Category: Asia

PM Modi to visit Bihar, West Bengal today, unveil development projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bihar and West Bengal today (Friday), where he will launch a range of developmental projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore. After giving a major thrust to infrastructure development in both states, PM Modi will also address public gatherings in Motihari in Bihar and Durgapur in West Bengal.

The projects, amounting to over Rs 7,200 crore for Bihar and over Rs 5,000 crore for Bengal, aim to elevate the region’s connectivity and overall infrastructural growth, while boosting employment, rural livelihoods and digital innovation.

In Motihari, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects across rail, road, IT, fisheries and rural development sectors. He will flag off four Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Patna, Motihari, Darbhanga and Malda Town to major northern cities including Delhi and Lucknow.

Key railway projects in Bihar include the inauguration of automatic signalling on the Samastipur-Bachhwara line and the doubling of Darbhanga-Thalwara and Samastipur-Rambhadrapur sections worth Rs 580 crore.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for rail infrastructure projects including a Vande Bharat maintenance facility at Patliputra and doubling of the Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj line, amounting to Rs 4,080 crore.

In road infrastructure, PM Modi will launch the four-laning of the Ara bypass and Parariya-Mohania section of NH-319 with a combined investment of Rs 820 crore, improving access to the Delhi-Kolkata Golden Quadrilateral.

To foster Bihar’s digital economy, the Prime Minister will inaugurate a Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Darbhanga and an incubation centre in Patna, boosting start-ups and IT/ITES exports.

Under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, he will launch new fisheries infrastructure including hatcheries, aquaculture units and fish feed mills.

PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal, worth around Rs 1,950 crore to give a boost to Oil and Gas infrastructure in the region. It will provide PNG connections to households, commercial establishments and industrial customers and provide CNG at the retail outlets.

PM Modi will also dedicate to the nation the Durgapur to Kolkata section (132 Km) of Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline and Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline, also known as Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) Project. (IANS)

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Bonnets, speech bubbles and ‘cheeky easter eggs’: a graphic biography of Jane Austen is subtly sophisticated

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Kerrie Davies, Senior Lecturer, School of the Arts & Media, UNSW Sydney

Isabel Greenberg, Hachette

This year is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and she hasn’t aged a bit as the cultural touchstone of classy romance. Her Pride and Prejudice anti-hero, Mr Darcy, perennially pops up in his breeches in Instagram memes, while Regency feminist, Elizabeth Bennet has been brought to life by a host of contemporary actors.

Along with new screen versions of Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (starring Daisy Edgar-Jones) and a Netflix version of P & P, there have been adaptations of her classics Persuasion, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Mansfield Park. And, there are numerous biographies and biopics including a TV drama about Jane’s sister, Cassandra, who burnt most of Jane’s letters.

Review: The Novel Life of Jane Austen: A Graphic Biography –
Janine Barchas, Isabel Greenberg (Hachette)

Now, there is also a graphic biography: The Novel Life of Jane Austen, written by Janine Barchas and illustrated by Isabel Greenberg.

Together, they have co-created a storyboard for the domestic life that framed Austen’s writing, encompassing her closeness to both Cassandra and her brother Frank, who joined the navy and liked to sew.

Unlike a “cradle to grave” biography, Barchas begins with a teenage Jane in London with Frank touring an exhibition about Shakespeare and his work. We then follow her, in illustrative comic boxes and speech bubbles, through her publishing rejections, her breakthrough debut Sense and Sensibility, and her rise to become one of most beloved writers in the canon of English literature.

The book ends beyond the grave, flashing forward to the present, in a scene where contemporary fans – Janeites – visit Jane Austen’s House, the cottage in Hampshire where Austen lived when she revised and published her six novels.

It’s also a sign of subtle structural polish. Now Jane Austen is as deserving of her own gallery as Shakespeare was when we first met Jane as a young, unpublished author.

Thinking in pink

Barchas – an “Austenite”, as Austen scholars are called – is the author of The Lost Books of Jane Austen, a study of the mass market editions of Austen’s work. (The Novel Life touches on Austen’s posthumous appeal with a scene where readers buy Austen books for one shilling at a railway station after her death, aged 41.)

Barchas also wrote Matters of Fact in Jane Austen: History, Location and Celebrity, which links Austen’s characters to well known locations and figures in her era.

Isabel Greenberg

Barchas is the co-creator of the interactive digital exhibition, What Jane Saw, which invites us to visit two art exhibitions witnessed by Jane Austen: the Sir Joshua Reynolds retrospective in 1813 or the Shakespeare Gallery as it looked in 1796. The Novel Life, however, is a more definitive life story. It’s also best read in print (although it is available as an e-book) to appreciate Greenberg’s illustrations and graphic format.

The Novel Life is a gentler, less dramatic style than traditional comics with six-pack superheroes or Japanese manga, similar to Greenberg’s previous literary graphic biography foray, Glass Town, about the Bronte sisters.

For the Novel Life, Greenberg has drawn a world in which Austen is whimsical, with expressive eyes looming under her signature bangs. She and her sister Cassandra appear in bright yellow or blue empire line dresses.

Most scenes are illustrated in a muted palette of yellow, blue and grey. This palette, Barchas reflects in the preface, represents “the relative quiet of her (Austen’s) life”.

When Jane is thinking or writing however, the pages transform into vivid shades of pink to symbolise her imagination and inspiration. In these pages, The Novel Life is at its best, showing graphic biography can be both captivating and deceptively sophisticated.

Archival nods

Is a graphic biography really a biography in the conventional understanding of the genre? It can upset the perceived rules. Anticipating this, in the preface, Barchas reminds us:

Any biography of Austen, and there are many, exists at the intersection of speculation and research.

This book is at this intersection. While the dialogue is largely invented, it is grounded in Barchas’ expertise and there is a glossary of sources at the end.

Throughout, there are also nods to the archive. Barchas begins with a scene of Jane in 1796 writing a letter to Cassandra at a desk while staying in London – one of the few not burnt.

A speech bubble quotes an extract from it:

Here I am once more in this scene of dissipation and vice, and I begin already to find my morals corrupted.

There are also Post-it style notes, separate to the bubbles, offering extra biographical context for readers less familiar with the intricacies of Austen’s story. A key scene happens when Jane, 22, receives her first rejection by a publisher for her manuscript “First Impressions” and is comforted by the loyal Cassandra. The note reads:

Jane would carry out more than a decade and a half of revisions before she dared to offer the manuscript to another publisher, who released it in 1813 as Pride and Prejudice.

Because of their visual casualness, importantly the notes don’t interfere with the intimate, engaging tone of the story.

‘Easter eggs’

For Austen’s committed “Janeite” fan base, Barchas promises “cheeky easter eggs” in the preface. Janeites can delight in well-quoted lines from the novels that appear as dialogue or a character’s thoughts.

Look, for instance, for Jane reading at a dinner party from P & P: “It’s a truth universally acknowledged […]” and “she is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me […]”.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged too that graphic biography can be confused with the graphic novel, now the third most popular literary genre in sales after general fiction and romance.

But, dear reader, there’s a tradition of life writing in the medium. The Pulitzer Prize winning graphic biography/memoir, The Complete Maus, told Art Spiegelman’s father’s story of the Holocaust to his son, (Art) who struggled to understand his father. Maus portrayed Jewish people anthropomorphically as mice and Nazis as cats. It was described by The New Yorker “as the first masterpiece of comic book history”.

Other high points in graphic biography include Peter Bagge’s Woman Rebel, the story of birth control campaigner Margaret Sanger, published in 2013.

Not everyone will appreciate a work diverging so dramatically from the expectations of a traditional biography. And those who will most appreciate or scrutinise The Novel Life are yes, the Janeites and Austenites.

Regardless, Austen comes to graphic life in the mind and hands of Barchas and Greenberg. More generally, for those of us who like our biographies in vivid colour – literally – and enjoy experiments in nonfiction storytelling, it’s a delightful reading experience, just like Jane Austen.

Kerrie Davies 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. Bonnets, speech bubbles and ‘cheeky easter eggs’: a graphic biography of Jane Austen is subtly sophisticated – https://theconversation.com/bonnets-speech-bubbles-and-cheeky-easter-eggs-a-graphic-biography-of-jane-austen-is-subtly-sophisticated-257558

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July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Jackson Wang on ‘MagicMan 2’: A decade of stardom, a journey to self

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

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Chinese superstar Jackson Wang is offering fans an unprecedented look into his personal journey with his newest album, “MagicMan 2,” which features raw and unfiltered reflections on his life, revealing a deeply human side of the artist.

Jackson Wang and a China.org.cn reporter sit down for an interview in Shanghai, June 28, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

In an exclusive interview with China.org.cn, Wang peeled back the layers of his meticulously crafted persona, explaining how the album — a follow-up to his first physical solo release “MagicMan” (2022) — was born from a year of introspection, diary entries and hard-won self-acceptance.

“For 10 years, just being on the road always with back-to-back schedules, I felt like I didn’t even have time to really think,” said Wang, who debuted at age 19 as a member of K-pop boy band GOT7. “I missed out a lot in my 20s.”

Wang said he realized he needed to slow down and understand his life’s purpose. He described questioning whether he was living authentically or simply conforming to public expectations — a crisis that drove his latest artistic work.

The 11-track album, due for release on July 18, is divided into four sections: “Manic Highs,” “Losing Control,” “Realizations” and “Acceptance.” The songs chronicle Wang’s experience with fame’s highs and lows, using lyrics taken from personal journals he kept during a year-long break.

A promotional image shows Jackson Wang and his fictional MagicMan alter ego. The image serves as the single cover art for Wang’s “Hate to Love.” [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Records]

Four singles have been released already ahead of the album’s full debut. The lead single “High Alone” hit No. 1 on Apple Music in 22 countries and regions. Follow-up track “GBAD” has over 32.5 million YouTube views, while “Buck,” featuring Indian actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, has attracted more than 8.7 million views. The fourth single, “Hate to Love,” reached No. 34 on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart and has over 16.3 million YouTube views.

Despite their commercial success, the tracks explore darker themes including fame’s pressures, betrayal and personal struggles. “High Alone” deals with betrayal and emotional exhaustion, with its music video showing Wang’s alter ego, MagicMan, trapped in a water tank, watched by callous onlookers. In “Hate to Love,” Wang sings: “Wish I could still trust you, trust you. It’s funny how people can be selfish. I give it all, give it all, give it all. But you still want more.”

Yet “MagicMan 2” isn’t just about pain — it’s about perspective. At 31, Wang reflects on life’s complexities with hard-earned wisdom. “The main point of this album is talking about what’s good without the bad, and what’s bad without the good, right?” Wang said. “You need to feel what’s bad to know that something is actually good.”

The vinyl version of “MagicMan 2” is set for release on July 18, 2025. [Image courtesy of Team Wang Records]

Speaking to a China.org.cn reporter before attending the BazaarGala red carpet in Shanghai, a self-assured and energized Wang said the album documents past struggles rather than current ones. He described music as healing him from severe depression. “Whatever I wrote about, that’s in the past. I’ve recovered. I moved on with it. But my album is about capturing all those highlights of what happened — the journey of dealing with emotions in life.”

Among the album’s most personal moments is a song titled “Sophie Ricky,” which addresses Wang’s family. During his period of reflection, Wang said he gained clarity about his parents’ sacrifices. “We’re born into this world thinking that our parents will figure everything out,” he said. “It took time for us as we mature to realize, our parents were just like us.”

He described parenthood as a universal cycle: “It feels like, to me, we’re on the same street, but they’re just further ahead. Eventually, in the future, it’s the same thing that might happen — my kids are gonna tell me too.”

The album reveals a more vulnerable side of the global star, moving away from the polished image that has defined his career.

Though Wang performed to enthusiastic crowds at the Head in the Clouds Festival 2025 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, in early June, he expressed uncertainty about upcoming concerts. “I would do a concert, but we’ll see. If the album’s doing good, then obviously I’ll have a concert. But people need to come and watch, right? If there’s no one coming to watch, then I can just perform at home.”

Jackson Wang greets China.org.cn audiences during an interview in Shanghai, June 28, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Wang said “MagicMan 2” represents more than just an album. “A lot of stuff, no matter if it’s good or bad, that happened to a person, it made who you are today,” he said. “Everyone needs to go through their version of MagicMan to get through life. That is what I want to tell my audience. That’s it.”

MIL OSI China News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Antitrust lawyer: China provides positive factors for global supply chains

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

Renowned antitrust lawyer Bai Yong said Wednesday at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing that China has strengthened global supply chains amid rising worldwide protectionism, serving as an outstanding model to the world’s economies.

Renowned antitrust lawyer Bai Yong speaks at an event during the 3rd CISCE in Beijing on July 16, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CISCE]

“I believe the Chinese government has delivered exceptional performance in recent years, providing positive contributions to global supply chain stability and security,” said Bai, a partner at international law firm Clifford Chance and head of antitrust for Greater China. “Personally, I find it remarkable that while China was relatively closed 40 years ago when the world was more open. Through decades of development, China has become increasingly open. Meanwhile, we observe many countries outside China, including those in Europe and America, becoming more closed with rising protectionism.”

Bai said that years ago, the Chinese government co-launched international initiatives on industrial and supply chain resilience with Indonesia and other nations, while actively advancing these agendas across BRICS, G20, and other platforms. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) has facilitated over 2,200 business delegations in their visits to more than 100 countries in 2024, aiming to improve international cooperation. CCPIT is also continuing to host the CISCE in its third year, and the platform is demonstrating a growing influence.

“China’s approach both encourages domestic enterprises’ global expansion and welcomes foreign investment, establishing an exemplary model for international economic cooperation,” he said.

Bai said the fundamental purpose of antitrust law is to protect competition. “Competition drives enterprises to improve quality, reduce prices, foster innovation and enhance product diversity, ultimately expanding consumer choice,” he said. “This process strengthens supply chain diversity, stability and resilience. Fair competition constitutes the essential foundation for supply chain stability.”

But the antitrust expert has observed that overseas, particularly as Chinese companies expand globally, many European and American governments have incorporated geopolitical and protectionist considerations into their antitrust enforcement.

“For example, they dismiss Chinese companies’ efficiency and innovation, attributing their competitive advantage solely to subsidies,” Bai said. “In reality, all governments provide subsidies, and all companies receive them – so why should Chinese companies face particularly harsh, unfair, and discriminatory treatment? This reflects the inequitable approach to Chinese firms in foreign antitrust enforcement. Such practices dampen investment confidence by creating uncertainty, ultimately undermining supply chain stability and security.”

He continued, “Many governments in the world should reflect on this issue. When a government abandons fair market principles for protectionist enforcement, it directly jeopardizes global supply chain stability and security.”

Bai suggested that the essence of today’s globalization lies in restructuring global supply chains. He expressed hope that the Chinese government and businesses would continue to play, and expand, their pivotal role as stabilizing forces in maintaining globalization and ensuring the security and stability of global industrial chains.

“From a corporate perspective, businesses worldwide – especially Chinese companies – should proactively engage in developing and restructuring global supply chains to strengthen international competitiveness,” he said. “We encourage Chinese enterprises with overseas operations to communicate China’s story effectively to foreign regulators, helping dispel misunderstandings. Chinese companies must also maintain strategic vigilance by expanding their global industrial chain role and competitiveness, ensuring sustained advantages through international cooperation and broader global operations.”

The third CISCE, hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, opened Wednesday in Beijing and runs through Sunday. As the world’s first national-level expo focused on supply chains, it has become a key platform for international business cooperation and shared development.

MIL OSI China News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S., the Philippines Conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SOUTH CHINA SEA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the U.S. Navy, conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, July 16.

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July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: As Republicans Gut Medicaid Funding for Planned Parenthood, Sen. Markey, Rep. Fletcher Host Spotlight Hearing on Republican Attacks on Birth Control Access

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Watch: Senator Markey hosts spotlight hearing on birth control access in the Post-Roe Era

Washington (July 17, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) Committee’s Subcommittee on Primary Health & Retirement Security, and Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) held a hearing yesterday titled “A Right at Risk: Protecting the Right to Contraception and Reproductive Freedom in the Post-Roe Era” to spotlight how Republican attacks on birth control access threaten reproductive freedom nationwide. Earlier this month, Republicans cut millions in Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood in their so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which Trump signed into law.

“As Republicans pursue their agenda of unprecedented cuts to our health programs, banning funding for Planned Parenthood and ripping health care away from millions of Americans, the threat to the right to contraception is no longer hypothetical—it is real, and it is here,” said Senator Markey. “We must meet this moment with the urgency it deserves. We must pass the Right to Contraception Act and guarantee that reproductive freedom does not depend on where you live or who is in power in your statehouse. We cannot allow MAGA extremists to roll back decades of progress. And we will not stop until the right to contraception and reproductive freedom is protected—for everyone, everywhere.”

“As Republicans wage unprecedented and unconstitutional attacks on Americans’ health care, it is important for us to hear from those on the frontlines of the fight for reproductive freedom,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “Millions of Americans rely on contraception of all kinds to plan their families and their lives, and ninety percent of Americans support access to all forms of birth control. I am grateful to Senator Markey for joining me in hosting today’s hearing to bring this important issue to light. As a representative from a state intent on taking away our right and our access to quality, affordable reproductive health care, I will continue to do everything I can to protect the health, privacy, dignity, and autonomy of women and families across our country.”

Senator Markey and Representative Fletcher were joined by several reproductive rights experts and advocates who delivered testimony on how Republican attacks on birth control access harm communities across the country.

“Across the country—and in my home state of Indiana—birth control is being targeted through misinformation and ideology that are completely disconnected from science and clinical reality. These attacks are not about patient safety or public health. They are about control and because of the broad popularity of contraception, they are designed to be less noticeable,” said Dr. Tracey Wilkinson, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine. Read Dr. Tracey Wilkinson’s testimony here.

“Access to contraception is essential to sexual and reproductive healthcare and gender equity. Contraception is not merely a matter of personal choice; it is healthcare, and access to this healthcare has a large and positive impact on maternal and infant health outcomes, economic stability, and prosperous, safe communities. Nonetheless, the advances we have made in a ‘purple’ state like Virginia are clearly precarious,” said Tarina Keene, executive director of REPRO Rising Virginia. “And—if a state like Virginia can’t rely on its own government to protect and advance its right to contraception, then surely other state governments, ones that are more openly attacking reproductive rights, cannot be expected to do the same.” Read Tarina Keene’s testimony here.

“Jane’s Due Process has helped young Texans access reproductive healthcare for almost 25 years. Texas has required parental involvement for access to prescriptive birth control for young people under 18 since 1998, and in 2022, a federal judge determined that Title X federal family planning providers could no longer provide prescriptive birth control to Texas teens without parental consent despite decades of protected federal provision. We hear every day from young people negatively impacted by these barriers. We believe that everyone, including young people, deserve the right to self-determination, and full access to the complete spectrum of family planning options, including birth control, is a big part of ensuring that right. We need to protect and expand young people’s access to contraception so that they can make the decisions for their own futures that are right for them,” said Lucie Arvallo, Executive Director, Jane’s Due Process. Read Lucie Arvallo’s testimony here.

“Contraception is a key component of reproductive health care. The decision about whether, when, or how to become a parent is one of the most important life decisions we make. For the past sixty years, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England has touched the lives of more than a million people in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, including for birth control services. We are an integral part of the health care system and proudly provide the highest quality, nonjudgmental care to all who walk through our doors. Patients count on us. The reality is that in rural states like ours, you’d be hard pressed to find someone whose life hasn’t been touched by Planned Parenthood of Northern New England,” said Nicole Clegg, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. “That’s why the attacks targeting Planned Parenthood are so dangerous. The harm caused when we are forced to leave a community is well documented. People’s health is jeopardized. They go without care. Cancers are left undetected. Unintended pregnancy rates rise, and pregnancy outcomes worsen. Birth control is essential health care. No one wants politicians and judges involved in their medical decisions. People want to be able to see their trusted provider, get medically accurate information, and have peace of mind. Thank you to our champions in Congress for shining a light on the devastating outcomes of the attacks on birth control and the providers who make access possible.” Read Nicole Clegg’s testimony here.

“Contraception is essential health care — and a vital tool that allows people to decide if, when, and how to grow their families,” said Taylor St. Germain, Deputy Director of Reproductive Equity Now. “When it came to Roe, we waited too long to act, and that delay cost us dearly. We can’t make that same mistake again. I’m grateful to Senator Markey and Representative Fletcher for bringing us together for this critical, timely hearing to protect our care and defend our right to contraception at the federal level before it’s too late.” Read Taylor St. Germain’s testimony here.

In February 2025, Senator Markey reintroduced the Right to Contraception Act, legislation that would create a statutory right to obtain and use contraceptives and ensure health care providers have a right to provide contraceptives, contraception, and share information about this essential care.

In September 2024, Senator Markey joined Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in support of the Right to IVF Act, legislation that would establish a nationwide right to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology, as well as lower the costs of IVF treatment for the millions of families who need it to have their children. In October 2023, Senator Markey, alongside with other Democratic Senators urged the Biden administration to require insurers to fully cover over-the-counter birth control, with no out-of-pocket costs or prescription barrier.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur Statement at the Full Committee Markup of the 2026 Energy and Water Development Funding Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the full committee’s markup of its fiscal year 2026 bill:

Thank you very much, Chairman Cole. Ranking Member DeLauro, my dear friend, Chair Fleischmann and all the members as we gather today to mark up this Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development Bill. I have to restate, Chairman Fleischmann, I have truly appreciated working with you. You are always open to suggestions and, to all of our colleagues on this subcommittee that is a very, bipartisan subcommittee to develop and pass these bills, and our committee has long had this practice. We affect every single Congressional District in this country.

I’m truly saddened that this vital subcommittee is, being steered yet again to return to a partisan process not caused by our subcommittee, but as we move forward with this Fiscal Year 2026 House bill.

I would like to begin by thanking our diligent staff for all their hard work on this bill from the minority staff Scott McKee, Anisha Singh, and Adam Wilson, and on our personal staff, Kaitlin Ulin, TJ Lowdermilk, and Margaret McInnis. Truly thank you to you all.

Engineered energy and water systems undergird America’s way of life. They are not optional, but essential to sustaining life. Of late, we have been piercingly reminded about our subcommittee’s purpose, especially as related to water management by the extreme flash flooding and tragic loss of over 132 lives, and with over 101 missing, in the Guadalupe River catchment area in Texas.

The deadly West Virginia flash flooding this past month significantly damaged over 100 homes. Unfortunately, taking the lives of at least nine people, including a three year old, in Valley Grove, West Virginia. And we’ve seen flooding events in central North Carolina and New Mexico. All our hearts go out to the families of the victims and their communities. These tragedies inform us of the power of water and wild energy in our atmosphere. Not because of cloud seeding, but because of nature’s awesome power generated inside the thin seven layer atmosphere surrounding our spinning and rotating earth. Let me be clear. No matter how much members on the other side of the aisle want to pretend that the climate isn’t changing, for the record, the last ten years are the ten hottest in recorded history.

So many have been held up on their plane flights back here. It’s an unusual change in the weather across this country, and members are personally experiencing these delays, as are the American people. These recent floods are made worse by the heating atmosphere. We had four 1,000 year floods last week alone. That is a record.

So far in July, our country has seen over 1,200 flooding events, more than double the normal for an average July, and we’re just halfway through the month. Constitutionally, it is our sworn duty to prepare and protect the people in our communities, and it is hard to accept that no warning sirens had been installed along the Guadalupe River, despite prior tragedies along that very treacherous corridor. Our nation needs to install warning systems and build resilient infrastructure, and we are behind.

For example, in a district like mine, we had to bring funding for tornado sirens many years ago. I was shocked that they didn’t exist. And in Ohio, we do zone to prevent flooding from threatening human life. But many places in our country do not, and we cannot keep bailing out places that are irresponsible in their behavior. My home in the City of Toledo has gone into Billions of dollars of debt to build new sewers, along with gigantic underground catchment basins, some as large as two football fields in size, in order to handle increasing water loads.

We are making investments all over our district to protect Lake Erie shoreline and its tributaries. But in places where infrastructure investments aren’t cost effective, how does our nation make sure that families will be protected with adequate local planning and disaster warning systems? America needs more rigor in land and water planning systems, and my friends, quite frankly, we as a nation don’t get a grade A on that.

It is our awesome responsibility as public servants to address the structural shortcomings at the federal, state, and local level that contributed to the recent loss of life. Sadly, this Republican energy and water bill does not meet our nation’s imperative for the future. It’s over $700 Million below last year. We must invest faster in modern infrastructure, and become energy independent in perpetuity. That is our responsibility. In a nation of 350 million people headed to 500 million people, we must make energy cost less and invest in grid resilience, which is sadly behind what this country needs.

I find it interesting that Russell Vought, the chief architect of the budget cuts that we are being asked to endure in this bill, claims that he’s so savvy. But how is it possible? He’s supposed to be known as a budget cutter, right? But how is it possible that he has added $3.4 Trillion, despite our cuts to the national debt over the next ten years? Over 20 years, he’s adding $9.5 Trillion, and $18.7 Trillion by 30 years out. So that’s a total of $32 Trillion, if temporary measures are extended permanently. Think about that one. So if they’re doing such a good job over there at the Executive Branch and OMB, how come the national debt is rising when we’re cutting every single bill that we are discussing today, and those that will follow?

This bill fails to address the cost of living crisis. The price of electricity has risen 5.8% over the last year. Every family in this country knows that, and even higher energy bills lie ahead for families and businesses. China is investing record levels in energy, my friends. But this bill retreats from US global leadership in the future in the form of a diversified and clean energy economy. This energy and water bill cuts $1.6 Billion, or 47%, from the Department of Energy’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. The adage analysis prevention is worth a pound of cure applies to our nation’s imperative to deliver clean, affordable, and secure energy to the American people and to ensure our nation leads, not lags, in the global race toward energy independence in perpetuity, including an abundant clean energy future.

Our mom and dad taught us how to be thrifty and not wasteful. Dad would say, “it’s not how much you make, it’s how much you save,” and that applies to energy and fresh water. Conservation are good goals for the future of our children and grandchildren, and we’ve made some strides toward those horizons. The United States on the oil front is producing more than ever before, record high levels of production, but we are still tethered to a volatile global energy market dominated by cartels and petroleum dictators like OPEC. We must advance an all of the above energy strategy to be successful long term. Europe learned the hard way about being too reliant on one source of energy, Russian gas. In their case when Russia invaded Ukraine. Let us heed that chilling warning.

China aims to be the OPEC for the next century, and gain dominance in clean energy, and they are well on their way. Their investments dwarf the rest of the world’s. A Chinese company has developed an EV battery. Are you ready for this? That can travel 1,800 miles in a single charge and recharge in just five minutes. Think about that. What sense does it make for this Energy and Water Bill to slash the Department of Energy’s vital research and development programs?

The Republican plan cripples America’s energy future by awarding giant tax breaks to Millionaires and Billionaires in the Big Billionaire Bonanza Bill that’s creating the big, huge additions to the debt. America must focus on building an economy that works for everyone, especially our working families and retirees, not just the wealthy few. The bill this bill eliminates funding for the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, and worse, it revokes $5.1 Billion of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law resources from the Department of Energy that will cede the US global lead in hydrogen, direct air capture, battery recycling, and energy savings in every public and private structure. Already, US businesses have canceled. This is shocking number. More than $15 Billion in investments in new factories and electricity production projects this year, as a result of the Republican Bonanza for Billionaires Bill. Those canceled projects were expected to create nearly 12,000 new jobs, all now gone.

I can remember when we brought back the heavy Ford heavy truck line from Mexico to the region that I represent, and I stood next to the CEO of the company at that time, and I said, what can I do to keep these jobs anchored here in Northern Ohio? And he looked at me and he didn’t waste a moment. He said, cut my energy bills by a third. Well, think about that one.

Thus I strongly oppose the Republican cuts to vital energy production and conservation and our future through the US Department of Energy. Shortchanging these advances pushes our nation backwards and raises already high energy prices for consumers. Why drive America backwards by slow walking energy innovation and failing to modernize our nation’s electric grids, which are old.

In other areas, this bill dangerously short changes our national security, and this is really critical. The bill slashes $412 Million from the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account. This effectively guts our efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, detect covert nuclear threats, and uphold arms control agreements that keep us safe. All a big gift for Iran, Russia, China, Belarus, and North Korea. Think about that Spiderweb of Tyranny.

Additionally, this bill turns its back on communities still living with the toxic legacy of America’s atomic past. Zeroing out the Army Corps program to clean up radioactive waste at early nuclear sites. It slashes $779 Million from the Department of Energy’s nuclear cleanup efforts. Delaying the cleanup of these communities have been promised for decades. I’ll note for the committee that one of these sites is in the village of Luckey, Ohio, not so far from my district, and believe me, you don’t want to breathe in or ingest atomic waste anywhere in the world. Finally, this bill includes numerous controversial poison pill riders that sadly show some extremists among us are not interested in real bills that can gain bipartisan support and become law.

In closing, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill. America can, and must meet the new age frontiers of energy and water. We owe it to the future. Nature is signaling, times are changing. And it’s good to remind ourselves, 200 years after Daniel Webster stated this, that is up on the wall in the House of Representatives chamber. “Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether also we in our time and generation may not perform something worthy to be remembered.” That is our mandate today.

Thank you, and I yield back.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Exercise Keris Strike 25 Launches, Featuring United States, Malaysian, and Australian Forces

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PERAK, Malaysia – The Malaysian Army officially launched Exercise Keris Strike 25 (KrS25) today, a trilateral military training event involving the U.S. Army and Australian Defence Force (ADF). Held July 17–31 in Perak, this year marks the 30th iteration of the exercise, which began as a bilateral engagement between Malaysia and the United States in 1994. For only the second time, the ADF joins as a full participant, elevating the exercise to a trilateral level.

MIL Security OSI –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Exercise Keris Strike 25 Launches, Featuring United States, Malaysian, and Australian Forces

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PERAK, Malaysia – The Malaysian Army officially launched Exercise Keris Strike 25 (KrS25) today, a trilateral military training event involving the U.S. Army and Australian Defence Force (ADF). Held July 17–31 in Perak, this year marks the 30th iteration of the exercise, which began as a bilateral engagement between Malaysia and the United States in 1994. For only the second time, the ADF joins as a full participant, elevating the exercise to a trilateral level.

MIL Security OSI –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Security with Respect to Sterile Medical Equipment
Source: US Whitehouse
class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

1. The use of ethylene oxide is critical for the sterilization of medical equipment, which protects patients against infection and the transmission of disease. The continued utilization of ethylene oxide by commercial sterilization facilities is essential to ensuring that our Nation provides its sick and injured with the best outcomes possible — an objective that is at the forefront of the Federal Government’s responsibility to the American people.
2. On April 5, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule, pursuant to section 112 of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7412, titled National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review, 89 FR 24090 (EtO Rule). The EtO Rule imposes new emissions-control requirements on commercial sterilization facilities.
3. The EtO Rule places severe burdens on commercial sterilization facilities. About 50 percent of all sterile medical devices in the United States are sterilized with ethylene oxide, and sterilization with ethylene oxide may be the only method of sterilizing many medical devices without damaging them. By requiring compliance with standards premised on the application of emissions-control technologies that do not exist in a commercially viable form, the EtO Rule risks making critical sterile medical devices unavailable to care for patients in our civilian and military medical systems. The current compliance timeline as set forth at 89 FR 24101-24103 of the EtO Rule will likely force existing sterilization facilities to close down, seriously disrupting the supply of medical equipment. Our Nation would be unable to adequately supply the sterilized medical equipment that medical personnel need to safely treat their patients in hospitals, operating rooms, and other medical facilities. In short, the current compliance timeline would undermine our national security.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7412(i)(4), do hereby proclaim that certain stationary sources subject to the EtO Rule, as identified in Annex I of this proclamation, are exempt from compliance with the EtO Rule for a period of 2 years beyond the EtO Rule’s relevant compliance dates (Exemption). This Exemption applies to all compliance deadlines established under the EtO Rule applicable to the stationary sources listed in Annex I, with each such deadline extended by 2 years from the date originally required for such deadline. The effect of this Exemption is that, during each such 2-year period, these stationary sources will remain subject to the emissions and compliance obligations in effect prior to the issuance of the EtO Rule. In support of this Exemption, I hereby make the following determinations:

The technology to implement the EtO Rule is not available. Such technology does not exist in a commercially viable form sufficient to allow implementation of and compliance with the EtO Rule by the compliance dates set forth in the EtO Rule.

It is in the national security interests of the United States to issue this Exemption for the reasons stated in paragraphs 1 and 3 of this proclamation.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Club World Cup ends with success, controversy and questions

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

FIFA’s bold reimagining of the Club World Cup (CWC) culminated July 13, ushering in what the governing body hailed as “a golden era of club football.”

The expanded 32-team format, along with sweeping technological and presentation changes, aimed to elevate the tournament’s global appeal, fairness and influence. While the 2025 edition delivered significant successes, it also revealed persistent challenges that demand attention.

GLOBAL PARTICIPATION EXPANDS

The most radical change was the expansion from seven to 32 teams. Players from 81 countries and regions took the pitch, many experiencing FIFA’s top-tier competition for the first time. This dismantled the previous barrier that limited participation mostly to continental champions, advancing FIFA’s mission to “truly globalize football.”

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (R) of Paris Saint-Germain vies with Malo Gusto of Chelsea FC during the final match between Chelsea FC (England) and Paris Saint-Germain (France) at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, the United States, July 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Smaller clubs responded with enthusiasm. Facing giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City enriched player resumes and sparked pride back home-fulfilling FIFA’s core goal of showcasing diverse football cultures.

“It shows how big football is worldwide and how good some of these players are,” said Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane. “I’m loving this tournament so far, and hopefully we can be here for a while.”

Zhou Tong, the sole Chinese player representing New Zealand’s semi-professional Auckland City, captured the spirit: “Football connects people, changes lives, opens eyes to the world. That’s magic-like universal language.”

Unlike elite clubs, most Auckland City players hold full-time jobs and play part time. Zhou works as a community coach focused on grassroots development. Their participation powerfully embodied FIFA’s “Football Unites the World” campaign.

CALENDAR AND COMPETITIVE CHALLENGES

Criticism focused on increased player workload and injury risks. The CWC schedule fully overlapped with Europe’s summer league breaks. With next summer’s FIFA World Cup in North America, European players face back-to-back grueling seasons.

UEFA and others have long criticized FIFA’s crowded calendar. Opponents argue players are overworked while domestic leagues face disruption. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reiterated: “Players are not machines.” The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) escalated the issue by filing a complaint with the European Commission.

Another concern was the competitiveness gap. Heavy defeats, such as Auckland City’s 10-0 loss to Bayern Munich and Al Ain’s 6-0 defeat to Manchester City, highlighted the disparity. Teams from Asia, Africa and North America generally struggled, resulting in matches that lacked suspense and neutral appeal.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged criticism from European clubs and fans, as well as concerns about heat, noting future use of roofed stadiums and cooling breaks.

Luka Modric (L) of Real Madrid vies with Senny Mayulu of Paris Saint-Germain during the semifinal match between Paris Saint-Germain (France) and Real Madrid (Spain) at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, the United States, July 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

“So maybe some criticize it a little bit, but it’s something new. It’s something special,” Infantino said. “It’s a real World Cup with the best teams and the best players.”

He added: “The heat is an issue. Cooling breaks are very important, and we will see what we can do. But we have stadiums with roofs, and we will definitely use these during the day next year.”

Infantino emphasized the tournament’s value for underrepresented regions like Oceania: “Auckland City, to some extent, represents 99.9% of football players and fans – those of us who dream of being on that stage but may never get the chance. Suddenly, one of us gets to play against the best. It must be a place for everyone.”

REFEREEING REVOLUTION

The tournament also served as a testing ground for technological innovation. A key rule change from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) debuted: goalkeepers holding the ball for more than eight seconds would concede a corner kick.

FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina reported widespread approval. “It was very successful. The tempo of the match improved, and we saw no time wasting by goalkeepers, as happened quite often before.” Only two violations occurred, fulfilling the rule’s preventative goal.

Referees wore head-mounted cameras to broadcast a first-person view, enhancing viewer engagement. Collina said the “ref cam” exceeded expectations and spurred interest in broader adoption.

Referees also announced VAR decisions on-field via microphone, while fans in stadiums viewed the same replays as officials, increasing transparency. Coaches used tablets for substitutions and real-time player data (e.g., distance covered, heart rate), reducing errors and supporting tactical decisions. Collectively, the innovations improved fairness and flow.

“The outcome of using the ref cam at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 went beyond our expectations,” Collina said. “We’ve received great feedback – people ask, ‘Why not in all matches?’ and even more: ‘Why not in all sports?’”

BILLION-DOLLAR GAMBLE

FIFA dramatically increased the prize pool from 16 million US dollars for seven teams in the previous edition to 1 billion dollars for 32 teams, surpassing the 440 million dollars awarded at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It became the richest prize pool in football.

Clubs earned money based on performance and commercial impact. Even bottom-ranked Auckland City received 4.6 million dollars – about seven times their 2024 total revenue.

Infantino dismissed skepticism over the tournament’s financial viability: “We heard it wouldn’t work financially, but we generated over 2 billion dollars in revenue from this competition. We earned an average of 33 million dollars per match. No other cup competition comes close.”

“It is already the most successful club competition in the world by all different measurements,” he added.

To maximize accessibility, FIFA struck a 1-billion-dollar global broadcast deal with streaming service DAZN, including free streams of all 63 matches in 32 languages.

New presentation features such as individual player walkouts and a mid-final halftime show added spectacle-but sparked backlash. The 24-minute halftime performance violated FIFA’s 15-minute maximum break rule.

Attendance figures varied widely: four matches drew fewer than 10,000 fans, with the lowest being 3,412 for a Group F match between Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns. Sixteen matches exceeded 60,000 fans, with the highest attendance at 81,118 for the Chelsea vs. PSG final.

“We respect everyone’s opinion,” Infantino said. “But it has been successful. We had over 2.5 million spectators in the stadiums – around 40,000 per match. No league in the world reaches that number, except the Premier League.”

MEDIA ZONE REFORMS

The revamped CWC mixed zone abandoned the traditional TV-first format. Instead, four interview pods were set up – two per team.

Clubs designated players to give interviews in their native language and in English. Written press were allowed to film and photograph, but videos could only be posted online one hour after the mixed zone closed and had to be removed within 48 hours.

Many journalists welcomed the guaranteed access. Marcio Dolzan of Brazil’s Lance contrasted it with the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, where reporters waited two hours for Argentine players, who avoided interviews entirely.

Others were critical. “Having covered nine World Cups, this format is unfamiliar,” said Antonio Carrasco of Venezuela’s Meridiano TV. “It feels like mini press conferences. All journalists hear the same thing. There’s no opportunity for exclusives or choice of whom to interview.”

West Lamy of The Huffington Post pointed out logistical issues: At English-language pods, non-English-speaking journalists often interviewed players in their own language, undermining the pod’s purpose.

FIFA provided translators, but they were often ineffective – journalists spoke over them or asked new questions before translations finished. Star players drew crowds, while others were overlooked. On-screen player data helped with question prep but didn’t solve access inequities.

“But if this is a change FIFA has already decided on, we will adapt,” Carrasco said.

MIL OSI China News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Olympians expected to make highlight as Universiade swimming kicks off

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

Swimming at the Rhine-Ruhr World University Games will feature several student-athletes who competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

High-profile coaches who have been behind some of biggest stars will also be part of the Games.

Team USA will see Olympians Emma Lebron Weber and Jacob Ryan Mitchell as well as world junior mixed and women’s relay gold medalist Maxine Charlize Parker in the pool.

Olympians Julie Brousseau, Patrick Hussey and Emma O’Croinin will be the shepherds for Canada.

Canada’s Ashley McMillan will be on the chase for medals having made the final in the 200m individual medley at the 2024 world championships.

Britain will have a strong presence in the 100m breaststroke with Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Archie Goodburn in the squad.

Loughborough’s Fleur Lewis will be on the medal hunt in the 800m freestyle after breaking an 18-year-old British short-course record in the 1,500m freestyle at the BUCS Championships 2023.

With the World Aquatics Championships beginning immediately after the opening of the FISU Games, many student-athletes will be heading straight from Berlin to Singapore.

Among them is Paige Van Der Westhuizen from Zimbabwe, who studies at the University of Stirling in Scotland.

“I’m feeling good,” she said. “Having the World University Games just before the World Aquatics Championships will be tough, but I’m excited.”

Swimming Australia’s head coach Rohan Taylor, who had coached Beijing 2008 Olympic champion Leisel Jones, said that the FISU Games will also help provide an incentive to keep student-athletes in their sport.

“Athletes often face a crossroads that can end their careers,” Taylor said on Thursday. “They think they have to choose between university and a professional career of swimming.”

“The World University Games provide an incentive for athletes to continue developing both paths by keeping them in the sport longer.”

MIL OSI China News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Universiade: First gold goes to Denmark as Sandersen triumphs in taekwondo

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

With a Danish flag wrapped around her shoulders, taekwondo athlete Eva Eun-Kyung Sandersen raced around the venue Thursday after claiming the first gold of the Rhine-Ruhr World University Games in the women’s individual poomsae with a score of 8.732.

A nine-time World Poomsae medalist and 11-time European champion, Sandersen dominated the final with refined technique and precise coordination, finishing ahead of South Korea’s Jung Haeun. Kaitlyn Marie Reclusado of the United States and China’s Pan Meijing shared bronze.

“I feel so relieved,” said Sandersen, pausing to catch her breath in a post-match interview. “I’m really happy and proud of my trainer and everything we’ve worked for. I can finally tell them that we did something great together.”

Despite having stood on many podiums before, the gold at the University Games held special significance for the 24-year-old.

“I’ve practiced taekwondo for about 15 years. The sport is my whole life – it’s everything I think about. This gold medal means so much to me.”

This marked Sandersen’s first and last appearance at the Universiade. She had hoped to make her debut two years ago in China’s Chengdu, but a last-minute injury ended those plans.

“I was supposed to go to Chengdu, but I injured my knee just one month before, due to intense training over a long period,” she said, becoming emotional. “It was a tough time, and it was hard to recover both physically and mentally.”

Born to South Korean parents and raised in Denmark, Sandersen wasn’t introduced to taekwondo right away.

“My sports journey actually started with ballet,” she said. “But my mom suggested I try taekwondo because of our Korean heritage.”

After a decorated career that spans both continental and global success, Sandersen now hopes to combine her two passions: sport and science.

“I’m a student majoring in pharmacy, and ideally I’d love to find a way to blend pharmacy with sports. I want to promote taekwondo around the world and show people how beautiful it is.”

She also shared a personal dream: to one day see her discipline recognized at the Olympic level.

“I know individual poomsae isn’t currently part of the Olympic program, so I may never get the chance to compete at the Olympics,” she said. “But I really hope it will be included one day, and if it is, I’ll definitely fight for that glory.”

MIL OSI China News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: CARAT Thailand 2025 Concludes, Strengthening U.S.-Thailand Maritime Partnership

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SATTAHIP, Thailand — The 31st iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand concluded June 16, 2025 in Sattahip, following a series of exercises and exchanges between the U.S. Navy (USN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). The exercise, which began on July 7, 2025, was designed to enhance maritime interoperability, strengthen partnerships, and promote regional security cooperation.

MIL Security OSI –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Europe urged to diversify trade markets over US tariff coercion, supply chains disruption

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

As Washington presses ahead with additional tariffs on products from the European Union (EU) and beyond, European officials and experts are urging the diversification of trade markets to mitigate the damage that such coercive financial statecraft is inflicting on global supply chains.

TARIFF GAME SETTING OFF CHAIN REACTION

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that his administration would impose 30 percent tariffs on EU and Mexican exports, arguing that bilateral trade had long been unbalanced and lacked reciprocity.

Trucks wait to enter the Container Terminal Tollerort in Hamburg, Germany, May 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

The Irish Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald described the tariff threat as “volatile” and “not helpful at all.” “That poses a challenge for Ireland, for Europe, for the world,” she told Xinhua at a press conference in London.

Countries across Europe have been warning about the impact of the seemingly unrelenting tariff assaults on their economies.

The Bank of Slovenia estimated that U.S. tariffs could indirectly disrupt the broader European value chain and impact about 15,000 jobs in Slovenia, a significant number in a country of just 2.1 million people.

The Bank of England also said in its latest Financial Stability Report that the global economy faces rising downside risks, citing U.S. tariffs, and despite a new trade agreement between Britain and the United States in May, a further escalation in trade disputes globally could amplify financial stress and drag on economic growth in Britain.

Companies of all sizes, from those exporting to the U.S. to manufacturers heavily reliant on global supply chains, are feeling the strain that the tariffs are placing on their operations.

Neb Chupin, founder of Croatia’s Hermes International, a successful fig jam producer in the U.S. market, said, “With 10 percent tariffs, we are losing about 20,000 U.S. dollars a week. What would happen with 30 or even 50 percent tariffs? I cannot even sleep at night as the situation is very unstable.”

With 40 percent of exports going to the U.S., Finland’s pharmaceutical industry could also be severely affected by potential U.S. tariffs. Johanna Sipola, deputy CEO of Keskuskauppakamari, or the Finnish Chamber of Commerce, called the tariffs “unrealistic” and warned that the greater risk is the uncertainty they create.

“If the tariffs were implemented, the repercussions for international pharmaceutical production would be significant. The industry’s delivery chains are unusually global, and even minor disruptions can trigger substantial changes in medicine prices and demand,” Sipola said.

Beyond the immediate effects, the high-stakes tariff game is setting off a chain reaction across global supply chains and geopolitical dynamics.

Gavran Igor, an economic analyst from Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that the longer-term impact of the tariffs could prove even more damaging for Balkan manufacturers that are integrated into EU-based industries, particularly automotive supply chains.

Czech Republic’s Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura said that exports to the United States account for less than 3 percent of the country’s total exports. However, the country would also be indirectly affected through its European partners who purchase Czech goods and components.

STRENGTHENING COOPERATION WITH MULTI-PARTNERS URGED

Inevitably, even countries with modest trade ties to the world’s largest economy can still feel the ripple effects of Washington’s unpredictability. In response, experts recommend that European nations broaden their trade partnerships, especially with China, Southeast Asia and other regions.

“Europe must, in the long term, become more independent from the American market. A joint free trade zone with the ASEAN countries and the rapid ratification of the agreement with Mercosur are urgently needed,” Dirk Jandura, president of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services, said in a statement after Trump’s new tariff announcement.

Mario Boselli, chairman of the Italy China Council Foundation, said that the shifting dynamics might prompt Europe to reconsider its external economic strategy. In his view, strengthening cooperation with China is a “highly strategic choice.”

“If economies, like the EU, China, the United Kingdom, Brazil and India, keep global trade open, the U.S. tariffs’ impact on global supply chains will be lower. That’s the opportunity,” said Carlo Altomonte, associate professor of the Department of Social and Political Sciences of Bocconi University in Milan.

Martin Geissler, Partner at the management consultancy Advyce & Company, echoed the suggestions by sharing Germany’s auto industry as an example. “German automakers have often not yet recognized the growth prospects that exist in Africa and many emerging countries,” Geissler said, contrasting this with China’s strategic engagement with multi-partners.

Bernardo Mendia, Secretary General of the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is leading a Portuguese delegation to the ongoing China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing.

A key factor driving Portugal’s participation this year, in his words, is the rise of protectionism, logistical disruptions and geopolitical shifts. In the face of these challenges, China offers a distinctive platform to develop innovative solutions, business models, and collaborative partnerships, he said.

Looking ahead, experts believe that Washington’s trade policies could ultimately backfire on the U.S. economy itself.

“The U.S. needs many of our industrial products, which cannot be easily replaced in the short term. This allows German manufacturers of these goods to largely pass on the tariffs in their prices to the detriment of the U.S. economy,” said Juergen Matthes, head of International Economic Policy, Financial and Real Estate Markets Research Unit at the German Economic Institute.

MIL OSI China News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Favorites emerge as China’s giants dominate Women’s Asia Cup

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

The traditional powerhouses asserted their dominance as the group stage of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup concluded on Wednesday, with China, Australia, Japan and South Korea all securing top-two finishes in their respective groups.

China will await its semifinal opponent, while Japan prepares for a qualification showdown against New Zealand on Friday. Australia, still seeking its first Women’s Asia Cup title, will face the winner of the South Korea-Philippines qualifier.

Zhang Ziyu (L) of China vies with Kim Pierre-Louis of Indonesia during the Group A match between China and Indonesia of FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division A in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, July 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)

Defending champion China and world No. 2 Australia both advanced undefeated to the semifinals, but it was China’s tactical experimentation – led by the sensational debut of teenage center Zhang Ziyu – that captured headlines.

Under returning head coach Gong Luming, China breezed through its group. The tournament marks Gong’s first major competition since resuming leadership in February. He used the preliminary games to test several lineups, including a towering frontcourt pairing of the 2.26-meter (7-foot-5) Zhang with 2.11-meter (6-foot-11) Han Xu, as well as a center-less configuration.

“This team has only been together for a little over three months, and it takes time to build chemistry,” Gong said. “We have a prototype, but we are still lacking in many details.”

Zhang, 18, has been the breakout star of the tournament.

“Need we say more?” a FIBA website article noted. “China’s next great hope will finally grace FIBA’s flagship event for women’s national teams in Asia, as Zhang Ziyu is set to make easily one of the most anticipated senior debuts in recent years.”

Zhang has lived up to the hype, averaging 14.3 points on 81% shooting through three games. She and Han have formed a dominant pairing that Han believes is far from fully realized.

“Given our short time playing together, the ‘twin towers’ are probably only at 30 percent of our potential,” Han said.

China’s depth has also impressed. National team rookie Zhai Ruoyun, 27, knocked down four 3-pointers in her debut, while Jia Saiqi has anchored the defense with a team-high 2.3 steals per game. Offensively, China is averaging 95.3 points per game-second only to Australia.

For China’s rivals, Han’s confident words serve as a stark warning: “As long as we play our game, I believe no one can beat us.”

Australia, a medalist in every Asia Cup since joining the FIBA Asia zone in 2017, has looked equally strong despite a transitional roster. With only Chloe Bibby returning from 2023, the Opals have shown impressive cohesion, beating the Philippines and Lebanon by margins of 76 and 79 points, respectively.

Australia capped group play with a strong second-half comeback to defeat Japan, showcasing a remarkably balanced offense. Eleven of the team’s 12 players are averaging at least seven points per game, contributing to a tournament-high 102.3 points per game.

Japan’s journey through the group stage was more turbulent. Head coach Corey Gaines opted to rest key players, resulting in narrow wins over Lebanon and the Philippines by a combined margin of just seven points.

Veteran Maki Takada, 35, remains central to Japan’s offense, but their trademark 3-point shooting has been inconsistent. Japan leads the tournament in attempts (38.7 per game) but is shooting just 34.5%.

Ramu Tokashiki, 34, in her fifth Asia Cup appearance, has yet to find top form, averaging 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.0 three-pointer per game.

South Korea has leaned on perimeter scoring but suffered a major blow when top shooter Kang Lee-seul was injured in the opening game. Park Ji-hyun (16.0 ppg) and Choi I-saem (15.3 ppg) have stepped up to lead the offense.

Star center Park Ji-su is contributing across the board-averaging 7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game-while providing a strong defensive presence and rebounding anchor for Korea’s gritty style of play.

The top six teams will qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers. With a win over Lebanon to finish third in its group, the Philippines not only kept its semifinal hopes alive but also made history-securing its first-ever spot in the global qualifiers.

“This win represents everything we’ve been working hard on for the last 10 years or so,” said Philippines head coach Patrick Henry Aquino.

MIL OSI China News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leading lights of UK research spearhead search for world’s best talent
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Leading lights of UK research spearhead search for world’s best talent

12 leading universities and research institutions selected to deliver government’s £54 million fund to recruit world’s top researchers.
12 leading universities and research institutions selected to deliver government’s £54 million fund to recruit world’s top researchers

From AI to medicine, cutting-edge research is delivering the new breakthroughs and products that are key to economic growth, the core mission of the Plan for Change  

Global Talent Fund is just one part of over £115 million in funding dedicated to attracting top talent to the UK

12 of the UK’s leading universities and research institutions, across all 4 nations, will deliver the Global Talent Fund: a £54 million investment in Britain’s future prosperity and economic growth.

The new £54 million Global Talent Fund is designed to attract a total of 60-80 top researchers (both lead researchers and their teams) to the UK, working in the 8 high priority sectors critical to our modern Industrial Strategy like life sciences and digital technologies.  By bringing the very best minds in fields that will be critical to the future of life and work to the UK, we can pave the way for the products, jobs and even industries that define tomorrow’s economy, to be made and grow in Britain.

From Argentine César Milstein’s work on antibodies, to Hong Kong-born Sir Charles Kao who led the development of fibre optics, through to German Ernst Chain’s efforts to make penicillin usable in medicine, there is a long pedigree of overseas researchers making great breakthroughs whilst working in the UK. We want the UK to continue to be the natural home of the very best science and research, the world over.

Driving new tech innovations and scientific breakthroughs will fire up the UK economy and put rocket boosters on the government’s Plan for Change. The IMF estimates that breakthroughs in AI alone could boost productivity by as much as 1.5 percentage points a year, which could be worth up to an average £47 billion to the UK each year over a decade. Other technologies could be gamechangers too: quantum computing could add over £11 billion to the UK’s GDP by 2045, while engineering biology could drive anywhere between £1.6-£3.1 trillion in global impact by 2040. 

Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

Genius is not bound by geography. But the UK is one of the few places blessed with the infrastructure, skills base, world-class institutions and international ties needed to incubate brilliant ideas, and turn them into new medicines that save lives, new products that make our lives easier, and even entirely new jobs and industries. Bringing these innovations to life, here in Britain, will be critical to delivering this government’s Plan for Change.

My message to the bold and the brave who are advancing new ideas, wherever they are, is: our doors are open to you. We want to work with you, support you, and give you a home where you can make your ideas a reality we all benefit from.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities which are vital for attracting international top talent. Supported by our new Global Talent Taskforce, the Global Talent Fund will cement our position as a leading choice for the world’s top researchers to make their home here, supercharging growth and delivering on our Plan for Change.

The institutions selected to deliver the Global Talent Fund are:

University of Bath 

Queen’s University Belfast 

University of Birmingham 

University of Cambridge 

Cardiff University 

Imperial College London 

John Innes Centre 

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology 

University of Oxford 

University of Southampton 

University of Strathclyde

University of Warwick 

These organisations will each get an equal share of the £54 million Fund, to use bringing some of the world’s foremost researchers and their teams to the UK. Each of them has a track record of recruiting and supporting top international R&D talent, as well as securing international competitive research funding to the UK. They are empowered to develop their own approaches and plans to spend their share of the Global Talent Fund to attract research talent from the around the globe in their choice of Industrial Strategy areas, including covering visa and relocation costs for researchers and their family members.

The Global Talent Fund, administered by UKRI, is just one part of over £115 million funding that is being dedicated to attracting the very best scientific and research talent to the UK. In addition to this fund, 2 fellowships have been launched, aimed at bringing groundbreaking AI research teams to UK organisations and labs: the £25 million Turing AI ‘Global’ Fellowships, as well as a UK-based expansion of the Encode: AI for Science Fellowship.

Alongside this, 2 new fast-track research grant routes have been announced by the National Academies – including £30 million from the Royal Society for a Faraday Discovery Fellowship accelerated international route, part-funded by their £250 million DSIT endowment. The Royal Academy of Engineering has announced a similar fast track international route, as part of its £150 million Green Future Fellowships endowment from DSIT – this funding will ensure the UK competes for the best global talent in science and research. While researchers looking to relocate to the UK can also benefit from the Choose Europe scheme, thanks to the UK’s association to Horizon Europe.

All of these efforts will be supported by the Global Talent Taskforce. Launched as part of the Industrial Strategy, the taskforce will report directly to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, and support researchers, scientists and engineers as well as top-tier investors, entrepreneurs and managerial talent to bring their skills to Britain.

Work to cultivate top AI research talent in the UK is further bolstered through the Spärck AI scholarships, which will provide full funding for master’s degrees at 9 leading UK universities specialising in artificial intelligence and STEM subjects. These scholarships will open for applications in Spring 2026. We also support postgraduate research broadly, with £500 million UKRI funding supporting over 4.700 students at 45 higher education institutions to study projects in biological, engineering and physical, and natural and environmental sciences.

Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, said:

Our university was founded with a mission to work closely with industry, and partnership working has been in our DNA ever since. We are truly delighted to play our part in attracting outstanding global academics to help power research in the UK’s industrial strategy priority areas.

This major investment recognises the vital role universities play in driving innovation and growth across the UK. We look forward to working with DSIT and UKRI to attract more bright minds to play their part in our innovation-fuelled and impact-focussed research.

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor at Queen’s University Belfast said:

We are proud that Queen’s has been selected as one of the 12 institutions to deliver the Global Talent Fund. This funding will allow us to bring world-leading researchers to Northern Ireland in priority areas such as advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, fields that are vital to our economy and to the UK’s global competitiveness.

By attracting exceptional talent from outside the UK, we are strengthening our research base, and helping to drive innovation within the local economy. This is a clear endorsement of the excellence and impact of research at Queen’s, and of our role in helping to deliver the UK government’s Industrial Strategy.

Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the University of Birmingham said:

I am delighted that the University of Birmingham has been selected to support the government’s vision to attract exceptional international researchers to the UK. In celebration of our 125 anniversary this year, our University is committed to investing in the recruitment of 125 leading researchers. The Global Talent Fund investment means that we will now go even further – drawing a diverse community of world-leading researchers to Birmingham. They will join a thriving and ambitious research environment, where the potential for discovery, collaboration, and impact has never been greater. We look forward to welcoming a new generation of global research leaders to our University and city and to seeing the positive impact their work will have on the UK economy and on the health and wellbeing of society.

Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge, said:

The University is grateful for this award of funding. The Fund will bolster emerging and accelerating research areas, in line with the goals of the government’s Industrial Strategy. This investment will be pivotal in securing and supporting international academic expertise and strengthening the strategic opportunities the University is seeking to catalyse for both the University and the UK more widely. We look forward to the opportunities this will unlock.

Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner said:

We are delighted to have secured this funding to help us attract the world’s best minds to Cardiff and Wales.

It is a clear endorsement of our standing and place in the UK research community and sends a clear message that we are well-positioned to attract global talent. It will enable us to support more of the world’s leading academics in Wales – helping to further boost our research capacity and global reputation in key research areas.

Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London said:

Imperial College London is a global university and international researchers are central to our success. They bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a spirit of discovery that enriches our community and drives breakthroughs that benefit all of society – from tackling malaria to breakthroughs in quantum computing.

The Global Talent Fund will support our efforts to attract the brightest minds from around the world. We look forward to welcoming them and continuing to push the boundaries of knowledge together.

Professor Cristobal Uauy, Director designate, John Innes Centre said:

This funding is a major boost to our efforts at the John Innes Centre to attract ambitious world-leading researchers to join our Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet vision.

By bringing outstanding talent to the Norwich Research Park, we are strengthening the UK’s global leadership in bio-based innovation, data-driven biology, and sustainable, high-value agri-tech, key pillars of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

As a Chilean researcher who relocated to the UK, I’ve experienced first-hand the friendly, open and collaborative academic environment here. The world-class facilities, technology platforms and institutional support provided at the John Innes Centre are unrivalled. It’s the kind of environment where scientists can take bold ideas forward, build meaningful collaborations, and create lasting global impact.

Jan Löwe, Laboratory of Molecular Biology Director, said:

We welcome the government’s drive to attract global talent which addresses key barriers faced by researchers wishing to relocate to the UK.

The LMB’s scientific breakthroughs and technological advances have been driven by talented scientists of all nationalities since our origins in the 1940s. Science is a creative pursuit, and creativity thrives on diverse input from people of different backgrounds.

Research has no borders, and this funding will enable the LMB and fellow UK institutions to be competitive in the global scientific talent market and attract gifted scientists from around the world to drive UK innovations for the benefit of all.

Professor Irene Tracey CBE, FRS, FMedSci, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, said:

Oxford University has a long history of attracting exceptional global talent, enabling world-leading research, teaching, and innovation with wide-reaching social and economic impact. In 2021–2022, our science parks, knowledge exchange, and the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine contributed to a £6.6 billion boost to the UK economy, with our spinouts supporting over 31,600 UK jobs. Globally, the AZ vaccine is estimated to have saved over 6 million lives in its first year, resulting in a worldwide health economic impact of £2 trillion. The Global Talent Fund will draw internationally recognised experts to Oxford, building capability for future innovation and growth in the Industrial Strategy areas we have prioritised.

Professor Mark E. Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, said:

We are proud that the University of Southampton has been chosen as one of the small number of organisations for this exciting and important initiative.

Attracting world-leading researchers to work in the United Kingdom will help to lead innovation in the technologies of the future, supporting industry and driving economic growth.

Southampton is a global University with a wealth of research talent and this funding will help us to build further on our existing strengths and partnerships.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said:

We welcome this important investment in global talent that UKRI has committed to and the alignment it creates between the new Industrial Strategy and the research and innovation leadership that is critical to its success.

Strathclyde is proud of its position as a leading international technological university. We deliver impact collaboratively by bringing together the excellent talented people we have at Strathclyde and through working closely with partners in other universities, industrial partners, innovation centres and National Laboratories through research that addresses market opportunities and national priorities – from climate resilience and sustainable energy to health innovation, and security and resilience.

This new funding from UKRI and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology reflects confidence in our ability to translate cutting-edge discovery into real-world applications and solutions, working collaboratively with industry, government and global partners. It will enhance our research environment, widen our talent pipeline and further enable our mission as a place of useful learning.

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick said:

The University of Warwick is known for our world-leading expertise in Advanced Manufacturing and the Arts and this £4.35 million investment will accelerate the development of innovative insights, solutions, products, and services in an inter-disciplinary way. It will also help drive inclusive regional and national growth in the Creative Industries.

Through our strong partnerships with SMEs, industry, and local councils, this initiative will play a key role in advancing UK innovation and delivering meaningful benefits to communities across the West Midlands and the wider UK. 

In our 60th anniversary year we are reaffirming our commitment to making a better world together and this funding will further strengthen our determination to deliver our vision.

Professor Christopher Smith, International Champion at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), said:

Global challenges from climate change to energy security, food systems to antimicrobial resistance do not respect borders, and neither should the research and innovation required to address them. Time and again, international collaboration has driven transformative breakthroughs: from the discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN, to the global effort to decode the complex wheat genome, enabling the development of high-yield, climate-resilient crops that support food security worldwide. The impact of global partnerships is clear.

The Global Talent Fund is a vital part of UKRI’s mission to support an open, dynamic, and diverse research and innovation system. By supporting our brilliant research institutes to attract outstanding individuals from across the world and foster collaboration between nations, we are strengthening the UK’s position at the heart of the global knowledge economy. This fund aligns with our enduring commitment to international engagement, and to working together to shape a better future for all.

Notes to editors

The £54 million Global Talent Fund comes over 5 years, starting in 2025/2026. The fund, administered by UKRI and delivered by universities and research organisations, will cover 100% of eligible costs, including both relocation and research expenses, with no requirement for match funding from research organisations. The initiative also includes full visa costs for researchers and their dependants, removing significant financial and administrative barriers to relocation.

Funding will be distributed evenly amongst the 12 research organisations.

The small number of world-class researchers, and their teams, who go on to be supported by these funds, will come to live and work in the UK via existing routes such as the Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and the Innovator Founder visas.

There are no plans to change existing visa routes – and the Immigration White Paper sets out the government’s broad approach to restoring order to the immigration system through the Plan for Change.

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Published 18 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Chemical Manufacturing Security

Source: US Whitehouse

class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

1. The United States relies on a strong chemical manufacturing sector to support industries like energy, national defense, agriculture, and health care. These facilities produce essential inputs for critical infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, medical sterilization, semiconductors, and national defense systems. Maintaining a robust domestic chemical industry is vital to safeguarding the supply chains that underpin our economy and to reducing the Nation’s dependence on foreign control over materials critical to national resilience. As adversaries expand influence over key inputs, continued domestic production is essential not only to economic resilience but also to military readiness, public health, and national preparedness.

2. On May 16, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule titled New Source Performance Standards for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry and Group I & II Polymers and Resins Industry, 89 FR 42932 (HON Rule). The HON Rule imposes new emissions-control requirements on certain chemical manufacturing facilities, some of which were promulgated pursuant to section 112 of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7412.

3. The HON Rule imposes substantial burdens on chemical manufacturers already operating under stringent regulations. Many of the testing and monitoring requirements outlined in the HON Rule rely on technologies that are not practically available, not demonstrated at the necessary scale, or cannot be implemented safely or consistently under real-world conditions. For many facilities, the timeline for compliance as set forth at 89 FR 42953-42955 would require shutdowns or massive capital investments before any proven pathway to compliance exists. The HON Rule imposes requirements that assume uniform technological availability across facilities, despite significant variation in site conditions, permitting realities, and equipment configurations. A disruption of this capacity would weaken key supply chains, increase dependence on foreign producers, and impair our ability to respond effectively in a time of crisis. These consequences would ripple across sectors vital to America’s growing industrial strength and emergency readiness.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7412(i)(4), do hereby proclaim that certain stationary sources subject to the HON Rule, as identified in Annex I of this proclamation, are exempt from compliance with those aspects of the HON Rule that were promulgated under section 112 of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7412 for a period of 2 years beyond the HON Rule’s relevant compliance dates (Exemption). This Exemption applies to all compliance deadlines established under the HON Rule applicable to the stationary sources listed in Annex I, with each such deadline extended by 2 years from the date originally required for such deadline. The effect of this Exemption is that, during each such 2-year period, these stationary sources will be subject to the emissions and compliance obligations that they are currently subject to under the applicable standard as that standard existed prior to the HON Rule. In support of this Exemption, I hereby make the following determinations:

a. The technology to implement the HON Rule is not available. Such technology does not exist in a commercially viable form sufficient to allow implementation of and compliance with the HON Rule by the compliance dates in the HON Rule.

b. It is in the national security interests of the United States to issue this Exemption for the reasons stated in paragraphs 1 and 3 of this proclamation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

ANNEX I

1. Shell Chemical LP
i. Affected Facility/Source: Geismar Plant, Louisiana

2. SABIC Innovative Plastics Mt. Vernon, LLC
i. Affected Facility/Source: Manufacturing Plant, Indiana

3. Bakelite Synthetics
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. Riegelwood, North Carolina;
b. Conway, North Carolina;
c. Crossett, Arkansas;
d. Louisville, Kentucky;
e. Lufkin, Texas;
f. Taylorsville, Mississippi

4. The Dow Chemical Company
i. Affected Facility/Source: Glycol II Plant, Louisiana

5. Trinseo LLC
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. Trinseo Facility, Georgia
b. Trinseo Facility, Michigan

6. Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A.
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. Formosa Plastics Corporation, Louisiana
b. Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas

7. Union Carbide Corporation/The Dow Chemical Company
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. Seadrift Operations, Texas
b. Hahnville, St. Charles Parish Facility, Louisiana

8. Westlake Vinyl’s LLC/Westlake Corporation
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. Petrochemical Complex, Louisiana
b. Styrene Monomer Production Facility, Louisiana
c. Styrene Marine Terminal, Louisiana
d. Lake Charles South Facility, Louisiana
e. Lake Charles North Facility, Louisiana

9. BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals LLC
i. Affected Facility/Source: Port Arthur Facility, Texas

10. BASF Corporation
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. Geismar Facility, Louisiana;
b. North Geismar Facility, Louisiana;
c. Freeport Facility, Texas

11. Rubicon LLC
i. Affected Facility/Source: Geismar Facility, Louisiana

12. CITGO Petroleum Corporation
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. Lake Charles Refinery, Louisiana
b. Corpus Christi Refinery, Texas
c. Lemont Refinery, Illinois

13. INEOS Americas LLC
i. Affected Facility/Source: Bayport EO Plant, Texas

14. Celanese Corporation
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. Narrows Facility, Virginia
b. Clear Lake Facility, Texas
c. Bishop Facility, Texas
d. Bay City Facility, Texas

15. Huntsman Petrochemical LLC
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. Huntsman Pensacola, Florida
b. Huntsman Conroe, Texas

16. TotalEnergies Petrochemicals & Refining USA, Inc.
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. TotalEnergies Petrochemicals & Refining USA, Inc., Alabama
b. Cos-Mar StyreneMonomer Plant, Alabama
c. TotalEnergies Polystrene Plant, Louisiana
d. Port Arthur Refinery, Texas

17. Indorama Ventures Xylenes and PTA
i. Affected Facility/Source: Decatur Facility, Alabama

18. Denka Performance Elastomer LLC
i. Affected Facility/Source: LaPlace Neoprene Production Facility, Louisiana

19. Sasol Chemicals (USA) LLC
i. Affected Facility/Source: Lake Charles Chemical Complex, Louisiana

20. Philips 66 Company
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. Sweeny Refinery, Texas
b. WRB Refining LP Calvert Refinery, Illinois
c. WRB Refining LP Borger Refinery, Texas

21. Indorama Ventures Oxides, LLC
i. Affected Facility/Source: Port Neches Facility, Texas

22. Eastman Chemical Company
i. Affected Facility/Source: Longview Facility, Texas

23. DuPont Specialty Products USA, LLC
i. Affected Facility/Source: Pontchartrain Site, Louisiana

24. Stepan Company
i. Affected Facility/Source: Millsdale Facility, Illinois

25. Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
i. Affected Facility/Source:
a. Ascend Decatur, Alabama;
b. Ascend Alvin, Texas;
c. Ascend Pensacola, Florida

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Coast Guard completes historic Quad Sail to strengthen Indo-Pacific maritime partnership

Source: United States Coast Guard

07/17/2025 06:36 PM EDT

SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) arrived in Guam, July 3, after a landmark multinational sail with representatives aboard from the maritime forces from Australia, India, and Japan—collectively known as the Quad. As four leading maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific, Quad nations are united in our conviction that peace and stability in the maritime domain underpin the security and prosperity of the region. We are committed to a region where all countries are free from coercion and strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.

For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac

MIL Security OSI –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Law and Research – Study slams Family Court’s reliance on ‘junk’ research – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

The Family Court is basing decisions on ‘junk’ evidence and putting children’s futures at risk, according to a new journal article.

You might imagine the expert evidence heard in the Family Court, such as what’s provided by court psychologists, would stand up to scrutiny… not so, according to a scathing new journal article.

The study suggests judges, lawyers and psychologists in New Zealand’s Family Court are routinely accepting ‘junk’ evidence to support critical decisions about children’s lives.

University of Auckland law scholar Associate Professor Carrie Leonetti reviewed 29 Family Court judgements under the New Zealand Care of Children Act in which court professionals claimed to be citing academic research to support their decisions. Her investigation finds they frequently cited material that was not academic research, instead relying on online content, unpublished handouts, and presentations from conferences or legal training sessions.

“Clinical psychologists, often working without specialised forensic training, are presenting evidence that would not withstand academic scrutiny,” she says.

“I’m shocked at how judges never go … ‘but but but’… and ask some questions. We need to define what’s real, what isn’t, what’s reliable, and what’s not.”

New Zealand’s Evidence Act 2006 and the High Court Rules require expert witnesses to base their recommendations on evidence that’s within their area of expertise and generally accepted within a scientific field and specify the literature they rely on. Yet Leonetti’s paper details breaches of these requirements – including experts opining outside their area of expertise, misrepresenting research, and failing to qualify sweeping claims.

Examples include statements like “almost all disclosures of sexual abuse by children whose parents have separated are false” or “studies show that all children are better off in shared care” – broad claims Leonetti says are based on misrepresented or misunderstood literature.

“The Court’s reliance on a small, fringe collection of writings from conferences, trainings, and legal journals rather than peer-reviewed science publications is dangerous and unjust.”

Associate Professor Carrie LeonettiAuckland Law School

Leonetti’s paper, published in the Indiana Health Law Review, says some professionals referenced controversial or discredited theories while omitting landmark studies like research into Adverse Childhood Experiences, which shows the long-term traumatic impact of exposure to family violence in childhood.

She says Family Court judges, lawyers, and psychologists frequently misrepresent or misuse academic literature, dismissing evidence they disagree with and cherry-picking non-peer-reviewed material to support pre-existing views.

The paper also identifies what Leonetti dubs “Family Court favourites” – a small number of obscure authors and articles cited disproportionately by court professionals, regardless of their academic significance.

“The Court’s reliance on a small, fringe collection of writings from conferences, trainings, and legal journals rather than peer-reviewed science publications is dangerous and unjust.”

She also highlights the high cost of accessing peer-reviewed scientific publications and the rise of “predatory” academic journals.

“Since the 2000s, thousands of online journals with little to no peer review have emerged, making it difficult for non-experts to identify scientifically valid research.”

This erosion of the meaning of academic publication, says Leonetti, has made it harder for non-experts, such as judges, lawyers, and court psychologists, to “separate the wheat from the chaff when deciding which literature warrants consideration and which is the functional equivalent of self-publication.

“These courts are essentially making life-changing decisions about children’s futures based on what amounts to professional folklore rather than scientific evidence.”

The study recomm

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: California Man Convicted at Trial

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

FORT WAYNE – Petru-Razvan Bruma, 40 years old, a citizen of the United Kingdom and a California resident, was found guilty of possessing device-making equipment after a three-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.

This case involved the defendant’s possession of shimmer devices and pinhole cameras installed on two local automatic teller machines. These items were designed to capture the card numbers and personal identification numbers of bank customers.

“Bruma traveled into this District with devices made to steal personal bank information from unsuspecting ATM customers,” said Proctor. “Thanks to excellent work by our team of investigators and prosecutors, he was charged and convicted for his conduct. This should send a clear message: If you come to Northern Indiana to commit crimes, you will be held accountable.”

Sentencing is scheduled for August 13, 2025. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley Miller Lowery and Justin Sheridan.

MIL Security OSI –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mine Crypto Anywhere, Anytime: BAY Miner Unveils Eco-Friendly Mobile Platform
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Chicago, Illinois, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a monumental leap for cryptocurrency accessibility, BAY Miner, a global leader in digital asset mining solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge mobile cloud mining application. This powerful tool empowers everyday users to mine Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies directly from their smartphones—no mining rigs, no complex setups, and no prior experience required.

With this launch, BAY Miner is dismantling traditional barriers to entry in the world of cryptocurrency mining and ushering in a new era of mobile-first, green-powered, and globally accessible digital income.

Democratizing Mining: The Vision Behind BAY Miner

The cryptocurrency landscape has long been dominated by professional miners with access to costly ASIC rigs, complex software, and high electricity consumption. BAY Miner challenges that legacy model with an inclusive approach that makes digital mining as simple as tapping your screen.

We believe that crypto mining should not be limited to experts or those with large capital investments. Our mobile app is a gateway for millions of users around the world to participate in the digital economy and earn passive income securely, sustainably, and efficiently.

Core Highlights of the BAY Miner Platform

Mobile-Optimized Cloud Mining Infrastructure

The BAY Miner app allows users to lease powerful hash rate from professional-grade, renewable energy-powered data centers. All mining activities are handled remotely, freeing users from the need to manage or maintain hardware. The mobile interface is sleek, intuitive, and designed for maximum accessibility—regardless of technical skill.
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Low data usage and zero battery drain
- 100% remote mining operation
- Accessible in 160+ countries
Advanced Security for Maximum Asset Protection

Security lies at the heart of BAY Miner’s ecosystem. The platform employs enterprise-grade cybersecurity protocols including:
- End-to-end AES-256 encryption
- Cloudflare® firewall and DDoS mitigation
- McAfee®-level malware detection
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric login
- Daily backups and encrypted data isolation
Whether a user is managing $50 or $5,000 in assets, their funds and personal data are protected with industry-leading safeguards.

Mining for Everyone: How It Works

BAY Miner eliminates the complexity of crypto mining. With just a smartphone, anyone can generate daily earnings in five simple steps:

Step 1: Create a Free Account

Register via https://bayminer.com. New users receive a $15 welcome bonus, instantly credited.

Step 2: Choose a Mining Contract

Select from flexible mining contracts tailored to short-term or long-term strategies. Contracts are priced in USD, giving users full transparency and predictable returns.

Step 3: Fund with Crypto

Users can deposit using:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- XRP
- Tether (USDT – ERC20 & TRC20)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Solana (SOL)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
Deposits are instantly converted to USD, locking in value at the current rate.

Step 4: Mining Starts Automatically

Once the plan is activated, mining begins in real-time. There are no downloads, updates, or installations required—everything runs seamlessly in the background.

Step 5: Earn Daily and Withdraw Anytime

Earnings are updated daily and users can withdraw their balance once it reaches $100, or reinvest to grow faster.

A Global Movement: Empowering Millions with Passive Crypto Income

BAY Miner has already achieved impressive scale:
- Over 6 million users registered globally
- Operations in 160+ countries
- $25 million+ mined and distributed
- Trusted by both crypto newcomers and experts
From freelancers in Southeast Asia to students in South America and retirees in Europe, BAY Miner’s mobile-first platform is providing financial freedom to users from all walks of life.

Sustainability Meets Innovation

With the climate impact of traditional crypto mining under increasing scrutiny, BAY Miner has prioritized environmental sustainability. All data centers powering BAY Miner’s cloud infrastructure are:
- 100% fueled by renewable energy
- Carbon-offset verified
- Designed with high-efficiency cooling systems
This green commitment ensures that users can mine crypto ethically without contributing to global carbon emissions.

Roadmap and Upcoming Features

BAY Miner continues to evolve, with several major features in development for Q3 and Q4 2025:
- NFT-backed mining contracts for transferable hash power
- Referral rewards program with tiered commissions
- Multi-wallet integrations including MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Coinbase
- DeFi yield options to combine mining with staking
These updates will expand BAY Miner’s ecosystem and further solidify its position as the most innovative and inclusive mining solution available.

About BAY Miner

BAY Miner is a global cryptocurrency mining platform that offers secure, accessible, and eco-friendly mobile cloud mining solutions. With a mission to democratize digital asset generation, BAY Miner empowers users across the world to earn passive crypto income without hardware, technical knowledge, or upfront capital. The platform operates with full transparency and prioritizes green energy, data security, and financial inclusion.

Media Contact

Press Inquiries:
Email: info@bayminer.com
Website: https://bayminer.com
App Download: https://bayminer.com/xml/index.html#/app

BAY Miner – Powering the Future of Crypto Mining. Anywhere. Anytime.

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The MIL Network –
July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: PDF Solutions to Report Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results on August 7, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDF Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: PDFS), a leading provider of comprehensive data solutions for the semiconductor ecosystem, announced that it will release Second quarter fiscal 2025 financial results after the market close on Thursday, August 7, 2025. John Kibarian, CEO, and Adnan Raza, CFO, will host a live teleconference on Thursday, August 7, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results.

To participate on the live call, analysts and investors should pre-register at: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BId4a92799e4e24169a58f6ea3c713566b

Registrants will receive dial-in information and a unique passcode to access the call. We encourage participants to dial-in into the call ten minutes ahead of scheduled time.

The teleconference will also be webcast simultaneously on the Company’s website at https://ir.pdf.com/webcasts. A replay of the conference call webcast will be available after the call on the Company’s investor relations website.

About PDF Solutions
PDF Solutions (Nasdaq: PDFS) provides comprehensive data solutions designed to empower organizations across the semiconductor and electronics industry ecosystems to improve the yield and quality of their products and operational efficiency for increased profitability. The Company’s products and services are used by Fortune 500 companies across the semiconductor ecosystem to achieve smart manufacturing goals by connecting and controlling equipment, collecting data generated during manufacturing and test operations, and performing advanced analytics and machine learning to enable profitable, high-volume manufacturing.

Founded in 1991, PDF Solutions is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. The Company (directly or through one or more subsidiaries) is an active member of SEMI, INEMI, TPCA, IPC, the OPC Foundation, and DMDII. For the latest news and information about PDF Solutions or to find office locations, visit https://www.pdf.com/.

PDF Solutions and the PDF Solutions logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of PDF Solutions, Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Company Contacts

Adnan Raza
Chief Financial Officer
(408) 516-0237
adnan.raza@pdf.com

Sonia Segovia
Investor Relations
(408) 938-6491
sonia.segovia@pdf.com

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Graphjet provides Nasdaq hearing update

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Graphjet Technology (“Graphjet” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq:GTI), a leading developer of patented technologies to produce graphite and graphene directly from agricultural waste, announced that Mr. Chris Lai, the CEO/CFO of Graphjet has attended the previously reported hearing with the Hearing Panel on July 17, 2025 and has together with the Company’s attorney presented the Company’s case to the Hearing Panel.

During the hearing, Mr. Chris Lai made a commitment to the Hearing Panel that the Company’s Forms 10Q for the three months ended December 31, 2024, March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2025 would be filed by the middle of September 2025. The Company will update investors by making an additional press release should there be any material changes to mid-September filing.

The Hearing Panel will review the Company’s presentation, and is expected to return a decision within two weeks. There can be no assurance that the Hearing Panel will approve the Company for continued listing on Nasdaq.

The Company will make additional update press releases from time to time when there is a material development.

About Graphjet Technology Sdn. Bhd.
Graphjet Technology Sdn. Bhd. (Nasdaq: GTI) was founded in 2019 in Malaysia as an innovative graphene and graphite producer. Graphjet Technology has the world’s first patented technology to recycle palm kernel shells generated in the production of palm seed oil to produce single layer graphene and artificial graphite. Graphjet’s sustainable production methods utilizing palm kernel shells, a waste agricultural product that is common in Malaysia, will set a new shift in graphite and graphene supply chain of the world. For more information, please visit https://www.graphjettech.com/.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “aim,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” and similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) changes in the markets in which Graphjet competes, including with respect to its competitive landscape, technology evolution or regulatory changes; (ii) the risk that Graphjet will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plans, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; (iii) Graphjet is beginning the commercialization of its technology and it may not have an accurate estimate of future capital expenditures and future revenue; (iv) statements regarding Graphjet’s industry and market size; (v) financial condition and performance of Graphjet, including the anticipated benefits, the implied enterprise value, the financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, the products, the expected future performance and market opportunities of Graphjet; (vi) Graphjet’s ability to develop and manufacture its graphene and graphite products; and (vii) those factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that will be described in the “Risk Factors” section of the documents to be filed by Graphjet from time to time with the SEC. These filings 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. 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 while Graphjet may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, they assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. Graphjet does not give any assurance that Graphjet will achieve its expectations.

Graphjet Technology Contacts

Investors
ceo.graphjet@graphjettech.com

Media
ceo.graphjet@graphjettech.com

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mega Fortune Company Limited Announces Closing of $15 Million Initial Public Offering

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Hong Kong, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mega Fortune Company Limited (the “Company” or “MGRT”), an Internet of Things (“IoT”) solution provider in Hong Kong, today announced the closing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 3,750,000 ordinary shares at a price of $4.00 per share. The Company has granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 562,500 ordinary shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts.

The aggregate gross proceeds from the Offering were $15 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. The ordinary shares began trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market on July 16, 2025 under the ticker symbol “MGRT.”

The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. D. Boral Capital LLC acted as the sole book-running manager for the Offering. FisherBroyles, LLP acted as U.S. securities counsel to the Company, and Jun He Law Offices LLC acted as U.S. counsel to D. Boral Capital LLC in connection with the Offering.

A registration statement on Form F-1, as amended, relating to the Offering has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (File Number: 333-282977) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 30, 2025. The Offering was made only by means of a final prospectus. A final prospectus relating to the Offering was filed with the SEC on July 16, 2025, which may be obtained from D. Boral Capital LLC, 590 Madison Avenue, 39th Floor, New York, NY 10022 by email to dbccapitalmarkets@dboralcapital.com, or by calling +1 (212) 970 5150. In addition, a copy of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

About Mega Fortune Company Limited

Mega Fortune Company Limited (the “Company”) is an Internet of Things (“IoT”) solution provider in Hong Kong. Through its operating subsidiary QBS System Limited (“QBS System”), the Company has specialized in delivering comprehensive IoT solutions and services across various industries. QBS System’s business service portfolio includes the provision of IoT Integration Solution Services, IoT Maintenance and Support services, Business Process Outsourcing (“BPO”) services and trading sales. Through its IoT platform, tools and services, QBS system helps enterprises through their digital transformation, launch IoT initiatives, upscale an existing IoT application or integrate any IoT solution with a legacy system to help them become more innovative, effective and productive. The Company’s vision is to become the preferred choice for IoT solutions for enterprises and projects in the Asia-Pacific region.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

For more information, please contact:

Mega Fortune Company Limited
Phone: +852 5627 5338
Email: priscilla.cheng@megafortune-group.com

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mega Fortune Company Limited Announces Closing of $15 Million Initial Public Offering

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Hong Kong, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mega Fortune Company Limited (the “Company” or “MGRT”), an Internet of Things (“IoT”) solution provider in Hong Kong, today announced the closing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 3,750,000 ordinary shares at a price of $4.00 per share. The Company has granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 562,500 ordinary shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts.

The aggregate gross proceeds from the Offering were $15 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. The ordinary shares began trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market on July 16, 2025 under the ticker symbol “MGRT.”

The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. D. Boral Capital LLC acted as the sole book-running manager for the Offering. FisherBroyles, LLP acted as U.S. securities counsel to the Company, and Jun He Law Offices LLC acted as U.S. counsel to D. Boral Capital LLC in connection with the Offering.

A registration statement on Form F-1, as amended, relating to the Offering has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (File Number: 333-282977) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 30, 2025. The Offering was made only by means of a final prospectus. A final prospectus relating to the Offering was filed with the SEC on July 16, 2025, which may be obtained from D. Boral Capital LLC, 590 Madison Avenue, 39th Floor, New York, NY 10022 by email to dbccapitalmarkets@dboralcapital.com, or by calling +1 (212) 970 5150. In addition, a copy of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

About Mega Fortune Company Limited

Mega Fortune Company Limited (the “Company”) is an Internet of Things (“IoT”) solution provider in Hong Kong. Through its operating subsidiary QBS System Limited (“QBS System”), the Company has specialized in delivering comprehensive IoT solutions and services across various industries. QBS System’s business service portfolio includes the provision of IoT Integration Solution Services, IoT Maintenance and Support services, Business Process Outsourcing (“BPO”) services and trading sales. Through its IoT platform, tools and services, QBS system helps enterprises through their digital transformation, launch IoT initiatives, upscale an existing IoT application or integrate any IoT solution with a legacy system to help them become more innovative, effective and productive. The Company’s vision is to become the preferred choice for IoT solutions for enterprises and projects in the Asia-Pacific region.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

For more information, please contact:

Mega Fortune Company Limited
Phone: +852 5627 5338
Email: priscilla.cheng@megafortune-group.com

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Carter Introduces Bill to Spur American Economic Development in Housing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter Introduces Bill to Spur American Economic Development in Housing

WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) introduced the Catalyzing Housing and American Ready Growth and Expansion (CHARGE) Investments Act, a bill that will encourage economic growth and development throughout the country by modernizing the eligibility for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) projects. The CHARGE Investments Act will create jobs, add housing, revitalize underused urban areas, and drive long-term economic growth without expanding the federal deficit.

Currently, federal law restricts TOD loans to projects within a half mile radius of intercity rail stations. This traditional standard largely benefits older Northeast cities, whereas most U.S. cities intentionally built their historic freight rail hubs modestly further from their downtowns. The CHARGE Investments Act ensures fair access to fiscally responsible federal loan financing administered by the Build America Bureau by expanding the TOD eligibility radius for those U.S. cities whose central business district is more than half a mile from its intercity rail or light rail. Projects inside the closest central business district within a two-mile radius of intercity rail stations, or for cities lacking intercity rail, projects within a ¼ mile radius from a light rail station, shall now be eligible.

“By modernizing the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing program, the CHARGE Investments Act marks a critical step towards unlocking economic development for rural towns and growing cities alike. This bill will stimulate economic activity in not only Georgia but nationwide, ensuring some regions are not given preference over others,” said Rep. Carter.

“Light Rail has absolutely transformed the Valley, driving billions in private and public investment along the lines. As the cost of living rises and Arizona grows, we need more tools to develop new affordable housing units and businesses near our city centers and along the transit lines,” said Rep. Stanton. “Our CHARGE Investments Act modernizes federal financing options for transit-oriented retail and housing developments—a win-win for Arizona businesses and families.”

The CHARGE Investments Act preserves the fiscally responsible foundation of the program by maintaining loan-based financing and requiring at least 25% private or non-federal investment while expanding access to cities unintentionally left out due to outdated limitations. These investments often generate 4–5x returns for the Treasury, driven by growth in construction, housing, hospitality, and retail.

“The CHARGE Investments Act is the kind of forward-looking reform the hotel industry needs to spur new development opportunities, create jobs, and drive economic growth. The proposed legislation would expand loan-based financing for transit-connected projects, providing hoteliers with a critical pathway to develop projects that meet local demand. We thank Congressman Carter for his leadership on this important issue and look forward to working with him to move this legislation swiftly through Congress,” said Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

“AAHOA also applauds the bill’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. The CHARGE Investments Act encourages market-driven investment while safeguarding taxpayer dollars by relying on loans instead of grants and requiring a minimum 25% private capital contribution. For our industry, it creates a valuable financing tool that supports smart growth, adaptive reuse, and transit-connected development,” said Kamalesh (KP) Patel, Chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners of America (AAHOA).

“By facilitating redevelopment near transit corridors and enabling hotel investment in high-impact areas, the CHARGE Investments Act offers a smart, modern, and locally responsive model for infrastructure and economic growth. GHLA applauds your leadership in advancing this thoughtful, pro-growth legislation. We are proud to support the CHARGE Investments Act and look forward to partnering with your office to move it forward,” said Chris Hardman, Director of Governmental Affairs for the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association.

Read full bill text here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Prague Man Sentenced for Setting Ex-Girlfriend’s House on Fire and Illegally Possessing a Firearm

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Henry Joseph Arthur, Jr., 52, for Arson in Indian Country and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Judge Frizzell ordered Arthur to serve 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.

In April 2023, Arthur plotted and devised a plan to burn down his ex-girlfriend’s home. Surveillance and GPS data showed Arthur was responsible for setting the house on fire and burning it to the ground. While on pretrial bond, Arthur violated the terms of his bond and failed to participate in the court-ordered substance abuse program successfully. The court issued a warrant for Arthur’s arrest, and the U.S. Marshals found Arthur illegally in possession of a loaded handgun.

Court records show that Arthur has been convicted of 19 prior felonies, multiple protective order violations, domestic assault and battery, and crimes that endanger public safety.

Arthur will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kellyville Fire Department investigated the case. The U.S. Marshal Service assisted in Arthur’s arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

MIL Security OSI –

July 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: ACM Research to Release Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on August 6, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FREMONT, Calif., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ACM Research, Inc. (“ACM”) (NASDAQ: ACMR) announced today that it will release its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 before the U.S. market open on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. ACM will conduct a corresponding conference call at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 p.m. China Time) to discuss the results.

	What:	ACM Second Quarter (ended June 30, 2025) Earnings Call
	When:	8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, August 6, 2025
	Webcast:	ir.acmr.com/news-events/events

To join the conference call via telephone, participants must use the following link to complete an online registration process. Upon registering, each participant will receive email instructions to access the conference call, including dial-in information and a PIN number allowing access to the conference call. This pre-registration process is designed by the operator to reduce delays due to operator congestion when accessing the live call.

Online Registration: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI4cceb211743b41b191ff1a256e07b4cf

Participants who have not pre-registered may join the webcast by accessing the link at ir.acmr.com/news-events/events.

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of ACM’s website at www.acmr.com.

About ACM Research, Inc.

ACM develops, manufactures and sells semiconductor process equipment spanning cleaning, electroplating, stress-free polishing, vertical furnace processes, track, PECVD, and wafer- and panel-level packaging tools, enabling advanced and semi-critical semiconductor device manufacturing. ACM is committed to delivering customized, high-performance, cost-effective process solutions that semiconductor manufacturers can use in numerous manufacturing steps to improve productivity and product yield. For more information, visit www.acmr.com.

© ACM Research, Inc. The ACM Research logo is a trademark of ACM Research, Inc. For convenience, this trademark appears in this press release without a ™ symbol, but that practice does not mean that ACM will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights to such trademark.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
	In the United States:	The Blueshirt Group
		Steven C. Pelayo, CFA
		+1 (360) 808-5154
		steven@blueshirtgroup.co

	In China:	The Blueshirt Group Asia
		Gary Dvorchak, CFA
		+86 (138) 1079-1480
		gary@blueshirtgroup.co

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: ACM Research to Release Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on August 6, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

	What:	ACM Second Quarter (ended June 30, 2025) Earnings Call
	When:	8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, August 6, 2025
	Webcast:	ir.acmr.com/news-events/events

Online Registration: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI4cceb211743b41b191ff1a256e07b4cf

Participants who have not pre-registered may join the webcast by accessing the link at ir.acmr.com/news-events/events.

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of ACM’s website at www.acmr.com.

About ACM Research, Inc.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
	In the United States:	The Blueshirt Group
		Steven C. Pelayo, CFA
		+1 (360) 808-5154
		steven@blueshirtgroup.co

	In China:	The Blueshirt Group Asia
		Gary Dvorchak, CFA
		+86 (138) 1079-1480
		gary@blueshirtgroup.co

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025

Category: Asia

Thinking in pink

Archival nods

‘Easter eggs’

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Notes to editors

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