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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree Statement on Trump Bombing Iran Without Congressional Authorization

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Pingree Statement on Trump Bombing Iran Without Congressional Authorization

    Washington, June 21, 2025

    Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement after President Trump said U.S. forces bombed nuclear sites in Iran:

    The President’s decision to bomb Iran without the authorization of Congress is reckless, unconstitutional, and puts countless lives at risk—including U.S. troops currently stationed in the Middle East. 

    No President has the authority to launch a military attack against any country without Congressional authorization—especially when there’s no imminent threat to the American people. This is unconstitutional.

     It is imperative that Congress convene as soon as possible to address this crisis, to vote on the bipartisan War Powers Act introduced last week, and to make clear to the President that the United States must not be dragged into another war in the Middle East.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson: President Trump is Showing What “Peace Through Strength” Actually Means

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

    WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson joined Fox News’ Fox and Friends to react to the ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran and discuss the July 4 reconciliation deadline.

    Watch the full interview here.

    On the success of American strikes in Iran and their nuclear program:

    We’re under no illusion that you can just kill all their nuclear ambition overnight. But I think reality has set in over there. We have decimated the upper echelon of their military command as well as their nuclear scientists. I mean there’s not much for them to rebuild upon, but the idea that they would put out a statement like that at this fragile moment is very frustrating. It goes to show you why Iran has always been an irrational actor. They are not to be trusted, but we’ve got to use force. I mean, this is what peace through strength really means. You’ve got to forge the peace through the exercise of strength. That’s what decisive leadership, strong leadership that President Trump has provided here, allows the opportunity for. So, we’re going to be consistent. Our message and our actions are going to be consistent. We are going to bring this to a close one way or the other.

    On Iran rebuilding nuclear capabilities:

    I think you’ve got to react, and cooler heads need to prevail. So obviously this is rhetoric. Iran is really good at that. There’s a lot of bluster, that’s what you would expect. They have been decimated, and they’ve been embarrassed on the world stage. So, some of this is to be expected. I think it’s more talk than action over there. But we’re going to have to verify that. This is very serious thing. I mean, we’ve been brought to the brink. It should be only a 12-day war. It should be over now. And we’re going to be consistent in our message and our action to ensure that that happens. We have to do that.

    On the July 4 reconciliation deadline:

    If the Senate does its job, not if, but when, I believe they will, I believe Leader Thune has his steady hand at the wheel, they’re going to deliver that product through the Senate, and we’ll have to take it and act upon it. The July 4th deadline is an important one. The President is insistent about it. I have been from the very beginning, and I think we can get this job done. I remain very optimistic that we will.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM International President Brian Bryant Joins Bernie Sanders Rally with Fiery Call to Fight Oligarchy

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    In a powerful show of labor solidarity and grassroots energy, IAM International President Brian Bryant joined U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, and U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) at a packed rally in Fort Worth, Texas, sending a clear message: it’s time to take our country back from the billionaire class and put working people first.

    With scores of IAM Union members in attendance from across the Dallas-Fort Worth region, Bryant brought the crowd to its feet with a passionate call for economic justice and democracy. Fort Worth, home to thousands of IAM members working in defense, aerospace, airlines and more, served as the perfect backdrop for a rally built around the theme of workers versus oligarchs.

    WATCH: IP Bryant Fires Up Fort Worth in Call to Stop Oligarch Takeover

    “Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings, we gather here at a moment when everything we care about is on the line,” said Bryant. “CEOs make 268 times more than the average worker. The greedy oligarchs want to cut Medicare and Social Security, slash Medicaid, take food from hungry kids, and destroy our freedom to organize. So, do we stand with the workers or the billionaires?” Bryant asked the crowd, triggering a thunderous response: “THE WORKERS!”

    Bryant’s remarks reflected a growing national frustration with economic inequality and a political system tilted in favor of the wealthy elite. His speech wasn’t just about policy—it was about power. The kind of power that comes from organized labor, solidarity, and collective action.

    The IAM Union, which represents more than 600,000 active and retired members, has been ramping up its organizing, bargaining, and political engagement across the country, and especially in Texas, where union energy is building momentum.

    The rally was part of that movement—bringing together workers from all walks of life who are tired of being left behind.

    “They want to crush unions because they fear our power,” said Bryant. “But I have news for them: the labor movement isn’t going anywhere. We will fight every day, every hour, every minute — and we will win. We will win because we have something they’ll never understand. We have solidarity. We have unity. We have power in numbers.”

    The crowd—union members, students, retirees, teachers, and activists—roared in approval. For IAM Union members present, the rally was more than symbolic. It was a declaration of their role in the fight to reshape the future of Texas and the country.

    The post IAM International President Brian Bryant Joins Bernie Sanders Rally with Fiery Call to Fight Oligarchy appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nation’s Largest Property Management Company to Pay Over $1.4M for Unlawful Charges on Military Servicemembers

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The Justice Department announced today that Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC will pay over $1.4 million to resolve allegations that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) when it imposed illegal fees on military servicemembers who terminated their leases after receiving military relocation orders.

    The Department alleged that Greystar, the nation’s largest property management company with over 800,000 housing units under management, relied on software that it knew would automatically impose early termination charges on SCRA-protected servicemembers.

    Greystar will set aside $1.35 million to pay affected military members and their co-tenants and will pay a $77,370 civil penalty.  Greystar will pay triple damages to the servicemembers who paid the early termination charges.  The company will also make changes to its policies and training, including adopting SCRA-compliant software and forms at all its properties.

    “We honor the service and sacrifices of our military by defending their rights under the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are aggressively enforcing all laws, including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, to protect our military servicemembers and veterans.”

    “America’s servicemembers devote their lives to defending our nation and must be able to do so without undue burdens,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects our military families from unfair hardships such as penalties for terminating a housing lease to fulfill military orders. We will continue to defend and support those who keep our country safe.”

    The Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $483 million in monetary relief for over 148,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.

    Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nation’s Largest Property Management Company to Pay Over $1.4M for Unlawful Charges on Military Servicemembers

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The Justice Department announced today that Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC will pay over $1.4 million to resolve allegations that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) when it imposed illegal fees on military servicemembers who terminated their leases after receiving military relocation orders.

    The Department alleged that Greystar, the nation’s largest property management company with over 800,000 housing units under management, relied on software that it knew would automatically impose early termination charges on SCRA-protected servicemembers.

    Greystar will set aside $1.35 million to pay affected military members and their co-tenants and will pay a $77,370 civil penalty.  Greystar will pay triple damages to the servicemembers who paid the early termination charges.  The company will also make changes to its policies and training, including adopting SCRA-compliant software and forms at all its properties.

    “We honor the service and sacrifices of our military by defending their rights under the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are aggressively enforcing all laws, including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, to protect our military servicemembers and veterans.”

    “America’s servicemembers devote their lives to defending our nation and must be able to do so without undue burdens,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects our military families from unfair hardships such as penalties for terminating a housing lease to fulfill military orders. We will continue to defend and support those who keep our country safe.”

    The Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $483 million in monetary relief for over 148,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.

    Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BarxBuddy 2025: This Dog Training Device Gains Momentum Among Pet Owners, According to Reports

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Phoenix, AZ, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a year marked by increasing interest in at-home pet solutions, the BarxBuddy ultrasonic dog training device has gained renewed momentum among pet owners across the United States. This behavioral training tool—designed to deter excessive barking and help reinforce positive habits—has become one of the most talked-about non-invasive pet training products in 2025, according to new industry analyses.

    The BarxBuddy device utilizes a high-frequency ultrasonic tone, imperceptible to human ears, which captures a dog’s attention without causing physical harm or distress. Marketed as a humane alternative to shock collars and more aggressive behavioral correction techniques, BarxBuddy has positioned itself at the intersection of modern training philosophy and technological simplicity.
    Surge in Adoption Reflects Broader Shift in Dog Training Trends
    Data emerging from multiple online retail channels and behavioral study groups suggests a broader shift in how pet owners approach canine discipline. Where previous decades favored punitive correction models, the modern era has seen a sharp pivot toward non-violent reinforcement.
    BarxBuddy’s appeal lies in its compact design and ease of use. Requiring no specialized training, the device allows pet owners to press a single button to emit the corrective tone. It has been particularly popular among urban dog owners who face challenges with excessive barking in high-density living environments.
    A 2025 trend analysis by CanineTech Insights indicated a 32% increase in the use of ultrasonic bark deterrent tools over the last 12 months, with BarxBuddy leading the segment in brand recognition and reported effectiveness.
    Technology Rooted in Behavioral Science
    At the core of the BarxBuddy device is a simple but deliberate mechanism: a focused ultrasonic pulse that interrupts undesirable behavior by redirecting the dog’s attention. The principle draws on operant conditioning, a well-documented psychological framework that encourages behavior modification through stimulus and consequence.
    Unlike shock-based systems, which have drawn increasing scrutiny from veterinary ethics boards, ultrasonic tools are gaining favor for their minimal invasiveness. While not all dogs respond identically to ultrasonic tones—a point echoed by several animal behaviorists—the consistency of results across varied breeds has bolstered interest from both first-time pet owners and experienced trainers.
    Veterinary Community Shows Cautious Optimism
    While some segments of the veterinary and training communities remain cautious in endorsing any at-home corrective tool, many professionals acknowledge the utility of ultrasonic devices when used correctly. Emphasis remains on pairing any corrective action with positive reinforcement and avoiding overuse.
    Dr. Elaine Moretti, a behavioral veterinarian based in New Jersey, notes that tools like BarxBuddy “can provide a useful starting point for dog owners struggling with minor behavioral issues, especially barking, jumping, or lunging.”
    However, she also underscores the need for comprehensive care: “No tool should replace responsible training, regular exercise, and proper socialization.”

    How Does BarxBuddy Work?

    According to the official product website BarxBuddy device works by emitting an ultrasonic sound that instantly captures a dog’s attention. This frequency, while inaudible to humans, is calibrated to be safe yet noticeable for most dogs. When activated during moments of undesirable behavior—such as barking, jumping, or lunging—the tone interrupts the action and redirects the dog’s focus.

    Accompanying the sound is a built-in LED light, which serves both as a visual cue and a practical tool during evening walks. This multimodal design supports behavioral training by engaging multiple senses in a gentle, non-confrontational way.

    Experts advise pairing the device’s use with verbal commands and rewards to reinforce good behavior. With regular use, dogs are expected to associate negative behavior with the ultrasonic tone and adapt accordingly.

    Who Is the BarxBuddy Anti-Barking Device For?

    BarxBuddy is designed for a broad audience of dog owners looking for a humane, user-friendly approach to behavioral training. The device is particularly well-suited for:

    • Urban dog owners managing noise concerns in apartment buildings
    • First-time pet owners unfamiliar with traditional training tools
    • Busy individuals seeking a quick-response option for spontaneous training moments
    • Pet parents with sensitive or small-breed dogs who may not respond well to harsher methods

    While effective for many breeds and behavior types, BarxBuddy is best used as part of a holistic training plan that includes praise, treats, and consistency. It is not intended for use on dogs with hearing impairments or extreme behavioral aggression without professional oversight.

    Consumer Demand Reflects Broader Interest in DIY Pet Solutions
    BarxBuddy’s rise mirrors a growing trend among consumers seeking convenient, at-home alternatives to formal obedience training. According to data from the American Pet Products Association (APPA), spending on training aids and behavioral tools increased 18% in the past fiscal year, outpacing the growth of in-person dog training services.
    The uptick is attributed to rising pet ownership during the post-pandemic years and an accompanying desire for accessible, time-saving solutions. BarxBuddy, with its one-touch functionality and portability, appears well-positioned to meet this demand.
    Increased Media Attention and Retail Availability
    As media outlets across the U.S. cover the surge in interest, BarxBuddy has expanded its availability through a growing network of e-commerce platforms. Initially sold exclusively through its official website, the device is now accessible through select retail affiliates and direct-to-consumer marketplaces.
    Public interest was further amplified by media coverage earlier this year highlighting BarxBuddy in consumer advocacy segments focusing on humane pet care. These features emphasized the product’s non-invasive nature, battery efficiency, and built-in flashlight for nighttime visibility.
    Public Discourse and Social Sentiment
    Online discourse surrounding BarxBuddy continues to grow, with a mix of endorsements, debates, and case studies circulating in digital forums. While advocates praise its simplicity and quick impact, some skeptics raise concerns over its long-term behavioral impact without complementary training.
    Nonetheless, the dominant narrative has remained largely favorable, especially among pet owners looking for tools that don’t rely on pain-based deterrents. This sentiment aligns with a 2025 YouGov survey, which found that 71% of dog owners prefer behavioral correction devices that do not use electric shocks or pronged pressure.
    How to Start Using BarxBuddy
    According to the official product website, Getting started with BarxBuddy requires no professional training or special setup. Pet owners can begin using the device by following these steps:

    1. Insert the batteries that come included with the device.
    2. Hold the device comfortably in hand and keep it within reach when around your dog.
    3. Wait for a behavioral trigger, such as barking, jumping, or aggression.
    4. Press the ultrasonic button while pointing the device toward the dog. Use a firm voice command such as “Stop” or “Quiet” simultaneously.
    5. Reinforce positive behavior by offering praise or a treat after the dog responds appropriately.

    The key is consistency—using the device regularly while pairing it with encouragement ensures long-term success. BarxBuddy can also be used during walks or playtime to prevent unwanted behaviors from developing.
    Compliance and Safety Considerations
    The BarxBuddy device complies with consumer safety standards applicable to non-contact ultrasonic equipment. Independent safety testing has verified that the decibel range used in the product falls within established auditory safety margins for canines.
    Manufacturers continue to advise users to limit deployment to short training intervals and to combine its use with praise-based reinforcement. Importantly, usage guidelines recommend avoiding activation near overly anxious or noise-sensitive dogs without prior behavioral consultation.
    Looking Ahead: Future Iterations and Expansion Plans
    Sources close to the manufacturing team have indicated that future iterations of the BarxBuddy may include customizable frequency settings and app-based integration to monitor behavioral responses. These developments are aimed at personalizing the training process while collecting anonymous user feedback to inform design enhancements.
    In anticipation of growing international demand, distribution channels are also being explored in Canada, Australia, and select European markets. As pet care standards evolve globally, products like BarxBuddy are likely to play an increasingly visible role in shaping at-home training norms.

    Features of the BarxBuddy Ultrasonic Device
    As per official product website BarxBuddy stands out due to its blend of functionality, safety, and design. Key features include:

    • Ultrasonic Frequency (Non-Audible to Humans): Specifically calibrated to get dogs’ attention without causing harm.
    • LED Flashlight: Integrated light adds visibility for nighttime walks and offers an additional visual stimulus during training.
    • Compact, Handheld Design: Lightweight and easy to carry during daily activities or walks.
    • One-Button Operation: Simplifies the training process for beginners and experienced owners alike.
    • Battery Operated: Ensures portability without needing frequent recharging.
    • Non-Contact Training Method: Provides a safe alternative to prong, shock, or vibration collars.

    Together, these features create a training solution that is both pet-friendly and owner-approved.
    Conclusion: A Marker of a Changing Pet Landscape
    BarxBuddy’s emergence as a favored solution among dog owners reflects a broader societal embrace of humane, technology-assisted pet training tools. While no single device offers a cure-all for behavioral challenges, the rise of products like BarxBuddy signifies a noteworthy pivot in how Americans think about pet discipline in the digital age.
    As training philosophies continue to evolve, devices that merge science-backed methodology with ease of use may redefine the future of responsible dog ownership.
    For more information, educational content, and direct purchasing, visit the official BarxBuddy website.

    Company: BarxBuddy
    Address: PO Box 52171,
    Phoenix, AZ, 85072-2171 
    Phone: 213-669-4081
    support@barxbuddy.com

    https://www.barxbuddy.com/

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Anthony Pompliano’s ProCap BTC, LLC Buys 3,724 Bitcoin Within One Day After Announcing $1 Billion Merger and Over $750 Million Fundraise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American investor and entrepreneur, Anthony Pompliano, today announced that ProCap BTC, LLC, a bitcoin-native financial services firm (the “Company”), has purchased 3,724 bitcoin at a time weighted average price (“TWAP”) of $103,785 per bitcoin, following the Company’s June 23, 2025 announcement of a proposed $1 billion business combination with Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (NASDAQ: CCCM) to take the Company public as ProCap Financial, Inc. The Company now holds 3,724 bitcoin on its balance sheet.

    The bitcoin was acquired as part of the Company’s on-going bitcoin purchase program. The Company has wasted no time delivering for its investors by deploying the funds raised at signing to accumulate bitcoin. As a result, equity investors received immediate bitcoin exposure from the equity raise.

    The Company plans to continue buying bitcoin for its balance sheet as part of its ongoing business strategy. At the closing of the proposed business combination, ProCap Financial is expected to hold up to $1 billion in bitcoin on its balance sheet. The TWAP for the Day 1 purchases may be different from the “Signing Bitcoin Price” for purposes of Business Combination Agreement signed by CCCM and the Company on June 23, 2025.

    ProCap BTC, LLC, believes bitcoin is the new hurdle rate.

    If you can’t beat it, you have to buy it.

    About ProCap BTC, LLC and ProCap Financial, Inc.

    ProCap BTC, LLC is a bitcoin-native financial services firm founded by Anthony Pompliano. Pompliano has invested in more than 300 private companies and is one of the leading voices on bitcoin globally. ProCap Financial, Inc., the company resulting from the proposed Business Combination, will focus on implementing various profit-generating products and services to support the unique financial needs of large financial institutions and institutional investors.

    About Columbus Circle Capital I

    Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I (NASDAQ: CCCM) is a Cayman Islands–incorporated blank check company formed to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company is led by Chairman and CEO Gary Quin, a veteran investment banker with over 25 years of experience in cross-border M&A, private equity, and capital markets; COO Dan Nash, a skilled investment banker, with a strong track record in SPAC execution and building high-growth advisory platforms; and CFO Joseph W. Pooler, Jr., who brings decades of public company financial leadership. The board of directors includes Garrett Curran, Alberto Alsina Gonzalez, Dr. Adam Back, and Matthew Murphy.

    Additional Information and where to Find it

    ProCap Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ProCap Financial”) and Columbus Circle Capital Corp I, a Cayman Islands exempt company (“CCCM”) intend to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (as may be amended, the “Registration Statement”), which will include a preliminary proxy statement of CCCM and a prospectus (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) in connection with (i) a proposed business combination, to be effected subject to and in accordance with the terms of certain business combination agreement dated as of June 23, 2025 (as may be modified, amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among ProCap Financial, CCCM, Crius SPAC Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Crius Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, ProCap BTC, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ProCap BTC”), and Inflection Points Inc, d/b/a Professional Capital Management, a Delaware corporation (collectively with all of the related actions and transactions contemplated by such agreement, the “Business Combination”), (ii) a private placement of non-voting preferred units (“ProCap BTC Preferred Units”) of ProCap BTC to certain “qualified institutional buyers” as defined in Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or institutional “accredited investors” (as defined in Rule 506 of Regulation D)(such investors, “qualifying institutional investors”)(the “Preferred Equity Investment”) pursuant to preferred equity subscription agreements, and (iii) commitments by qualifying institutional investors to purchase convertible notes (“Convertible Notes”) issuable in connection with the Closing by ProCap Financial (the “Convertible Note Offering” and, together with the Preferred Equity Investment and the Business Combination, the “Proposed Transactions”) pursuant to convertible notes subscription agreements. The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents will be mailed to shareholders of CCCM as of a record date to be established for voting on the Proposed Transactions and other matters as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. CCCM and/or ProCap Financial will also file other documents regarding the Proposed Transactions with the SEC. This communication does not contain all of the information that should be considered concerning the Proposed Transactions and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the Proposed Transactions. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, SHAREHOLDERS OF CCCM AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH CCCM’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER MATTERS AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CCCM, PROCAP BTC, PROCAP FINANCIAL AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS. Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by CCCM and ProCap Financial, without charge, once available, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Columbus Circle Capital Corp. I, 3 Columbus Circle, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10019; e-mail: IR@ColumbusCircleCap.com, or upon written request to ProCap Financial Inc. at 600 Lexington Ave., Floor 2, New York, NY 10022, respectively.

    NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS OR ANY RELATED TRANSACTIONS OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS COMMUNICATION. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY CONSTITUTES A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

    The offer and sale of the Convertible Notes to be issued by ProCap Financial pursuant to the Convertible Note Offering and the offer and sale of the ProCap BTC Preferred Units in the Preferred Equity Investment, in connection with the Proposed Transactions, has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    Participants in Solicitation

    CCCM, ProCap BTC, ProCap Financial and their respective directors, executive officers, certain of their shareholders and other members of management and employees may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from CCCM’s shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transactions. A list of the names of such persons, and information regarding their interests in the Proposed Transactions and their ownership of CCCM’s securities are, or will be, contained in CCCM’s filings with the SEC, including the final prospectus for CCCM’s initial public offering filed with the SEC on May 19, 2025 (the “IPO Prospectus”). Additional information regarding the interests of the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of CCCM’s shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transactions, including the names and interests of ProCap BTC’s and ProCap Financial’s respective directors or managers and executive officers, will be set forth in the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is expected to be filed by ProCap Financial and CCCM with the SEC. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents as described above.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication and the information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transactions and shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange the securities of CCCM, ProCap BTC or ProCap Financial, or any commodity or instrument or related derivative, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. Investors should consult with their counsel as to the applicable requirements for a purchaser to avail itself of any exemption under the Securities Act.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws with respect to the Proposed Transactions involving ProCap Financial, ProCap BTC, and CCCM, including expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, plans , prospects, financial results or strategies regarding ProCap BTC, ProCap Financial, CCCM and the Proposed Transactions, statements regarding the anticipated benefits and timing of the completion of the Proposed Transactions, the assets that may be held by ProCap BTC and ProCap Financial and the value thereof, the price and volatility of bitcoin, bitcoin’s growing prominence as a digital asset and as the foundation of a new financial system, ProCap Financial’s listing on any securities exchange, the macro and political conditions surrounding bitcoin, the planned business strategy including ProCap Financial’s ability to develop a corporate architecture capable of supporting financial products built with and on bitcoin including native lending models, capital market instruments, and future innovations that will replace legacy financial tools with bitcoin-aligned alternatives, plans and use of proceeds, objectives of management for future operations of ProCap Financial, the upside potential and opportunity for investors, ProCap Financial’s plan for value creation and strategic advantages, market size and growth opportunities, regulatory conditions, technological and market trends, future financial condition and performance and expected financial impacts of the Proposed Transactions, the satisfaction of closing conditions to the Proposed Transactions and the level of redemptions of CCCM’s public shareholders, and ProCap Financial’s expectations, intentions, strategies, assumptions or beliefs about future events, results of operations or performance or that do not solely relate to historical or current facts. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “potential,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events or conditions that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this communication, including, but not limited to: the risk that the Proposed Transactions may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of CCCM’s securities; the risk that the Proposed Transactions may not be completed by CCCM’s business combination deadline; the failure by the parties to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed Transactions, including the approval of CCCM’s shareholders; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transactions; the level of redemptions of the CCCM’s public shareholders which may reduce the public float of, reduce the liquidity of the trading market of, and/or maintain the quotation, listing, or trading of the Class A ordinary shares of CCCM or the shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of ProCap Financial (“Pubco Common Stock”) to be listed in connection with the Proposed Transactions; the insufficiency of the third-party fairness opinion for the board of directors of CCCM in determining whether or not to pursue the Proposed Transactions; the failure of ProCap Financial to obtain or maintain the listing of its securities on any securities exchange after closing of the Proposed Transactions; risks associated with CCCM, ProCap BTC and ProCap Financial’s ability to consummate the Proposed Transactions timely or at all, including in connection with potential regulatory delays or impediments, changes in bitcoin prices or for other reasons; costs related to the Proposed Transactions and as a result of becoming a public company; changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; risks relating to ProCap Financial’s anticipated operations and business, including the highly volatile nature of the price of bitcoin; the risk that ProCap Financial’s stock price will be highly correlated to the price of bitcoin and the price of bitcoin may decrease between the signing of the definitive documents for the Proposed Transactions and the closing of the Proposed Transactions or at any time after the closing of the Proposed Transactions; asset security and risks associated with CCCM, ProCap BTC and ProCap Financial’s ability to consummate the Proposed Transactions timely or at all, including in connection with potential regulatory delays or impediments, changes in bitcoin prices or for other reasons; risks related to increased competition in the industries in which ProCap Financial will operate; risks relating to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty regarding bitcoin; risks relating to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; risks related to the ability of ProCap BTC and ProCap Financial to execute their business plans; the risks that launching and growing ProCap Financial’s bitcoin treasury advisory and services in digital marketing and strategy could be difficult; challenges in implementing ProCap Financial’s business plan, due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation; risks associated with the possibility of ProCap Financial being considered to be a “shell company” by any stock exchange on which ProCap Financial’s common stock will be listed or by the SEC, which may impact ProCap Financial’s ability to list Pubco Common Stock and restrict reliance on certain rules or forms in connection with the offering, sale or resale of securities, which could impact materially the time, cost and ability of ProCap Financial to raise capital after the closing; the outcome of any potential legal proceedings that may be instituted against ProCap Financial, ProCap BTC, CCCM or others in connection with or following announcement of the Proposed Transactions, and those risk factors discussed in documents that ProCap Financial and/or CCCM filed, or that will be filed, with the SEC, including as will be set forth in the Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Proposed Transactions.

    The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the IPO Prospectus, CCCM’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and CCCM’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K that will be filed by CCCM from time to time, the Registration Statement that will be filed by ProCap Financial and CCCM and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained therein, and other documents that have been or will be filed by CCCM and ProCap Financial from time to time with the SEC. These filings do or will identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither CCCM nor ProCap Financial presently know or that CCCM and ProCap Financial currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and each of CCCM, ProCap BTC, and ProCap Financial assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither CCCM, ProCap BTC, nor ProCap Financial gives any assurance that any of CCCM, ProCap BTC or ProCap Financial will achieve their respective expectations. The inclusion of any statement in this communication does not constitute an admission by CCCM, ProCap BTC or ProCap Financial or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.

    Media Contacts

    Ebony Lewkovitz

    ebony@edencommunications.com

    Larissa Bundziak

    larissa@edencommunications.com

    Dan Nash

    IR@ColumbusCircleCap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LeptiCell 2025: This Natural Metabolism Support Supplement Gains Momentum in Weight Management Circles, According to Reports

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a wellness industry marked by rapid innovation and increasing consumer demand for effective, natural solutions, LeptiCell has emerged as a notable name in the metabolic health space. According to recent reports and market trend analyses, this metabolism support supplement is quietly reshaping how consumers approach weight management in 2025.

    While the weight-loss market continues to evolve beyond stimulants and crash diets, LeptiCell distinguishes itself by aligning with modern preferences for non-stimulant, plant-based, and science-informed supplements. Its rise in popularity is not the result of flashy advertisements or overnight hype but rather the cumulative trust of a steadily growing user base and a formulation that appears to reflect the changing priorities of today’s health-focused population.

    Who Developed LeptiCell?

    According to the official product website (https:://lepticell.com/) LeptiCell was formulated by a team of nutritional scientists, endocrinologists, and holistic wellness experts committed to creating a sustainable approach to metabolic health. The development was spearheaded by Nutrivanta Labs, a U.S.-based research group known for its focus on hormone health and nutritional synergy.
    According to the development team, the goal behind LeptiCell was to formulate a supplement that specifically supports leptin sensitivity—believed to be a core factor in appetite regulation and energy utilization. Drawing from both modern clinical insights and time-tested plant compounds, the creators emphasized safe, natural, and non-stimulant pathways for metabolic support.

    A Shift Toward Natural Metabolic Support

    As global interest in holistic health intensifies, so too has the appetite for metabolic support that doesn’t rely on harsh stimulants. LeptiCell’s positioning as a non-stimulant metabolism support supplement appears to resonate particularly well among individuals seeking to enhance their body’s natural energy balance, regulate appetite, and improve fat metabolism without compromising mood or cardiovascular health.

    Nutritional biochemist and wellness researcher Dr. Karen Elston of the Institute for Nutritional Science notes:

    “The popularity of LeptiCell reflects a larger movement we’re observing—a pivot away from synthetic quick-fix formulas toward natural blends that work with the body’s metabolic pathways rather than override them. Consumers are smarter and more skeptical, and they want their supplements to support long-term wellness.”

    What’s Behind the Buzz?

    At the core of LeptiCell’s appeal is its unique formula. While proprietary in nature, the brand discloses its key active ingredients, which include naturally sourced metabolic regulators believed to aid leptin sensitivity, appetite control, and fat utilization.

    Although the formulation remains confidential in its exact proportions, reports highlight the inclusion of:

    • African Mango Extract – Often cited for its potential to support leptin signaling and fat metabolism.
    • Green Tea Leaf Extract – A source of catechins that may assist thermogenic activity.
    • Chromium Picolinate – Commonly used for blood sugar support and appetite modulation.
    • Garcinia Cambogia – Recognized for its hydroxycitric acid content, which some studies associate with reduced hunger.
    • Vitamin B Complex – Contributing to normal energy-yielding metabolism and reduced fatigue.

    According to official website, the careful combination of these ingredients may explain why users report feeling more in control of their appetite and experiencing steadier energy levels throughout the day.

    How Does LeptiCell Work?

    According to the official product website, LeptiCell is designed to support the body’s natural metabolism by enhancing leptin function, balancing appetite hormones, and promoting efficient fat utilization. Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that signals the brain when the body has sufficient energy stored, helping to regulate hunger and energy expenditure.
    Many individuals struggling with weight management may be experiencing what researchers term “leptin resistance,” where the body produces leptin, but the brain no longer responds to it properly—leading to constant hunger and inefficient fat burning.
    LeptiCell aims to support this system through three primary mechanisms:

    1. Leptin Sensitivity Support – Ingredients such as African Mango and chromium are believed to help the body become more responsive to leptin signals, reducing persistent hunger and food cravings.
    2. Metabolic Efficiency – Green tea extract and B vitamins contribute to thermogenesis and cellular energy production, helping the body burn calories more efficiently.
    3. Appetite Regulation – Compounds like Garcinia Cambogia and fiber-rich botanicals help reduce emotional and stress-based eating by promoting feelings of fullness.

    Together, these pathways create a framework for metabolic balance that doesn’t rely on aggressive stimulants or crash-diet tactics. Users often report more stable energy levels, fewer cravings, and a more sustainable approach to maintaining a healthy body composition.

    Market Trends Signal Broader Adoption

    LeptiCell’s rise coincides with macro trends across both the health supplement and weight management industries. According to data from the U.S. Dietary Supplement Association, 2024–2025 has seen a 38% increase in demand for non-stimulant metabolism aids, particularly among adults aged 30–55.

    A spokesperson from Natural Insights Weekly, a wellness industry trend tracker, remarked:

    “LeptiCell is gaining attention not because it’s trying to reinvent the wheel, but because it’s quietly delivering on what people are actually looking for—support for their natural biology. The blend of appetite modulation, energy balance, and real-world usability seems to be working.”

    The Science of Leptin and Its Role in Weight Regulation

    Why Leptin Matters More Than You Think
    In recent years, leptin has become a focal point in metabolic research. Known as the “satiety hormone,” leptin plays a critical role in telling the brain when the body has enough stored energy. LeptiCell’s formulation is built on this foundational principle—supporting the body’s ability to respond effectively to leptin signals.
    Understanding this mechanism gives users a deeper grasp of why traditional diets fail and how supporting leptin function can offer a more sustainable path to weight wellness.

    Consumer Stories Add to the Momentum

    What sets LeptiCell apart from many of its contemporaries is not only its formulation but also the grassroots nature of its visibility. Consumers, particularly within wellness forums and online communities, have begun to share anecdotal accounts of how LeptiCell fits into their health routines.

    Monica J., 42, from Charlotte, NC, noted in a user forum:

    “I didn’t expect much at first, but after four weeks of taking LeptiCell in the mornings, I noticed a subtle but noticeable improvement in my cravings. I wasn’t reaching for snacks between meals as often. My energy didn’t spike or crash—it just stayed steady.”

    Andre M., 36, from San Diego, CA, wrote:

    “I’ve tried fat burners before, and they made me jittery. LeptiCell felt different—more like a support system. It hasn’t changed my lifestyle, but it complements it.”

    These reports, while anecdotal, have become increasingly common on third-party review sites and weight management discussion groups. As word-of-mouth continues to build, LeptiCell is benefiting from an organic form of trust—social proof without the overt push of traditional advertising.

    LeptiCell and the Rise of Non-Stimulant Formulas

    A Growing Trend Among Health-Conscious Consumers
    Caffeine-heavy fat burners once dominated the market, but rising concerns over side effects—such as insomnia, irritability, and rapid heart rate—have shifted consumer interest. LeptiCell’s stimulant-free approach places it firmly in the new category of calm, consistent metabolic support.
    Search trends reveal increased interest in terms like “non-stimulant fat burner” and “natural appetite suppressant without caffeine,” making LeptiCell a timely and relevant solution for today’s more discerning buyer.

    How Users Are Incorporating LeptiCell into Daily Routines

    As per official website, Whether used alongside intermittent fasting, walking regimens, or mindful eating, LeptiCell is designed to complement—not replace—existing wellness routines. Morning intake with a full glass of water is the most common use pattern, with many users reporting better portion control and sustained energy throughout the workday.
    Wellness coaches and lifestyle bloggers have begun including LeptiCell in digital detox and “reset” challenges, further embedding it in holistic health discussions.

    Behind the Brand: Science-Backed Mission and Responsible Sourcing

    The team behind LeptiCell emphasizes a commitment to transparency and integrity. In a statement issued earlier this year, LeptiCell’s development lead described the product as:

    “A convergence of nutritional science and modern wellness needs. We developed LeptiCell for people who wanted to feel in control of their health journey—without sacrificing safety, sustainability, or sanity.”

    According to the official website, all ingredients are sourced through GMP-certified partners, and each batch is tested for purity and potency before distribution.

    Furthermore, the supplement is manufactured in the United States, aligning with rising consumer demand for domestically produced health products with traceable origins.

    How LeptiCell Fits into Today’s Wellness Culture

    Modern consumers are increasingly embracing routines rather than resolutions. LeptiCell, in this context, functions not as a dramatic intervention, but as a quiet companion to existing wellness habits. It’s being paired with mindful eating, walking routines, and intermittent fasting protocols by those looking to reinforce their efforts.

    LeptiCell’s approach appeals to individuals who don’t identify with the high-intensity fitness community, but who still prioritize metabolic health. This inclusion-based model has enabled the supplement to reach a wide and diverse user demographic.

    Availability and Accessibility

    LeptiCell is currently available exclusively through its official website, with limited-time offers periodically introduced to accommodate first-time users. The company’s direct-to-consumer model allows for tighter quality control and access to customer service.

    Standard purchases are backed by a refund policy, allowing customers to evaluate the product over a period of time before committing long-term.

    As of June 2025, LeptiCell remains unavailable in traditional retail chains or on third-party e-commerce marketplaces to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized reselling.

    Expert Voices: What the Future Might Hold

    Several integrative health practitioners and nutritionists have begun monitoring LeptiCell’s uptake as part of broader conversations on leptin resistance and chronic low-energy states.

    Dr. Nina Talbot, a board-certified specialist in metabolic health, commented:

    “We’re just beginning to understand how lifestyle factors, environmental toxins, and long-term stress affect metabolic hormones like leptin. Supplements like LeptiCell may offer practical support, especially if paired with sustainable dietary changes and stress reduction.”

    She cautions, however, that no supplement alone can replace a foundational wellness plan. “LeptiCell is potentially helpful, but not magical. Its best use case is in synergy with mindful living.”

    Responsible Wellness: What Makes LeptiCell a Trusted Option

    Beyond Ingredients: Ethics, Testing, and Transparency
    LeptiCell isn’t just about what’s inside the capsule—it’s also about the standards behind its production. The product undergoes third-party testing, is manufactured in GMP-certified facilities, and avoids fillers, synthetic dyes, and unverified claims.
    This level of transparency builds consumer trust and helps the supplement stand out in a crowded space, particularly among readers researching safe, long-term health solutions.

    Closing Thought: A Quiet Evolution in Weight Wellness

    As the supplement market continues its expansion, LeptiCell’s growth underscores a growing sophistication among consumers—those looking for gradual, real-world support rather than hollow promises.

    With increasing adoption, consistent user satisfaction, and a formulation that respects both science and sustainability, LeptiCell may well represent the next generation of metabolic wellness support in 2025.

    For more information, educational content, and direct purchasing, visit the official LeptiCell website.

    Company: LeptiCell
    Address: 1732 1st Avenue #28568
    New York,
    NY 10128 USA
    80112
    Email: wecare@phytagesupport.com
    Order Phone Support: 1-800-822-5753
    Website – https://www.lepticell.com/ 
    Disclaimer The information provided in this review is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, dietary change, or health program—especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have existing health conditions, or are taking medications. Results may vary among individuals.
    The statements made regarding LeptiCell have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). LeptiCell is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any claims made within this article about symptom relief, hearing improvement, or related health benefits are based on the product’s formulation and individual testimonials and not on conclusive clinical evidence. 
    This content does not constitute professional health or medical advice and should not be interpreted as such. Readers should always perform their own due diligence and consult medical professionals before making decisions related to health products.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EY US announces Rohit Kapoor of EXL as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 New York Award winner

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced that Rohit Kapoor, chairman and chief executive officer of EXL, was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 New York Award winner. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the preeminent competitive awards program for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. For 40 years, EY US has celebrated ambitious entrepreneurs who are transforming industries, impacting communities and creating long-term value.

    Kapoor was chosen by an independent panel of past winners, top CEOs and business leaders. Judges assessed candidates on long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven commitment and significant growth and impact.

    “Being named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 New York Award winner is a tremendous honor, but this award also belongs to the 60,000 employees of EXL whose hard work, commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence have always driven us forward,” said Kapoor. “This recognition is a testament to the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship we’ve built together, and I accept it with immense gratitude.”

    As a New York award winner, Kapoor is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 National Awards. The National Award winners, including the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in June 2026.  

    Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes many different types of business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.

    The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognized the leadership of entrepreneurs such as:

    • Sheila Mikhail of AskBio
    • Caryn Seidman Becker and Ken Cornick of CLEAR
    • James Park of Fitbit
    • Arthur Blank of The Home Depot
    • Kendra Scott of Kendra Scott LLC
    • Reed Hoffman and Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn
    • Saiju Jeong of Noom
    • Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee Company
    • Jodi Berg of Vitamix
    • Michael Happe of Winnebago Industries
    • Eric Yuan of Zoom

    Sponsors
    Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA, and SAP. In New York, sponsors also include regional Platinum sponsor Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN), and regional Gold sponsors, ADP and DLA Piper.

    About Entrepreneur Of The Year                                                                                                                       
    Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally.

    The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

    About EY
    EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

    Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

    EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

    All in to shape the future with confidence.

    EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

    About EXL
    EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and AI company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and capital markets, retail, communications and media, and energy and infrastructure, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have approximately 60,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation and recessionary economic trends, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws.

    Contacts
    Media
    Keith Little
    +1 703-598-0980
    media.relations@exlservice.com

    Investor Relations
    John Kristoff
    +1 212 209 4613
    IR@exlservice.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaLota Votes to Prohibit Noncitizen Voting in D.C. Elections

    Source: US Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01)

    Washington, D.C. — Rep. Nick LaLota (Suffolk County, NY) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 884, a resolution prohibiting noncitizens from voting in elections in Washington, D.C. by repealing the District’s Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022. 

    “Voting is a sacred right reserved for U.S. citizens, and allowing noncitizens to cast ballots in our nation’s capital undermines that principle,” said Rep. LaLota. “As a former Commissioner of the Suffolk County Board of Elections, I know firsthand how essential it is to strengthen public trust in our elections. I’m stunned that 148 Democrats opposed this commonsense bill—leaders of both parties should agree that only American citizens should vote in D.C. elections. Protecting our democracy starts with protecting the ballot.”

    To read the full text of the resolution, click HERE. 

    Background:

    H.R. 884, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger, seeks to repeal the 2022 D.C. Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act, effectively rescinding the ability for non-citizens—including green card holders—to vote in D.C.’s local elections (congress.gov). On June 10, 2025, the U.S. House passed the bill by a vote of 266–148, reflecting notable bipartisan support, including 56 Democrats joining Republicans (washingtonpost.com). The legislation now heads to the Senate and awaits action in the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (congress.gov).

    Supporters argue the bill protects the franchise of American citizens by ensuring only citizens vote in D.C. elections, while opponents—led by D.C.’s mayor and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton—warn it undermines local self-governance and the District’s home rule authority (fox5dc.com). The Senate’s decision will determine whether non-citizen voting rights in D.C. are permanently eliminated or restored.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA seizes 187 kg of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 24, 2025        Point Edward, ON      Canada Border Services Agency

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today a significant seizure of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Point Edward, Ontario.

    On June 12, 2025, a commercial truck arrived from the United States at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry and was referred for a secondary examination. During the inspection of the trailer, border services officers, with the assistance of a detector dog, discovered 161 bricks of suspected cocaine contained in 6 boxes. The total weight of the suspected narcotics was 187 kg, with an estimated street value of $23.3 million.

    The CBSA arrested Karamveer Singh, 27, of Brampton, Ontario, and transferred him and the suspected narcotics to the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Singh has been charged by the RCMP with Importation of Cocaine, and Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    To date this year, border services officers have seized a total of 978 kg of cocaine at Southern Ontario ports of entry.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Department of Finance briefs industry stakeholders on Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 24, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

    Yesterday, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Chris Forbes, hosted a briefing with Canadian industry and labour stakeholders on Canada-United States (U.S.) economic issues. Senior officials from the Embassy of Canada in the U.S., also joined the call.

    Deputy Minister Forbes provided an overview of the work to respond to the unjustified U.S. tariffs, as well as the ongoing discussions between Prime Minister Carney and President Trump. This includes the meeting at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, last week, where both leaders agreed to pursue negotiations toward a deal on a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S.

    The Deputy Minister also outlined the measures announced last week to support and protect Canada’s steel and aluminum workers and industries. The government will adjust its existing counter-tariffs on steel and aluminium products on July 21, to levels consistent with progress that has been made in the broader trading arrangement with the U.S.

    The Deputy Minister reiterated that the government will also limit access to federal procurements to suppliers from Canada and reliable trading partners that provide reciprocal access, establish new tariff rate quotas to stabilize the domestic market and prevent harmful trade diversion of steel products as the result of U.S. actions, create government-stakeholder task forces to better support the steel aluminum industries and their workers, and adopt additional tariff measures on the basis of “country of melt and pour” for steel and “country of smelt and cast” for aluminum over the coming weeks to address overcapacity and unfair trade in these sectors.

    Deputy Minister Forbes reminded stakeholders that a number of business support programs, including the new $10 billion Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility, remain open to applicants. He also confirmed that the individual remission requests submitted as part of the broader remission framework are currently being assessed.

    Finally, the Deputy Minister confirmed that the government remains prepared to take additional steps to support the Canadian steel and aluminum sectors as needed.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bioinspired Materials Can Take a Punch

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Certain creatures have unique microstructures in their exoskeletons that enable them to withstand heavy impacts continuously over time. These Bouligand structures can be found in the mantis shrimp, blue crab, glorious beetle and many more (shown here).

    Credit: Shutterstock, B. Hayes/NIST

    Some of the most innovative and useful inventions have been inspired by nature. Take the Shinkansen bullet train in Japan, whose aerodynamic design is modeled after the kingfisher bird. Or Velcro, which a Swiss engineer invented after observing that the burrs that stick to a dog’s fur have tiny hooks in them.

    Now, scientists have turned to a small underwater predator for inspiration. The mantis shrimp is a colorful invertebrate that packs a powerful punch. It can crack clamshells with the force of a .22 caliber bullet, thanks to unique structures that make its exoskeleton surprisingly strong.

    Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have made synthetic versions of these structures and tested their impact performance by blasting microprojectiles at them. They discovered that adjusting specific parameters of the structures changed how they absorbed and dissipated the impact energy.

    “The results and insights of this research mark an important advance in bioinspired materials design with applications for aerospace, such as helping spacecraft survive the impact of micrometeoroids and protecting orbiting satellites that collide with debris,” said NIST materials research engineer Edwin Chan.

    Other potential applications include better bullet-resistant glass, blast-resistant building materials, and more protective helmets.

    Chan and his colleagues published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

    This research idea came from Sujin Lee, who came to NIST as a National Research Council (NRC) postdoctoral fellow. Lee wanted to understand why the mantis shrimp’s appendage didn’t break as it smashed the shells of other creatures. Chan was also intrigued by this concept, and the two developed a research project to find out.

    “When a person punches someone, their hand hurts, but with a mantis shrimp, it doesn’t,” said Chan. Or it doesn’t seem to, anyway. Lee and Chan already knew that this was related to microscopic “Bouligand structures” in the shrimp’s exoskeleton.

    “Bouligand structures are a universal material platform for impact resistance in nature, and we wanted to learn more about them, so we produced and tested them in the lab,” said Chan.

    Lee and Chan synthesized the structures from cellulose nanocrystals, which are found in plant fibers. The nanocrystals self-assembled into plates, which layered on top of each other like rotating stacks of plywood.

    Those stacks formed their synthetic Bouligand structures. Researchers then modified the crystals using high-frequency sound waves before assembling them into thin films that served as their test material.

    Next, they tested the impact resistance of the thin films by firing microprojectiles at them at speeds of up to 600 meters per second. The microprojectiles, made of silica, were propelled toward their target by a high-intensity laser. The researchers recorded images of the microprojectiles impacting the thin films with an ultrafast camera.

    Microprojectile Hitting CNC Film

    NIST researchers tested the impact performance of synthetic versions of structures found in the exoskeleton of mantis shrimp. They used high-intensity lasers to fire microprojectiles made of silica at thin films of these synthetic structures.

    Based on those images, the researchers observed that a microprojectile can leave a permanent indentation while also bouncing back like a tennis ball hitting the ground. The degree of indentation and the amount of bounce-back depended on how the energy dissipated or spread out in shockwaves after the microprojectile’s impact.

    The researchers discovered that they could adjust how the energy dissipated by fine-tuning various factors that affected the sample’s mechanical properties, such as making the nanocrystals thicker or changing their density. They found that the microprojectiles left permanent indentations in the thinner films, but the thicker films excelled at redirecting the shockwaves from the impact.

    NIST worked on this project as part of its mission to develop advanced measurement methods that can be useful to U.S. industry. Researchers can use the measurement methods developed for this project to further develop impact-resistant materials based on Bouligand structures as well as other types of advanced materials with special properties.

    “These findings suggest that there are different ways to design materials to absorb impact, and we can use this knowledge to create more resilient and longer-lasting materials,” Chan said. “If you’re a boxer in the ring, you want to fight nine rounds, not just one.”

    Paper: Sujin R. Lee, Katherine M. Evans, Jeremiah W. Woodcock, Jan Obrzut, Liping Huang, Christopher L. Soles and Edwin P. Chan. Controlling Impact Mitigation via Bouligand Nanostructures. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Published online May 16, 2025. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2425191122

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: CS Diagnostics Corp. to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference June 26th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CS Diagnostics Corp. (OTCQB: CSDX), based in Germany and USA and focused on innovation in Healthcare, today announced that Thomas Fahrhoefer, Chairman of the Group, and Mohammad Essayed, Chief Financial Officer, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on June 26th, 2025

    DATE: June 26th
    TIME: 12:30 PM ET
    LINK: REGISTER HERE
    Available for 1×1 meetings: June 27th to July 1st

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • Floated 19 million shares on August 23, 2024.
    • Uplifted to OTCQB on November 1, 2024
    • Submitted FDA application for CS-Protect Hydrogel on March 12, 2025
    • MEDUSA evaluated at USD 513 million on April 22, 2025

    About CS Diagnostics Corp.

    CS Diagnostic Corp. is a global healthcare innovation company committed to advancing medical diagnostics through innovation and precision technology. With a strong foundation in research and a global vision, the company delivers cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Its flagship products, CS – Protect Hydrogel and MEDUSA are designed to meet critical unmet needs in patient care and environmental protection.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    CS Diagnostics Corp
    Mohammad Essayed                
    Chief Financial Officer
    +971 52 861 1930
    Mohammad.essayed@csdcorp.us 

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mvix Collaborates with Amazon Signage Stick, Launches Enterprise-Grade Digital Signage CMS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sterling, VA , June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mvix, a leader in enterprise digital signage solutions, is thrilled to announce their collaboration with Amazon Signage Stick. Mvix’s full-featured, enterprise-class content management system (CMS) is now available at an exclusive introductory rate of just $10 per month—making digital signage implementations more accessible than ever. Additional discounts available on multi-year agreements.

    This plug & play solution easily converts your TV into a digital signage display.

    The Amazon Signage Stick is a powerful, cost-effective digital signage media player, designed for small and medium businesses. Signage Stick and Mvix software offer a seamless setup with automatic CMS launch in kiosk mode, allowing businesses to easily connect to screens and display content without technical expertise. 

    Whether managing one display or scaling across multiple locations, the Signage Stick delivers professional signage performance with the reliability and security of Amazon, making it a perfect solution for businesses looking to enhance their visual communication efficiently.

    Enterprise Features at a Groundbreaking Price

    Mvix CMS is packed with professional-grade tools to support diverse digital signage applications, including:

    • Cloud-Based Centralized Management – Control multiple screens across locations remotely with real-time content updates.
    • Dynamic Content Scheduling – Automate content playback with rules-based scheduling for targeted messaging.
    • End-to-End Device Management – Remote monitoring and management of endpoints across locations.
    • Multi-User Access & Role-Based Permissions – Assign different access levels to team members to streamline collaboration.
    • Data-Driven Content & Integrations – Connect to third-party applications, live data feeds, and API integrations for dynamic content display.
    • Advanced Security & Compliance – Ensure data integrity, backed by IS027001 and SOC2 security with enterprise-level encryption and compliance support.

    “Our mission has always been to make enterprise-level digital signage technology available to businesses of all sizes,” said Mike Kilian, Executive VP at Mvix. “With this launch, we’re pairing the affordability of Amazon Signage Sticks with the power of Mvix CMS, making it easier than ever to deploy, manage, and scale digital signage networks.”

    A Game-Changer for Businesses of All Sizes

    By offering Mvix CMS at just $10 per month, Mvix is redefining the digital signage landscape. The combination of Amazon’s cost-effective signage hardware with Mvix’s sophisticated software enables businesses, retailers, corporate offices, educational institutions, and hospitality venues to leverage high-impact digital signage solutions without breaking the bank. 

    This unprecedented affordable price for a state-of-the-art, enterprise solution is set to drive widespread digital signage adoption. Its cost-effectiveness and scalability will allow businesses to invest in impactful communication strategies while keeping costs low.

    Availability & Pricing

    The Mvix CMS and Amazon Signage Stick collaboration is available now at the special introductory price of $10 per month per screen. Businesses can sign up for a personalized demo and experience the expansive features available in Mvix Digital Signage Software .

    For more information or to get started, visit www.mvix.com or contact a Solutions Consultant at 866.310.4923.

    About Mvix

    Mvix is a leading provider of enterprise digital signage solutions since 2005. It has  helped businesses transform communication through dynamic and engaging visual content. With a focus on innovation and customer success, Mvix offers a comprehensive suite of digital signage solutions designed to meet the needs across verticals and use-cases. Learn more at www.mvix.com

    From digital menu boards to directories, Mvix brings enterprise-grade signage solutions to your building.

    Press inquiries

    Mvix
    https://mvix.com/
    Michael Kilian
    mkilian@mvix.com
    866.310.4923
    23475 Rock Haven Way, Suite 125
    Sterling, VA 20166 (USA)

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Fengate and Alpha Omega Power start operations at Caballero Battery Energy Storage System

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NIPOMO, Calif., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fengate Asset Management (Fengate) and Alpha Omega Power (AOP) today announced that the 100-megawatt (MW)/400-megawatt-hour (MWh) Caballero Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility in Nipomo, California has achieved full commercial operations.

    Caballero BESS is the first facility of its kind in San Luis Obispo County, providing much needed power capacity and using only top-tier technology to ensure world-class safety and durability.

    “Caballero BESS is good for the environment and the community, providing enough reliable, clean energy to the central coast of California to power more than 100,000 homes for up to four hours every day, and contributing to local economic growth through the use of 100% union labor during the project’s construction phase,” said Greg Calhoun, Managing Director, Infrastructure Investments at Fengate. “We look forward to funding the continued growth of AOP and bringing resilient, stable power to grids across the United States.”

    “Delivering a best-in-class energy storage facility of this scale is AOP’s core mission. Thanks to the world-class team of BESS experts, we have at AOP, and support from our trusted partners, we’re now delivering ‘Reliability, Stored’ to California,” said Paul Choi, Founder and CEO of AOP. “Our team is proud to achieve this milestone, which solidifies AOP as a leading BESS Independent Power Producer.”

    Working shoulder-to-shoulder with all local and state authorities, Caballero BESS underwent rigorous testing and training with Cal Fire, San Luis Obispo City, and County Fire during the construction and testing phases. The project meets or exceeds all local, state, and federal safety requirements, including California Fire Codes and the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 standards for energy storage.

    Caballero BESS is the first investment by the Fengate and AOP partnership, which formed in 2023. Fengate is managing this investment on behalf of the Fengate Infrastructure Fund IV and its affiliated entities, including an investment by the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada.

    The project received financing from MUFG Bank Ltd. (MUFG) and from U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank that provides capital to the renewable energy industry via tax equity and project finance debt.

    “MUFG is pleased to partner with AOP as it deploys the energy storage resources needed to facilitate the effective and reliable integration of renewable resources into the electric system,” said Phillip Fletcher, Director, Project Finance at MUFG.

    “Our investment in the Caballero BESS project is one way we can support our clients with custom financing solutions,” said Jon Peeples, Environmental Finance Business Development Director at U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance. “We’re proud to support Fengate and AOP in their work to expand sources of clean energy, strengthen the energy grid, and drive local job creation.”

    About Fengate

    Fengate is a leading alternative investment manager focused on infrastructure, private equity and real estate strategies, with more than $7 billion of capital commitments under management. The firm has been investing in infrastructure since 2006 with a focus on mid- market greenfield and brownfield infrastructure assets in the transportation, social, energy transition and digital sectors. Fengate is one of North America’s most active infrastructure investors and developers with a portfolio of more than 50 assets. Learn more at www.fengate.com.

    About Alpha Omega Power

    We are innovators focused on utility-scale battery storage, enhancing grid reliability, supporting renewable energy integration for a cleaner, sustainable energy future. AOP develops, acquires, builds, and operates BESS assets in the United States focusing on investment discipline and technological excellence. AOP currently holds a portfolio of over 2GW of BESS projects across key markets and partners with the nation’s top Load Serving Entities to deliver “Reliability, Stored.”

    Media contact

    Maddison Sharples
    Vice President, Communications and Marketing
    Fengate Asset Management
    +1 416-254-3326
    Maddison.Sharples@fengate.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0d84e7c-908c-464f-84d5-1bca7ec1d02e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Canada Day: Resurrecting John A. Macdonald statues ignores critical lessons about Canada’s history

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Eric Strikwerda, Associate Professor, History, Athabasca University

    “We’re freeing John A.,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently announced, unveiling plans to return a statue of Sir John A. Macdonald to its place of prominence overlooking the south lawn of the Ontario legislature at Queen’s Park.

    The statue’s return comes five years after activists, disgusted by the first Canadian prime minister’s racist policies, sprayed pink paint over the statue’s base.

    Ford’s announcement was welcome news to the mostly conservative historians, editorialists and assorted pundits who have decried Macdonald’s “cancellation.”

    Their objections have been part of passionate debates about whether racist and harmful figures from the past should be celebrated through statues, school and state institution names and public infrastructure projects.

    For these conservatives, the issue is simple. Dismantling statues is dismantling Canada’s history.



    Read more:
    Canada needs to reckon with the relics of its colonial past, including racist statues

    On the other side of the debate are those who argue that Macdonald’s active and integral role in creating the aggressively assimilationist Gradual Civilization Act, the infamous Indian Residential Schools system, the Reserve and Pass Systems and the Indian Act were all meant to make Indigenous Peoples disappear.

    Macdonald was no man to celebrate, they contend, and his statue is nothing more than a symbol of racism and Canada’s dark colonial past.



    Read more:
    ‘Clearing the plains’ continues with the acquittal of Gerald Stanley

    Flurries of commemoration

    Both sides to the debate, of course, are correct in their assessments of Canada’s first prime minister. Like all historical figures from the past, Macdonald was a complex human being operating at a particular historical moment. And his actions had important historical implications for the way Canada developed.

    Was Macdonald, as proponents of his statue suggest, a visionary nation-builder? Maybe. But he was also a racist colonizer who used his position and his power to advance clearly racist goals in the most awful ways.

    And yet, the debate misses a deeper and much more interesting set of questions about how we understand Canadian history, how we describe Canada’s past and ultimately how Canadians tell stories about themselves to each other.

    It’s important to recognize from where and in what historical contexts Canada’s statues, commemorations and public infrastructure names come. Statues of figures like Macdonald, as well as the naming of public buildings, bridges and roads in his honour, appeared principally at two separate times.

    The first came in the late 19th century, mostly commemorating Macdonald’s death in 1891. But statues were being erected during this period amid rising nationalism. They signalled a celebration of Canada’s membership in the British Empire, then at the zenith of its power and influence.

    The second flurry of Macdonald commemoration was in the mid-1960s, another moment of heightened nationalism and Canadian pride. It coincided with Canada’s centenary in 1967, the Montréal Expo that same year, a new Canadian flag and a newfound confidence in the world through its active participation in international peacekeeping efforts.

    Canada was also at that time grappling with a deeply dissatisfied Québec and its place in Confederation, a state of affairs that eventually resulted in a divisive sovereignty referendum in 1980 that threatened the very fabric of Canada.

    Respecting the dissent

    But just as Canadians need to understand the historical contexts in which citizens of the past have celebrated people like Macdonald, so too do they need to grasp the historical contexts in which Canadians past and present have questioned his legacy.

    In 2013, the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States sparked critical re-evaluations of statues of Civil War-era figures from the American South and the continued use in some southern states of the highly offensive Confederate flag, along with many other symbols of racism, division and hatred.

    The release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) final report a decade ago similarly forced Canadians to confront some the darkest chapters of the country’s past.

    The point often missed here is that historical markers — like the TRC Commission and the Black Lives Matter movement — themselves become artefacts of the ongoing project involving how people tell stories about themselves to themselves, what those stories say about them in the present and how they want to define themselves in the future.

    A more fulsome engagement with history demands Canadians refrain from conflating the story of John A. Macdonald, the statue, with the story of John A. Macdonald, the man, any more than we’d conflate a drawing of an apple with the one on our counter.

    A true examination of Macdonald

    It’s not a question of who Macdonald was or wasn’t. Instead, it’s about the historical context in which the commemorations of him were installed. But it’s also part of the continuing story of how we see ourselves today.

    Claims that dismantling public statues and renaming roads and schools somehow erases Canadian history are ridiculous and profoundly misunderstand how history works.

    As Canada Day approaches, it’s important to remember that Macdonald’s story and legacy live on exactly where they should — in the pages of history books, museums and classrooms, where his life and times can be examined, interpreted and debated with the kind of depth and nuance that Canadian history deserves.

    Eric Strikwerda does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Canada Day: Resurrecting John A. Macdonald statues ignores critical lessons about Canada’s history – https://theconversation.com/canada-day-resurrecting-john-a-macdonald-statues-ignores-critical-lessons-about-canadas-history-259351

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Canada Day: Resurrecting John A. Macdonald statues ignores critical lessons about Canada’s history

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Eric Strikwerda, Associate Professor, History, Athabasca University

    “We’re freeing John A.,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently announced, unveiling plans to return a statue of Sir John A. Macdonald to its place of prominence overlooking the south lawn of the Ontario legislature at Queen’s Park.

    The statue’s return comes five years after activists, disgusted by the first Canadian prime minister’s racist policies, sprayed pink paint over the statue’s base.

    Ford’s announcement was welcome news to the mostly conservative historians, editorialists and assorted pundits who have decried Macdonald’s “cancellation.”

    Their objections have been part of passionate debates about whether racist and harmful figures from the past should be celebrated through statues, school and state institution names and public infrastructure projects.

    For these conservatives, the issue is simple. Dismantling statues is dismantling Canada’s history.



    Read more:
    Canada needs to reckon with the relics of its colonial past, including racist statues

    On the other side of the debate are those who argue that Macdonald’s active and integral role in creating the aggressively assimilationist Gradual Civilization Act, the infamous Indian Residential Schools system, the Reserve and Pass Systems and the Indian Act were all meant to make Indigenous Peoples disappear.

    Macdonald was no man to celebrate, they contend, and his statue is nothing more than a symbol of racism and Canada’s dark colonial past.



    Read more:
    ‘Clearing the plains’ continues with the acquittal of Gerald Stanley

    Flurries of commemoration

    Both sides to the debate, of course, are correct in their assessments of Canada’s first prime minister. Like all historical figures from the past, Macdonald was a complex human being operating at a particular historical moment. And his actions had important historical implications for the way Canada developed.

    Was Macdonald, as proponents of his statue suggest, a visionary nation-builder? Maybe. But he was also a racist colonizer who used his position and his power to advance clearly racist goals in the most awful ways.

    And yet, the debate misses a deeper and much more interesting set of questions about how we understand Canadian history, how we describe Canada’s past and ultimately how Canadians tell stories about themselves to each other.

    It’s important to recognize from where and in what historical contexts Canada’s statues, commemorations and public infrastructure names come. Statues of figures like Macdonald, as well as the naming of public buildings, bridges and roads in his honour, appeared principally at two separate times.

    The first came in the late 19th century, mostly commemorating Macdonald’s death in 1891. But statues were being erected during this period amid rising nationalism. They signalled a celebration of Canada’s membership in the British Empire, then at the zenith of its power and influence.

    The second flurry of Macdonald commemoration was in the mid-1960s, another moment of heightened nationalism and Canadian pride. It coincided with Canada’s centenary in 1967, the Montréal Expo that same year, a new Canadian flag and a newfound confidence in the world through its active participation in international peacekeeping efforts.

    Canada was also at that time grappling with a deeply dissatisfied Québec and its place in Confederation, a state of affairs that eventually resulted in a divisive sovereignty referendum in 1980 that threatened the very fabric of Canada.

    Respecting the dissent

    But just as Canadians need to understand the historical contexts in which citizens of the past have celebrated people like Macdonald, so too do they need to grasp the historical contexts in which Canadians past and present have questioned his legacy.

    In 2013, the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States sparked critical re-evaluations of statues of Civil War-era figures from the American South and the continued use in some southern states of the highly offensive Confederate flag, along with many other symbols of racism, division and hatred.

    The release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) final report a decade ago similarly forced Canadians to confront some the darkest chapters of the country’s past.

    The point often missed here is that historical markers — like the TRC Commission and the Black Lives Matter movement — themselves become artefacts of the ongoing project involving how people tell stories about themselves to themselves, what those stories say about them in the present and how they want to define themselves in the future.

    A more fulsome engagement with history demands Canadians refrain from conflating the story of John A. Macdonald, the statue, with the story of John A. Macdonald, the man, any more than we’d conflate a drawing of an apple with the one on our counter.

    A true examination of Macdonald

    It’s not a question of who Macdonald was or wasn’t. Instead, it’s about the historical context in which the commemorations of him were installed. But it’s also part of the continuing story of how we see ourselves today.

    Claims that dismantling public statues and renaming roads and schools somehow erases Canadian history are ridiculous and profoundly misunderstand how history works.

    As Canada Day approaches, it’s important to remember that Macdonald’s story and legacy live on exactly where they should — in the pages of history books, museums and classrooms, where his life and times can be examined, interpreted and debated with the kind of depth and nuance that Canadian history deserves.

    Eric Strikwerda does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Canada Day: Resurrecting John A. Macdonald statues ignores critical lessons about Canada’s history – https://theconversation.com/canada-day-resurrecting-john-a-macdonald-statues-ignores-critical-lessons-about-canadas-history-259351

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Secures Key Funding in Agriculture Appropriations Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Secures Key Funding in Agriculture Appropriations Bill

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. 

    “The Appropriations Committee has delivered on House Republicans’ commitment to strengthen the agriculture industry while getting our fiscal house in order,” said Rep. Newhouse.  

    Newhouse continued, “By adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), we can combat the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to acquire critical American farmland. The legislation provides funding for key agriculture research programs that support innovation in our specialty crop industries in Central Washington. In pursuit of fiscal responsibility, the legislation passed out of committee today reins in spending in areas we can afford while providing producers the resources they need to be successful and competitive across the agriculture industry.”  

    “I am also proud to announce funding in this legislation for several projects in Washington’s Fourth District including Astria Toppenish’s Emergency Department, medical staff living spaces at Coulee Medical Center, the expansion of surgical services at Skyline Health, and resources to help finish the new Toppenish Police Department.” 

    The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $25.523 billion, which is $1.163 billion (4.2%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The bill prioritizes agencies and programs that protect our nation’s food and drug supply; support America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; and ensure low-income Americans have access to nutrition programs.

    Below are projects in Washington’s Fourth Congressional District Rep. Newhouse secured funding for in this legislation. 

    Astria Toppenish Hospital 

    Amount: $1,512,000 

    Description: The current Emergency Department at Astria Toppenish Hospital is outdated, and in certain areas in a state of disrepair, including the exam rooms, corridors, nurses’ station, waiting room, the staff registration areas, and waiting room for patients and families. A newly designed and expanded fast track area will include a centrally located nursing station area and four contiguous patient rooms. A new results waiting area will be added which will include four holding bays for patients waiting for results. The redesigned area will improve efficiency, streamline processes, and minimize delays which will enhance patient care and satisfaction. Most importantly, the enhanced capacity will support the increasing demand for Emergency Services in Yakima County by 30 patients per day, and 10,950 per year.

    Coulee Medical Center 

    Amount: $3,020,475

    Description: To ensure the availability of safe, dependable living space for health professionals working at the hospital, Coulee Medical Center (CMC) proposes the construction of 30 modular housing units. These housing units will be located at an approximately 5-acre CMC-owned property adjacent to the hospital, providing critical care personnel with accessible accommodations that are significantly closer than St. Rita’s. Each unit will span approximately 357 square feet, and will include a bed, bathroom, and kitchen. Based on the current and anticipated demands of CMC staff, 30 units were determined as an appropriate number to maximize the availability of private living staff while leveraging federal investment responsibly and efficiently.

    Skyline Health 

    Amount: $3,000,000

    Description: As the community of White Salmon, WA continues to grow and expand, so does the need to provide high-quality accessible care. This project will expand Surgical Services by renovating existing facility space and increasing the capacity of Skyline Health to provide new essential services to meet the current community need and prepare for future growth. A modern Surgical Center at Skyline will allow the hospital to recruit specialists and medical staff who will be critical for the hospital’s continued growth of services.

    Toppenish Police Department 

    Amount: $500,000 

    Description: Toppenish, WA faces significant challenges, with crime rates higher than 98.7% of other U.S. cities and higher than any neighboring cities in the region. This underscores the urgent need for proper police infrastructure to support the department and the nearly 10,000 residents it serves. The City has approved the purchase of a building to serve as a permanent police precinct. The total cost for the purchase and renovation of this building is estimated at $2.5 million. The City is seeking $500,000 in funding to complete the necessary interior and exterior renovations to bring the precinct online. The completion of this project will not only create a more effective Police Department but also help reduce the City’s annual operating deficit. The current temporary building costs the City $15,000 per month, further straining the budget. By moving to a permanent facility, the City can allocate resources more efficiently and improve public safety.

    Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Funding Announced for Abortion Health Care Services

    Source: US State of New York

    n the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling, which ended the constitutional right to an abortion in the United States, Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $24 million in State grants made to organizations in New York State to fund abortion health care services under the New York State Abortion Access Program. The Program provides financial support to health care providers across New York State ensuring that patients can access safe and supportive abortion services within their communities.

    “Abortion is health care and I will always fight to protect reproductive rights for all New Yorkers and anyone receiving health care in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “As we face anti-choice extremists in leadership who aim to roll back these hard fought for rights, we will always fight to ensure access to reproductive care is protected here in New York and ensure that this state remains a safe harbor for those in need of abortion care.”

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “This funding is critical for clinics across the state to continue offering abortion care and to expand the range of reproductive health services they provide. As other states strip away protections, New York’s commitment to reproductive freedom has never been more important. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, we will continue ensuring abortion care is affordable, available, and accessible to anyone who needs it.”

    Since taking office Governor Hochul has taken significant steps to expand access to reproductive health care in New York and nationwide. Key actions include:

    • Dedicating hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to support abortion providers and reproductive healthcare statewide, with additional funding in the FY26 Enacted Budget to help providers adapt to current challenges. This includes additional funding for medication abortions and for capital investments that will enable renovations, equipment upgrades, planning and construction to help facilities modernize and secure their operations.
    • Codifying abortion as protected emergency medical care in New York State and requiring hospitals to provide this care, reinforcing access to abortion services when medically necessary.
    • The creation of a standing order that authorized pharmacists to dispense three types of hormonal contraception medication without a prescription, including the Oral hormonal pill, Hormonal vaginal ring and Hormonal contraceptive patches

    Earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to strengthen New York’s shield law that protects abortion providers from out-of-state prosecution, allowing medical providers to include only the address of the dispensing health care practice on the prescription label instead of the name of the provider or practice and requires pharmacies to abide by a prescriber’s request to remove their name from the prescription label. This legislation built on a law signed by Governor Hochul in January, days after Louisiana officials attempted to extradite a New York-based doctor who prescribed FDA-approved abortion medication through telehealth.

    Governor Hochul has also signed additional pieces of legislation to bolster reproductive rights across the State, which include:

    In November 2024, voters approved Proposition One, an amendment to the New York Constitution that protects abortion rights and access to reproductive health care. The approved amendment establishes constitutional protections against discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and sex — including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes and reproductive health care and autonomy. These protections are in addition to explicit protections against racial and religious discrimination that were already included in New York’s Constitution. The amendment went into effect on January 1, 2025.

    Abortion access remains safe and accessible for New Yorkers and for those coming from outside of New York State. Medication abortion and in-clinic abortion is also protected in New York. Abortions are legal up to and including 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, individuals can still get an abortion if their health or pregnancy is at risk. Learn more about abortion in New York State by visiting the Know Your Rights website.

    Find a nearby abortion provider here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor nominated, R.I. Senate confirmed a new member to the State’s Arts Council

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Providence, RI � Governor McKee announced today that the Rhode Island Senate has confirmed the appointment of Steven Boudreau, Cranston, to the Board of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. Suzanne Augenstein, Providence, and long-time board member Kara Milner, Bristol, have stepped down from their Council roles.

    “On behalf of Rhode Island, thank you to Suzanne and Kara for their tenure serving the arts community. I am pleased to welcome Steven to the Council.” Governor McKee said. “Commitment to our state’s volunteer arts board is commendable and important to our arts and culture sector, which adds not only to the state’s economy but to the well-being of Rhode Islanders.”

    “The Council is grateful to the Governor and the R.I. Senate for confirming this key addition to the state’s arts council. I want to reiterate my appreciation to Kara and Suzanne for their service to this state’s key community,” said Lawrence Purtill, RISCA’s Chair. “Steven brings expertise and resources, particularly in the field of arts and health, which is gaining momentum nationally. Along with fellow Council members and RISCA staff, he will ensure arts and culture continue to play a role in the daily lives of Rhode Islanders.”

    Steven Boudreau, a public health leader and arts advocate, serves as the Director of Equity and Engagement at the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA). He leads initiatives to promote inclusivity and engagement for older adults. Previously, he was the Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Workforce at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), overseeing workforce development, career advancement, and leadership programs for a staff of 650+ public health champions. In addition to joining the Board of RISCA, he is a former Board member for the National Organization for Arts in Health and The Avenue Concept and a member of the 2023 Leadership Rhode Island Core Program. In November of 2024, he earned his certification in Experience Design through Odyssey Works Foundation.

    Boudreau co-founded and co-chairs the Rhode Island Arts and Health Network, a collaboration with RISCA. This network evolved from the 2016 Rhode Island State Arts and Health Advisory Group. Their work culminated in the 2019 Rhode Island State Arts and Health Plan, a roadmap for integrating arts and creative therapies into healthcare and community settings. He has been instrumental in developing the R.I. Public Health Artist in Residence Program, embedding artists within public health agencies to address issues like behavioral health, addiction, community voice, asthma control, and refugee health through creative community engagement with artists.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Libya: Médecins sans frontières (MSF) stands ready to resume medical activities, two-and-a-half months following MSFs forced suspension


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    Two and a half months after the forced suspension of its activities by Libyan authorities, following a wave of repression that affected ten humanitarian organizations present in the West of the country, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reaffirms its willingness to resume its medical services and its support to the Libyan authorities. The organization also remains very concerned about the health of its former patients and the interruption of access to healthcare for the most vulnerable populations in Libya.

    On March 27, 2025, MSF was forced to suspend the medical aid it was providing in the country, following the closure of its premises by the ISA and the interrogation of several members of its team. All MSF staff were released, but after the crackdown, MSF was forced to evacuate its international employees from Libya and to terminate the contracts of its Libyan staff.

    Since mid-March, the Internal Security Agency (ISA) of Libya began summoning and interrogating the staff of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) providing care to migrants and refugees in Libya.

    “MSF is ready to resume the medical projects that were underway for tuberculosis (TB), mental health and maternal health, for any patient in need of care, and in collaboration with the relevant Libyan authorities” states Steven Purbrick, MSF head of mission for Libya, “provided that the safety of our staff and patients is guaranteed, MSF calls for its suspension to be lifted.”

    MSF had received no formal notification of the basis for the ISA actions and regrets this intimidatory crackdown which compromises access to medical care. MSF is deeply concerned with the consequences for patients’ health. Among them, migrants and refugees are subjected to abuse and violence with severe health consequences and acute medical needs. MSF’s referral mechanism to UNHCR or IOM to evacuate migrants and refugee patients identified as medical priority cases has now come to a halt.

    Before the suspension of activities, MSF was treating a cohort of more than 300 Libyan, migrant and refugee patients, mostly for TB care, antenatal care and psychological support, especially for survivors of violence. Some patients were in a critical situation. MSF managed to refer most of them to other facilities, such as the National Center for Disease Control, but also lost contact with several of them.

    “Two of our TB patients died in Misrata immediately after our suspension. We hear that a further four other inpatients have since passed away in the same facility” says Carla Peruzzo, medical coordinator for MSF in Libya. “We are very concerned about patients with chronic diseases like diabetic patients in need of insulin and people in need of dialysis, with kidney chronic disease.”

    MSF was supporting the only public center for TB patients in Libya. The TB unit was implemented by MSF within the Misrata Chest Hospital in 2020.

    Medications destined for donation to public hospitals were locked inside MSF’s premises, which MSF will now be obliged to destroy due to the loss of temperature control.

    “The medical needs met by MSF are not always covered in Libya’s public health system, which faces structural challenges, such as understaffing and shortages of medication supply”, explains Carla Peruzzo. “A breakdown in TB treatment can lead to the development of a drug-resistant form of the disease, rapid deterioration in the patient’s state of health and even death”.

    Over the years MSF had successfully developed a technical collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Program to reinforce capacities to detect cases in specialized facilities, review national guidelines of the central laboratory in Tripoli and support the department of health education. MSF is ready to continue its planned support to the National Tuberculosis Program and the rest of its medical activities.

    MSF in Libya

    MSF has been working in eastern and western Libya since 2011, providing primary healthcare, TB diagnosis and care, mental health support and maternal health consultations.

    In 2023, MSF provided emergency medical support following the flooding in Derna, supporting two primary health care centres and providing medical consultations to almost 5,000 people. MSF also provided mental health services after the disaster.

    In 2024, MSF conducted 15,018 medical consultations, 3,024 mental health consultations, and 2,035 consultations on tuberculosis.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement on Trump’s Proposal to Upend Vital USDA RD Loan Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today released the following statement responding to reports that the Trump Administration is considering an executive order to transfer certain U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Programs to the Small Business Administration (SBA). This proposal would allow SBA to control USDA RD’s Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, Rural Business Investment Program, and the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. 
    “The Trump Administration’s proposal to move crucial USDA RD programs to the SBA is alarming for rural communities in red and blue states alike. This move won’t ‘improve efficiency’ it will just make it harder for farmers and rural small businesses to access the specialized support farmers and rural small businesses depend on. The Administration’s willful ignorance of fundamental differences between the two agencies will rob rural communities of vital resources provided by USDA’s vast local knowledge and rural presence. I urge the Trump Administration to drop this proposal.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: UPDATE – Tuesday, June 24, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Note: All times local

    Brussels, Belgium

    8:20 a.m. The Prime Minister will depart for The Hague, the Netherlands.

    The Hague, the Netherlands

    10:15 a.m. The Prime Minister will arrive in The Hague, the Netherlands.

    1:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson.

    Note for media:

    2:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs.

    Note for media:

    3:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof.

    Note for media:

    4:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will have an audience with Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

    Note for media:

    5:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with leaders of Nordic countries.

    Note for media:

    7:25 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the official welcome by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

    Note for media:

    • Host broadcaster

    7:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend a reception given by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

    Closed to media

    8:25 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a family photo with NATO Allies.

    Note for media:

    8:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend a dinner given by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

    Note for media:

    • Host broadcaster

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 1883, Defending International Security by Restricting Unacceptable Partnerships and Tactics Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 1883 would require the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, and Commerce, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Central Intelligence Agency to establish task forces to analyze the cooperation among the foremost adversaries of the United States—namely China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Each agency’s task force would report to the Congress on the effects of that cooperation between those adversaries, and on organizational changes needed by the task force’s parent agency to effectively respond. The bill would require those six agencies to submit a joint report to the Congress outlining the strategic approach the United States should take to disrupt the cooperative efforts of those adversaries. Finally, the bill also would require the Director of National Intelligence to report to the Congress on the nature, trajectory, and risks of cooperation among those major adversaries of the United States.

    On the basis of information about similar task forces and reporting requirements, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 annually, totaling $1 million over the 2025-2030 period. Such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is David Rafferty. The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 1883, Defending International Security by Restricting Unacceptable Partnerships and Tactics Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 1883 would require the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, and Commerce, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Central Intelligence Agency to establish task forces to analyze the cooperation among the foremost adversaries of the United States—namely China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Each agency’s task force would report to the Congress on the effects of that cooperation between those adversaries, and on organizational changes needed by the task force’s parent agency to effectively respond. The bill would require those six agencies to submit a joint report to the Congress outlining the strategic approach the United States should take to disrupt the cooperative efforts of those adversaries. Finally, the bill also would require the Director of National Intelligence to report to the Congress on the nature, trajectory, and risks of cooperation among those major adversaries of the United States.

    On the basis of information about similar task forces and reporting requirements, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 annually, totaling $1 million over the 2025-2030 period. Such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is David Rafferty. The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1327, Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1327 would require the Department of Homeland Security to conduct an assessment of terrorist threats to the U.S. posed by people in Syria who are affiliated with foreign terrorist organizations. The bill would require the department, within 60 days of enactment, to provide the Congress with the assessment and a briefing about it.

    On the basis of information about similar requirements, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is David Rafferty. The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1327, Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1327 would require the Department of Homeland Security to conduct an assessment of terrorist threats to the U.S. posed by people in Syria who are affiliated with foreign terrorist organizations. The bill would require the department, within 60 days of enactment, to provide the Congress with the assessment and a briefing about it.

    On the basis of information about similar requirements, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is David Rafferty. The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Charitable giving grew to $593B in 2024, propelled by a strengthening US economy and a booming stock market

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jon Bergdoll, Associate Director of Data Partnerships at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University

    Paul Newman, the late actor and philanthropist, co-founded Camp Boggy Creek, which children with serious illnesses and their families attend for free. AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

    U.S. charitable giving increased 3.3% to US$593 billion in 2024, lifted by the strength of the economy.

    The annual report from the Giving USA Foundation, produced in partnership with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy,
    found that this was the second-highest level on record after adjusting for inflation.

    Giving grew at the fastest pace since 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic led many Americans to make larger-than-usual donations. It was also the first time since then that growth in giving outpaced inflation.

    As two of the report’s lead researchers, we see many signs of healthy growth in charitable giving in 2024. Our data shows that the strong economy, which grew 2.8% in 2024, bolstered individual and corporate giving and allowed foundations to maintain the historically high level of giving seen from them in recent years.

    It also helped that stock markets performed well in 2024, consumer sentiment was generally positive, personal income rose and inflation continued to ease.

    Donations to nearly every charitable category we track grew.

    Individuals and corporations led overall growth

    Individual donors continued to provide the bulk of the nation’s charitable gifts. The $392 billion they gave to charity accounted for two-thirds of the year’s total. Giving by individuals grew 5.1% from 2023 − a swifter pace than for all donations.

    Corporate giving rose even faster. It was up 6% to a record $44 billion.

    This growth reflects the high pretax profits earned by corporations in 2024 and the trend toward corporations donating a higher share of pretax profits in recent years.

    For example, corporations generally donated less than 1% of pretax profits from 2004-2018. But our research team started to see corporate giving rise to 1% or more in the 2019 data. This was also the case in 2024, when corporate giving stood at 1.1% of pretax profits.

    Corporate philanthropy has grown by more than 50% since 2019, a trend that has coincided with rising in-kind donations of insulin products and other pharmaceuticals. Drugmakers made an estimated $24 billion in these donations in 2024 − up 41% since 2019.

    To be sure, corporations’ donations amounted to just 7% of overall giving in 2024.

    Meanwhile, grants made by foundations exceeded $100 billion for the third straight year. Almost $1 out of every $5 contributed to charity was from a foundation in each of those years.

    Giving by foundations in the five years ending in 2024 was higher than any other period since Giving USA has tracked this data. Foundation giving, however, remained fairly flat from 2023 to 2024, at about $110 billion.

    Around 8% of all gifts made in 2024 were from bequests included in people’s wills, the same as in 2023. Bequests totaled $44 billion, down 4.4% when adjusted for inflation. But the total given through bequests varies quite a bit from year to year.

    Most kinds of donations increased

    Donations to most of the nine charitable categories Giving USA tracks increased. The one exception: Gifts to churches and other religious institutions fell 1%. But religious giving remained by far the top category, followed by human services and education.

    Religious causes received 23% of all donations, a total of $147 billion. Giving to human services nonprofits, such as food banks and homeless shelters, increased considerably during the pandemic. It now accounts for about 14% of all donations. In 2024, these gifts totaled $91 billion.

    Giving to education, which primarily consists of donations to colleges and universities has tended to grow more slowly than overall giving in recent years.

    Giving for education rebounded to a record high in 2024, however, rising nearly 10% from a year earlier. And these gifts have grown at a quick pace over the past decade, increasing by more than 22% from 2015 to 2024. The $88 billion in gifts received for education in 2024 was the third-largest of the nine categories we follow.

    Several other categories also reached all-time highs of giving in 2024: health, at $61 billion; arts, culture and humanities, at $25 billion; and environment and animals, at $22 billion.

    The increases in giving for most kinds of nonprofits, supported by strong growth in giving by individuals and corporations, indicate that the charitable sector ended 2024 in a relatively solid position.

    Jon Bergdoll receives grant funding from the Giving USA Foundation, which publishes Giving USA.

    Christina Daniken receives grant funding from the Giving USA Foundation, which publishes Giving USA.

    – ref. Charitable giving grew to $593B in 2024, propelled by a strengthening US economy and a booming stock market – https://theconversation.com/charitable-giving-grew-to-593b-in-2024-propelled-by-a-strengthening-us-economy-and-a-booming-stock-market-259221

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Diversifying the special education teacher workforce could benefit US schools

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Elizabeth Bettini, Assistant Professor of Special Education, Boston University

    The demographics of the special education teacher workforce have remained static, but the student population these educators serve is becoming more diverse. Courtney Hale/E+ via Getty Images

    Teachers of color positively impact all students, including students of color with disabilities. Yet, the special education teacher workforce is overwhelmingly white.

    In our recent research, we found that special education teacher demographics are not keeping pace with changes in the student population.

    In 2012, about 80% of U.S. public school teachers were white, including about 80% of special education teachers, while less than 20% were teachers of color. By contrast, in the same year, students of color constituted 47% of those diagnosed with disabilities.

    In our recent study, we examined whether these numbers have changed. Analyzing multiple national datasets on the teacher workforce, we found the proportion of special education teachers of color has been static, even as the student population is rapidly becoming more diverse.

    So, the special education teacher workforce is actually becoming less representative of the student population over time. Specifically, in 2012, 16.5% of special education teachers were people of color, compared with 17.1% in 2021. In that same span, the share of students with disabilities who are students of color rose from 47.3% in 2012 to 53.9% in 2021.

    In fact, for the special education teacher workforce to become representative of the student population, U.S. schools would need to triple the number of special education teachers of color.

    As scholars who study teacher recruitment and retention and teacher working conditions, we are concerned that this disparity will affect the quality of education students receive.

    Why does a diverse teacher workforce matter?

    Without more support from the government, the U.S. teacher workforce is likely to remain predominantly white.
    gradyreese/iStock via Getty Images

    For children of color, the research is clear: Teachers of color are, on average, more effective than white teachers in providing positive educational experiences and outcomes for students of color, including students of color with disabilities.

    One study found that low-income Black male students who had one Black teacher in third, fourth or fifth grade were 39% less likely to drop out of high school and 29% more likely to enroll in college.

    Moreover, teachers of color are just as effective as white teachers – and sometimes more effective – in teaching white students.

    Providing pathways

    The U.S. has institutions dedicated to attracting and retaining educators of color: Programs at historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions and other minority-serving institutions prepare a substantial number of new teachers of color annually.

    Further, many local initiatives support educators of color and attract teachers who might not otherwise have opportunities to join the profession.

    These include: Grow Your Own programs that recruit effective teachers of color from local communities, teacher residency programs that help schools retain teachers of color, and
    scholarships and loan forgiveness programs that support all teachers, including teachers of color.

    However, the U.S. educator workforce faces broad challenges with declining interest in the teaching profession and declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs. In this context, our findings indicate that without significant investments, the teacher workforce is likely to remain predominately white – at significant cost to students with disabilities.

    Anti-DEI movement cuts funding

    The Trump administration has canceled teacher preparation grants that recruit teachers of color and has taken other actions that could lead to a less diverse and skilled educator workforce.
    Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

    While there have been long-standing challenges, recent steps taken by the Trump administration could limit efforts to boost teacher diversity.

    In its push to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the administration has cut grant funding for programs designed to develop a diverse educator workforce.

    The administration has also cut millions of dollars dedicated to training teachers to work in underfunded, high-poverty schools and has threatened additional funding cuts to universities engaging in equity-based work.

    These federal actions make the teacher workforce less adept at addressing the substantial challenges facing U.S. schools, such as declining interest in the teaching profession and and persistent racial disparities in student outcomes.

    Given the strong evidence of the benefits of teachers of color and the national trends that our research uncovered, federal and state investments should prioritize supporting prospective teachers of color.

    Elizabeth Bettini’s research has been funded by the US Department of Education’s National Center for Special Education Research within the Institute of Education Sciences, the US Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs, and the Spencer Foundation. She is affiliated with the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division for Research and Teacher Education Division, for which she edits the journal Teacher Education and Special Education.

    LaRon A. Scott has received funding from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs. He is affiliated with the Council for Exceptional Children’s Teacher Education Division and the American Association for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

    Tuan D. Nguyen receives funding from the National Science Foundation to do work around STEM teachers and computer science education.

    – ref. Diversifying the special education teacher workforce could benefit US schools – https://theconversation.com/diversifying-the-special-education-teacher-workforce-could-benefit-us-schools-254916

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –