans to turn the fiscal deficit in 2024 into a surplus by 2028 are appropriate given the need to rebuild buffers; details on the planned fiscal measures to achieve these targets have enhanced the credibility of the consolidation. Monetary policy is suitably tight given still elevated inflation, but the monetary stance should be reduced as inflation declines. Efforts to raise foreign exchange reserve coverage are welcome.
    • Investments in physical and human capital, alongside continued efforts to promote innovation and reduce skills mismatches are needed to support medium-term growth. Taxation can play a supportive role in reducing housing market imbalances.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV Consultation for Iceland.[1] The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]

    The economy decelerated in 2024 to 0.5 percent due largely to weak exports from a disappointing fishing season and constraints on energy supply that curtailed aluminum production. Growth is expected to rebound to 1.6 percent in 2025 and 2.2 percent in 2026, driven by a recovery in exports, higher real wages, and continued monetary easing that more than offsets the impact of a moderately contractionary fiscal impulse. The impact of escalating global trade tensions is projected to be limited given that most goods exports are destined for Europe. Inflation is expected to gradually decline to the Central Bank of Iceland’s 2.5 percent target in the second half of 2026. Medium-term prospects are favorable, with continued diversification of the economy toward higher value-added export-oriented sectors anticipated to bolster productivity growth and inflows of foreign labor expected to support a modest increase in employment growth.

    Risks to growth are tilted to the downside while risks to inflation are broadly balanced. In particular, the impact of rising global trade tensions could be larger than anticipated if tariffs are extended to currently exempted items (e.g., pharmaceuticals) or if a reduction in travel to and from the US negatively affects tourism. Inflation could increase if trade tensions trigger supply disruptions or capital outflows, if a premature loosening of monetary policy further de-anchors inflation expectations, or as result of second-round effects from higher wage growth. Conversely, capital inflows could result in an appreciation of the exchange rate that would weaken competitiveness and put downward pressure on inflation.

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed the prudent macroeconomic policies, which have helped to reduce imbalances. While noting that medium‑term growth prospects are favorable, Directors observed that risks are tilted to the downside, notably from rising trade tensions. They emphasized the need to ensure macroeconomic stability and gradually rebuild fiscal buffers, while supporting stronger growth and reducing vulnerability to shocks.

    Directors welcomed the ambitious fiscal targets and the improved transparency and credibility around the planned consolidation. They highlighted that increased infrastructure spending would help to close gaps in transport and energy and bolster growth prospects. Directors saw merit in implementing additional measures, if necessary, to achieve fiscal objectives. Noting the need to reduce procyclicality in fiscal policy, Directors supported the planned activation of revised fiscal rules in 2026. They also recommended measures to strengthen the Fiscal Council and increase the coverage and frequency of fiscal data. 

    Directors noted that price pressures remain elevated and agreed that tight monetary policy remained appropriate. They encouraged the Central Bank of Iceland (CBI) to gradually loosen the policy stance as inflation declines towards target and expectations become reanchored. Directors saw merit in transitioning to a more forecast‑based inflation targeting framework as uncertainty declines. Noting the importance of increasing reserves to more prudent levels, Directors welcomed the CBI’s decision to commence regular purchases of foreign exchange.  

    Directors welcomed that systemic risks in the financial sector are contained. They highlighted the need to remain vigilant to potential vulnerabilities in the housing market and the corporate sector, and to continue strengthening operational resilience. Directors saw scope to ease macroprudential policies should systemic risks recede as anticipated. While welcoming the progress on implementing FSAP recommendations, Directors urged further efforts to enhance pension fund governance, strengthen AML/CFT supervision of banks, and safeguard the independence and effectiveness of the CBI’s supervisory activities. 

    Directors emphasized the importance of reforms to bolster productivity and diversify the economy, including by improving infrastructure and supporting innovation. Important measures include reducing skill mismatches, maximizing the efficiency of R&D incentives, and promoting AI while mitigating related risks. Directors welcomed plans to increase housing supply and improve housing affordability. 

    It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Iceland will be held on the standard 12‑month cycle. 

    Table 1. Iceland: Selected Economic Indicators, 2024–30
     

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030
       

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.
     

    (Percentage change unless otherwise indicated)

    National Accounts (constant prices)

    		              

    Gross domestic product

    0.5

    1.6

    2.2

    2.4

    2.4

    2.4

    2.4

    Total domestic demand

    2.3

    1.5

    0.6

    2.2

    2.4

    2.4

    2.3

    Private consumption

    0.6

    2.2

    2.4

    2.5

    2.6

    2.6

    2.6

    Public consumption

    2.5

    1.5

    1.3

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    Gross fixed investment

    7.5

    4.1

    -3.2

    2.8

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    Net exports (contribution to growth)

    -1.8

    -0.3

    1.6

    0.3

    0.1

    0.0

    0.2

    Exports of goods and services

    -1.2

    3.3

    3.0

    3.3

    3.1

    3.0

    3.2

    Imports of goods and services

    2.7

    3.9

    -0.7

    2.7

    2.9

    2.9

    2.9

    Output gap (percent of potential output)

    1.0

    0.2

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0
                   

    Selected Indicators

    		              

    Unemployment rate (percent of labor force)

    3.4

    3.9

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    Employment

    4.1

    0.4

    0.9

    1.1

    1.1

    1.1

    1.1

    Labor productivity

    -3.3

    1.2

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    Real wages

    0.5

    1.4

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    Nominal wages

    6.4

    4.9

    4.4

    3.8

    3.8

    3.9

    3.8

    Consumer price index (average)

    5.9

    3.5

    3.0

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    Consumer price index (end period)

    4.7

    3.6

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    ISK/€ (average)

    164

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

     

     

    Money and Credit (end period)

    		              

    Credit to nonfinancial private sector

    8.1

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    5.7

    Central bank 7 day term deposit rate 1/

    8.50

    7.50

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …
     

    (Percent of GDP unless otherwise indicated)

    General Government Finances 2/

    Revenue

    42.8

    43.2

    42.4

    42.4

    42.4

    42.5

    42.6

    Expenditure

    46.3

    44.5

    43.2

    42.9

    42.8

    42.7

    42.7

    Overall balance 3/

    -3.5

    -1.3

    -0.7

    -0.5

    -0.3

    -0.2

    -0.1

    Cyclically-adjusted primary balance

    -1.5

    0.7

    0.9

    1.2

    1.4

    1.6

    1.7

    Structural primary balance 4/

    0.7

    1.1

    1.1

    1.3

    1.4

    1.6

    1.7

    Gross debt

    59.1

    47.7

    45.4

    43.6

    41.7

    39.9

    38.1
                   

    Balance of Payments

    		              

    Current account balance

    -2.5

    -2.6

    -0.5

    0.0

    0.4

    0.7

    1.0

    Gross external debt

    67.0

    65.4

    61.6

    58.5

    55.4

    52.4

    49.5

    Sources: Central Bank of Iceland; Ministry of Finance; Statistics Iceland; and IMF staff projections.

    1/ For 2025, policy rate as of May.

    2/ In April 2025, an agreement was reached on the settlement of remaining outstanding liabilities in the IL Fund (HFF).

    3/ For 2024, the deficit now includes 1.2 percent of GDP in costs related to the purchase of houses in Grindavík that in the 2024 Article IV were classified below the line due to uncertainty about the correct statistical treatment.

    4/ Cyclically-adjusted primary balance excluding one offs.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/iceland page.

    [3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Boris Balabanov

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/18/pr-25201-iceland-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Gambia: IMF Executive Board Approves Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangement and Completes the Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 18, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board approved a new 18-month arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) for The Gambia for an amount equivalent to about US$63.55 million, to help the authorities improve macroeconomic resilience and build policy buffers against climate shocks. The Executive Board also completed the third review under the existing Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, enabling immediate disbursement of about US$16.95 million.
    • Despite substantial downside risks, The Gambia’s economic outlook remains positive, with growth expected to reach 5.7 percent in 2025 and inflation returning to single digits.
    • The Gambia has made good progress in implementing their economic reform program despite fiscal policy challenges. Key priorities include increasing domestic revenue and advancing with fiscal consolidation to safeguard debt sustainability while strengthening social and spending.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved an 18-month arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) for The Gambia in the amount of SDR 46.65 million (about US$63.55 million), with disbursements to begin when the first review of the arrangement is completed. The RSF arrangement will help the authorities tackle challenges posed by climate change and reinforce the country’s long-term resilience by strengthening the legal framework and institutional environment, green public finance management, climate data and transition taxonomy, adaptation and resilience, and the energy transition.

    The Executive Board also completed the third review of The Gambia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, approved on January 12, 2024, supporting reforms to address long-standing structural impediments to inclusive growth. The completion of the review allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 12.44 million (about US$16.95 million), bringing total disbursements under this arrangement to SDR 37.31 million (about US$50.82 million).

    The Gambia’s economic outlook remains positive, with real GDP estimated to expand by 5.7 percent in 2025, supported by continuous recovery in the tourism sector and good performance in the agricultural and construction sectors. Headline inflation has gradually declined, reaching 8.1 percent by end-April 2025. The outlook is subject to significant downside risks stemming from global uncertainty.

    While the authorities remain committed to the objectives set out in the ECF arrangement and revenue collection has been strong, unbudgeted spending pressures including from the National Water and Electricity Corporation (NAWEC) continue to weigh on fiscal balances. Going forward, steadfast implementation of the policy and reform agenda will be essential to safeguard macroeconomic gains and debt sustainability.

    The Executive Board approved the authorities’ request for waivers of nonobservance of the performance criterion on the end-June 2024 floor on the domestic primary balance and the end-December 2024 ceiling on net domestic borrowing, based on corrective actions taken.

    Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Deputy Managing Director Bo Li issued the following statement:

    “The Gambia’s economic momentum remains robust, with resilient growth and gradually declining inflation. Program implementation has been mixed, showing satisfactory adherence to quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets but delays in meeting structural benchmarks. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to their reform agenda despite ongoing global geopolitical uncertainties.

    “The authorities plan to offset the carryover of 2024 spending commitments and unbudgeted transfers by restraining non-priority spending in 2025. Adhering to the fiscal consolidation and fiscal targets for 2025 is vital for reducing fiscal risks and ensuring debt sustainability. Enhancing revenue collection to build additional fiscal buffers is also critical. Improving public financial management to prevent domestic arrears and better control multi-year commitments will support fiscal discipline and accountability. Furthermore, it is essential to limit fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises and public-private partnerships.

    “The Central Bank of The Gambia’s tight and data-dependent monetary policy is appropriate and should ensure that inflation converges to the medium-term target. The foreign exchange market is functioning smoothly following the new foreign exchange policy implementation, and it is crucial to maintain an exchange rate that reflects market forces. The central bank’s commitment to cease direct financial support to public entities is a welcome measure to protect its balance sheet. Strengthening its regulatory capacity and risk-based supervision is essential to preserve the financial sector’s stability.

    “Progress with structural reforms is necessary to enhance governance and improve the business environment, thereby promoting private sector development and job creation. Implementation of recommendations from the recent governance diagnostic and prompt appointment of an anti-corruption commission are essential. 

    “Steadfast implementation of the authorities’ climate agenda under the newly approved Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement will complement the Extended Credit Facility in bolstering economic resilience and reducing balance of payment risks. The RSF is expected to foster tighter coordination among domestic stakeholders and development partners. It will be important to carefully sequence reforms under both arrangements, supported by targeted capacity development.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/18/pr-25202-gambia-imf-apprv-resil-sustain-facil-arrange-completes-the-3rd-rev-under-ecf-arrange

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Rediscover the historical buffalo hunt in Alberta | Redécouvrez la chasse historique au bison en Alberta

    [. Located on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the site invites visitors to connect with and gain a deeper understanding of one of the oldest Indigenous traditions in North America.

    The new Buffalo Hunt exhibit is a powerful addition to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, brought to life through a meaningful partnership between the Piikani Nation, the Canadian Museum of History and Alberta’s government.

    Buffalo Hunt exhibit at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump illustrates traditional hunting methods of the Blackfoot people. Source: Ministry of Arts, Culture and Status of Women | L’exposition sur la chasse du précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In illustre les méthodes de chasse traditionnelles des Premières Nations des Pieds-Noirs. Source : Ministère des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    “This new exhibit shares and preserves the history of Indigenous Peoples, inviting Albertans of all ages to connect more deeply with the land we call home. Alberta’s government remains dedicated to supporting projects that honour the Indigenous voices and traditions that continue to shape the cultural fabric of our province.”

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

    Adapted from an original diorama created for the Canadian Museum of History, the reimagined installation was carefully developed with guidance from Piikani Elders and Knowledge Keepers. This immersive exhibit explores the spiritual and cultural significance of the buffalo hunt, a tradition that sustained Plains Peoples for generations.

    “The Buffalo Hunt Diorama honours the deep knowledge, resilience and cultural strength of the Blackfoot Peoples. It reminds us that reconciliation begins with listening, learning and preserving the stories that shape this land. Alberta’s government is proud to walk this path in partnership with Indigenous communities.”

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations

    Albertans and visitors alike are encouraged to experience this impactful new exhibit firsthand and discover how this age-old practice helped shape the lifeways, beliefs and enduring legacy of the Blackfoot Peoples.

    Exhibition highlights

    The exhibit dedication reflects the Alberta government’s ongoing $51-million investment in provincial museums and historic sites, and its continued commitment to reconciliation and cultural revitalization. Through a formal agreement between Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and the Canadian Museum of History, the diorama has been gifted to the site and will remain on display for the foreseeable future.

    “Our government is proud to support Alberta’s growing Indigenous tourism industry and the development of authentic Indigenous experiences. This exhibit is a great opportunity to showcase the rich history and traditions of the Blackfoot Peoples and attract visitors from around the world.”

    Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport

    “The Canadian Museum of History is honoured to have worked in close partnership with the Piikani Nation and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump to develop exhibitions and public programs relating to Blackfoot history and culture. The Museum offers this diorama as an expression of deep gratitude, friendship, and respect.”

    Caroline Dromaguet, president and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History

    “We are proud to share the voices of Piikani Elders and Blackfoot Knowledge Keepers, and grateful to the Canadian Museum of History for its partnership and the generous donation of the diorama. Its presence here is a meaningful reflection of our relationship, and a powerful way to honour and preserve the cultural legacy of the buffalo hunt.”

    Aaron Domes, site manager, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site

    “The Blood Tribe/Kainaiwa congratulates the Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump, recipients of the gifted Buffalo Hunt Diorama display. This installation brings our stories of the buffalo hunt to the centre’s visitors on one of the most important land markers of Blackfoot Territory, the buffalo jump. We thank the Piikani Knowledge Keepers for their valuable contribution in the development of the project and to ensure our Blackfoot voice is heard.”

    Chief Traveller Plaited Hair, Kainai Nation

    Quick facts

    • There are 20 provincially operated museums, historic sites and archives.
      • Thirteen, including Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, are open year-round. Six others reopen for the summer season, while Brooks Aqueduct is accessible year-round as a self-guided outdoor site.
      • For a full list of provincial museums and historic sites, visit: alberta.ca/historic-sites-museums.
    • Budget 2025 maintains $51 million to support Alberta’s museums and heritage sites.
    • Admission rates remain unchanged to ensure accessibility for Albertans and visitors.
      • Indigenous Peoples are offered free admission to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
    • Explore Alberta’s History Annual Pass offers year-round family access to Alberta’s rich heritage.
    • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and hosts drumming and dancing performances every Wednesday in July and August.

    Related information

    • Historic sites, museums and archives
    • Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass

    Multimedia

    • Historic sites and museum photos
    • Watch the news conference

    Une nouvelle exposition au précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In honore les traditions autochtones en mettant en lumière le riche passé et le patrimoine culturel des plaines de l’Alberta.

    L’Alberta s’enorgueillit de plusieurs lieux patrimoniaux de renommée mondiale, dont le site du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO du précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In, qui met en valeur au moins 6 000 ans de culture du bison des plaines ainsi que l’ingéniosité des peuples autochtones. Ce site, situé sur le territoire traditionnel de la Confédération des Pieds-Noirs, permet aux visiteurs de découvrir et de mieux comprendre l’une des traditions autochtones les plus anciennes du continent nord-américain.

    La nouvelle exposition sur la chasse au bison s’ajoute avec éloquence à l’offre du site Head-Smashed-In. Cette exposition est le fruit d’une collaboration majeure entre la Nation Piikani, le Musée canadien de l’histoire et le gouvernement de l’Alberta.

    « Cette nouvelle exposition partage et préserve l’histoire des peuples autochtones. Elle incite les Albertaines et les Albertains, quel que soit leur âge, à découvrir plus en profondeur le territoire sur lequel ils vivent. Le gouvernement de l’Alberta est résolu à appuyer des initiatives qui mettent en valeur les voix et les traditions autochtones, dont l’influence continue de façonner notre province sur le plan culturel. »

    Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    L’installation réimaginée est une adaptation d’un diorama original du Musée canadien de l’histoire. Elle a été méticuleusement conçue en collaboration avec des aînés et des gardiens du savoir de la Nation Piikani. Cette exposition immersive explore l’importance spirituelle et culturelle de la chasse au bison, une tradition qui a permis aux peuples des plaines de subsister pendant des générations.

    « Le diorama sur la chasse au bison honore le riche savoir, la résilience et la puissance culturelle des Pieds-Noirs. Il nous rappelle que la réconciliation commence par l’écoute, l’apprentissage et la préservation des récits qui façonnent ce territoire. Le gouvernement de l’Alberta est fier d’avancer dans cette direction en partenariat avec les communautés autochtones. »

    Rajan Sawhney, ministre des Relations avec les Autochtones

    Les Albertaines, les Albertains et les visiteurs sont invités à venir découvrir cette nouvelle exposition captivante qui met en lumière une pratique ancestrale qui a influencé la manière de vivre, les croyances et l’héritage durable des Pieds-Noirs.

    Points saillants de l’exposition

    L’inauguration de cette exposition s’inscrit dans l’engagement continu du gouvernement de l’Alberta à l’égard des musées et des lieux historiques provinciaux. Cet engagement, d’une valeur de 51 millions de dollars, reflète également sa détermination constante à favoriser la réconciliation et la revitalisation culturelle. Grâce à une entente officielle entre le précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In et le Musée canadien de l’histoire, le diorama a été offert au site du patrimoine et continuera d’y être exposé dans un avenir prévisible.

    « Notre gouvernement est fier de soutenir l’industrie touristique autochtone en pleine croissance en Alberta et de favoriser la création d’expériences autochtones authentiques. Cette exposition est une excellente occasion de mettre en évidence la riche histoire et les traditions des Pieds-Noirs, ainsi que d’attirer des visiteurs du monde entier. »

    Andrew Boitchenko, ministre du Tourisme et du Sport

    « Le Musée canadien de l’histoire se réjouit d’avoir collaboré étroitement avec la Nation Piikani et le précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In pour préparer une exposition et un programme public sur l’histoire et la culture des Pieds-Noirs. Le Musée offre ce diorama en guise de témoignage de sa profonde reconnaissance, de son amitié et de son respect. »

    Caroline Dromaguet, présidente-directrice générale du Musée canadien de l’histoire

    « Nous sommes fiers de donner la parole aux aînés de la Nation Piikani et aux gardiens du savoir pieds-noirs. Nous remercions le Musée canadien de l’histoire de son partenariat et son généreux don du diorama. Sa présence ici est un gage important de notre relation et un puissant moyen de perpétuer l’héritage culturel de la chasse au bison. »

    Aaron Domes, gestionnaire, site du patrimoine mondial du précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In

    « La Nation Kainai (tribu des Bloods) félicite le site du précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In, qui s’est fait offrir le diorama de la chasse au bison. Cette installation transmet nos récits de la chasse au bison aux visiteurs du centre, situé sur l’un des sites les plus importants du territoire des Pieds-Noirs : le précipice à bisons. Nous remercions les gardiens du savoir piikani de leur précieuse contribution au projet et d’avoir ainsi veillé à ce que la voix des Pieds-Noirs soit entendue. »

    Traveller Plaited Hair, chef de la Nation Kainai

    En bref

    • L’Alberta compte 20 musées, lieux historiques et centres d’archives gérés par la province.
      • Treize d’entre eux, dont le précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In, sont ouverts toute l’année. Six autres offrent des services pendant la saison estivale, tandis que l’aqueduc de Brooks propose une visite autoguidée l’année durant.
      • La liste complète des musées et des lieux historiques de la province se trouve ici : alberta.ca/historic-sites-museums (en anglais seulement).
    • Le budget de 2025 prévoit un montant de 51 millions de dollars pour appuyer les musées et les lieux patrimoniaux de l’Alberta.
    • Les droits d’entrée demeurent inchangés afin d’assurer l’accessibilité de toute la population albertaine et les visiteurs.
      • Les Autochtones peuvent visiter le site du précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In gratuitement.
    • Le laissez-passer annuel Explore Alberta’s History permet aux familles d’accéder au riche patrimoine albertain toute l’année.
    • Le précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In célébrera la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones le 21 juin. En outre, il présentera chaque mercredi de juillet et d’août des spectacles de tambour et de danse.

    Renseignements connexes (en anglais seulement)

    • Lieux historiques, musées et archives
    • Laissez-passer annuel Experience Alberta’s History

    Multimédia (en anglais seulement)

    • Regarder la conférence de presse

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: South Texas woman charged with threatening to shoot federal agent following an investigation conducted by ICE San Antonio, local partner

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAN ANTONIO — A South Texas woman was taken into custody June 11 for threatening a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement agent in the performance of his duties. The investigation is being conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio with assistance from Goliad County Sheriff’s Office.  

    Michelle Lee Varela, 42, from San Antonio was charged by criminal complaint. It was unsealed as made she made her initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge in San Antonio. She is expected to be in Corpus Christi federal court in the near future.

    The charges allege that on June 4, Varela influenced, impeded or retaliated against a federal officer by threat and used interstate communications to transmit a threat to injure another. Specifically, Varela allegedly made threats via cell phone to an agent with ICE.

    According to court documents, authorities were conducting a lawful immigration action and had requested information from Varela regarding her husband’s status in the United States. She allegedly used profanity and said if her husband was taken into custody, she would shoot them. The charges allege law enforcement advised her to consider her remarks as she had just threatened a federal agent, but she continued in an elevated voice and a threatening tone. She eventually hung up the phone, according to the complaint.  

    If convicted, she faces up to 10 and five years in federal prison for the threat and interstate communications allegations, respectively. Both charges also carry a possible $250,000 fine, upon conviction.

    “The Southern District of Texas takes allegations of threatened violence against law enforcement very seriously,” said Nicholas J. Ganjei, U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Texas. “Immigration authorities must be able to carry out their lawful duties free from violence or threats, and those that attempt to obstruct or harm such agents will be held accountable.”

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth from the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia to Visit Türkiye

    Source: Republic of Turkey

    Press Statement Regarding the Visit of H.E. Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, to Türkiye
    H.E. Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, will pay a working visit to Türkiye on 20 June, 2025.
    Respectfully announced to the public.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Announces Arrest of Illegal Alien Child Sex Offender Who Dragged ICE Officer

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    The criminal illegal alien dragged the officer 50 yards with his car and has a history of violent offenses

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced federal law enforcement arrested Roberto Carlos Munoz, a serial criminal illegal alien, after he dragged an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer 50 yards with his car in Bloomington, Minnesota, trying to evade arrest.

    During a traffic stop, Munoz refused to exit his vehicle. He tried to flee law enforcement and put his car in drive while the ICE officer still had his arm inside the vehicle, dragging the officer approximately 50 yards. This criminal illegal alien has been arrested and is in federal custody.  

    The ICE officer was hospitalized and is expected to make a full recovery.  

    “Robert Carlos Munoz is a child sex offender and illegal alien from Guatemala who attempted to evade law enforcement and dragged an ICE officer 50 yards down the street with his car. Thankfully, the officer is expected to make a full recovery,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This illegal alien has been committing violent crimes in the U.S. for nearly 15 years. He is a convicted child sex offender who has a rap sheet that includes an arrest for domestic assault and multiple driving offenses. Under Governor Tim Walz, this sicko was living in Minnesota without consequence. Instead of comparing ICE law enforcement to the Gestapo, Governor Walz should be thanking our brave law enforcement for arresting these violent criminals.” 

    This illegal alien from Guatemala entered the U.S. at an unknown date. His lengthy criminal rap sheet in the U.S. dates back to 2010. Previously he’s been arrested for domestic assault and convicted of sex crimes against an underage teenager. Additionally, he’s been convicted for driving without a valid license, and multiple charges for driving illegally. ICE first lodged a detainer on him in 2013.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon In Possession Of Two Illegal Firearms Including An Unregistered “Ghost Gun ” Is Sentenced To Prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Phillip Leon Leggett, 30, of Kings Mountain, N.C., was sentenced yesterday to 102 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal possession of a firearm, including a “ghost gun,” announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement.

    According to court records and court proceedings, in the fall of 2023, CMPD was monitoring an area in Charlotte for criminal activity, when officers observed an individual, later identified as Leggett, who appeared to be concealing a firearm in the front pocket of his sweatshirt. CMPD officers approached Leggett who immediately fled on foot. A foot chase ensued, during which the officers observed two firearms fall from Leggett’s person. The guns came to rest along the defendant’s flight path. One officer stopped to collect the firearms while other officers continued to pursue Leggett until the defendant was apprehended and taken into custody. The recovered firearms were a black Taurus PT111 G2 9mm loaded with a magazine, and an unregistered privately made firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” fitted with a 17-round magazine and a round in the chamber. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Leggett has a criminal history, including multiple Felony Common Law Robbery convictions, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

    Leggett will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the ATF and CMPD for their investigation of the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the prosecution.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cartel firearms traffickers sent to federal prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    LAREDO, Texas – Two men have been sentenced for attempting to traffic firearms into Mexico on behalf of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Mexican national Jorge Alberto Morales-Calvo, 25, pleaded guilty Jan. 8, while Homero Arteaga Jr., 45, Mission, entered his plea Nov. 21, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now imposed a 41-month-term of imprisonment for Morales-Calvo. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence. At the hearing, the court heard Morales-Calvo and Arteaga knew the firearms were going to be smuggled across the border and delivered to CJNG. In handing down the sentence, Judge Kazen noted that selling firearms to the cartel in Mexico leads to the destabilization of that country. Arteaga previously received 57 months in prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

    The investigation revealed Arteaga and Morales-Calvo were purchasing firearms on behalf of a broker for CJNG. On Sept. 18, 2024, they planned to purchase a Barrett .50 caliber rifle for $15,000 and a FN Herstal Belgium, 5.7 x 28 caliber pistol with a large capacity magazine for $850.

    Arteaga and Morales-Calvo were given $16,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency to pay for the firearms.

    When they arrived in Zapata to complete the transaction, Morales-Calvo stayed in the vehicle while Arteaga inspected the firearms. Arteaga then retrieved the fake U.S. currency and took possession of the firearms. Law enforcement immediately arrested Arteaga. Morales-Calvo attempted to flee but authorities stopped him before making it out of the parking lot.

    “The Department of Justice is looking to hit the cartels from every angle and at every opportunity, which includes vigorously prosecuting not just the member of these terror groups, but those that enable them as well,” said Ganjei. “Those that arm or otherwise empower the cartels are going to the meet the full force of the federal criminal justice system.”

    “Trafficking firearms on behalf of violent cartels is not just illegal, it fuels deadly cycle of violence on both sides of the border,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “This case demonstrates how seriously we take these crimes and how we are using every tool and resource available to disrupt the illegal flow of weapons, dismantle cartel networks, and protect our communities.” The success of this investigation reflects the critical partnerships between all levels of law enforcement working together to stop this violence at its source.”

    Both men have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The ATF conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Who Fatally Shot SLED K9 Sentenced to Over 12 Years for Gun Charge

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    COLUMBIA, S.C. —James Robert Peterson, 38, of Prosperity, has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on June 11, 2024, Peterson was found in possession of a firearm while law enforcement attempted to arrest him on a felony state warrant. He has prior convictions that prohibit him from possessing firearms. Peterson used the gun to fatally shoot South Carolina Law Enforcement Division K9 Officer Coba during the incident.

    United States District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin sentenced Peterson to 150 months imprisonment, to be followed by a term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Peterson was sentenced to 33 years in state prison earlier this year for first-degree burglary, attempted murder, cruelty to a police dog, and resisting arrest with a deadly weapon.

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case. 

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Misogyny has become a political strategy — here’s how the pandemic helped make it happen

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Brianna I. Wiens, Assistant Professor of Digital Media and Rhetoric, University of Waterloo

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more overt forms of gendered hate have jumped from obscure internet forums into the mainstream, shaping culture and policy.

    Social media doesn’t just reflect sexist, anti-feminist views; it helps to organize, amplify and normalize them.

    Backlash against women and LGBTQ+ communities has become more overt, co-ordinated and is gaining political traction. As the United States rolls back reproductive rights and passes anti-LGBTQ+ laws, it is important to understand how digital culture fuels this regression.

    While these shifts may seem distant, Canadian politics are not immune. Similar rhetoric has emerged in debates over education, gender identity, health care and so-called “parental rights.”



    Read more:
    ‘Parental rights’ lobby puts trans and queer kids at risk

    Our ongoing research maps how the pandemic accelerated the rise of online misogyny, especially through “manosphere” influencers and far-right rhetoric.

    Drawing from more than 21,000 podcast episodes and digital artifacts, we are investigating how everyday online content works to erode women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. This rhetoric normalizes misogynistic, transphobic and homophobic views and repackages gender inequities as common sense.

    How the pandemic fuelled digital misogyny

    COVID-19 lockdowns set the stage for a surge in online radicalization. Isolated men and boys increasingly turned to social media for connection — spaces where manosphere personalities like English-American social media influencer Andrew Tate and American conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro gained momentum.

    These figures blend anti-feminist messaging with broader pandemic-era anxieties, turning gender roles into moral and political battlegrounds.

    Conservative influencers who once focused on vaccine skepticism began pivoting to anti-gender content. Steve Bannon’s podcast, for example, moved from pedalling public health disinformation to pushing narratives that feminism and LGBTQ+ rights are threats to western civilization.

    Before the internet, radicalization usually required personal contact. Now, people can self-radicalize online, engaging with algorithm-driven content and communities that reinforce extremist beliefs, often without ever interacting with a recruiter. This shift coincided with a marked rise in reported online hate speech and offline hate crimes.

    Misogyny as a mobilizing force

    Meanwhile, women’s experiences during the pandemic — over half of whom are caregivers in Canada — involved increased labour at home and in front-line jobs. This left little time or energy for the organizational work necessary to combat the rising tides of sexism and misogyny.

    Instead, public discourse began to increasingly valourize “tradwife” ideals and homemaking. This ensured traditional gender roles were brought back into the mainstream, not just as personal preferences, but as broader cultural expectations.

    Though this misogyny appears to be fringe, it echoes mainstream policies that threaten reproductive health care, restrict gender expression and paint feminism as a threat to national stability.

    Project 2025, the well-known policy platform from U.S. conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, lays out an agenda to repeal reproductive rights, undermine LGBTQ+ protections and expand state control over gender and family life.



    Read more:
    How Project 2025 became the blueprint for Donald Trump’s second term

    How misogynist narratives are normalized

    These misogynist ideas are reinforced in popular culture. In May 2024, NFL player Harrison Butker used his commencement address at Benedictine College to tell women graduates that their true calling was to become wives and mothers.

    Such rhetoric serves to re-establish patriarchal hierarchies by narrowing women’s roles to domestic life. But this isn’t about family values, it’s about power. Moves in the U.S. to restrict women’s reproductive autonomy and democratic access to vote make this abundantly clear.

    While feminists pushed back, manosphere podcast influencers rushed to Butker’s defense. American white supremacist Nick Fuentes celebrated the speech as a manifesto, while Shapiro framed it as uncontroversial truth.

    Our analysis of podcast episodes from Shapiro and Fuentes, among others, shows how misogynist and racist narratives are reinforced through repetition and emotional framing. In episodes focused on Butker’s commencement speech, there were significant concentrations of hate speech and misogyny in the episodes.

    Both Shapiro and Fuentes positioned feminism as a threat and framed motherhood as women’s true vocation. Shapiro downplayed the backlash against Butker as liberal outrage through calculatedly mainstream language that used sanitized, “family values” language.

    Fuentes promoted an extreme theocratic vision rooted in white Catholic nationalism. In Episode 1,330 of his America First podcast, he said, “I want women to be veiled. I don’t want them to be seen. I want them to be listening to their husbands.”

    These talking points consistently align with Butker’s original sentiment and reflect broader political efforts to erode gender equity, as seen in political documents like Project 2025.

    Other public figures like Texan megachurch pastor Joel Webbon went even further, advocating for the public execution of women who accuse men of sexual assault — a horrifying example that circulated in manosphere circles.

    From the fringes to the mainstream

    What’s happening online is not just cultural noise; it’s a co-ordinated effort by conservative political organizations, media outlets and right-wing influencers to shape gender norms, undermine equality and roll back decades of feminist progress.

    When misogyny becomes a political strategy, it doesn’t stay confined to podcasts or memes. It seeps into everyday vernacular, court rulings and public policy, and it’s global in scope.

    This isn’t new, either. In 2012, Australia’s then-prime minister, Julia Gillard, called out sexist language in parliament, including being labelled a “witch” and subjected to dismissive catcalls. Her speech highlighted the normalization of misogynistic vernacular in politics, but also triggered public backlash, including having anti-immigration remarks misattributed to her.

    Similarly, in the lead-up to Germany’s 2021 federal election, Greens party candidate Annalena Baerbock faced co-ordinated disinformation and smear campaigns from foreign entities aimed at undermining her credibility and questioning her “maternal suitability” in the public eye. Digitally altered nude photos, fake protest images and disinformation graphics were circulated.

    These campaigns reflect how misogyny is weaponized to influence elections, and how such campaigns can be a threat to national security.

    A 2022 #MeToo litigation analysis showed how, despite increasing awareness around sexual assault and harassment, U.S. courts often use legal language that reinforces victim-blaming by placing victims in the grammatical subject position of sentences. For example, phrases like “the victim failed to resist” or “the victim did not report the incident immediately” shift focus onto the victim’s behaviour rather than the perpetrator’s actions.

    These details continue to affect broader legal narratives and public acceptance.

    Digital platforms are battlegrounds

    Recognizing these connections is crucial. As far-right movements gain ground by repackaging ideas about gender as nostalgic “truth” or “tradition,” we need to recognize that digital platforms are not neutral, nostalgic spaces.

    Rather, they are conversational battlegrounds where power is contested and jokes, tweets and speeches carry real political weight.

    In the fight for gender equity, the internet is not just a mirror that reflects multiple realities. It’s a tool built by the tech industry that was never intended to democratize communication, labour or social roles. Right now, that tool is being weaponized to signal and reassert patriarchal control.

    Brianna I. Wiens receives research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

    Nick Ruest receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

    Shana MacDonald receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

    – ref. Misogyny has become a political strategy — here’s how the pandemic helped make it happen – https://theconversation.com/misogyny-has-become-a-political-strategy-heres-how-the-pandemic-helped-make-it-happen-256043

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How discussion becomes discord: Three avoidable steps on the path to polarization

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Emma Lei Jing, Assistant Professor, People and Organizations, Neoma Business School

    From tariffs and sovereignty to politics and conflict, there’s no shortage of controversial topics for us to grapple with. (Shutterstock)

    Many of us have become immersed in debates with family about a contentious political issue, or found ourselves on the other side of a political divide than our friends. In these contentious times, it can be all too easy for courteous debate to devolve into polarized discord.

    From tariffs and sovereignty to politics and conflict, there’s no shortage of controversial topics for us to grapple with. Canada just emerged from a divisive federal election, while in the United States, President Donald Trump signed a record 143 executive orders in his first 100 days in office, many of which touched on contentious topics.

    We recently conducted a study on the debate around harm reduction. Here in Canada, supervised consumption sites is one issue that has generated support and opposition from community members, healthcare and government agencies, police, addiction services and many others. And it has led to some becoming entrenched in polarized positions.

    Our research traced a path which led participants farther apart. Eventually, opposing camps became deeply divided and unwilling to engage with anyone holding different views, and it didn’t happen at random.

    What went wrong, and what set opposing groups on the path to discord?

    Signposts on the path to polarization

    Through an in-depth qualitative case study of addiction services in Alberta, our analysis showed that when the topic of harm reduction was first introduced, arguments were based mostly on evidence and reason.

    Harm reduction proponents pointed to the life-saving benefits of harm reduction and the inadequacies of traditional approaches, whereas opponents talked about the effectiveness of more traditional approaches.

    We saw genuine, and sometimes successful, efforts to persuade those who disagreed to change their minds.

    However, we identified a systematic progression from civil discourse to the formation of echo chambers. From that, we offer ways to steer conversations from developing into irreconcilable echo chambers.

    When emotions rise, people talk less about the pros and cons of an approach and more about what should be the right approach.
    (Shutterstock)

    Phase 1: Emotion deepens the divide

    In the case of the harm reduction debate, an opioid crisis shook Alberta. A steep increase in overdose deaths heightened urgency and intensity around the debate and ushered in more emotionally charged arguments. Before long, a moral component developed in the debate.

    When emotions rise, people talk less about the pros and cons of an approach and more about what should be the right approach.

    Disagreements escalate as the discussion veers away from logic and arguments become more morally and emotionally charged. This heightened a sense of being right, and the opposite view being wrong, provides fertile ground for polarization.

    This phase is where there is the greatest opportunity to change course. Be aware of the rising emotional energy. If the debate is getting heated, avoid framing arguments in terms of what’s right and wrong and stay focused on evidence and reason.

    Phase 2: Heightened hostility

    This is where things get personal.

    As emotional rhetoric takes hold, participants pull farther apart and animosity grows. They start characterizing people on either side of the debate as morally right or wrong.

    Just as we saw in phase one, a watershed event deepened the divide in Alberta. A newly elected provincial government took a distinctly different approach than the previous government, leaving advocates on one side feeling vindicated and their opponents shocked, dismayed and angry.

    In phase two, the issue itself takes a back seat, and participants started blaming their opponents for making matters worse. There is less dialogue about an approach being right or wrong, and more about the people involved being right or wrong.

    This is possibly the last chance to turn things around. At this point, we should be mindful about the importance of neutral and respectful language. One way to do this is by avoiding making things personal, such as blaming one another for a situation.

    Disagreements escalate as a discussion veers away from logic and arguments become more morally and emotionally charged.
    (Shutterstock)

    Phase 3: Disdain, disgust and self-isolation

    By now, logical arguments have been abandoned, replaced with intense expressions of disgust and disdain for opponents. No longer interested in persuading the other side, the focus shifts to solidifying a position as both sides withdraw from debate and only engage with like-minded people.

    In our study, this phase, like the previous phases, was brought on by a distinct event. A second provincial election ushered in an abrupt reversal in leadership and harm reduction policies. Any attempts to work together were abandoned and participants started entrenching themselves in self-constructed echo chambers.

    In this most devastating and possibly irreparable phase, we noted that the rhetoric wasn’t even about what was right or wrong anymore. It was more about expressing disgust toward one another, leaving no room for facts, evidence or even different opinions, firmly establishing two entrenched sides.

    Moral convictions and emotions play a critical role in escalating disagreements. The damage caused when civil arguments are subtly replaced with moral convictions and moral emotions can impact how we co-operate and interact with one another, even in our day-to-day conversations with families and friends.

    In the context of addiction services in Alberta, there has now been an extended period of “cooling down” where both sides are taking a wait-and-see approach. We suggest that this is creating a climate where an engaged discussion with fact-based arguments can again be possible.

    But even better would be a more proactive approach where participants of a debate recognize the warning signs and take actions early.

    Trish Reay received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council that supported this research.

    Elizabeth Goodrick, Emma Lei Jing, and Jo-Louise Huq do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How discussion becomes discord: Three avoidable steps on the path to polarization – https://theconversation.com/how-discussion-becomes-discord-three-avoidable-steps-on-the-path-to-polarization-257709

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senate Unanimously Passes Scott, Graham Resolution Commemorating Mother Emanuel AME Church Attack Victims

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) and Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) commemorating the nine people brutally murdered in the attack at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina ten years ago unanimously passed the U.S. Senate.

    “The senseless violence that occurred ten years ago was motivated by sheer hate and bigotry, but the people of South Carolina came together in a way that I haven’t seen in a long time. Out of this terrible tragedy, we are stronger than we were before, and Mother Emanuel is still standing today,” said Senator Graham. “I greatly appreciate Senator Scott’s leadership and I am honored to join with him to commemorate the lives lost and continue to lift up their loved ones.”  

    “As we continue to wrestle with the grief and pain of loss from that tragic night, we must not succumb to hate,” said Senator Scott. “Instead, let us celebrate their stories and be empowered by their legacies to join together in a spirit of unity.”

    In addition to the resolution, Senators Graham and Scott took to the Senate floor to share their thoughts on the anniversary of the attack.

    To watch Graham’s speech, click here. To watch Scott’s speech, click here.

    For full text of the resolution, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Announce $30 Million In Federal Funding For O’Hare Airport Runway Extensions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 18, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $30,000,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Authority for O’Hare International Airport. The federal funding will be used to pave Runway 9R/27L an additional 3,290 feet in length to reduce delays, accommodate more passengers, and allow for increased aircraft operations.

    “O’Hare keeps millions of Americans connected with reliable air travel. By improving and modernizing its infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability,” said Durbin. “Today’s announced federal funding for O’Hare will enhance the travel experience for passengers. I will continue working with Senator Duckworth to ensure Illinois airports have the necessary federal resources to keep passengers safe and connected.”

    “Illinois’s airports are critical economic engines for our state and the source of jobs for so many working families,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin in announcing this investment of federal funding to help expand and modernize infrastructure at O’Hare International Airport. I will continue to work alongside Senator Durbin to make traveling more efficient and reliable for all passengers while ensuring that our communities are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Spotlight Forum, Durbin Exposes Republicans’ Plan To Slash Funding For Medicaid, SNAP Benefits To Pay For Tax Cuts For Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 18, 2025

    In a spotlight forum on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Durbin slammed Republicans for proposing $800 billion in cuts to Medicaid, at least $200 billion in cuts to SNAP

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a spotlight forum entitled “The Big Beautiful Betrayal—Working Folks Pay While the Mega Rich Profit.”  The forum, which was hosted by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), focused on how the Republican tax bill funds massive tax breaks for the ultrawealthy by making the largest cuts in history to health care and food assistance programs that Americans rely on.  During the hearing, Durbin questioned witnesses about Republicans’ false argument that SNAP and food assistance programs, which offers nutrition assistance to 42 million Americans, are riddled with fraud or waste, especially given the critical, but modest, average SNAP benefit of $6 per day.

    “I asked my staff, ‘how does a person apply for SNAP, food stamps, in my home state of Illinois?’  They handed me a 19-page application.  Nineteen page application for $6 a day.  And the twentieth page is all the possible ways they can challenge what you put in the nineteen pages,” Durbin said.

    Laura Lester, who serves as the CEO of Feeding Alabama, replied, “There is no more thorough program in terms of the application process, the verification process.  It is complicated and hard to apply forand receive SNAP.”

    “In some states, you just can’t file one of these forms and then walk away from it.  You have to renew the filing on a regular basis to prove you are continuing to meet the work requirements.  Has that been your experience?” Durbin asked Ms. Lester.

    Ms. Lester explained that able-bodied adults without dependents must regularly provide updates about their work status in order to continue receiving benefits.

    “So we’re taking people who are struggling who have limited income… And we’re telling them, fill out this form and be prepared to renew it on a regular basis to avoid the possibility that somebody is trying to game the system and get $6 a day.  Is that it?” Durbin asked, underscoring the existing rigorous application process for families who need a helping hand to put food on the table.

    Ms. Lester affirmed Durbin’s point, noting that SNAP’s qualification and intake process is so thorough that it is used to screen applications for other programs.

    Durbin then focused his questioning on Republicans’ claim that their reconciliation bill is simply a continuation of the tax cuts from President Trump’s first term.

    “The Republicans are arguing we’re just continuing the tax cuts from Trump’s first term in office.  Is that true?” Durbin asked Amy Hanauer, Executive Director of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP).

    Ms. Hanauer explained that the Republicans’ reconciliation bill not only includes extensions of tax cuts that primarily support wealthy Americans, but it also creates new tax breaks for billionaires.  Ms. Hanauer pointed out that extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts is extremely costly and will increase the national deficit while depriving the federal government from its ability to fund critical social programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

    Durbin emphasized that President Trump added more to the national debt than any president in history, and if this legislation is passed, he will surpass his own record by adding $2.8 trillion to the national deficit over the next 10 years.  “And because of that, we could get into something called sequestration, which says your budget’s too far out of balance.  And as a result of that, there could be cutbacks in Medicare.  Is that a possibility?” Durbin asked Ms. Hanauer.

    “It is certainly a possibility,” Ms. Hanauer replied.

    “So the promise to never touch Medicare is broken in this bargain as well?” Durbin asked.

    Ms. Hanauer agreed.

    Video of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

    Both the Senate and House versions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act include hundreds of billions in tax cuts for the ultrawealthy paid by cutting hundreds of billions to programs, including $200 billion in cuts to SNAP in the Senate version of the bill while the House version would slash $300 billion in SNAP funding, that will result in loss of health care coverage and nutrition assistance for millions of Americans.  Under the Republican plan, people earning $40,000 a year will see an average tax decrease of $442 per year while people making more than $1 million will see their taxes go down by $79,000 per year.  The Congressional Budget Office’s latest analysis found that the lowest-income households in the U.S. would lose $1,600 a year in federal resources while the highest-income households would see a $12,000 annual boost from tax cuts paid for by slashing Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

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    MIL OSI USA News –