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  • MIL-OSI Submissions: How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Martin, Lecturer in Urban Design and Planning, University of Sheffield

    Co-created play space with children and the community, Via Val Lagarina Milan. Milan municipality

    Children play everywhere. Yet their right to play – protected by a UN convention – is constantly challenged by adults.

    Play is crucial to support children’s holistic development in cognitive, emotional, physical and social skills. Likewise, we know children’s environments significantly influence their health and wellbeing, for better or worse.

    But across cities, young people are let down by a built environment that fails to appropriately consider their needs.

    Places where children commonly used to play, such as streets and local neighbourhoods, have been transformed into car-only spaces where traffic and parking take priority. Likewise, city spaces frequently “design out” children by prohibiting skateboarding, ball games and other kinds of play.

    Over time, urban planning has confined children’s opportunities for play to dedicated playground spaces only.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    However, children don’t have equal access to these formal play spaces. In the largest study of playgrounds in England, my colleagues and I found substantial inequalities in access to play. Children in the most deprived areas needed to travel further to their nearest playground.

    In new research, I’ve explored four international examples of how children and play can be promoted in less likely urban spaces. My findings show how play can be promoted in cities to support children’s right to play anywhere – but also that there is widespread hostility to children’s right to use urban spaces for play.

    Power of play

    In Sydney, a pedal park installation with temporary jumps, ramps and a pump track was set up in different car parks for the duration of the winter. In Paris, a play street was created in central Paris by closing road traffic on Friday afternoons in autumn and spring.

    In Belfast, temporary play equipment and playful street furniture was set up in the Cathedral Gardens public space.

    Cathedral Gardens pop-up play space in Belfast meaningfully encourages children to use the city.
    Park Hood Ltd.

    In Milan, a community-led design involved children in creating a colourful grid, planters, growing beds and games in a school car park, which went on to inspire a new municipal programme of temporary school streets and piazzas.

    These play spaces allowed children to play freely, play with objects, play pretend, play games with rules, and play physically – the core pillars of play. What’s more, they enabled children to develop new connections with their community by appropriating urban spaces to promote relaxation and fun. This was vital following the trauma of the global pandemic – all the projects were active during COVID-19 outside of lockdown.

    Intergenerational encounters at the weekly play street in the 3rd District of Paris.
    Rue’golotte

    These short-term projects invited children to enjoy urban life in new ways. In fact, they bolstered civic access for people of all generations. In Sydney, the closure of the car park fostered a new sense of community. Caregivers, grandparents and residents were able to connect with each other in a whole different setting.

    Children in Sydney play freely in a ‘pop-up pedal park’ created in a public car park.
    Randwick City Council

    Politics of play

    But despite the positives, over time, the projects faced protest and tension. In Milan, fears from residents emerged on play being used as a tool to displace poorer communities. This was in response to the area having long been earmarked for regeneration. In Sydney, Paris and Belfast, people actively targeted and sabotaged the informal play spaces.

    In Sydney, to park their cars, older citizens successfully lobbied local councillors to reduce the total amount of space for play, from the entire car park to one aisle of parking. In Paris, local businesses were exasperated by the presence of children. Collectively they threatened project initiators and staged a protest, claiming that “play streets kill local shops”. In Belfast, the pop-up play space was set on fire, multiple times. By summer 2022, much of the park had been destroyed.

    Destruction and criminal damage of the Cathedral Gardens play space in Belfast.
    Author

    The outcomes demonstrate the politics that children, and their play, were exposed to. Because of a range of aggressive behaviour from adults, children’s use of streets and public spaces were consistently restricted. A common statement from dissenters was “children can go elsewhere”. The reality is they can’t.

    In tracking informal play projects through the pandemic and subsequent years, two additional factors hampered their longer-term success. For the council projects in Sydney and Belfast, council officers hoped to direct more resources to urban play, but the lack of a specific local policy to support play was a significant constraint. By comparison, the community projects in Paris and Milan placed an unsustainable pressure on volunteers to ensure prolonged success.

    Lessons from previous crises highlight how tensions and conflict can affect innovative uses of space, often diluting their progressive purpose. Ultimately, children’s play in recovery from the pandemic experienced a similar fate.

    This is worrying because Unicef research has shown children’s wellbeing has continued to suffer after COVID-19.

    Places that allow for children’s play can create dynamic neighbourhoods, intergenerational encounters, and meaningful participation in urban spaces – if only we let it happen.

    Michael Martin 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. How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds – https://theconversation.com/how-to-give-children-the-freedom-to-play-all-across-the-city-not-just-in-playgrounds-260444

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Martin, Lecturer in Urban Design and Planning, University of Sheffield

    Co-created play space with children and the community, Via Val Lagarina Milan. Milan municipality

    Children play everywhere. Yet their right to play – protected by a UN convention – is constantly challenged by adults.

    Play is crucial to support children’s holistic development in cognitive, emotional, physical and social skills. Likewise, we know children’s environments significantly influence their health and wellbeing, for better or worse.

    But across cities, young people are let down by a built environment that fails to appropriately consider their needs.

    Places where children commonly used to play, such as streets and local neighbourhoods, have been transformed into car-only spaces where traffic and parking take priority. Likewise, city spaces frequently “design out” children by prohibiting skateboarding, ball games and other kinds of play.

    Over time, urban planning has confined children’s opportunities for play to dedicated playground spaces only.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    However, children don’t have equal access to these formal play spaces. In the largest study of playgrounds in England, my colleagues and I found substantial inequalities in access to play. Children in the most deprived areas needed to travel further to their nearest playground.

    In new research, I’ve explored four international examples of how children and play can be promoted in less likely urban spaces. My findings show how play can be promoted in cities to support children’s right to play anywhere – but also that there is widespread hostility to children’s right to use urban spaces for play.

    Power of play

    In Sydney, a pedal park installation with temporary jumps, ramps and a pump track was set up in different car parks for the duration of the winter. In Paris, a play street was created in central Paris by closing road traffic on Friday afternoons in autumn and spring.

    In Belfast, temporary play equipment and playful street furniture was set up in the Cathedral Gardens public space.

    Cathedral Gardens pop-up play space in Belfast meaningfully encourages children to use the city.
    Park Hood Ltd.

    In Milan, a community-led design involved children in creating a colourful grid, planters, growing beds and games in a school car park, which went on to inspire a new municipal programme of temporary school streets and piazzas.

    These play spaces allowed children to play freely, play with objects, play pretend, play games with rules, and play physically – the core pillars of play. What’s more, they enabled children to develop new connections with their community by appropriating urban spaces to promote relaxation and fun. This was vital following the trauma of the global pandemic – all the projects were active during COVID-19 outside of lockdown.

    Intergenerational encounters at the weekly play street in the 3rd District of Paris.
    Rue’golotte

    These short-term projects invited children to enjoy urban life in new ways. In fact, they bolstered civic access for people of all generations. In Sydney, the closure of the car park fostered a new sense of community. Caregivers, grandparents and residents were able to connect with each other in a whole different setting.

    Children in Sydney play freely in a ‘pop-up pedal park’ created in a public car park.
    Randwick City Council

    Politics of play

    But despite the positives, over time, the projects faced protest and tension. In Milan, fears from residents emerged on play being used as a tool to displace poorer communities. This was in response to the area having long been earmarked for regeneration. In Sydney, Paris and Belfast, people actively targeted and sabotaged the informal play spaces.

    In Sydney, to park their cars, older citizens successfully lobbied local councillors to reduce the total amount of space for play, from the entire car park to one aisle of parking. In Paris, local businesses were exasperated by the presence of children. Collectively they threatened project initiators and staged a protest, claiming that “play streets kill local shops”. In Belfast, the pop-up play space was set on fire, multiple times. By summer 2022, much of the park had been destroyed.

    Destruction and criminal damage of the Cathedral Gardens play space in Belfast.
    Author

    The outcomes demonstrate the politics that children, and their play, were exposed to. Because of a range of aggressive behaviour from adults, children’s use of streets and public spaces were consistently restricted. A common statement from dissenters was “children can go elsewhere”. The reality is they can’t.

    In tracking informal play projects through the pandemic and subsequent years, two additional factors hampered their longer-term success. For the council projects in Sydney and Belfast, council officers hoped to direct more resources to urban play, but the lack of a specific local policy to support play was a significant constraint. By comparison, the community projects in Paris and Milan placed an unsustainable pressure on volunteers to ensure prolonged success.

    Lessons from previous crises highlight how tensions and conflict can affect innovative uses of space, often diluting their progressive purpose. Ultimately, children’s play in recovery from the pandemic experienced a similar fate.

    This is worrying because Unicef research has shown children’s wellbeing has continued to suffer after COVID-19.

    Places that allow for children’s play can create dynamic neighbourhoods, intergenerational encounters, and meaningful participation in urban spaces – if only we let it happen.

    Michael Martin 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. How to give children the freedom to play all across the city – not just in playgrounds – https://theconversation.com/how-to-give-children-the-freedom-to-play-all-across-the-city-not-just-in-playgrounds-260444

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Edward White, PhD Candidate in Psychology, Kingston University

    One hundred years after a Tennessee teacher named John Scopes started a legal battle over what the state’s schools can teach children, Americans are still divided over evolution.

    Scopes was charged with violating Tennessee law by teaching evolution, in a highly publicised July 1925 trial that led to national debate over evolution and education. The trial tested whether a law introduced that year really could punish teachers over evolution lessons. It could and did: Scopes was fined US$100 (£74).

    But here’s the weird part: while Americans remain deeply divided about whether humans evolved from earlier species, our British predecessors largely settled this question decades before the Scopes trial.

    John Scopes one month before the Tennessee v. John T. Scopes Trial.
    Smithsonian Institution/ Watson Davis

    According to thinktank Pew Research Center data from 2020, only 64% of Americans accept that “humans and other living things have evolved over time”. Meanwhile, 73% of Brits are fine with the idea that they share a common ancestor with chimpanzees. That nine-percentage-point gap might not sound like much, but it represents millions of people who think Darwin was peddling fake news.

    From 1985 to 2010, Americans were in what researchers call a statistical dead heat between acceptance and rejection of evolution — which is academic speak for people couldn’t decide if we were descended from apes or Adam and Eve.

    Here’s where things get psychologically fascinating. Research into misinformation and cognitive biases suggests that fundamentalism operates on a principle known as motivated reasoning. This means selectively interpreting evidence to reach predetermined conclusions. And a 2018 review of social and computer science research also found that fake news seems to spread because it confirms what people already want to believe.

    Evolution denial may work the same way. Religious fundamentalism is what researchers call “the strongest predictor” for rejection of evolution. A 2019 study of 900 participants found that belief in fake news headlines was associated with delusionality, dogmatism, religious fundamentalism and reduced analytic thinking.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    High personal religiosity, as seen in the US, reinforced by communities of like-minded believers, can create resistance to evolutionary science. This pattern is pronounced among Southern Baptists — the largest Protestant denomination in the US — where 61% believe the Bible is the literal word of God, compared to 31% of Americans overall. The persistence of this conflict is fuelled by organised creationist movements that reinforce religious scepticism.

    Brain imaging studies
    show that people with fundamentalist beliefs seem to have reduced activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex — the brain region responsible for cognitive flexibility and analytical thinking. When this area is damaged or less active, people become more prone to accepting claims without sufficient evidence and show increased resistance to changing their beliefs when presented with contradictory information. Studies of brain-injured patients show damage to prefrontal networks that normally help us question information may lead to increased fundamentalist beliefs and reduced scepticism.

    Fundamentalist psychology helps explain the US position in international evolution acceptance surveys. In a 2006 study, of over 33,00 people from 34 countries from 34 countries, only Turkey ranked lower than the US, with about 27% accepting evolution compared to America’s 40% at the time. Among the developed nations surveyed, the US consistently ranks near the bottom — a pattern that persists in more recent international comparisons.

    Where did humans come from? Teaching children about evolution can be controversial, depending on where they live.
    vovan/Shutterstuck

    Research shows that political polarisation on evolution has historically been much stronger in the US than in Europe or Japan, where the issue rarely becomes a campaign talking point. In the US, anti-evolution bills are still being introduced in state legislatures.

    In the UK, belief in evolution became accepted among respectable clergymen around 1896, according to church historian Owen Chadwick’s analysis of Victorian christianity. But why did British religious institutions embrace science while American ones declared war?

    The answer lies in different approaches to intellectual challenges. British Anglicanism has a centuries-old tradition of seeking a “via media” — a middle way between extremes — that allowed church leaders to accommodate new ideas without abandoning core beliefs. Historian Peter documented how British religious leaders actively worked to reconcile science and religion, developing theological frameworks that embraced scientific discoveries as revealing God’s methods rather than contradicting divine authority.

    Anglican bishops and scholars tended to treat evolution as God’s method of creation rather than a threat to faith itself. The Church of England’s hierarchical structure meant that when educated clergy accepted evolution, the institutional framework often followed suit. A 2024 paper argued that many UK church leaders still view science and religion as complementary rather than conflicting.

    A different approach

    The British experience proves it’s possible to reconcile science and faith. But changing American minds requires understanding that evolution acceptance isn’t really about biology — it’s about identity, belonging, and the fundamental question of who gets to define truth. People don’t reject evolution because they’ve carefully studied the evidence. They reject it because it threatens their identity. This creates a context where education alone can’t overcome deeply held convictions.

    Misinformation intervention research suggests that inoculation strategies, such as highlighting the scientific consensus on climate change, work better than debunking individual articles. But evolution education needs to be sensitive. Consensus messaging helps, but only when it doesn’t threaten people’s core identities. For example, framing evolution as a function of “how” life develops, rather than “why it exists, allows for people to maintain religious belief while accepting the scientific evidence for natural selection.

    People’s views can change. A review published in 2024, analysed data which followed the same Gen X people in the US over 33 years. It found that, as they grew up, people developed more acceptance of evolution, though typically because of factors such as education and obtaining university degrees. But people who were taught at a private school seem less likely to become more accepting of evolution as they aged.

    As we face new waves of scientific misinformation, the century since the Scopes trial teaches us that evidence alone won’t necessarily change people’s minds. Understanding the psychology of belief might be our best hope for evolving past our own cognitive limitations.

    Edward White is affiliated with Kingston University.

    – ref. Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t – https://theconversation.com/why-many-americans-still-think-darwin-was-wrong-yet-the-british-dont-260709

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Edward White, PhD Candidate in Psychology, Kingston University

    One hundred years after a Tennessee teacher named John Scopes started a legal battle over what the state’s schools can teach children, Americans are still divided over evolution.

    Scopes was charged with violating Tennessee law by teaching evolution, in a highly publicised July 1925 trial that led to national debate over evolution and education. The trial tested whether a law introduced that year really could punish teachers over evolution lessons. It could and did: Scopes was fined US$100 (£74).

    But here’s the weird part: while Americans remain deeply divided about whether humans evolved from earlier species, our British predecessors largely settled this question decades before the Scopes trial.

    John Scopes one month before the Tennessee v. John T. Scopes Trial.
    Smithsonian Institution/ Watson Davis

    According to thinktank Pew Research Center data from 2020, only 64% of Americans accept that “humans and other living things have evolved over time”. Meanwhile, 73% of Brits are fine with the idea that they share a common ancestor with chimpanzees. That nine-percentage-point gap might not sound like much, but it represents millions of people who think Darwin was peddling fake news.

    From 1985 to 2010, Americans were in what researchers call a statistical dead heat between acceptance and rejection of evolution — which is academic speak for people couldn’t decide if we were descended from apes or Adam and Eve.

    Here’s where things get psychologically fascinating. Research into misinformation and cognitive biases suggests that fundamentalism operates on a principle known as motivated reasoning. This means selectively interpreting evidence to reach predetermined conclusions. And a 2018 review of social and computer science research also found that fake news seems to spread because it confirms what people already want to believe.

    Evolution denial may work the same way. Religious fundamentalism is what researchers call “the strongest predictor” for rejection of evolution. A 2019 study of 900 participants found that belief in fake news headlines was associated with delusionality, dogmatism, religious fundamentalism and reduced analytic thinking.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    High personal religiosity, as seen in the US, reinforced by communities of like-minded believers, can create resistance to evolutionary science. This pattern is pronounced among Southern Baptists — the largest Protestant denomination in the US — where 61% believe the Bible is the literal word of God, compared to 31% of Americans overall. The persistence of this conflict is fuelled by organised creationist movements that reinforce religious scepticism.

    Brain imaging studies
    show that people with fundamentalist beliefs seem to have reduced activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex — the brain region responsible for cognitive flexibility and analytical thinking. When this area is damaged or less active, people become more prone to accepting claims without sufficient evidence and show increased resistance to changing their beliefs when presented with contradictory information. Studies of brain-injured patients show damage to prefrontal networks that normally help us question information may lead to increased fundamentalist beliefs and reduced scepticism.

    Fundamentalist psychology helps explain the US position in international evolution acceptance surveys. In a 2006 study, of over 33,00 people from 34 countries from 34 countries, only Turkey ranked lower than the US, with about 27% accepting evolution compared to America’s 40% at the time. Among the developed nations surveyed, the US consistently ranks near the bottom — a pattern that persists in more recent international comparisons.

    Where did humans come from? Teaching children about evolution can be controversial, depending on where they live.
    vovan/Shutterstuck

    Research shows that political polarisation on evolution has historically been much stronger in the US than in Europe or Japan, where the issue rarely becomes a campaign talking point. In the US, anti-evolution bills are still being introduced in state legislatures.

    In the UK, belief in evolution became accepted among respectable clergymen around 1896, according to church historian Owen Chadwick’s analysis of Victorian christianity. But why did British religious institutions embrace science while American ones declared war?

    The answer lies in different approaches to intellectual challenges. British Anglicanism has a centuries-old tradition of seeking a “via media” — a middle way between extremes — that allowed church leaders to accommodate new ideas without abandoning core beliefs. Historian Peter documented how British religious leaders actively worked to reconcile science and religion, developing theological frameworks that embraced scientific discoveries as revealing God’s methods rather than contradicting divine authority.

    Anglican bishops and scholars tended to treat evolution as God’s method of creation rather than a threat to faith itself. The Church of England’s hierarchical structure meant that when educated clergy accepted evolution, the institutional framework often followed suit. A 2024 paper argued that many UK church leaders still view science and religion as complementary rather than conflicting.

    A different approach

    The British experience proves it’s possible to reconcile science and faith. But changing American minds requires understanding that evolution acceptance isn’t really about biology — it’s about identity, belonging, and the fundamental question of who gets to define truth. People don’t reject evolution because they’ve carefully studied the evidence. They reject it because it threatens their identity. This creates a context where education alone can’t overcome deeply held convictions.

    Misinformation intervention research suggests that inoculation strategies, such as highlighting the scientific consensus on climate change, work better than debunking individual articles. But evolution education needs to be sensitive. Consensus messaging helps, but only when it doesn’t threaten people’s core identities. For example, framing evolution as a function of “how” life develops, rather than “why it exists, allows for people to maintain religious belief while accepting the scientific evidence for natural selection.

    People’s views can change. A review published in 2024, analysed data which followed the same Gen X people in the US over 33 years. It found that, as they grew up, people developed more acceptance of evolution, though typically because of factors such as education and obtaining university degrees. But people who were taught at a private school seem less likely to become more accepting of evolution as they aged.

    As we face new waves of scientific misinformation, the century since the Scopes trial teaches us that evidence alone won’t necessarily change people’s minds. Understanding the psychology of belief might be our best hope for evolving past our own cognitive limitations.

    Edward White is affiliated with Kingston University.

    – ref. Why many Americans still think Darwin was wrong, yet the British don’t – https://theconversation.com/why-many-americans-still-think-darwin-was-wrong-yet-the-british-dont-260709

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to host Third Basketball Without Borders Women’s Camp at AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 in Indianapolis

    Source: APO – Report:

    The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.NBA.com) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced the 40 top high-school-age female prospects from outside the U.S. who will travel to Indianapolis, Ind., for the third Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global women’s camp, which will be held Thursday, July 17 – Saturday, July 19 at Nicoson Hall on the University of Indianapolis campus as part of AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025.

    The campers will be coached by several current and former WNBA and FIBA players and coaches, including 2025 No. 6 overall pick Georgia Amoore (Washington Mystics; Australia), 1999 WNBA All-Star and two-time NCAA champion Tonya Edwards (U.S.), two-time NCAA champion Kelly Faris (U.S.) and two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year Andrea Gardner-Williams.  2004 WNBA All-Star and current Vice President of Team Operations & Organizational Growth for the Boston Celtics Allison Feaster will serve as the camp director.

    The players and coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities, including movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, 5-on-5 games, and life-skills and leadership development sessions.  The camp will once again be open to WNBA scouts and NCAA coaches following last year’s event where 34 of the campers received NCAA Division I scholarship offers.  The campers will also attend the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19.  

    The event will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear.

    BWB, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, has reached more than 4,600 participants from 144 countries and territories since 2001, with 142 former campers drafted into the NBA and WNBA or signed as free agents.  Fifteen former BWB campers have advanced to the WNBA, including Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm; Australia; BWB Asia 2016), Jade Melbourne (Mystics; Australia; BWB Global 2020), Aaliyah Edwards (Mystics; Canada; BWB Global 2019), Domonique Malonga (Storm; BWB Europe 2022), Nika Muhl (Storm; Croatia; BWB Europe 2018; BWB Global 2019) and Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago Sky; Brazil; BWB Global 2019).  The NBA and FIBA have held 80 BWB camps in 53 cities across 33 countries on six continents.

    Follow the camp using the hashtag #BWBGlobal on Facebook, Instagram and X.  Find out more about BWB at BasketballWithoutBorders.com (https://BWB.NBA.com/), on YouTube (Basketball Without Borders: https://apo-opa.co/46csTll) and on Instagram (@ basketballwithoutborders: https://apo-opa.co/44O1jZs).

    The following is a complete list of players participating in the third BWB Global women’s camp at WNBA All-Star (roster subject to change):

    Name
    Sanja Aksam
    Maria Madalena Martinho Amaro
    Karina Capellán
    Emma D’este
    Fatou Kine Diop
    Misheel Elbegbayar
    Haya El-Halawany
    Rica Enriquez-Paea
    Melissa Guillet
    Amanda Guineo
    Janelle Gyampo
    Ayla Habbal
    Wiktoria Haegenbarth
    Keriana Hippolite
    Hyeonjeong Hwang
    Serena Ishiwatari
    Ya Ida Juwara Skold
    Anna Liepina
    Yu Han Lin
    Eiza Louveton
    Erika Mace
    Kartika Mahanani
    Sarah Aaliyah Mellouk
    Valeria Montero Piña
    Lucy Nchamba
    Nicole Ogun
    Chen Chia Shan Pan
    Maria Perez
    Jasmine Perry
    Maewenn Poilve
    Mika Sakaguchi
    Sena Sert
    Binta Seye
    Manon Simplot
    Maxine Maria Sutisna
    Tiia Talonen
    Nicole Torresani
    Tjasa Turnsek
    Maja Uranker
    Lea Vukic

    – on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

    Contact:
    Kevin Alonzo
    NBA
    kalonzo@NBA.com
    (212) 407-8158

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: England’s redesigned banknotes will reveal how the country sees itself

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Pavan Mano, Lecturer in Global Cultures, King’s College London

    Richard z/Shutterstock

    The Bank of England has announced a redesign of its banknotes and invited the public to suggest new themes that might feature on them. Victoria Cleland, the Bank of England’s chief cashier, said this was as “a symbolic representation of our collective national identity and an opportunity to celebrate the UK”.

    Even though they can appear like the unifying symbols Cleland suggests, my research shows that there are contradictions that surround many national symbols. They are not as unifying as they might seem. In fact, in many cases they also work to exclude people.

    For a long time, there has been a persuasive argument about belonging and the nation. As one of the grand theorists of the nation, Benedict Anderson, once put it, the nation is an “imagined political community”.

    The idea here is that the nation is simply a collection of people who form a community together, something larger than themselves. And national symbols are supposed to represent this community. As such, national symbols are often taken as markers of belonging.

    But what is often overlooked is the exclusionary element of the nation. In my book, Straight Nation, I show how for some people to belong to a nation, others must be portrayed as not belonging. It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly how one belongs to the nation; it is far easier to point at someone else and declare that they do not.

    The invitation to contribute to the redesign will therefore show two things. It will tell us how the country sees itself. It will also demonstrate the contradictions around national symbols and the exclusions they can produce. The former perhaps more straightforward than the latter.

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    How does England see itself?

    In theory, the banknote is a perfectly neat national symbol. It is an object that is only valid within the borders of the state it is issued in, so the images printed on it can be treated as representations of the nation. Current notes feature images of historically significant characters: former prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, author Jane Austen, painter J.M.W. Turner and scientist Alan Turing.

    Jane Austen is one of only three women who have been on the banknote.
    Dudaeva/Shutterstock

    Indeed, the Bank of England has suggested that images should not be “divisive”. In other words, they need to be as inclusive as possible. But in the current political environment, far-right politics and division have become extremely commonplace both globally and closer to home.

    In the US, the current administration has squarely taken aim at diversity, equity and inclusion programmes and launched a massive wave of deportations. Across much of western Europe, far-right parties are going from strength to strength.

    In the UK, rightwing Reform has emerged as the party that would win the most seats if a general election were held this year. The current prime minister, Keir Starmer, recently gave a speech where he warned the UK risked becoming an “island of strangers” without tougher immigration policies.

    Amid these political currents, it will be interesting to see which themes and images are eventually chosen to adorn the new banknotes from the consultation which closes at the end of July. The designs will be instructive not least because they will show how how the current climate translates onto these notes as well as how the country sees itself.

    For instance, there has never been a person of colour and only three women have previously featured on a banknote. It would be a a long time coming if this were to change.

    The exclusions at the heart of national symbols

    Perhaps more importantly, however, is the ironic contradiction around asking for the public’s views on banknotes when banknotes are disappearing from public view.

    At the start of this year, Lloyds Banking Group announced it would be closing 136 of its high street banks. This follows a broader trend. Since 2015, banks have closed more than 6,000 branches, and the number of cash machines has fallen by more than 7,000 between June 2021 and June 2024.

    Banking is becoming increasingly digital and carried out through a smartphone app. A growing number of establishments have gone entirely cashless.

    Many people are affected by this, including those with disabilities, older people, those living in rural areas and small businesses. Not only is cash no longer king, it is barely in the building.

    When it is redesigned, the new banknote will be released into an environment where it is less used and, in a growing number of establishments that have gone entirely cashless, will be almost entirely unwelcome.

    National belonging is often romanticised. There is a sense that nationalism and unity go hand in hand, and that the nation is simply a basin of belonging. National symbols are portrayed as a matter of pride.

    We do not know yet what designs they will bear when the crisp new banknotes are issued. But we do know that they will be issued in decreasing quantities and many people will find it harder to get their hands on them. That captures the contradictions of national symbols, and the exclusions they produce.

    Pavan Mano 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. England’s redesigned banknotes will reveal how the country sees itself – https://theconversation.com/englands-redesigned-banknotes-will-reveal-how-the-country-sees-itself-260842

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: England’s redesigned banknotes will reveal how the country sees itself

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Pavan Mano, Lecturer in Global Cultures, King’s College London

    Richard z/Shutterstock

    The Bank of England has announced a redesign of its banknotes and invited the public to suggest new themes that might feature on them. Victoria Cleland, the Bank of England’s chief cashier, said this was as “a symbolic representation of our collective national identity and an opportunity to celebrate the UK”.

    Even though they can appear like the unifying symbols Cleland suggests, my research shows that there are contradictions that surround many national symbols. They are not as unifying as they might seem. In fact, in many cases they also work to exclude people.

    For a long time, there has been a persuasive argument about belonging and the nation. As one of the grand theorists of the nation, Benedict Anderson, once put it, the nation is an “imagined political community”.

    The idea here is that the nation is simply a collection of people who form a community together, something larger than themselves. And national symbols are supposed to represent this community. As such, national symbols are often taken as markers of belonging.

    But what is often overlooked is the exclusionary element of the nation. In my book, Straight Nation, I show how for some people to belong to a nation, others must be portrayed as not belonging. It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly how one belongs to the nation; it is far easier to point at someone else and declare that they do not.

    The invitation to contribute to the redesign will therefore show two things. It will tell us how the country sees itself. It will also demonstrate the contradictions around national symbols and the exclusions they can produce. The former perhaps more straightforward than the latter.

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    How does England see itself?

    In theory, the banknote is a perfectly neat national symbol. It is an object that is only valid within the borders of the state it is issued in, so the images printed on it can be treated as representations of the nation. Current notes feature images of historically significant characters: former prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, author Jane Austen, painter J.M.W. Turner and scientist Alan Turing.

    Jane Austen is one of only three women who have been on the banknote.
    Dudaeva/Shutterstock

    Indeed, the Bank of England has suggested that images should not be “divisive”. In other words, they need to be as inclusive as possible. But in the current political environment, far-right politics and division have become extremely commonplace both globally and closer to home.

    In the US, the current administration has squarely taken aim at diversity, equity and inclusion programmes and launched a massive wave of deportations. Across much of western Europe, far-right parties are going from strength to strength.

    In the UK, rightwing Reform has emerged as the party that would win the most seats if a general election were held this year. The current prime minister, Keir Starmer, recently gave a speech where he warned the UK risked becoming an “island of strangers” without tougher immigration policies.

    Amid these political currents, it will be interesting to see which themes and images are eventually chosen to adorn the new banknotes from the consultation which closes at the end of July. The designs will be instructive not least because they will show how how the current climate translates onto these notes as well as how the country sees itself.

    For instance, there has never been a person of colour and only three women have previously featured on a banknote. It would be a a long time coming if this were to change.

    The exclusions at the heart of national symbols

    Perhaps more importantly, however, is the ironic contradiction around asking for the public’s views on banknotes when banknotes are disappearing from public view.

    At the start of this year, Lloyds Banking Group announced it would be closing 136 of its high street banks. This follows a broader trend. Since 2015, banks have closed more than 6,000 branches, and the number of cash machines has fallen by more than 7,000 between June 2021 and June 2024.

    Banking is becoming increasingly digital and carried out through a smartphone app. A growing number of establishments have gone entirely cashless.

    Many people are affected by this, including those with disabilities, older people, those living in rural areas and small businesses. Not only is cash no longer king, it is barely in the building.

    When it is redesigned, the new banknote will be released into an environment where it is less used and, in a growing number of establishments that have gone entirely cashless, will be almost entirely unwelcome.

    National belonging is often romanticised. There is a sense that nationalism and unity go hand in hand, and that the nation is simply a basin of belonging. National symbols are portrayed as a matter of pride.

    We do not know yet what designs they will bear when the crisp new banknotes are issued. But we do know that they will be issued in decreasing quantities and many people will find it harder to get their hands on them. That captures the contradictions of national symbols, and the exclusions they produce.

    Pavan Mano 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. England’s redesigned banknotes will reveal how the country sees itself – https://theconversation.com/englands-redesigned-banknotes-will-reveal-how-the-country-sees-itself-260842

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Donalds Commends USTR For Addressing Fairness In Pharmaceutical Pricing And Putting The American People First

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) joined Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Congressman Jodey Arrington (R-TX), and thirty-two additional House colleagues in commending the Office of the US Trade Representative for addressing issues of fairness in pharmaceutical pricing and reciprocal trade. Congressman Donalds released the following statement:

    “Our country makes up less than five percent of the world’s population, yet we fund seventy-five percent of the world’s pharmaceutical profits. This is wrong, this is unfair, and this cannot stand. Government must put the American people first and I’m proud to join my colleagues in this critical initiative.”

    Read the full text of the letter here or below:

    Ambassador Jamieson Greer
    United States Trade Representative
    Office of the United States Trade Representative
    600 17th Street NW, Washington DC, 20508

    Dear Ambassador Greer,

    We write to applaud you for demonstrating strong leadership by issuing the “Request for Comments Regarding Foreign Nations Freeloading on American-Financed Innovation” to address discriminatory policies and practices by foreign entities that cause American patients to pay a disproportionate share of the cost of global pharmaceutical research and development (R&D). We believe this is unsustainable because it both threatens the resiliency of the U.S. biopharmaceutical supply chain and increases costs for American patients.

    The American health care system bears the burden of subsidizing pharmaceutical R&D that is used across the world. In fact, despite the U.S. having less than 5 percent of the world’s population, the American patients fund approximately 75 percent of global pharmaceutical profits.

    Pharmaceutical R&D is both a costly and risky endeavor. For example, in 2019, the pharmaceutical industry spent $83 billion on R&D, with $62 billion spent domestically across all companies operating within the U.S. When adjusted for inflation, this is 10 times what the biopharmaceutical industry spent on R&D in the 1980s. In 2023, manufacturers invested over $96 billion in R&D, with over $71 billion in U.S. investments alone. This has led to an increased number of new medicines and potential cures for patients. Yet, only about 10 percent of assets that are in development are ultimately approved by world-wide regulatory bodies, and the expected cost to develop and bring a new drug to market can range from $1 billion to $2 billion.

    The U.S. is the world leader in biopharmaceutical innovation. New medicines are most often developed and launched first in the U.S., including life-saving therapies for cancers and rare diseases. Nearly 90 percent of all medicines launched between 2012 and 2021 were reimbursed in and available to patients in America; however, fewer patients had access to the same medicines abroad—for example, 48 percent of new medicines in the United Kingdom, 24 percent in Australia and 21 percent in Canada. Anti-innovation policies in other countries not only end up costing American patients more, but they threaten global access to medicines and potential cures.

    We are encouraged by USTR’s public comment process on this important issue, and we support utilizing the full force of the U.S. government to ensure other countries appropriately value American innovation. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Executive Branch to address foreign freeloading while ensuring the U.S. remains the clear world leaders when it comes to innovative pharmaceutical products. One Congressional proposal worth considering is the creation of a Chief Pharmaceutical Negotiator within USTR. This role would be specifically tasked with ensuring trade negotiations prioritize reimbursement for innovative medicines and our trading partners are held accountable when they adopt price control measures or other discriminatory practices that shift a disproportionate share of R&D costs back onto American patients.

    The price setting policies that other countries frequently adopt both undervalue medicines in the non-U.S. market and ultimately make life-saving therapies more expensive for U.S. patients. We applaud the Trump Administration for highlighting the impact foreign “freeloaders” have on drug prices for American patients. Simply put: the U.S. should not be forced to subsidize medicine costs for the rest of the world at the expense of American patients.

    Sincerely,

    Vern Buchanan (R-FL) Member of Congress 
     Jodey C. Arrington (R-TX) Member of Congress
     Byron Donalds (R-FL) Member of Congress
     Adrian Smith, (R-NE) Member of Congress
    Aaron Bean (R-FL) Member of Congress
    Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) Member of Congress
    Charles J. Fleischmann (R-TN) Member of Congress
    Carol D. Miller (R-WV) Member of Congress
    David D. Valadao (R-CA) Member of Congress
    Jeff Crank (R-CO) Member of Congress
    Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) Member of Congress
    Pat Harrigan (R-NC) Member of Congress
    Mike Bost (R-IL) Member of Congress
    Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) Member of Congress
    Claudia Tenney (R-NY) Member of Congress
    Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) Member of Congress
    Kat Cammack (R-FL) Member of Congress
    Rob Bresnahan Jr. (R-PA) Member of Congress
    Randy Feenstra (R-IA) Member of Congress
    Rich McCormick (R-GA) Member of Congress
    Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) Member of Congress
    Gabe Evans (R-CO) Member of Congress
    Mike Carey (R-OH) Member of Congress
    Max L. Miller (R-OH) Member of Congress
    Tim Moore (R-NC) Member of Congress
    Blake D. Moore (R-UT) Member of Congress
    Rick W. Allen (R-GA) Member of Congress
    Derek Schmidt (R-KS) Member of Congress
    Thomas H. Kean Jr. (R-NJ) Member of Congress
    Darin LaHood (R-IL) Member of Congress
    Don Bacon (R-NE) Member of Congress
    Richard Hudson (R-NC) Member of Congress
    Pete Stauber (R-MN) Member of Congress
    Mark B. Messmer (R-IN) Member of Congress
    Neal P. Dunn (R-FL) Member of Congress

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • India’s total exports rise by nearly 6% in April-June 2025; electronic goods lead growth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s overall exports, comprising merchandise and services, rose to an estimated USD 210.31 billion during April-June 2025, registering a growth of 5.94 per cent compared to USD 198.52 billion during the same period last year, according to official estimates released today.

    The cumulative value of merchandise exports stood at USD 112.17 billion, marking a growth of 1.92 per cent over USD 110.06 billion recorded during April-June 2024. Notably, non-petroleum exports grew by nearly 6 per cent to reach USD 94.77 billion during the same period.

    Key drivers of growth include robust performances by sectors such as Electronic Goods, Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Engineering Goods, Marine Products and Meat, Dairy and Poultry Products.

    Electronic Goods emerged as a standout performer, with exports jumping by 46.93 per cent to USD 4.15 billion in June 2025, up from USD 2.82 billion in June 2024. Exports of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals rose by 5.95 per cent to USD 2.62 billion, while Engineering Goods exports recorded a modest growth of 1.35 per cent to USD 9.50 billion.

    Exports of Marine Products rose by 13.33 per cent, while Meat, Dairy and Poultry Products witnessed a rise of 19.7 per cent.

    Merchandise and Services Trade

    During June 2025, India’s overall exports were estimated at USD 67.98 billion, reflecting a 6.5 per cent increase compared to June 2024. Total imports stood at USD 71.50 billion, registering a marginal rise of 0.50 per cent.

    Merchandise exports during June 2025 remained stable at USD 35.14 billion compared to USD 35.16 billion in June last year, while imports fell slightly to USD 53.92 billion from USD 56 billion a year ago.

    In the services sector, exports for June 2025 were estimated at USD 32.84 billion, up from USD 28.67 billion in June 2024, while imports rose to USD 17.58 billion from USD 15.14 billion.

    Trade Deficit Narrows

    India’s overall trade deficit narrowed to USD 3.51 billion in June 2025, compared to USD 7.30 billion in the same month last year. The merchandise trade deficit for April-June 2025 widened to USD 67.26 billion as against USD 62.10 billion a year ago, but the services trade surplus increased to USD 46.95 billion from USD 39.68 billion during April-June 2024.

    Non-Petroleum and Non-Gems & Jewellery Trade

    Exports excluding petroleum and gems & jewellery rose to USD 28.74 billion in June 2025 from USD 27.43 billion in June 2024. Imports in the same category remained stable at USD 36.57 billion compared to USD 36.55 billion a year ago.

    For the April-June quarter, non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports stood at USD 88.10 billion, marking an increase from USD 82.16 billion in the same period last year.

    Key Commodities and Destinations

    Among commodities, Electronic Goods, Tea, Jute Manufacturing including Floor Coverings, Other Cereals, Cereal Preparations, Fruits & Vegetables, Plastics, Carpet, Chemicals, Textiles and Rice posted positive growth during June 2025.

    On the other hand, imports of Pulses, Newsprint, Gold, Transport Equipment, Coal, Pearls and Precious Stones, Project Goods and Iron & Steel recorded a decline during the month.

    The United States, China, Kenya, France and Brazil emerged as the top five export destinations showing positive growth in June 2025 compared to June 2024. Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and China were among the top sources registering growth in imports during the month.

    For the quarter, the United States, China, Kenya, Germany and Australia led growth in export destinations, while China, UAE, Ireland, the United States and Hong Kong were the top sources for imports.

    Services Exports Surge

    Services exports grew by 10.93 per cent during April-June 2025, reaching USD 98.13 billion compared to USD 88.46 billion a year earlier. Services imports also rose to USD 51.18 billion from USD 48.78 billion.

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Ag in Motion Goes Global

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 15, 2025

    Western Canada’s largest outdoor farm expo demonstrates how Saskatchewan provides food security for the world. 

    Today, Saskatchewan welcomes visitors from across Canada and around the world to learn about the latest advancements in agriculture technology and equipment at Ag in Motion which runs from July 15 to 17. 

    “Saskatchewan has much to offer the world and we are pleased to tell our story to so many prospective partners at this year’s event,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Ag in Motion invites industry leaders, experts and stakeholders from across Canada and beyond, and we anticipate this event continuing to grow and attract larger crowds each year. This is the perfect place to show people the talent, innovation and expertise found in our province.”

    The province is welcoming delegations from 16 countries, including Australia, Armenia, India, Ireland, Mongolia, Netherlands, Poland, United States and United Arab Emirates to this year’s event. 

    “Ag in Motion brings farmers and industry experts together to share, connect and collaborate for a better future,” Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison said. “We are proud of the agriculture industry in our province and their ability to supply the rest of the world with sustainably-produced, high quality products. What is learned at Ag in Motion this year will undoubtedly shape the farms of tomorrow.”

    Founded in 2015, Ag in Motion takes place every July in Langham, Saskatchewan. It is anticipated that more than 30,000 attendees and 550 exhibitors from around the world will be in attendance. 

    “Agriculture represents the largest portion of the Saskatchewan economy. Ag in Motion is a tradeshow and demonstration event that features world-leading technology to improve the industry and its dryland farming practices,” Ag in Motion Show Director Rob O’Connor said. “This region of North America is a hotbed for innovation, farmers, companies and delegates from around the world to gather at Ag in Motion for three days to discover what is new, share information and see prototypes and concepts coming down the pipeline.”

    The Government of Saskatchewan remains focused on strengthening international relationships to diversify markets and increase exports. This is supported through the province’s investment attraction efforts and the network of nine international offices that offer personalized support to link businesses with opportunities to invest in the province.

    In 2007, the value of Saskatchewan exports was $19.8 billion, which has since climbed to nearly $50 billion on average over the past three years. Of this, the province exported $18.5 billion worth of Saskatchewan food products and reached 137 countries in 2024 alone. These exports are vital to providing food security the world needs. 

    To learn more, visit InvestSK.ca. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Talkdesk expands global network of regional cloud deployments with new UK Regional Cloud

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif. and LONDON, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talkdesk®, Inc. today announced its new UK Regional Cloud, a significant addition to its expanding global network of regional cloud deployments, enabling United Kingdom (U.K.) customers to host their Talkdesk platform within the region. The company will showcase its new regional cloud as part of its participation at the NEXT Customer Experience Summit in Manchester, U.K.

    Deploying the Talkdesk platform in the U.K. enables businesses in industries such as banking, retail, healthcare, utilities, and travel and hospitality to comply with their region-specific data privacy requirements. In addition to maintaining data compliance, the Talkdesk UK Regional Cloud enhances voice quality by hosting the platform closer to customers’ on-premises systems and end users. Ultimately, this results in an improved customer experience (CX).

    “The launch of our UK Regional Cloud is a pivotal moment for Talkdesk and for our customers across the United Kingdom,” said Tiago Paiva, chief executive officer and founder of Talkdesk. “This investment reinforces our deep commitment to the U.K. market and our global strategy to provide secure, compliant, and high-performing cloud solutions wherever our customers operate. By addressing critical data residency needs and enhancing voice quality, we are not only unlocking new opportunities for businesses in regulated industries but also ensuring they can deliver exceptional, AI-powered customer experiences with confidence.”

    Talkdesk continues to increase investments across local talent, operations, and partnerships to support U.K. customers like Farfetch, Fortem, Motorway, Wealthify Limited, Travelopia, and Canon.

    This launch is a key component of Talkdesk’s broader strategy to expand regional cloud availability globally, strengthening its value proposition for customers operating in highly regulated industries and regions with stringent data residency requirements. In February 2025, the company added the Australia Regional Cloud to its portfolio.

    About Talkdesk

    Talkdesk® is leading a new era in customer experience with Customer Experience Automation (CXA)—a new category and platform designed to automate the full complexity of modern customer journeys. CXA replaces fragmented, human-coordinated workflows with autonomous, multi-agent AI orchestration that delivers intelligent, scalable, and outcome-focused service across the entire CX lifecycle.

    At the core of CXA is the Talkdesk Data Cloud, which turns transcripts, call recordings, case notes, and customer records from across CRMs and systems of record into real-time, actionable knowledge. This enables AI agents to operate with full context, collaborating seamlessly to resolve complex customer problems with speed, precision, and adaptability.

    Talkdesk CXA supports both cross-industry workflows and industry-specialized use cases in sectors like healthcare, financial services, retail, utilities, travel, and government. With prebuilt AI agents, a virtuous automation cycle (Discover, Build, Orchestrate, Measure), and rapid time-to-value, Talkdesk helps enterprises modernize customer experience without the need for a full rip-and-replace.

    Trusted by global brands and recognized for continuous innovation, Talkdesk empowers organizations to grow revenue, reduce costs, and transform service delivery through coordinated, AI-driven automation. Companies that love their customers use Talkdesk.

    Talkdesk is a registered trademark of Talkdesk, Inc. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

    Media Contact:

    Talkdesk Public Relations

    pr@talkdesk.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Northern Maine on July 15

    Source: US State of Maine

    July 15, 2025

    CONTACT:

    Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)’ level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

    This morning, USG levels of particle pollution are being reported in the Northern region of Maine due to wildfire smoke. Particle pollution values averaged in the USG range just west of Maine in Quebec yesterday. Hourly values in Quebec continue to be in the USG range this morning. Smoke is expected to continue moving into Maine from Quebec as westerly winds become prevalent this afternoon. The remainder of the state is expected to reach the Moderate range.

    Currently, the dense portion of the plume should move out on Wednesday, but the smoke is not projected to leave Maine until Thursday. The entire state of Maine is expected to remain in the Moderate range for particle pollution on Wednesday and Thursday. Air quality meteorologists will monitor the situation and update Wednesdays forecast this afternoon.

    At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

    Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

    • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

    • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

    • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

    Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

    In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

    For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

    For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA to hold a ‘critical‘ meeting with Formula 1 in two weeks

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has revealed that a significant meeting is set to take place in the next two weeks with representatives from Formula 1 (F1). 

    The Kyalami Grand Prix has been granted permission to modify its design, paving the way for a potential return of F1 to the country.

    “Many laughed when I uttered the words ‘Formula 1 must come back to South Africa’. One man in particular, who didn’t laugh was Toby Venter, the owner of the Kyalami racetrack. 

    “When I told him that government doesn’t have the money to host Formula 1 because of other more urgent priorities and we would not be able to help him pay for the track to reach F1 standards, he looked me in the eye and said he would see it [as] his patriotic duty to do just that.

    “We have had multiple meetings with the management of F1, with a crucial one happening in the next two weeks.“

    The Minister was speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, presenting a R6.3 billion budget aimed at unlocking local talent in both sports and the arts and culture.

    “To those who say the country can’t afford to host the F1, I’m saying the country can’t afford not to… We hosted the best FIFA World Cup. We put our country on the map for big events and should not turn back now.” 

    According to McKenzie, what will be different this time is that government will not be expected to pay.

    Meanwhile, he announced that companies like MTN, MultiChoice, Heineken, and many others have expressed their support for this initiative.

    “They will be present with us in the meeting with Formula 1 at the end of the month.” 

    However, he stressed that those who believe that F1 is not important should consider the countries that are holding onto their F1 spots on the calendar.

    “They see the value in it, and it can’t be called a world championship if it misses an entire continent, sub-Saharan Africa in particular.” 

    He also expressed gratitude to everyone who joined the mission to promote the sport of spinning, including Red Bull and Cell C.

    “People were laughing when we said we’re going to make spinning big, but already this sport has left the townships and now Sam Sam is wowing the likes of Max Verstappen with his skills in Austria.”

    Samkeliso Thubane, also known as Sam Sam, is a prominent South African spinning motorsport athlete sponsored by Red Bull. 

    He is recognised as the world’s first official Red Bull spinning athlete and has gained international acclaim for his skills, performing at the reopening of Red Bull Hangar-7 in Austria.

    LIV Golf

    The country is exploring the potential of bringing a LIV Golf tournament, a professional men’s golf tour, to South Africa as early as next year.  

    “Golf has not broken through to the masses and we hope to achieve that with LIV Golf. It’s not only golf, but also culture,” McKenzie said.

    The Minister said he hoped to eclipse Australia’s attendance of more than 100 000 at a single event over three days.

    Olympics

    Meanwhile, he said the draft document has been developed, and plans are being finalised to send as many athletes as possible to the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

    The Minister said last year, they travelled to Olympic House in Switzerland to express the country’s interest in hosting the Summer Olympic Games in South Africa in 2036.

    VAR

    McKenzie announced that they are finalising the funding process for video assistant refereeing (VAR) to ensure fairness in football matches, from the Premier Soccer League to international fixtures — meeting global standards.

    “It is a necessity. We see stadiums vandalised when bad refereeing happens, and the success of teams like Mamelodi Sundowns makes global teams want to play here, but they get second thoughts because we don’t have VAR.“ – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendants Sentenced for Trafficking Methamphetamine in Middle Georgia

    Source: US FBI

    Investigation Began Following 11-Kilo Meth Seizure in Macon; Fentanyl Mixtures Seized

    MACON, Ga. – Four defendants involved in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in Macon responsible for pushing kilogram quantities of the illegal drug into the community were sentenced to federal prison today for their crimes.

    Denzelle Diangelo Willis, 34, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 278 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Willis previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 24.

    James Richard Fuller, 33, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 181 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Fuller previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 24.

    Julio Cesar Mendez, aka “Migo,” 29, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 135 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Mendez previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on March 24.

    Deion Jocoley Howard, 31, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 53 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Howard previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 24.                         

    The sentencing hearings occurred on July 10 before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “All those associated with these criminal organizations pushing large quantities of the most deadly and addictive drugs into the Middle District of Georgia will find their cases in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Our office is working closely with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to make our communities safer.”

    “This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs,” said Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “These defendants had total disregard for their actions that far too often have tragic consequences.”

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents, with assistance from the Bibb, Peach and Monroe County Sheriff’s Offices, began investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in Macon in November 2022, after FBI agents seized nearly eleven kilograms of methamphetamine resulting from a separate investigation into Julian Coker’s drug trafficking organization (for more information about this case, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/leader-armed-drug-trafficking-organization-sentenced-28-years-prison). DEA agents learned that Willis and Mendez sold methamphetamine and heroin throughout the Macon area. Between February and March 2023, agents used Confidential Informants (CI) to conduct three methamphetamine buys from Mendez and two heroin buys from Willis; the substances were later tested and contained fentanyl.

    Using court-authorized wiretaps and surveillance, agents discovered Mendez maintained a stash house on Melbourne Street in Macon and supplied ounce quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana to a network of street-level dealers. Howard was a freelance illegal drug broker in Macon who facilitated drug transactions between mid-level dealers and upper-level suppliers. Howard connected Mendez with Willis’s methamphetamine supply. Willis obtained kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from a source in the Atlanta area for distribution in the Macon area. Fuller was Willis’s courier for resupply trips and deliveries to mid-level dealers.

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

    The case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office.

    Criminal Chief Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Champagne to participate in G20 and G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meetings in South Africa

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 15, 2025

    The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, will participate in G20 and G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ (FMCBG) Meetings, in Durban, South Africa, from July 17 to 18. 

    Prior to the Meetings, during a short stay in Cape Town, the Minister will meet with local businesses and government officials with an eye to advance bilateral partnerships, economic development and innovation collaboration.

    In Durban, the Minister, together with Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, will chair the fourth G7 FMCBG Meeting under Canada’s G7 Presidency. The agenda builds on the important progress made by Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors at the G7 in Banff and the shared steps Canada and its partners are taking together to reduce ongoing trade and economic policy uncertainty.

    G7 Ministers and Governors will also discuss Russia’s illegal and unjust war against Ukraine, as well as actions to improve supply chain resilience Australia and South Korea have been invited to join the discussion on supply chains.

    The G20 FMCBG Meetings will focus on the global economy and on issues related to the international financial architecture, international taxation and ways to improve longer-term growth prospects in Africa and across the G20. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Semitech, Occitaline, and Safesquare Launch Babi-LON Platform – Enabling Next-Generation LonWorks PLC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELBOURNE, Australia and BORDEAUX, France and RADEVORMWALD, Germany, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Semitech Semiconductor, Occitaline, and Safesquare today jointly announced the availability of the Babi-LON platform, an integrated hardware and software solution for LonWorks power line communication (PLC) networks built on Semitech’s advanced SM2400 multi-mode PLC transceiver with full EIA-709.2 protocol support.

    The EIA-709.2 protocol – part of the LonWorks suite defining the physical layer for PLC – is a cornerstone technology in building automation, smart lighting, transportation, and industrial control systems worldwide. With the phase-out of legacy solutions like the widely deployed PL3120 transceiver (originally developed by Echelon), OEMs and system integrators are actively seeking reliable long-term alternatives to keep supporting existing networks and future projects.

    The SM2400 has already been widely adopted by tier-one OEMs across smart metering, industrial automation, and transportation markets for its proven reliability, advanced modulation techniques, and robust performance under demanding noise conditions. With full EIA-709.2 support, it serves as a direct, high-performance, backward-compatible, long-term replacement for legacy EIA-709.2 transceivers, ensuring a secure long-term supply path for LonWorks-based systems.

    Built around the SM2400, the new Babi-LON platform offers both a development environment and turnkey solution for LonWorks devices. It simplifies migration by providing open familiar interfaces and proven protocol stacks, allowing OEMs and system integrators to sustain and evolve their LonWorks-based systems with minimal redesign.

    “We’re excited to partner with Occitaline and Safesquare to accelerate the transition to next-generation LonWorks PLC,” said Zeev Collin, CEO of Semitech Semiconductor. “The Babi-LON platform enables customers to seamlessly replace obsolete components, maintain their existing networks, and take advantage of the advanced capabilities of the SM2400.”

    Occitaline and Safesquare, both recognized leaders in LonWorks and industrial automation solutions, have integrated the SM2400 into their expanded Babi-LON offering, delivering software stacks and reference designs that dramatically simplify migration and new product development.

    “By incorporating the SM2400, we’re able to offer a modern, fully supported EIA-709.2 platform with long-term availability and outstanding performance,” said Daniel Zotti, CEO of Occitaline. “This gives our customers a clear, confident path to upgrade legacy products and sustain mission-critical networks.”

    Martin Mentzel, CEO of Safesquare, added: “Our customers can now continue building LonWorks-based power line networks with the assurance of a next-generation, multi-protocol foundation. The Babi-LON platform with the SM2400 is essential for preserving large installed bases and preparing for future expansions.”

    Key benefits of the new Babi-LON platform:

    • Seamless LonWorks support – full compliance with EIA-709.2, ensuring interoperability with existing devices and legacy systems
    • Guaranteed long-term supply (10+ years) – ensuring security of supply for extended-lifecycle projects
    • Accelerated time-to-market – turnkey modules, proven software stacks, and expert design-in support from Occitaline and Safesquare
    • Superior PLC performance – robust communication over power lines, improved noise immunity, and extended range

    Availability

    SM2400 samples and evaluation kits with EIA-709.2 support are available immediately through Semitech and its authorized sales partners. For more information, please visit www.semitechsemi.com.

    The expanded Babi-LON platform and design-in support for customer projects from Occitaline and Safesquare will be available starting in September. For more information, please visit www.babi-lon.com.

    About Occitaline

    Occitaline is a technology company with over 20 years of expertise in Building Management Systems (BMS) and Smart City solutions. Specializing in the design and manufacture of open, multi-protocol network infrastructure products, Occitaline simplifies the integration of diverse equipment within buildings. Its multi-protocol routers and secure network equipment enable seamless communication and enhanced cybersecurity for smart, sustainable spaces. Occitaline also provides technical training to help professionals master BMS communication protocols. Learn more at www.occitaline.com.

    About Safesquare

    Safesquare is a technology development partner and system integrator specializing in open, standardized industrial communication and system integration. Safesquare is focused on creating scalable, decentralized networks with intelligent nodes and manufacturer-independent IoT capabilities. Offerings include “spega e.control” for building automation and “Babi-LON” for networked IoT solutions, alongside expertise in wired/wireless IoT and medical device development. Learn more at www.safesquare.eu.

    About Semitech Semiconductor

    Semitech Semiconductor is an innovative provider of robust, high-performance wireless and power line communication (PLC) solutions for the smart grid, automotive and industrial IoT markets. Semitech provides the most adaptable, yet cost effective, multi-modal communication solutions wirelessly and over power lines to address the diverse requirements of these markets, while avoiding the cost and complexity of additional wiring. Learn more at www.semitechsemi.com or follow the company on LinkedIn and X.

    Media Contact:
    Stephanie Olsen
    Lages & Associates
    (949) 453-8080
    stephanie@lages.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/208a077d-64fc-4121-8a91-34607a6c8d9b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e9686568-70a8-4dc7-83a6-5a7ab40be7e0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GraniteShares Launches Three New Leveraged Single-Stock ETFs: PDDL, NOWL, and AVGU

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GraniteShares 2x Long PDD Daily ETF (PDDL), GraniteShares 2x Long NOW Daily ETF (NOWL) and GraniteShares 2x AVGO Long (AVGU) Launch Today.

    GraniteShares, a provider of exchange traded funds (ETFs), today announced the launch of three new leveraged single-stock ETFs:

    GraniteShares 2x Long PDD Daily ETF (NASDAQ: PDDL), 
    GraniteShares 2x Long NOW Daily ETF (NASDAQ: NOWL) and
    GraniteShares 2x Long AVGO Daily ETF (NASDAQ: AVGU).

    An investment in the ETFs provides investors daily leveraged exposure to the three respective underlying stocks: PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD) ServiceNow (NASDAQ: NOW) and Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ: AVGO).

    GraniteShares’ leveraged ETFs seek daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to 2 times (200%) the daily percentage change of the respective common stocks. These funds are designed for sophisticated investors looking to capitalize on short-term movements in the underlying stocks.

    New GraniteShares Leveraged Single-Stock ETFs


    Underlying Companies

    • PDD Holdings Inc., established in 2015 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a global commerce company managing a portfolio of businesses aimed at integrating people and enterprises into the digital economy. It operates Pinduoduo, an e-commerce platform offering diverse products such as agricultural goods, apparel, electronics, and household items, alongside Temu, a global marketplace connecting buyers, merchants, and manufacturers across various categories. The company emphasizes enhancing local communities and small businesses through improved productivity and opportunities, supported by its robust network of sourcing, logistics, and fulfillment capabilities. Formerly known as Pinduoduo Inc., it rebranded to PDD Holdings Inc. in February 2023.
    • ServiceNow, Inc., based in Santa Clara, California, is a global leader in cloud-based Al solutions for business transformation. It’s Now Platform helps organizations digitize workflows using Al, automation, analytics, and low-code tools. The platform supports four key workflow areas: technology, customer and industry, employee, and creator-enhancing IT services, customer and employee experiences, and custom workflows. Its offerings span IT service management, security operations, HR delivery, and more. Serving industries worldwide, ServiceNow partners with providers and resellers to drive digital transformation. Founded in 2004, it remains at the forefront of Al-powered workflow automation.
    • Broadcom Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California and founded in 1961, is a global technology company specializing in the design, development, and supply of a wide range of semiconductor devices and enterprise software solutions. Operating through two primary segments—Semiconductor Solutions and Infrastructure Software—the company delivers complex digital and mixed-signal CMOS-based and analog III-V-based semiconductor products. Its offerings include RF front-end modules, Ethernet switching and routing chips, optical and copper interconnect components, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth SoCs, custom touch controllers, storage adapters, and a variety of industrial and optical solutions. These technologies support applications across data centers, telecommunications, mobile devices, broadband access, factory automation, and more. In software, Broadcom provides tools and platforms for cloud, mainframe, and hybrid environments, focusing on application development, security, automation, and infrastructure management.

    Designed for Tactical Traders

    The new leveraged ETFs provide traders with a tool to gain leveraged exposure to these stocks, making them a potential consideration for those looking to execute short-term tactical trades.

    “We continue to expand our suite of leveraged ETFs to meet the demand for high-conviction trading opportunities,” said Will Rhind, Founder of GraniteShares. “With the launch of PDDL, NOWL, and AVGU, we are providing investors with targeted tools to access some of the most exciting companies in AI, cloud computing, semiconductors and technology.”

    For more information on the new GraniteShares leveraged ETFs, read the Prospectus.

    About GraniteShares

    GraniteShares is an entrepreneurial ETF provider focused on high-conviction investment solutions. The firm offers a range of innovative ETFs spanning leveraged, inverse, and high-yield strategies, empowering investors with differentiated tools for portfolio construction. Founded in 2016, GraniteShares has grown rapidly by delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to modern market needs. For more information, visit www.graniteshares.com.

    Media Contact:
    GraniteShares Inc.
    Attn: Media Relations
    222 Broadway, 21st Floor
    New York, NY 10038
    844-476-8747
    info@graniteshares.com

    RISK FACTORS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by a Prospectus. Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. Please read the prospectus before investing. The fund does not directly invest in the underlying stock.

    The Fund is recently organized July 15, 2025. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions. There can be no assurance that the Funds will grow to or maintain an economically viable size.

    The Fund is not suitable for all investors. The investment program of the funds is speculative, entails substantial risks and include asset classes and investment techniques not employed by most ETFs and mutual funds. Investments in the ETFs are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily leveraged (2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. For periods longer than a single day, the Fund will lose money if the Underlying Stock’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the Underlying Stock’s performance increases over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day.

    The Fund seeks daily leveraged investment results and are intended to be used as short-term trading vehicles. This Fund attempts to provide daily investment results that correspond to the respective long leveraged multiple of the performance of its underlying stock (a Leverage Long Fund).

    Investors should note that such Leverage Long Fund pursues daily leveraged investment objectives, which means that the Fund is riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the Fund magnifies the performance of its underlying stock. The volatility of the underlying security may affect a Funds’ return as much as, or more than, the return of the underlying security.

    Because of daily rebalancing and the compounding of each day’s return over time, the return of the Fund for periods longer than a single day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which will very likely differ from 200% of the return of the Underlying Stock over the same period. The Fund will lose money if the Underlying Stock’s performance is flat over time, and as a result of daily rebalancing, the Underlying Stock volatility and the effects of compounding, it is even possible that the Fund will lose money over time while the Underlying Stock’s performance increases over a period longer than a single day.

    Shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the ETF. There can be no guarantee that an active trading market for ETF shares will develop or be maintained, or that their listing will continue or remain unchanged. Buying or selling ETF shares on an exchange may require the payment of brokerage commissions and frequent trading may incur brokerage costs that detract significantly from investment returns.

    An investment in the Fund involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Fund is non-diversified and includes risks associated with the Fund concentrating its investments in a particular industry, sector, or geographic region which can result in increased volatility. The use of derivatives such as futures contracts and swaps are subject to market risks that may cause their price to fluctuate over time. Risks of the Fund include Effects of Compounding and Market Volatility Risk, Leverage Risk, Market Risk, Counterparty Risk, Rebalancing Risk, Intra-Day Investment Risk, Other Investment Companies (including ETFs) Risk, and risks specific to the securities of the Underlying Stock and the sector in which it operates. These and other risks can be found in the prospectus.

    This information is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any Funds to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Please consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of an investment in Fund shares, including the possible application of foreign, state, and local tax laws. You could lose money by investing in the ETFs. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Funds will be achieved. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program.

    The Fund is distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc, which is not affiliated with GraniteShares or any of its affiliates ©2024 GraniteShares Inc. All rights reserved. GraniteShares, GraniteShares Trusts, and the GraniteShares logo are registered and unregistered trademarks of GraniteShares Inc., in the United States and elsewhere. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Australian Oilseeds Expands Market Reach Through Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Growth in Vietnam

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COOTAMUNDRA, Australia, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited, (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT), a manufacturer and seller of sustainable edible oils to customers globally, today announced a partnership with SMART MARKETING CO. LTD for the sales, marketing, and distribution of its GEO brand in Vietnam.

    The GEO brand features a premium selection of Australian cold-pressed, non-GMO canola oil and olive oil. Under the agreement, SMART MARKETING CO. LTD will manage brand development and retail distribution throughout Vietnam, leveraging its extensive nationwide network and in-depth market knowledge. AMO’s established presence across Vietnam—spanning supermarkets, specialty stores, and major e-commerce platforms—will enable efficient rollout and consumer access from both physical and digital channels.

    Vietnam’s growing demand for healthy and high-quality food products has created a dynamic space for natural and chemical-free oils. With a population of over 100 million and rising health consciousness, the Vietnamese market presents significant opportunities for premium international brands.

    “This partnership strengthens our entry into one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and fast-growing markets,” said Gary Seaton, Chief Executive Officer. “SMART MARKETING CO. LTD brings an exceptional track record and a deep understanding of local retail and consumer behavior. We are confident that their team will drive strong results and long-term growth for the GEO brand in Vietnam.”

    Australian Oilseeds is also excited to announce the launch of GEO’s brand of extra virgin olive oil. The extra virgin olive oil is sourced from Australia’s finest olive groves and is expected to add an additional USD 5–8 million to its top line revenue within the next 12 months.

    About Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd. Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd. is an Australian proprietary company dedicated to the sustainable production and global distribution of high-quality oilseeds. Operating directly and through its subsidiaries, the Company focuses on the processing, manufacturing, and sale of non-GMO and organic food-grade oils for the rapidly growing health-conscious consumer market. With a firm commitment to eliminating harmful chemicals from every stage of the supply chain, the Company partners with like-minded suppliers to promote cleaner agricultural practices. Its product portfolio includes premium vegetable oils, proteins, and other food ingredients sourced from oilseeds grown for purity and sustainability. Over the past two decades, Australian Oilseeds has built and expanded the largest cold-pressing facility in Australia, producing only GMO-free conventional and certified organic oils. Today, the Company is recognized as a trusted supplier of healthier food ingredients to customers around the world.

    Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, business strategy and plans, market trends and market size, opportunities and positioning. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our business strategy, financial outlook, market trends, growth opportunities, and potential outcomes of strategic partnerships. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “target,” “project,” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. For example, global economic conditions could in the future reduce demand for our products; we could in the future experience cybersecurity incidents; we may be unable to manage or sustain the level of growth that our business has experienced in prior periods; our financial resources may not be sufficient to maintain or improve our competitive position; we may be unable to attract new customers, or retain or sell additional products to existing customers; we may experience challenges successfully expanding our marketing and sales capabilities, including further specializing our sales force; customer growth could decelerate in the future; we may not achieve expected synergies and efficiencies of operations from recent acquisitions or business combinations, and we may not be able to pay off our convertible notes when due. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views only as of the date of this press release and we assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

    Contact
    Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited
    126-142 Cowcumbla Street
    Cootamundra New South Wales 2590
    Attn: Amarjeet Singh, CFO
    Email: amarjeet.s@energreennutrition.com.au

    Investor Relations Contact
    Reed Anderson
    (646) 277-1260
    reed.anderson@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Australian Oilseeds Expands Market Reach Through Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Growth in Vietnam

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COOTAMUNDRA, Australia, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited, (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT), a manufacturer and seller of sustainable edible oils to customers globally, today announced a partnership with SMART MARKETING CO. LTD for the sales, marketing, and distribution of its GEO brand in Vietnam.

    The GEO brand features a premium selection of Australian cold-pressed, non-GMO canola oil and olive oil. Under the agreement, SMART MARKETING CO. LTD will manage brand development and retail distribution throughout Vietnam, leveraging its extensive nationwide network and in-depth market knowledge. AMO’s established presence across Vietnam—spanning supermarkets, specialty stores, and major e-commerce platforms—will enable efficient rollout and consumer access from both physical and digital channels.

    Vietnam’s growing demand for healthy and high-quality food products has created a dynamic space for natural and chemical-free oils. With a population of over 100 million and rising health consciousness, the Vietnamese market presents significant opportunities for premium international brands.

    “This partnership strengthens our entry into one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and fast-growing markets,” said Gary Seaton, Chief Executive Officer. “SMART MARKETING CO. LTD brings an exceptional track record and a deep understanding of local retail and consumer behavior. We are confident that their team will drive strong results and long-term growth for the GEO brand in Vietnam.”

    Australian Oilseeds is also excited to announce the launch of GEO’s brand of extra virgin olive oil. The extra virgin olive oil is sourced from Australia’s finest olive groves and is expected to add an additional USD 5–8 million to its top line revenue within the next 12 months.

    About Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd. Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd. is an Australian proprietary company dedicated to the sustainable production and global distribution of high-quality oilseeds. Operating directly and through its subsidiaries, the Company focuses on the processing, manufacturing, and sale of non-GMO and organic food-grade oils for the rapidly growing health-conscious consumer market. With a firm commitment to eliminating harmful chemicals from every stage of the supply chain, the Company partners with like-minded suppliers to promote cleaner agricultural practices. Its product portfolio includes premium vegetable oils, proteins, and other food ingredients sourced from oilseeds grown for purity and sustainability. Over the past two decades, Australian Oilseeds has built and expanded the largest cold-pressing facility in Australia, producing only GMO-free conventional and certified organic oils. Today, the Company is recognized as a trusted supplier of healthier food ingredients to customers around the world.

    Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, business strategy and plans, market trends and market size, opportunities and positioning. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our business strategy, financial outlook, market trends, growth opportunities, and potential outcomes of strategic partnerships. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “target,” “project,” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. For example, global economic conditions could in the future reduce demand for our products; we could in the future experience cybersecurity incidents; we may be unable to manage or sustain the level of growth that our business has experienced in prior periods; our financial resources may not be sufficient to maintain or improve our competitive position; we may be unable to attract new customers, or retain or sell additional products to existing customers; we may experience challenges successfully expanding our marketing and sales capabilities, including further specializing our sales force; customer growth could decelerate in the future; we may not achieve expected synergies and efficiencies of operations from recent acquisitions or business combinations, and we may not be able to pay off our convertible notes when due. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views only as of the date of this press release and we assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

    Contact
    Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited
    126-142 Cowcumbla Street
    Cootamundra New South Wales 2590
    Attn: Amarjeet Singh, CFO
    Email: amarjeet.s@energreennutrition.com.au

    Investor Relations Contact
    Reed Anderson
    (646) 277-1260
    reed.anderson@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dayforce Research: Taming Friction Key to Simplifying Workplace Complexity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS and TORONTO, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dayforce, Inc. (NYSE: DAY; TSX: DAY), a global human capital management (HCM) leader that makes work life better, today released a report, Fighting workforce friction to power productivity, that explores types of workplace friction – staffing, agility, change, and technology – and the consequences of them. Findings show widespread organizational challenges are hurting productivity and the bottom line by keeping people from doing the work they’re meant to do.

    With a majority (84%) of respondents saying they have faced organizational change in the past 12 months, this new research dives into how friction is experienced by workers, managers, and executives to help leaders drive simplicity at scale and ensure their people are doing work that drives results. Conducted by Hanover Research, the survey included 6,178 workers, managers, and executives from companies with at least 100 employees. The findings highlight opportunities to enhance speed and agility, while also improving the employee experience.

    “Technology disruption and a fluid operating environment are creating friction across organizations, leading to frustrated employees and wasted time and resources,” said Steve Holdridge, President and Chief Operating Officer, Dayforce, Inc. “Tackling this complexity crisis requires reducing friction caused by poor communication, mismatched technology, and aligning worker skills with defined roles. For leaders, this means creating clear goals, delivering proper skills training, and equipping their people with the tools they need to do the work they’re meant to do.”

    The report identified four types of friction organizations need to address:

    • Staffing friction: Almost two-thirds (65%) of workers said that when someone calls in sick at their organization, there is often no one to cover their work. Meanwhile, middle managers say that workforce scheduling (36%) and accurately forecasting labor needs (31%) are among their biggest workforce planning challenges. Employing workforce planning technology can help managers by improving staffing flexibility and ensuring that schedules comply with relevant regulations.
    • Agility friction: Respondents were clear that in today’s environment adapting and optimizing their workforce with speed is key to competitive advantage, but more than half (51%) said they could add more value to their organization in a different role. At the same time, only 43% said their organization has a structured process of upskilling or reskilling employees. Creating defined career paths and development opportunities can improve agility and retention.
    • Change friction: More than half (52%) of respondents say that organizational changes at their company negatively impact employee efficiency and only 44% say their organization is good or very good at communicating change. Prioritizing communication during change management planning can help employees navigate change and focus on important tasks.
    • Technology friction: More than two-thirds (69%) of respondents say their organization uses too many technology platforms, while nearly the same amount (66%) at least slightly agree that adopting new technologies at work often reduce efficiency instead of improving it. Reducing complexity with fewer platforms and modern technology can make adoption smoother and get people back to focusing on high-value tasks.

    Additional Information

    Survey Methodology

    Hanover Research conducted the organizational friction survey from Dayforce online from April 14 to May 1, 2025. The study included 6,178 respondents aged 18+ who work at companies with at least 100 employees across Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    Our Organizational Friction Index was calculated based on respondents’ answers to nine questions about organizational changes, organizational complexity, and technological complexity. Each respondent was assigned an Organizational Friction Score, and the Index was created by designating those scores as low, medium, or high friction.

    About Dayforce

    Dayforce makes work life better. Everything we do as a global leader in HCM technology is focused on enabling thousands of customers and millions of employees around the world do the work they’re meant to do. With our single AI-powered people platform for HR, Pay, Time, Talent, and Analytics, organizations of all sizes and industries are benefiting from simplicity at scale with Dayforce to help unlock their full workforce potential, operate with confidence, and realize quantifiable value. To learn more, visit dayforce.com.

    Media Contact
    Nick de Pass
    nick.depass@dayforce.com
    (226) 972-5962

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Schedules Its Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) will release its second quarter 2025 earnings at 8:00 am ET on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am ET. The second quarter 2025 earnings call will be available via a live webcast. The webcast will be available in a listen only mode by going to:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/eo2jvajq

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer portion of the call, please register for the call at the link below.

    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI1fbffb8f4cf04503b3b3612e494f18a2

    All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing them to access the live call. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call).

    A replay of the conference call will be available from Tuesday, July 29, 2025, through 9:00 am ET on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, by visiting the listen-only webcast link above.

    About Franklin Electric
    Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be named in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024, Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024, Greenest Companies 2025, Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024, and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases,  raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    CONTACT:     Jennifer Wolfenbarger
    Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
    260.824.2900
         

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Schedules Its Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) will release its second quarter 2025 earnings at 8:00 am ET on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am ET. The second quarter 2025 earnings call will be available via a live webcast. The webcast will be available in a listen only mode by going to:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/eo2jvajq

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer portion of the call, please register for the call at the link below.

    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI1fbffb8f4cf04503b3b3612e494f18a2

    All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing them to access the live call. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call).

    A replay of the conference call will be available from Tuesday, July 29, 2025, through 9:00 am ET on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, by visiting the listen-only webcast link above.

    About Franklin Electric
    Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be named in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024, Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024, Greenest Companies 2025, Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024, and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases,  raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    CONTACT:     Jennifer Wolfenbarger
    Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
    260.824.2900
         

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Willis Lease Finance Corporation Announces Timing of Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COCONUT CREEK, Fla., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, today announced it will release its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 before the market opens on August 5, 2025. The Company will host a conference call led by the executive management team that day at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

    To participate in the conference call, please use the following dial-in numbers:

    U.S. and Canada: +1 (800) 289-0459
    International: +1 (646) 828-8082
    Conference ID: 101023

    A digital replay will be available two hours after the completion of the conference call. To access the replay, please visit our website at www.wlfc.global under the Investor Relations section for details.

    About Willis Lease Finance Corporation

    Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services. Willis Sustainable Fuels intends to develop, build and operate projects to help decarbonize aviation.

     CONTACT: Scott B. Flaherty
      Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
      sflaherty@willislease.com
      561.413.0112

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax® Introduces Option Income Strategy ETF on DraftKings, Inc. (DKNG)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax® announced the launch today of the following ETF:

    YieldMax® DKNG Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE Arca: DRAY)

    DRAY seeks to generate current income by pursuing options-based strategies on DraftKings, Inc. (“DKNG”). DRAY is managed by Tidal Financial Group. DRAY does not invest directly in DKNG.

    DRAY is the newest member of the YieldMax® ETF family and like all YieldMax® ETFs, aims to deliver current income to investors. With respect to distributions, DRAY will be a Group C ETF, and its first distribution is expected to be announced on August 20, 2025.

    Please see the table below for distribution information for all outstanding YieldMax® ETFs.

    ETF Ticker1 ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency    		 Distribution
    Rate    2,4    		 30-Day
    SEC Yield3    		 ROC5
    CHPY YieldMax® Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly 33.04% 0.04% 100.0%
    GPTY YieldMax® AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly 32.65% 0.00% 100.0%
    LFGY YieldMax® Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly 62.17% 0.00% 100.0%
    QDTY YieldMax® Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly 22.37% 0.00% 100.0%
    RDTY YieldMax® R2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly 33.92% 1.65% 100.0%
    SDTY YieldMax® S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly 16.11% 0.07% 100.0%
    ULTY YieldMax® Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly 79.49% 0.00% 100.0%
    YMAG YieldMax® Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly 42.80% 63.17% 90.5%
    YMAX YieldMax® Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly 50.44% 82.40% 95.4%
    BIGY YieldMax® Target 12® Big 50 Option Income ETF Monthly 11.35% 0.07% 99.28%
    RNTY YieldMax® Target 12® Real Estate Option Income ETF Monthly 12.07% 0.05% 53.01%
    SOXY YieldMax® Target 12® Semiconductor Option Income ETF Monthly 12.67% 2.16% 93.72%
    ABNY YieldMax® ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 35.21% 2.85% 92.90%
    AIYY YieldMax® AI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 46.98% 3.46% 93.73%
    AMDY YieldMax® AMD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 72.42% 2.82% 96.14%
    AMZY YieldMax® AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 47.42% 2.86% 94.61%
    APLY YieldMax® AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 27.20% 3.38% 87.98%
    BABO YieldMax® BABA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 38.87% 3.22% 91.85%
    BRKC YieldMax® BRK.B Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks – – 35.53%
    CONY YieldMax® COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 69.74% 2.93% 96.71%
    CRSH YieldMax® Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 62.69% 3.08% 91.57%
    CVNY YieldMax® CVNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 50.69% 2.71% 96.68%
    DIPS YieldMax® Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 52.24% 3.59% 93.01%
    DISO YieldMax® DIS Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 38.51% 2.97% 93.52%
    FBY YieldMax® META Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 41.34% 2.87% 93.05%
    FEAT YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Featured 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks 51.31% 52.99% 0.00%
    FIAT YieldMax® Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 65.40% 4.73% 92.85%
    FIVY YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Hybrid 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks 33.17% 35.26% 0.00%
    GDXY YieldMax® Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 73.19% 3.22% 95.87%
    GOOY YieldMax® GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 33.00% 3.29% 0.00%
    HOOY YieldMax® HOOD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 116.73% 1.43% 99.92%
    JPMO YieldMax® JPM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 21.19% 2.70% 87.32%
    MARO YieldMax® MARA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 62.54% 3.09% 96.21%
    MRNY YieldMax® MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 92.24% 3.07% 97.17%
    MSFO YieldMax® MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 35.03% 2.97% 92.03%
    MSTY YieldMax® MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 71.21% 1.80% 96.86%
    NFLY YieldMax® NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 30.60% 2.80% 90.80%
    NVDY YieldMax® NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 50.52% 2.78% 95.30%
    OARK YieldMax® Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 50.31% 2.88% 95.16%
    PLTY YieldMax® PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 61.93% 2.99% 96.50%
    PYPY YieldMax® PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 34.10% 3.48% 92.95%
    SMCY YieldMax® SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 103.53% 3.09% 97.25%
    SNOY YieldMax® SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 37.92% 2.27% 62.42%
    TSLY YieldMax® TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 64.59% 2.76% 82.33%
    TSMY YieldMax® TSM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 52.10% 2.87% 95.76%
    WNTR YieldMax® Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 79.34% 3.19% 96.58%
    XOMO YieldMax® XOM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 37.52% 3.62% 92.57%
    XYZY YieldMax® XYZ Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 58.52% 2.57% 97.95%
    YBIT YieldMax® Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 45.25% 1.54% 87.99%
    YQQQ YieldMax® Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 21.80% 3.41% 84.56%


    Standardized Performance & Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at     www.yieldmaxetfs.com

    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (866) 864-3968.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1. All YieldMax®ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. YMAG has a management fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.83% for a gross expense ratio of 1.12%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax®ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.40%, and a net expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026. 
    2. The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on July 14, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.
    3. The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended June 30, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.
    4. Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.
    5. ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage indicates how much the distribution reflects an investor’s initial investment. The figures shown for each Fund in the table above are estimates and may later be determined to be taxable net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains (to the extent permitted by law), or return of capital. Actual amounts and sources for tax reporting will depend upon the Fund’s investment activities during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year to tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax® ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax® ETFs. As such, these funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax® ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance)holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance) securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time.

    High Index (or Index ETF) Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high Index (or Index ETF) turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA, HOOD, BRK.B, DKNG), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax® ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax® ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax® ETFs

    The MIL Network –

  • India’s Q1 passenger vehicle sales cross one million for second consecutive year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s passenger vehicle sales crossed the one million mark for the second consecutive April–June quarter (Q1), with exports showing strong double-digit growth, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Tuesday.

    Passenger vehicle exports — including utility vehicles and cars — reached a record high of 2.04 lakh units in Q1 of 2025–26, marking a 13.2% rise over the same period last year.

    SIAM attributed the growth to steady demand in key overseas markets, with the Middle East and Latin America performing well, alongside a revival in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal. Rising demand from Japan and higher exports under free trade agreements, including with Australia, also contributed to the uptick.

    Two-wheeler exports rose to 1.14 million units, recording a robust 23.2% growth compared to Q1 last year. This was supported by recovery in neighbouring markets and continued momentum in major destinations.

    Exports of three-wheelers climbed to 0.96 lakh units, an increase of 34.4% year-on-year, while commercial vehicle exports grew by 23.4% to around 0.2 lakh units.

    Despite the positive export figures, domestic passenger vehicle sales in Q1 stood at 1.01 million units — down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year — due to slower sales in the latter part of the quarter.

    The two-wheeler segment sold 4.67 million units, posting a 6.2% decline year-on-year, largely due to inventory corrections. However, retail registrations for two-wheelers rose by 5%, boosted by the wedding season and stable demand. The scooter segment’s share within two-wheelers also increased by 2.15% year-on-year.

    The three-wheeler category recorded its highest ever Q1 sales at 1.65 lakh units, mainly driven by strong demand in the passenger carrier segment. SIAM noted that increased economic activity and urban mobility needs supported this growth, while the cargo segment’s retail registrations continued to rise on the back of demand for intracity low-load transport and easier financing.

    Meanwhile, the commercial vehicle segment saw a marginal decline of 0.6% year-on-year to 2.23 lakh units, though passenger carriers within the category maintained positive growth, reflecting steady demand for public transport.

    Looking ahead, SIAM said the industry remains cautiously optimistic for the second quarter. The upcoming festive season, an above-normal monsoon aiding rural incomes, and the Reserve Bank of India’s recent 100-basis-point repo rate cut over six months could help lift demand for passenger vehicles and two-wheelers.

    However, SIAM cautioned that supply-side challenges persist, particularly the recent export licensing requirements imposed by China on rare earth magnets, which are critical components for vehicle manufacturing.

    — IANS

  • India’s Q1 passenger vehicle sales cross one million for second consecutive year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s passenger vehicle sales crossed the one million mark for the second consecutive April–June quarter (Q1), with exports showing strong double-digit growth, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Tuesday.

    Passenger vehicle exports — including utility vehicles and cars — reached a record high of 2.04 lakh units in Q1 of 2025–26, marking a 13.2% rise over the same period last year.

    SIAM attributed the growth to steady demand in key overseas markets, with the Middle East and Latin America performing well, alongside a revival in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal. Rising demand from Japan and higher exports under free trade agreements, including with Australia, also contributed to the uptick.

    Two-wheeler exports rose to 1.14 million units, recording a robust 23.2% growth compared to Q1 last year. This was supported by recovery in neighbouring markets and continued momentum in major destinations.

    Exports of three-wheelers climbed to 0.96 lakh units, an increase of 34.4% year-on-year, while commercial vehicle exports grew by 23.4% to around 0.2 lakh units.

    Despite the positive export figures, domestic passenger vehicle sales in Q1 stood at 1.01 million units — down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year — due to slower sales in the latter part of the quarter.

    The two-wheeler segment sold 4.67 million units, posting a 6.2% decline year-on-year, largely due to inventory corrections. However, retail registrations for two-wheelers rose by 5%, boosted by the wedding season and stable demand. The scooter segment’s share within two-wheelers also increased by 2.15% year-on-year.

    The three-wheeler category recorded its highest ever Q1 sales at 1.65 lakh units, mainly driven by strong demand in the passenger carrier segment. SIAM noted that increased economic activity and urban mobility needs supported this growth, while the cargo segment’s retail registrations continued to rise on the back of demand for intracity low-load transport and easier financing.

    Meanwhile, the commercial vehicle segment saw a marginal decline of 0.6% year-on-year to 2.23 lakh units, though passenger carriers within the category maintained positive growth, reflecting steady demand for public transport.

    Looking ahead, SIAM said the industry remains cautiously optimistic for the second quarter. The upcoming festive season, an above-normal monsoon aiding rural incomes, and the Reserve Bank of India’s recent 100-basis-point repo rate cut over six months could help lift demand for passenger vehicles and two-wheelers.

    However, SIAM cautioned that supply-side challenges persist, particularly the recent export licensing requirements imposed by China on rare earth magnets, which are critical components for vehicle manufacturing.

    — IANS

  • India’s Q1 passenger vehicle sales cross one million for second consecutive year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s passenger vehicle sales crossed the one million mark for the second consecutive April–June quarter (Q1), with exports showing strong double-digit growth, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Tuesday.

    Passenger vehicle exports — including utility vehicles and cars — reached a record high of 2.04 lakh units in Q1 of 2025–26, marking a 13.2% rise over the same period last year.

    SIAM attributed the growth to steady demand in key overseas markets, with the Middle East and Latin America performing well, alongside a revival in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal. Rising demand from Japan and higher exports under free trade agreements, including with Australia, also contributed to the uptick.

    Two-wheeler exports rose to 1.14 million units, recording a robust 23.2% growth compared to Q1 last year. This was supported by recovery in neighbouring markets and continued momentum in major destinations.

    Exports of three-wheelers climbed to 0.96 lakh units, an increase of 34.4% year-on-year, while commercial vehicle exports grew by 23.4% to around 0.2 lakh units.

    Despite the positive export figures, domestic passenger vehicle sales in Q1 stood at 1.01 million units — down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year — due to slower sales in the latter part of the quarter.

    The two-wheeler segment sold 4.67 million units, posting a 6.2% decline year-on-year, largely due to inventory corrections. However, retail registrations for two-wheelers rose by 5%, boosted by the wedding season and stable demand. The scooter segment’s share within two-wheelers also increased by 2.15% year-on-year.

    The three-wheeler category recorded its highest ever Q1 sales at 1.65 lakh units, mainly driven by strong demand in the passenger carrier segment. SIAM noted that increased economic activity and urban mobility needs supported this growth, while the cargo segment’s retail registrations continued to rise on the back of demand for intracity low-load transport and easier financing.

    Meanwhile, the commercial vehicle segment saw a marginal decline of 0.6% year-on-year to 2.23 lakh units, though passenger carriers within the category maintained positive growth, reflecting steady demand for public transport.

    Looking ahead, SIAM said the industry remains cautiously optimistic for the second quarter. The upcoming festive season, an above-normal monsoon aiding rural incomes, and the Reserve Bank of India’s recent 100-basis-point repo rate cut over six months could help lift demand for passenger vehicles and two-wheelers.

    However, SIAM cautioned that supply-side challenges persist, particularly the recent export licensing requirements imposed by China on rare earth magnets, which are critical components for vehicle manufacturing.

    — IANS

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT CHECK: ICE Provides Multiple Meals Per Day to Criminal Illegal Aliens Held at Detention Facilities

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FACT CHECK: ICE Provides Multiple Meals Per Day to Criminal Illegal Aliens Held at Detention Facilities

    lass=”text-align-center”>All detainees receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner in accordance with recommended nutrition guidelines
    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is setting the record straight on NBC’s false claims that illegal aliens who are held at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities are receiving inadequate amounts of food

     
    “Any claim that there is a lack of food or subprime conditions at ICE detention centers are categorically false

    All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

     “Meals are certified by dieticians

    Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE

    Why does the media continue to push the lies of criminal illegal aliens in detention and villainize ICE law enforcement?”

    CLAIM: Detainees say meals are now half the size they were last year, and they don’t receive dinner until midnight

     
    FALSE: Allegations that there are chronic food shortages are unequivocally false

    Each ICE facility’s Food Service Operations Director conducts a review of food portions, and detainees are being fed the portions as prescribed by the nutritionist, based on a daily 2400 to 2600 caloric intake

    CLAIM: A health department report from Tacoma, Washington responded to 57 cases of suspected foodborne illness and determined the illness came from reheated collard greens

     
    FALSE: While the Health Department was notified, the on-site medical team concluded that there was no evidence linking the illness to a specific food item, as claimed by the detainees

    CLAIM: In Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana, a Russian immigrant said he has lost weight due to small portions since being detained

    False: The facility has no food complaints from any Russian detainees

     The Detention Standard Compliance Officer has not observed any food issues or complaints while conducting site visits

     
    CLAIM: A detainee says there is too little food at El Paso Service Processing Center

    False: The dietician-approved meal plan from the El Paso Service Processing Center was recently reviewed and indicates the total caloric intake for ICE detainees at the facility is 3,436 per day—which exceeds the average daily recommended minimums

     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT CHECK: ICE Provides Multiple Meals Per Day to Criminal Illegal Aliens Held at Detention Facilities

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FACT CHECK: ICE Provides Multiple Meals Per Day to Criminal Illegal Aliens Held at Detention Facilities

    lass=”text-align-center”>All detainees receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner in accordance with recommended nutrition guidelines
    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is setting the record straight on NBC’s false claims that illegal aliens who are held at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities are receiving inadequate amounts of food

     
    “Any claim that there is a lack of food or subprime conditions at ICE detention centers are categorically false

    All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

     “Meals are certified by dieticians

    Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE

    Why does the media continue to push the lies of criminal illegal aliens in detention and villainize ICE law enforcement?”

    CLAIM: Detainees say meals are now half the size they were last year, and they don’t receive dinner until midnight

     
    FALSE: Allegations that there are chronic food shortages are unequivocally false

    Each ICE facility’s Food Service Operations Director conducts a review of food portions, and detainees are being fed the portions as prescribed by the nutritionist, based on a daily 2400 to 2600 caloric intake

    CLAIM: A health department report from Tacoma, Washington responded to 57 cases of suspected foodborne illness and determined the illness came from reheated collard greens

     
    FALSE: While the Health Department was notified, the on-site medical team concluded that there was no evidence linking the illness to a specific food item, as claimed by the detainees

    CLAIM: In Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana, a Russian immigrant said he has lost weight due to small portions since being detained

    False: The facility has no food complaints from any Russian detainees

     The Detention Standard Compliance Officer has not observed any food issues or complaints while conducting site visits

     
    CLAIM: A detainee says there is too little food at El Paso Service Processing Center

    False: The dietician-approved meal plan from the El Paso Service Processing Center was recently reviewed and indicates the total caloric intake for ICE detainees at the facility is 3,436 per day—which exceeds the average daily recommended minimums

     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKTE hosts online and offline career fairs to attract global talent dovetailing Hong Kong’s I&T development (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         A spokesman for Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) said today (July 15) that to support Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub, HKTE had organised three online and offline career fairs during the past three weeks to proactively attract global I&T talent to pursue development in Hong Kong, with a view to contributing to building Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent.

         HKTE held a online career fair last Thursday and Friday (July 10 and 11), featuring 47 renowned enterprises and organisations, to offer nearly 2 000 quality job vacancies across sectors such as data centre operations, cyber security and business analysis.

         The online career fair recorded nearly 33 000 visits, featuring job-seeking talent mainly from 14 countries or regions, including the Mainland, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Canada, Germany, France and Switzerland, with over 3 000 curricula vitae received. To facilitate connections between job-seeking talent and employers, a one-to-one online meeting session was set up specifically at the career fair, resulting in nearly 5 000 direct dialogues.

         A spokesman for the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, one of the participating organisations, commented that the career fair facilitated effective interactions between global professionals in artificial intelligence, fintech and smart city technologies as well as digital innovation with Hong Kong employers. Nearly 90 per cent of participating enterprises and organisations expressed satisfaction with the event arrangements and indicated interest in joining future recruitment events organised by HKTE.

         In addition, HKTE co-organised physical job fairs with working partners two weeks ago, including the second edition of the Hong Kong International Talents Career Expo 2025 and the NovaX Global Investmatch Carnival 2025, to connect I&T talent and entrepreneurs with employers and investors, facilitating the settlement of talent in Hong Kong.

         The spokesman for HKTE added that talent is critical to the promotion of I&T development. HKTE will continue organising diverse activities to assist Hong Kong in attracting international I&T talent, including an online career fair targeting European and American markets in the second half of the year, thereby providing solid talent support for the development of the “eight centres” strategic positioning.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –