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Category: Banking

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 26, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 26, 2025.

    ‘Do not eat’: what’s in those little desiccant sachets and how do they work?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kamil Zuber, Senior Industry Research Fellow, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia towfiqu ahamed/Getty Images When you buy a new electronic appliance, shoes, medicines or even some food items, you often find a small paper sachet with the warning: “silica gel, do not eat”. What exactly

    ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care. But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair

    Iran accuses US over ‘torpedoed diplomacy’ – passes bill to halt UN nuclear watchdog cooperation
    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou, I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. At least 79 killed and 391 injured by Israeli forces in Gaza over the last 24 hours, including 33 killed

    Parenthood or podium? It’s time Australian athletes had the support to choose both
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jasmine Titova, PhD Candidate, CQUniversity Australia When tennis legend Serena Williams retired in 2022, she stated: If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family. Many

    Papua New Guinea police blame overrun system for prison breakouts
    By Margot Staunton, RNZ Pacific senior journalist Police in Papua New Guinea say the country’s overrun courts and prisons are behind mass breakouts from police custody. Chief Superintendent Clement Dala made the comment after 13 detainees escaped on Tuesday in Simbu Province, including eight who were facing murder charges. Dala said an auxiliary policeman who

    Stable public housing in the first year of life boosts children’s wellbeing years down the track – new research
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaimie Monk, Research Fellow, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research Phil Walter/Getty Images New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market means low-income families face big constraints on their accommodation options. This involves often accepting housing that is insecure, cold, damp or in unsuitable neighbourhoods. But little is known about

    From HAL 9000 to M3GAN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Filmgoers have long been captivated by stories about robots. We are fascinated by their utopian promise, their superhuman intelligence and, in the case of the cyborg, their often uncanny resemblance to

    Yes, Victoria’s efforts to wean households off gas have been dialled back. But it’s still real progress
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Trivess Moore, Associate Professor in Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University MirageC/Getty On the question of gas, Victoria’s government faces pressure from many directions. The Bass Strait wells supplying Australia’s most gas-dependent state are running dry. Gas prices shot up in 2020 and have stayed high.

    From HAL 9000 to ME3AN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Filmgoers have long been captivated by stories about robots. We are fascinated by their utopian promise, their superhuman intelligence and, in the case of the cyborg, their often uncanny resemblance to

    Remote cave discovery shows ancient voyagers brought rice across 2,300km of Pacific Ocean
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hsiao-chun Hung, Senior Research Fellow, School of Culture, History & Language, Australian National University Ritidian beach, Guam. Hsiao-chun Hung In a new study published today in Science Advances, my colleagues and I have uncovered the earliest evidence of rice in the Pacific Islands – at an ancient

    500,000 Australians live with mental illness but don’t qualify for the NDIS. A damning new report says they need more support
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney stellalevi/Getty Half a million Australians are living with moderate to severe mental illness, but they don’t qualify for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and cannot access the support

    ‘I’m not going to give up’: how to help more disadvantaged young people go to uni and TAFE
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucas Walsh, Professor and Director of the Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, Monash University Oliver Rossi/ Getty Images On Wednesday, Education Minister Jason Clare hailed an increase in the numbers of Australians starting a university degree. In 2024, there was a 3.7% increase in Australian

    New climate reporting rules start on July 1. Many companies are not ready for the change
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Baird, Senior Lecturer , University of Tasmania PaeGAG/Shutterstock A new financial year starts on July 1. For Australia’s large companies, that means new rules on climate-related disclosures come into force. These requirements are the culmination of years of planning to ensure companies disclose climate-related risks and

    Whose story is being told — and why? 4 questions museum visitors should ask themselves this school holidays
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato The winter school holidays will mean families across Aotearoa New Zealand will be looking for indoor activities to entertain children. With millions of visitors each year, museums focused on the country’s history will inevitably play host to

    Philly psychology students map out local landmarks and hidden destinations where they feel happiest
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eric Zillmer, Professor of Neuropsychology, Drexel University Rittenhouse Square Park in Center City made it onto the Philly Happiness Map. Matthew Lovette/Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images What makes you happy? Perhaps a good night’s sleep, or a wonderful meal with friends? I am the director

    Macron invites all New Caledonia stakeholders for Paris talks
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a formal invitation to “all New Caledonia stakeholders” for talks in Paris on the French Pacific territory’s political and economic future to be held on July 2. The confirmation came on Thursday in the form of a letter sent individually

    Opposition starts on challenge of crafting (yet another) energy policy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The opposition is commencing the challenging task of framing a new energy policy, including deciding whether to stick by its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Liberal leader Sussan Ley, appearing at the National Press Club, announced a Coalition

    Election flows reveal nearly 90% of Greens preferenced Labor ahead of Coalition
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Minor party preference flows for the federal election have been released, with Labor winning Greens preferences by 88.2–11.8, while the Coalition won One Nation preferences by 74.5–24.5.

    Australia’s native bees struggled after the Black Summer fires – but a world-first solution brought them buzzing back
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kit Prendergast, Postdoctoral Researcher, Pollination Ecology, University of Southern Queensland Kit Prendergast (@bee.babette_performer) After a devastating bushfire, efforts to help nature recover typically focus on vertebrates and plants. Yet extreme fires can threaten insects, too. After the Black Summer fires of 2019–20, I embarked on world-first research

    Wild swings in the oil price make the Reserve Bank’s job harder
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Head, Canberra School of Government, University of Canberra It looks, at least for now, as though tensions in the Middle East are easing somewhat. It appears much less likely Iran will try to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which flows about a fifth of

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 26, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 26, 2025.

    ‘Do not eat’: what’s in those little desiccant sachets and how do they work?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kamil Zuber, Senior Industry Research Fellow, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia towfiqu ahamed/Getty Images When you buy a new electronic appliance, shoes, medicines or even some food items, you often find a small paper sachet with the warning: “silica gel, do not eat”. What exactly

    ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care. But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair

    Iran accuses US over ‘torpedoed diplomacy’ – passes bill to halt UN nuclear watchdog cooperation
    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou, I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. At least 79 killed and 391 injured by Israeli forces in Gaza over the last 24 hours, including 33 killed

    Parenthood or podium? It’s time Australian athletes had the support to choose both
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jasmine Titova, PhD Candidate, CQUniversity Australia When tennis legend Serena Williams retired in 2022, she stated: If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family. Many

    Papua New Guinea police blame overrun system for prison breakouts
    By Margot Staunton, RNZ Pacific senior journalist Police in Papua New Guinea say the country’s overrun courts and prisons are behind mass breakouts from police custody. Chief Superintendent Clement Dala made the comment after 13 detainees escaped on Tuesday in Simbu Province, including eight who were facing murder charges. Dala said an auxiliary policeman who

    Stable public housing in the first year of life boosts children’s wellbeing years down the track – new research
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaimie Monk, Research Fellow, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research Phil Walter/Getty Images New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market means low-income families face big constraints on their accommodation options. This involves often accepting housing that is insecure, cold, damp or in unsuitable neighbourhoods. But little is known about

    From HAL 9000 to M3GAN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Filmgoers have long been captivated by stories about robots. We are fascinated by their utopian promise, their superhuman intelligence and, in the case of the cyborg, their often uncanny resemblance to

    Yes, Victoria’s efforts to wean households off gas have been dialled back. But it’s still real progress
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Trivess Moore, Associate Professor in Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University MirageC/Getty On the question of gas, Victoria’s government faces pressure from many directions. The Bass Strait wells supplying Australia’s most gas-dependent state are running dry. Gas prices shot up in 2020 and have stayed high.

    From HAL 9000 to ME3AN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Filmgoers have long been captivated by stories about robots. We are fascinated by their utopian promise, their superhuman intelligence and, in the case of the cyborg, their often uncanny resemblance to

    Remote cave discovery shows ancient voyagers brought rice across 2,300km of Pacific Ocean
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hsiao-chun Hung, Senior Research Fellow, School of Culture, History & Language, Australian National University Ritidian beach, Guam. Hsiao-chun Hung In a new study published today in Science Advances, my colleagues and I have uncovered the earliest evidence of rice in the Pacific Islands – at an ancient

    500,000 Australians live with mental illness but don’t qualify for the NDIS. A damning new report says they need more support
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney stellalevi/Getty Half a million Australians are living with moderate to severe mental illness, but they don’t qualify for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and cannot access the support

    ‘I’m not going to give up’: how to help more disadvantaged young people go to uni and TAFE
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucas Walsh, Professor and Director of the Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, Monash University Oliver Rossi/ Getty Images On Wednesday, Education Minister Jason Clare hailed an increase in the numbers of Australians starting a university degree. In 2024, there was a 3.7% increase in Australian

    New climate reporting rules start on July 1. Many companies are not ready for the change
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Baird, Senior Lecturer , University of Tasmania PaeGAG/Shutterstock A new financial year starts on July 1. For Australia’s large companies, that means new rules on climate-related disclosures come into force. These requirements are the culmination of years of planning to ensure companies disclose climate-related risks and

    Whose story is being told — and why? 4 questions museum visitors should ask themselves this school holidays
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato The winter school holidays will mean families across Aotearoa New Zealand will be looking for indoor activities to entertain children. With millions of visitors each year, museums focused on the country’s history will inevitably play host to

    Philly psychology students map out local landmarks and hidden destinations where they feel happiest
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eric Zillmer, Professor of Neuropsychology, Drexel University Rittenhouse Square Park in Center City made it onto the Philly Happiness Map. Matthew Lovette/Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images What makes you happy? Perhaps a good night’s sleep, or a wonderful meal with friends? I am the director

    Macron invites all New Caledonia stakeholders for Paris talks
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a formal invitation to “all New Caledonia stakeholders” for talks in Paris on the French Pacific territory’s political and economic future to be held on July 2. The confirmation came on Thursday in the form of a letter sent individually

    Opposition starts on challenge of crafting (yet another) energy policy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The opposition is commencing the challenging task of framing a new energy policy, including deciding whether to stick by its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Liberal leader Sussan Ley, appearing at the National Press Club, announced a Coalition

    Election flows reveal nearly 90% of Greens preferenced Labor ahead of Coalition
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Minor party preference flows for the federal election have been released, with Labor winning Greens preferences by 88.2–11.8, while the Coalition won One Nation preferences by 74.5–24.5.

    Australia’s native bees struggled after the Black Summer fires – but a world-first solution brought them buzzing back
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kit Prendergast, Postdoctoral Researcher, Pollination Ecology, University of Southern Queensland Kit Prendergast (@bee.babette_performer) After a devastating bushfire, efforts to help nature recover typically focus on vertebrates and plants. Yet extreme fires can threaten insects, too. After the Black Summer fires of 2019–20, I embarked on world-first research

    Wild swings in the oil price make the Reserve Bank’s job harder
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Head, Canberra School of Government, University of Canberra It looks, at least for now, as though tensions in the Middle East are easing somewhat. It appears much less likely Iran will try to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which flows about a fifth of

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Shelter Afrique Development Bank Extends USD15M Housing Loan to Banque Mauritanienne de l’Investissement to Finance Affordable Housing projects in Mauritania

    Source: MediaFast

    Nouakchott, Mauritania – 25 June, 2025 – Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), a leading Pan-African multilateral development bank committed to financing and advancing housing, urban, and related infrastructure development, has signed a USD 15 million loan agreement with Banque Mauritanienne de l’Investissement (BMI) to finance affordable housing in Mauritania.

    This transaction, signed Monday in Nouakchott, Mauritania, is part of the ShafDB’s strategy to promote access to decent housing for low- and middle-income populations in Africa, and will strengthen Mauritania’s housing finance ecosystem, particularly for under-served populations.

    The loan will be used to co-finance the construction of 1,000 homes in the town of ZOUÉRATT and the servicing of 1,000 plots in the commune of TEVRAGH ZEINA for the diaspora and residents.

    Commenting on the agreement, Shelter Afrique Development Bank Managing Director Mr Thierno-Habib Hann noted that ShafDB and the BMI shared a similar vision: to help the diaspora and residents of the town of ZOUÉRATT to build their own homes.

    “This partnership with BMI will make it possible to offer affordable and decent housing to low-income households, filling part of the 50,000 housing deficit in Mauritania in a context where urbanisation is growing at a rate of 4%,” said Mr Hann,” said Mr. Hann.

    BMI Managing Director Mohamed Yahya Sidi welcomed the agreement, saying his institution was honoured to work with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to finance affordable housing projects in Mauritania.  

    “This partnership strengthens our commitment to Mauritania’s socio-economic development, broadens our inclusive housing finance solutions, and confirms our support for the country’s ambitious urban development programme,” said Mr. Sidi.

    Through this partnership, it is estimated that around 5,000 jobs will be created, 12,400 people will benefit from the project and 2,000 households will gain access to housing through self-build or direct purchase.

    About Shelter Afrique Development Bank

    Established in 1981 in Lusaka, Zambia, Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) is a Pan-African Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) dedicated to promoting and financing sustainable green housing, urban development and related infrastructure. It operates through a shareholding of 44 African governments and two institutional shareholders: African Development Bank (AfDB) and African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re).

    The institution is involved in financing housing and related infrastructure across the value chain, both on the demand and supply sides, through its four (4) business lines: Financial Institutions Group (FIG), the Project Finance Group (PFG), the Sovereign and Public-Private partnerships (PPP) Group, and the Fund Management Group (FMG).  

    https://www.shelterafrique.org/en/home

    About Banque Mauritanienne de l’Investissement (BMI)

    Banque Mauritanienne de l’Investissement (BMI) is a leading financial institution in Mauritania, providing innovative Islamic banking services tailored to individuals, SMEs, and corporations. The bank is bank committed to supporting economic growth and social development in Mauritania.  https://bmi.mr/fr/

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran accuses US over ‘torpedoed diplomacy’ – passes bill to halt UN nuclear watchdog cooperation

    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem

    Kia ora koutou,

    I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground.

    At least 79 killed and 391 injured by Israeli forces in Gaza over the last 24 hours, including 33 killed and 267 injured while seeking aid at the US-Israel “humanitarian” centres.

    *

    Three killed and 7 injured by settler pogrom on the town of Kafr Malik, northeast of Ramallah; setting fire to houses and cars, and protected by soldiers. Israeli forces shot and killed 15-year-old Rayan Houshia west of Jenin as they retreated from resistance fighters, after using a civilian home as military barracks; also invading several towns across the West Bank, firing teargas into al-Fawar refugee camp south of Hebron, sound-bombs near the Jenin Grand Mosque in the north, and arresting several Palestinians.

    Al Quds/Jerusalem’s old city faced low visitor numbers even after restrictions were lifted by the Israeli occupation. Jerusalem Governate reported 623 homes and facilities demolished by Israel since October 2023.

    *

    Palestinian political prisoner Amar Yasser Al-Amour was released after 2.5 years without charge or trial in Israeli prisons. Thousands remain detained illegally in this way. Another freed prisoner Fares Bassam Hanani mourned his mother who passed away while he was imprisoned. Mohammad al-Ghushi, also freed, was taken to hospital to have his kidney removed due to torture and medical neglect he faced in Israeli prisons.

    *

    The unexpected ceasefire between Israel, America, and Iran appears to be holding for now. Iranian officials say the US “torpedoed diplomacy” and have passed a bill to halt cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Slams Fed’s Continued Anti-Crypto Legal Bias

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    June 25, 2025

    Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) demanded answers from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell during today’s Senate Banking Committee hearing for the Federal Reserve’s continued bias against the bitcoin and digital asset industry, citing the continued failure of the Fed to repeal the Policy Statement on Section 9(13) of the Federal Reserve Act, which specifies that digital assets are inherently unsafe and unsound.
    “While Chairman Powell asserts that the Fed has taken significant steps to adopting a more balanced approach toward digital assets, the legacy of Operation Chokepoint 2.0 and the ramifications of these harmful policies persist,” said Lummis. “The Fed’s continued politization of bank supervision is a threat to both our financial system’s integrity and America’s competitive edge, and the days of the Fed hiding its policy bias and mismanagement are over.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Slams Fed’s Continued Anti-Crypto Legal Bias

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    June 25, 2025

    Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) demanded answers from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell during today’s Senate Banking Committee hearing for the Federal Reserve’s continued bias against the bitcoin and digital asset industry, citing the continued failure of the Fed to repeal the Policy Statement on Section 9(13) of the Federal Reserve Act, which specifies that digital assets are inherently unsafe and unsound.

    “While Chairman Powell asserts that the Fed has taken significant steps to adopting a more balanced approach toward digital assets, the legacy of Operation Chokepoint 2.0 and the ramifications of these harmful policies persist,” said Lummis. “The Fed’s continued politization of bank supervision is a threat to both our financial system’s integrity and America’s competitive edge, and the days of the Fed hiding its policy bias and mismanagement are over.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Slams Fed’s Continued Anti-Crypto Legal Bias

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    June 25, 2025

    Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) demanded answers from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell during today’s Senate Banking Committee hearing for the Federal Reserve’s continued bias against the bitcoin and digital asset industry, citing the continued failure of the Fed to repeal the Policy Statement on Section 9(13) of the Federal Reserve Act, which specifies that digital assets are inherently unsafe and unsound.

    “While Chairman Powell asserts that the Fed has taken significant steps to adopting a more balanced approach toward digital assets, the legacy of Operation Chokepoint 2.0 and the ramifications of these harmful policies persist,” said Lummis. “The Fed’s continued politization of bank supervision is a threat to both our financial system’s integrity and America’s competitive edge, and the days of the Fed hiding its policy bias and mismanagement are over.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Dime Sponsors 10th New York City Small Business Challenge

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company” or “Dime”) (NASDAQ: DCOM), the parent company of Dime Community Bank (the “Bank”), announced that the Bank, in partnership with 1010 WINS, hosted the Dime Community Bank $10K Small Business Challenge in Manhattan for the 10th consecutive year. This year’s challenge saw a record number of applicants from across New York City competing for a $10,000 grant to support their new business growth.

    ABOUT DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for Dime Community Bank, a New York State-chartered trust company with over $14 billion in assets and the number one deposit market share among community banks on Greater Long Island (1).

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.
    Investor Relations Contact:
    Avinash Reddy
    Senior Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
    Phone: 718-782-6200; Ext. 5909
    Email: avinash.reddy@dime.com

    ¹ Aggregate deposit market share for Kings, Queens, Nassau & Suffolk counties for community banks with less than $20 billion in assets.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape

    At Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit 2025, finance and energy industry experts highlighted massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to build a clean, affordable and resilient energy future for all Canadians.

    Toronto, June 25, 2025— More than 200 people attended the second edition of Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit, a full-day conference presented by CIBC and held at CIBC Square in downtown Toronto today.

    This annual event brings together clean energy companies and investment experts to discuss the particularities of investing in renewable energy and energy storage projects, aiming to understand the current financial landscape of Canada’s clean-energy industry, which stands ready to build modular, scalable, clean energy projects at pace to serve Canadian industries, businesses and homes.

    “Clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage, and Canada is open for business: CanREA is currently tracking more than 18 GW of new clean energy projects, representing more than $34 billion in investment, and there continues to be massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to collaborate in building a cleaner energy future for Canadians,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.

    “As global electricity demand continues to rise, we must accelerate the planning and execution of clean energy projects to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable power for our industries, businesses and households.”

    Many leading Canadian finance and energy experts highlighted the critical role of strategic investments and policy support in accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition in the current geopolitical landscape.

    “As markets across Canada continue to seek new energy sources, the clean electricity sector has a unique opportunity to satisfy some of those needs and CIBC is ready to support our clients’ ambitions in the sector,” said James Brooks, Managing Director & Co-Head, Energy, Infrastructure & Transition, Global Investment Banking, CIBC.

    Roman Dubczak (Deputy Chair at CIBC Capital Markets), delivered the Summit’s opening remarks, alongside CanREA’s Bellissimo, followed by a keynote address from Sashen Guneratna (Managing Director, Investments, at Canada Infrastructure Bank).

    In the opening plenary, “Global trends, local impacts: How will international trade and energy policies affect Canada’s clean energy markets,” moderator Michelle Chislett (Executive VP at Northland Power) and panelists James Brooks (Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Investment Banking at CIBC), Elizabeth Kaiga (CCO of Energy Systems, North America at DNV) and Ryan Lax (Counsel, Torys LLP) provided informed answers to urgent questions about the current global trade and energy landscape and how to navigate these turbulent times.

    Other highlights included:

    In “Cutting edge: Financing emerging clean power technologies,” panelists delved into the innovative tech poised to burst onto the clean-power scene—and the supply chains required to service them.

    In “Indigenous equity financing: Funding opportunities for clean energy partnerships,” speakers identified well-known obstacles and various financing and investment solutions for Indigenous communities seeking equity partnerships.

    In “Mapping the political landscape: Policy insights for Canada’s clean power industry,” speakers discussed Canada’s current energy and electricity policies as the cornerstone of our economic growth and national sovereignty.

    In “Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025,” representatives of CanREA and Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors offered a preview of their upcoming report, launching in September 2025, which will present a comprehensive forecast and analysis of the future costs and market outlook for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage technologies across Canada.

    At the annual “CanREA Connects Ontario” networking reception, nearly 300 industry professionals capped off the Summit with drinks, laughs and discussions about the day’s topics.

    “This year’s Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit investigated the financial mechanisms driving Canada’s clean energy future and examined how we can ensure the investment needed to accelerate the deployment of all the affordable clean power we will need in the coming years,” said Wesley Johnston, CanREA’s Vice President, Business Development, Finance and Operations.

    “This event is about more than just capital—it’s about collaboration between developers, investors, Indigenous partners and policymakers, to get clean energy projects built on time and on budget.”

    CanREA wishes to thank all attendees, moderators and speakers for helping to make the Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit a success. A special word of thanks to our Presenting Sponsor CIBC, as well as Platinum Sponsors Vancity Community Investment Bank (VCIB) & Northland Power, Gold Sponsors DNV, Gowling WLG & Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, Silver Sponsors Goldwind, EDF, LCAB & Osler, and Bronze Sponsors Innergex, Compass Energy Consulting, RES Group, TACT, KPMG, Hub International, PCL Construction, Phoventus & Nordex.

    Photos

    Photo: More than 200 people attended the second annual Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit, held June 25 in downtown Toronto. This full-day conference, hosted by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), brings together industry leaders and investment experts, aiming to open dialogue between Canada’s finance and clean power industries.

    Photo: Roman Dubczak, Deputy Chair at CIBC Capital Markets, delivered opening remarks from the Summit’s Presenting Sponsor, CIBC.

    Photo: The opening plenary, “Global trends, local impacts: How will international trade and energy policies affect Canada’s clean energy markets,” featured moderator Michelle Chislett (Executive VP at Northland Power) and panelists James Brooks (Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Investment Banking at CIBC), Elizabeth Kaiga (CCO of Energy Systems, North America at DNV) and Ryan Lax (Counsel, Torys LLP).

    Quotes

    “As markets across Canada continue to seek new energy sources, the clean electricity sector has a unique opportunity to satisfy some of those needs and CIBC is ready to support our clients’ ambitions in the sector.”
    —James Brooks, Managing Director & Co-Head, Energy, Infrastructure & Transition, Global Investment Banking CIBC

    “Clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage, and Canada is open for business: CanREA is currently tracking more than 18 GW of new clean energy projects, representing more than $34 billion in investment, and there continues to be massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to collaborate in building a cleaner energy future for Canadians. As global electricity demand continues to rise, we must accelerate the planning and execution of clean energy projects to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable power for our industries, businesses and households.”
    —Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

    “This year’s Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit investigated the financial mechanisms driving Canada’s clean energy future and examined how we can ensure the investment needed to accelerate the deployment of all the affordable clean power we will need in the coming years. This event is about more than just capital—it’s about collaboration between developers, investors, Indigenous partners and policymakers, to get clean energy projects built on time and on budget.”
    —Wesley Johnston, Vice President, Business Development, Finance and Operations, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

    For interview opportunities, please contact:

    Michaela Ianni, Communications SpecialistCanadian Renewable Energy Association613-805-4465communications@renewablesassociation.ca

    About CanREA

    The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca. 

    The post News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Snapshot highlights banks’ efforts to reduce unnecessary barriers for Māori

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    26 June 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has published a primarily qualitative snapshot that offers a comparison of how banks are working to remove unnecessary barriers to Māori Access to Capital (MA2K).

    The Māori contribution to the New Zealand economy has grown to $32 billion (production GDP) in 2023. However, Māori businesses are more likely to face capital access challenges due to common factors like being younger, smaller, or more rural, as well as specific issues such as lending on whenua Māori and lower trust or awareness with the banking system.

    Acting Assistant Governor Financial Stability, Angus McGregor says that the snapshot will improve data and understanding across the Aotearoa banking system.

    “The measures in the snapshot show the steps some banks are taking to remove unnecessary barriers for Māori, helping to lift the entire sector in supporting MA2K and financial inclusion more broadly,” says Mr McGregor.

    Findings from the snapshot show that participating banks who volunteered to collaborate on this project, have introduced Māori-focused roles and strategies, supported by organisation-wide training to strengthen understanding of te reo, tikanga, and the Māori economy. The snapshot findings also suggests that banks recognise the value of Māori leadership and customer understanding and have products to support lending on whenua Māori.

    Some banks have initiatives specifically supporting Māori businesses and offer financial literacy programmes that incorporate te reo and/or tikanga. Māori employee representation varies between banks, with an average of 8% across all banks.

    However, there remains plenty of work to be done to continue to reduce any unnecessary barriers for Māori and we encourage banks to improve their data relating to Māori access to capital and enhance their practices around Māori business identification.

    Improved data on MA2K is an important step in tracking progress of the banking sector and builds on the momentum developed by the sector’s actions.

    “This work is in line with the 2025 Letter of Expectations from the Minister of Finance for the Reserve Bank to continue its collaboration with industry stakeholders to pursue competition-enhancing initiatives, including reducing barriers to lending for housing on Māori freehold land,” says Governor Christian Hawkesby.

    This snapshot was developed in collaboration with Tāwhia the Māori Bankers Rōpū and continues the 2022 MA2K work programme as part of our broader te ao Māori and financial inclusion workstreams. Impact requires a whole of sector approach, so we furthermore welcome the opportunity to work with other organisations to support this ongoing work programme.

    More information

    Māori access to capital (MA2K) snapshot – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua – https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=409ead4c8f&e=f3c68946f8
    Letter of expectations 2025 – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua – https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=642bea8827&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Southland Momentum Grows: Environment Southland Considers Action on Illegal Israeli Settlements after Invercargill Declines – PSNAA

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) Invercargill

    Environment Southland agreed today (Wednesday 25th) to commission a staff report considering a procurement policy change to exclude companies involved in illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land.

    The step follows a request by local residents and members of Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa. It places Environment Southland on a growing list of local councils responding to New Zealand’s co-sponsorship of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which declared the settlements a “flagrant violation under international law” and a “major obstacle” to peace.

    “New Zealand helped write this in 2016,” said the speakers. “We can’t promote it abroad and ignore it at home. This is a strong first step to ensure ratepayer money doesn’t fund human rights abuses.”

    The decision comes just a day after Invercargill City Council narrowly rejected the same change — a 6–6 vote decided by Nobby Clark — despite staff advice to the contrary. Speakers say Invercargill’s position is out of step with national policy and public demand. “Councils are simply being asked to align with what NZ agreed to years ago. This isn’t about ranking suffering, it’s about acting where there’s black and white legal clarity and political mandate.”

    In July 2024, the International Court of Justice confirmed Israel’s 57-year occupation breaches international law on apartheid and racial segregation. Countries including New Zealand voted that states “ensure they do not render aid or assistance” to it.

    The group also expressed concern that unlike at Dunedin’s recent vote, where councilors heard from supporting voices including local Palestinians and Israelis during the public forum, today saw those refused by the chair.

    “This is a narrow step – excluding companies listed by the highest authority on human rights, the UNHRC” said the group, “Since the current Israeli government came to power, the building of settlements and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has rocketed. International law protects all of us.”

    Other councils — including Christchurch City, Nelson City, and Environment Canterbury — have already taken action, and a formal vote on adopting the policy is expected following the staff report. PSNA says the window is still open: “Southland still has an opportunity to lead — and to stand on the right side of history.”

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) Invercargill

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Jordan—IMF Executive Board Completes Third Review of the Extended Fund Facility Arrangement and Approves US$ 700 Million Arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 25, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board completed the third review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement with Jordan, providing the authorities with immediate access to the equivalent of SDR 97.784 million (about US$134 million), to support the authorities’ economic program.
    • Jordan’s economic program supported by the EFF arrangement remains firmly on track, demonstrating the authorities’ strong commitment to sound macro-economic policies and structural reforms to strengthen Jordan’s resilience and accelerate growth to enhance job creation and provide opportunities for all Jordanians.
    • Thanks to the continued pursuit of sound economic policies, and despite the considerable external headwinds, including the conflicts in the region, Jordan has maintained macro-stability and broad-based economic growth.
    • The Executive Board also approved a new 30-month arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) with Jordan, with access equivalent to SDR 514.65 million (about US$700 million), to support Jordan’s efforts to address longer-term vulnerabilities in the water and electricity sectors and to enhance their ability to address public health emergencies, including future pandemics.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today completed the third review of the arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Jordan’s four-year EFF arrangement, with access amounting to SDR 926.37 million (about US$1.3 billion, equivalent to 270 percent of Jordan’s quota in the IMF), was approved by the IMF Executive Board on January 10, 2024 (see Press Release No. 24/004). This decision allows for an immediate purchase of an amount equivalent to SDR 97.784 million (around US$134 million), bringing the total purchases under the EFF arrangement to the equivalent of SDR 437.454 million (about $595 million). In addition, the IMF Executive Board approved an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) with Jordan, with access equivalent to SDR 514.65 million (about US$ 700 million, equivalent to 150 percent of Jordan’s quota).

    Jordan’s continued economic resilience in a challenging external environment, with continuing conflicts in the region and high uncertainty, is a testament to the authorities’ resolve to pursue sound macroeconomic policies. The authorities’ ownership of the EFF arrangement remains strong, with program targets consistently met. Jordan registered stronger growth in 2024 and so far in 2025 than previously anticipated, demonstrating continued resilience. Growth reached 2.5 percent in 2024. Economic activity is expected to gradually strengthen in the coming years, supported by continued sound macroeconomic policies and accelerated reform implementation.

    Inflation remains stable and low, reflecting the Central Bank of Jordan’s (CBJ) firm commitment to monetary and financial stability and the exchange rate peg. Jordan’s external position remains stable, with the current account deficit projected to remain close to 6 percent of GDP. The CBJ’s gross international reserves increased to over US$20 billion by end-2024, with reserve adequacy exceeding 100 percent of the Fund’s ARA metric. The financial sector remains healthy and well-capitalized. While the spillover effects from regional conflicts have also affected government finances, the authorities continue to make progress with a gradual fiscal consolidation to place public debt on a downward path, while creating room for social assistance and needed public investment. Jordan’s structural reform agenda focuses on fostering inclusive private sector-led growth by enhancing the business environment and improving labor market policies, including to expand opportunities for youth and women.

    The RSF arrangement will support the authorities’ efforts to strengthen Jordan’s longer-term balance of payments stability by promoting economic resilience and sustainability. The RSF arrangement aims to address longer-term vulnerabilities in the water and electricity sectors and enhance the authorities’ ability to address public health emergencies, including future pandemics. Reform measures focus on: (i) enhancing the energy sector’s financial sustainability and energy efficiency; (ii) improving the water sector’s financial sustainability and water management; (iii) strengthening fiscal and financial sector resilience; and (iv) enhancing pandemic preparedness. The arrangement will augment policy space and financial buffers to mitigate risks arising from these challenges.

    Following the Executive Board’s discussion on Jordan, Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

    “Jordan continues to maintain macroeconomic stability despite external headwinds from regional conflicts and heightened global economic uncertainty, owing to the authorities’ steadfast pursuit of sound policies and continued strong international support. Growth in 2024 and so far in 2025 ended up stronger than anticipated, inflation is low, and reserve buffers are strong. Against elevated risks in the region, it is important that the authorities stay the course with sound fiscal and monetary policies to safeguard macroeconomic stability.

    “The authorities continue to make progress with a gradual fiscal consolidation and strengthening fiscal sustainability, thanks to fiscal reforms that have improved revenue administration and expenditure efficiency. Looking ahead, efforts should continue to further enhance revenue mobilization and spending efficiency and to take contingency measures as needed to keep public debt on a steady downward path, while protecting priority social and capital spending. Efforts should also continue to improve the efficiency and viability of the public utilities to preserve the sustainability of public finances, while improving service delivery.

    “Monetary policy remains appropriately focused on safeguarding monetary and financial stability and supporting the exchange rate peg that has served Jordan well and helped keeping inflation low. Jordan’s banking sector remains healthy, and the central bank continues to strengthen its systemic risk analysis, financial sector oversight, and crisis management.  

    “Structural reforms should be accelerated to improve the business environment, promote competition, and attract private investment that is crucial to create a dynamic and resilient private sector, foster job-rich growth, and achieve the objectives of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision. Strong and timely donor support remains essential to help Jordan navigate the challenging external environment, host the large number of refugees, and meet Jordan’s development objectives.

    “The reforms under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility aim to support the authorities’ efforts to address long-term vulnerabilities in the water and energy sectors and to be better prepared for public health emergencies, including pandemics. These reforms will strengthen Jordan’s balance of payments stability by promoting economic resilience and sustainability and by augmenting policy space and financial buffers to mitigate risks arising from these challenges.”

    Jordan: Selected Economic Indicators, 2023–26

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026
     

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Output and Prices

    Real GDP growth

    2.9

    2.5

    2.7

    2.9

    GDP deflator

    1.8

    1.9

    2.3

    2.6

    Nominal GDP (JD billions)

    36.3

    37.9

    39.8

    42.0

    Inflation 1/

    2.1

    1.9

    2.2

    2.6

    Unemployment

    22.0

    21.4

    …

    …

    Government Finances (in percent of GDP)

    Central government fiscal operations

    Revenue and grants 2/

    25.2

    24.9

    25.4

    26.0

       Of which: grants

    2.0

    1.9

    1.8

    2.0

    Expenditures 2/

    30.6

    31.4

    31.2

    30.5

    Overall central government balance

    -5.4

    -6.4

    -5.8

    -4.5

    Central government primary balance (exc. grants, NEPCO and WAJ)

    -2.7

    -2.8

    -2.0

    -1.0

    Electricity company (NEPCO) losses

    Combined public sector balance 3/

    -4.5

    -4.5

    -3.6

    -2.4

    Government gross debt 4/

    113.5

    114.7

    115.7

    114.9

    Government gross debt, net of SSC holdings of government debt 4/

    89.0

    90.2

    89.7

    87.5

    Money and Credit

         Broad money (percent change)

    2.3

    6.1

    5.1

    5.6

         Credit to the private sector (percent change)

    1.7

    2.9

    4.6

    6.0

    Balance of payments

    Current account (in percent of GDP)

    -3.6

    -5.9

    -5.5

    -5.9

    FDI (in percent of GDP)

    3.6

    3.0

    3.3

    3.4

    Gross reserves (in months of imports)

    6.9

    7.7

    7.1

    7.1

    In percent of Reserve Adequacy Metric

    101

    110

    105

    105

    Sources: Jordanian authorities; and Fund staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Consumer Price Index (annual average).

    2/ Includes the programmed amount of fiscal measures that are needed to meet fiscal targets.

    3/ Sum of the primary central government balance (exc. grants and net transfers to NEPCO-electricity company and WAJ-water company) and the net loss of NEPCO, WAJ and water sector distribution companies.

    4/ Government’s direct and guaranteed debt (including NEPCO and WAJ debt). SSC stands for Social Security Corporation.
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/25/pr25221-jordan-imf-completes-3rd-rev-eff-arrangement-approves-us-700-mill-arrangement-under-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Rwanda: African Development Bank kickstarts pioneering cable car project in Kigali

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    The African Development Bank has approved a grant of $500,000 to undertake a feasibility study into the first phase of a cable car transport network in Kigali, that will be sub-Saharan Africa’s first aerial urban transit system.  The project is initiated by Ropeways Transit Rwanda Ltd (RTRL). 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Calls on DOJ, FTC to Investigate ISS and Glass Lewis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    WASHINGTON—This week, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and head of the committee’s working group on proxy advisors, sent a letter to Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, urging them to investigate ISS and Glass Lewis for antitrust violations.
    “The dominant proxy advisory firms, [ISS] and [Glass Lewis], control more than 90% of the U.S. market for proxy advisory services,” Hagerty wrote. “These foreign-owned firms exploit their market power to suppress competition, hijack corporate governance, impose ideological agendas, drive companies’ capital allocation decisions, influence U.S. public policy on important matters, and undermine the welfare of American investors and consumers. Accordingly, I urge the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to investigate these firms for violations of federal antitrust law.”
    Hagerty’s letter builds on his ongoing efforts to address abuses in the proxy advisory market. Previously, Hagerty demanded answers and documents from ISS after the firm publicly acknowledged that it may support proposals even though they are “not linked to long-term shareholder value.” He also sponsored the Putting Investors First Act, legislation to expand the SEC’s authority over proxy advisory firms.
    A copy of the letter can be found here and below.
    Dear Attorney General Bondi and Chairman Ferguson,
    The dominant proxy advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) and Glass, Lewis & Co. (Glass Lewis), control more than 90% of the U.S. market for proxy advisory services. These foreign-owned firms exploit their market power to suppress competition, hijack corporate governance, impose ideological agendas, drive companies’ capital allocation decisions, influence U.S. public policy on important matters, and undermine the welfare of American investors and consumers. Accordingly, I urge the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to investigate these firms for violations of federal antitrust law.
    The market power of ISS and Glass Lewis grants them enormous sway over public companies. A study of 175 institutional investors—managing more than $5 trillion in assets— revealed that the institutions followed proxy advisor recommendations more than 95% of the time. The influence of the proxy advisors enables them to dictate public companies’ governance standards, executive compensation practices, and corporate policies. Through the power of vote recommendations adverse to determinations of independent boards of directors as well as negative recommendations against board members themselves, the firms effectively force compliance even when these standards or practices are ideologically motivated, irrelevant, and/or destructive to shareholder value. In so doing, the proxy advisors have also been successfully pressuring companies to engineer social change outside the democratic process and shaping U.S. public policy on a wide range of issues, from energy to sensitive social policies. It is evident that ISS and Glass Lewis exercise de facto regulatory power over public companies, but without any of the accountability or transparency ordinarily demanded of such a role.
    The firms leverage their market power by offering consulting services on the same or substantially similar items as those on which they provide proxy advisory services—a conflict of interest that raises significant anticompetitive concerns. ISS, for example, offers proxy advisory services to institutional investors with respect to companies’ say-on-pay proposals while also selling corporate consulting services to companies regarding the executive compensation programs subject to a say-on-pay vote. Similarly, ISS offers consulting services to companies with respect to equity compensation plans, while also providing recommendations to institutional investors as to how to vote on those same plans. This dynamic results in a coercive pay-to-play setup, where public companies are pressured to purchase consulting services to avoid or remedy negative proxy recommendations or assure the support of the proxy advisors, as the case may be. Indeed, many companies report being approached by the consulting arm of ISS during the same year in which they receive a negative vote recommendation from the firm. ISS also provides its institutional clients with corporate governance ratings on issuers, while also offering consulting services to corporate clients so that those issuers can improve their governance scores. This dual role—both rating companies and advising them—further enhances the proxy advisors’ power and drives important corporate practices and policies. While Glass Lewis has claimed that it does not offer consulting services, like ISS it offers equity plan advisory services to public companies. It also advises activists on influencing companies through shareholder proposals and other campaigns. The firm engages in these practices even though it has openly acknowledged that “the provision of consulting services to corporate issuers, directors, dissident shareholders and/or shareholder proposal proponents, creates a problematic conflict of interest.”
    The link between consulting services and favorable ratings benefit both ISS and Glass Lewis by foreclosing competition. Revenues generated from consulting may permit the firms to cross-subsidize their proxy advisory services, enabling them to further expand and cement their market share. Such self-dealing practices are inherently anticompetitive and demand scrutiny.
    ISS and Glass Lewis also appear to coordinate their voting guidelines and governance standards in ways that suppress competition and reduce the ideological and analytical diversity of services available in the market. The House Judiciary Committee has found evidence that the firms collaborated with organizations such as Climate Action 100+ to jointly issue nearly identical recommendations—effectively steering institutional investors toward predetermined outcomes guided by partisan ideology, not shareholder value. This parallelism is reinforced by the firms’ control of proprietary voting platforms—ISS’s ProxyExchange and Glass Lewis’s Viewpoint—which encourage institutional clients to automatically vote in alignment with the firms’ recommendations. Known as “robovoting,” this practice discourages independent fiduciary analysis and only deepens investors’ dependence on the firms, as some major investment managers do not even have personnel responsible for verifying that robovotes are correctly cast. While the firms often point critics to their “benchmark” reports, they continue to offer comparatively more extreme and politically contentious robovoting options through their insufficiently scrutinized “specialty” reports, often referred to as their “shadow” reports.
    The market power and anticompetitive business practices of ISS and Glass Lewis inflict harm across the U.S. economy: potential competitors are foreclosed from entering or expanding within the proxy advisory market; capital formation is diminished as companies are deterred from going public; the cost of capital for certain industries, such as coal and oil and gas, is higher; the competitiveness of the US capital markets is impacted; boards and management lose control over their own corporate policies and practices; investors suffer the financial consequences of ideologically driven and economically unsound corporate decisions; finally, consumers pay higher prices due to operational inefficiencies and increased costs.
    For these reasons, I urge the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to investigate ISS and Glass Lewis and take all necessary steps to promote competition in the proxy advisory market.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Names Celia Yan as Head of Hybrid for Asia Pacific

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that Celia Yan has joined the firm as a Partner and Head of Hybrid for Asia Pacific. Based in Hong Kong, Yan will lead the expansion of Apollo’s hybrid platform across the region, building on the firm’s momentum in delivering flexible, tailored capital solutions across private markets.

    Apollo’s hybrid business focuses on delivering creative, partnership-driven solutions that sit between traditional debt and equity. We provide solutions that help companies fund growth initiatives, generate liquidity and deleverage balance sheets, among other bespoke applications. In this newly created role, Yan will drive origination, execution and growth for Apollo’s hybrid strategies in Asia Pacific.

    Yan brings over 20 years of industry experience and extensive private investment expertise across Asia Pacific, most recently serving as Head of APAC Private Credit at BlackRock. Previously, she held senior investment roles at ADM Capital, National Australia Bank and Equity Trustees Limited (EQT).

    “Celia’s experience across private markets investing, managing cross-border teams and growing business verticals makes her a key addition as we grow our hybrid business in Asia Pacific,” said Matthew Michelini, Partner and Head of Asia Pacific at Apollo. “As companies and investors increasingly seek structured and creative solutions, Celia will help us deliver for clients across the region.”

    Chris Lahoud, Partner at Apollo, said: “As capital markets evolve, we see an attractive opportunity for hybrid growth in the region, providing partnership-oriented, flexible capital to companies and projects.”

    “Apollo’s integrated platform and global reach, paired with a strong local presence, position the firm to deliver hybrid capital at scale,” said Celia Yan. “Across Asia Pacific, businesses and sponsors are looking for non-dilutive, customized solutions that can address real market inefficiencies—and hybrid is increasingly the answer. I’m excited to join the team and help accelerate this strategy across the region.”

    Yan holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and a Master’s in Applied Econometrics from Monash University.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of March 31, 2025, Apollo had approximately $785 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Apollo Contacts

    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0540
    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0491
    Communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Names Celia Yan as Head of Hybrid for Asia Pacific

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that Celia Yan has joined the firm as a Partner and Head of Hybrid for Asia Pacific. Based in Hong Kong, Yan will lead the expansion of Apollo’s hybrid platform across the region, building on the firm’s momentum in delivering flexible, tailored capital solutions across private markets.

    Apollo’s hybrid business focuses on delivering creative, partnership-driven solutions that sit between traditional debt and equity. We provide solutions that help companies fund growth initiatives, generate liquidity and deleverage balance sheets, among other bespoke applications. In this newly created role, Yan will drive origination, execution and growth for Apollo’s hybrid strategies in Asia Pacific.

    Yan brings over 20 years of industry experience and extensive private investment expertise across Asia Pacific, most recently serving as Head of APAC Private Credit at BlackRock. Previously, she held senior investment roles at ADM Capital, National Australia Bank and Equity Trustees Limited (EQT).

    “Celia’s experience across private markets investing, managing cross-border teams and growing business verticals makes her a key addition as we grow our hybrid business in Asia Pacific,” said Matthew Michelini, Partner and Head of Asia Pacific at Apollo. “As companies and investors increasingly seek structured and creative solutions, Celia will help us deliver for clients across the region.”

    Chris Lahoud, Partner at Apollo, said: “As capital markets evolve, we see an attractive opportunity for hybrid growth in the region, providing partnership-oriented, flexible capital to companies and projects.”

    “Apollo’s integrated platform and global reach, paired with a strong local presence, position the firm to deliver hybrid capital at scale,” said Celia Yan. “Across Asia Pacific, businesses and sponsors are looking for non-dilutive, customized solutions that can address real market inefficiencies—and hybrid is increasingly the answer. I’m excited to join the team and help accelerate this strategy across the region.”

    Yan holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and a Master’s in Applied Econometrics from Monash University.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of March 31, 2025, Apollo had approximately $785 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Apollo Contacts

    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0540
    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0491
    Communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CVB Financial Corp. Announces 143rd Consecutive Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ontario, CA, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVB Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: CVBF) (the “Company”) announced a twenty cent ($0.20) per share cash dividend with respect to the second quarter of 2025. This dividend was approved at the Company’s regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting held on June 25, 2025. The quarterly dividend will be payable on or about July 24, 2025 to shareholders of record as of July 10, 2025.

    “We are pleased to announce our 143rd consecutive quarterly cash dividend paid to our shareholders,” said David A. Brager, President and Chief Executive Officer.

    Corporate Overview
    CVB Financial Corp. (“CVBF”) is the holding company for Citizens Business Bank. CVBF is one of the 10 largest bank holding companies headquartered in California with greater than $15 billion in total assets. Citizens Business Bank is consistently recognized as one of the top performing banks in the nation and offers a wide array of banking, lending and investing services with more than 60 banking centers and three trust office locations serving California.

    Shares of CVB Financial Corp. common stock are listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “CVBF”. For investor information on CVBF, visit our Citizens Business Bank website at www.cbbank.com and click on the “Investors” tab.

    Safe Harbor
    Certain matters set forth herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s current business plans and expectations, growth projections, and our future financial position and operating results. Words such as “will likely result, “aims”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “hopes”, “intends”, “may”, “plans”, “projects”, “seeks”, “should”, “will” and variations of these words and similar expressions help to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and/or achievements to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, all the risk factors set forth in the Company’s public reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and particularly the discussion of risk factors within that document. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.

    Contact: David A. Brager
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (909) 980-4030

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CVB Financial Corp. Announces 143rd Consecutive Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ontario, CA, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVB Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: CVBF) (the “Company”) announced a twenty cent ($0.20) per share cash dividend with respect to the second quarter of 2025. This dividend was approved at the Company’s regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting held on June 25, 2025. The quarterly dividend will be payable on or about July 24, 2025 to shareholders of record as of July 10, 2025.

    “We are pleased to announce our 143rd consecutive quarterly cash dividend paid to our shareholders,” said David A. Brager, President and Chief Executive Officer.

    Corporate Overview
    CVB Financial Corp. (“CVBF”) is the holding company for Citizens Business Bank. CVBF is one of the 10 largest bank holding companies headquartered in California with greater than $15 billion in total assets. Citizens Business Bank is consistently recognized as one of the top performing banks in the nation and offers a wide array of banking, lending and investing services with more than 60 banking centers and three trust office locations serving California.

    Shares of CVB Financial Corp. common stock are listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “CVBF”. For investor information on CVBF, visit our Citizens Business Bank website at www.cbbank.com and click on the “Investors” tab.

    Safe Harbor
    Certain matters set forth herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s current business plans and expectations, growth projections, and our future financial position and operating results. Words such as “will likely result, “aims”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “hopes”, “intends”, “may”, “plans”, “projects”, “seeks”, “should”, “will” and variations of these words and similar expressions help to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and/or achievements to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, all the risk factors set forth in the Company’s public reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and particularly the discussion of risk factors within that document. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.

    Contact: David A. Brager
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (909) 980-4030

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Larry Walker III Applauds $4.4 Million in State Support for Dodge County Road Improvements

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (June 20, 2025) — Sen. Larry Walker III (R-Perry) today celebrated the announcement of a combined $4.4 million in grant and loan funding awarded to Dodge County through the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB), administered by the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA). The investment includes a $2 million grant and a $2.43 million low-interest loan to fund the Dodge County Road Improvement Program, a transformative infrastructure initiative aimed at rebuilding, resurfacing, and expanding key roadways across the county.

    “This is a major win for Dodge County and the hardworking Georgians who rely on safe, well-maintained roads every day,” said Sen. Walker. “These funds will go a long way toward improving transportation safety, supporting economic activity and addressing the wear and tear that comes from increasing freight traffic. I’m proud to join Gov. Kemp and my colleagues in the General Assembly to help make sure rural communities like Dodge County aren’t left behind when it comes to infrastructure investment.”

    The Dodge County Road Improvement Program includes three major projects:

    • Paving of Bill Mullis Road from Roddy Highway to SR 87 (3.7 miles);
    • Full-depth reclamation of Milan Eastman Road from SR 117 to SR 280 (8.2 miles), repairing damage from heavy freight use;
    • Resurfacing Zion Hill Church Road from Antioch Church Road to Coody Road (4.5 miles).

    By combining these road segments into one large-scale project, Dodge County is able to accelerate its timeline by nearly a decade and reduce overall unit costs, ensuring taxpayer dollars go further.

    Gov. Brian P. Kemp and SRTA announced this year’s GTIB awards on Tuesday, highlighting a record $26.5 million in funding across 13 local transportation projects. The 2025 cycle includes the largest combined rural investment in the program’s history at $13.3 million.

    Since its creation in 2010, GTIB has awarded more than $240 million in grants and loans, supporting transportation projects with a combined value of over $1.2 billion.

    For more information on the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank, visit www.srta.ga.gov/gtib.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: A preservative removed from childhood vaccines 20 years ago is still causing controversy today − a drug safety expert explains

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Terri Levien, Professor of Pharmacy, Washington State University

    A discredited study published in 1989 first alleged a link between thimerosal and autism. Flavio Coelho/Moment via Getty Images

    An expert committee that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccines is meeting for the first time since Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly replaced the committee’s 17 members with eight hand-picked ones on June 11, 2025.

    The committee, called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, generally discusses and votes on recommendations for specific vaccines. For this meeting, taking place June 25-26, 2025, vaccines for COVID-19, human papillomavirus, influenza and other infectious diseases were on the schedule. According to an updated agenda, however, the committee is now also scheduled to hear a presentation on a chemical called thimerosal and to vote on proposed recommendations regarding its use in influenza vaccines.

    Public health experts have raised concerns about the presentation, noting that anti-vaccine advocates continue to promote confusion regarding the purported health risks of thimerosal despite extensive research demonstrating its safety.

    I’m a pharmacist and expert on drug information with 35 years of experience critically evaluating the safety and effectiveness of medications in clinical trials. No evidence supports the idea that thimerosal, used as a preservative in vaccines, is unsafe or carries any health risks.

    What is thimerosal?

    Thimerosal, also known as thiomersal, is a preservative that has been used in some drug products since the 1930s because it prevents contamination by killing microbes and preventing their growth.

    In the human body, thimerosal is metabolized, or changed, to ethylmercury, an organic derivative of mercury. Studies in infants have shown that ethylmercury is quickly eliminated from the blood.

    Even though thimerosal is no longer used in childhood vaccines, many parents still worry about whether it can harm their kids.

    Ethylmercury is sometimes confused with methylmercury. Methylmercury is known to be toxic and is associated with many negative effects on brain development even at low exposure. Environmental researchers identified the neurotoxic effects of mercury in children in the 1970s, primarily resulting from exposure to methylmercury in fish. In the 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration established limits for maximum recommended exposure to methylmercury, especially for children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age.

    Why is thimerosal controversial?

    Fears about the safety of thimerosal in vaccines spread for two reasons.

    First, in 1998, a now discredited report was published in a major medical journal called The Lancet. In it, a British doctor named Andrew Wakefield described eight children who developed autism after receiving the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. However, the patients were not compared with a control group that was vaccinated, so it was impossible to draw conclusions about the vaccine’s effects. Also, the data report was later found to be falsified. And the MMR vaccine that children received in that report never contained thimerosal.

    Second, the federal guidelines on exposure limits for the toxic substance methylmercury came out about the same time as the Wakefield study’s publication. During that period, autism was becoming more widely recognized as a developmental condition, and its rates of diagnosis were rising. People who believed Wakefield’s results conflated methylmercury and ethylmercury and promoted the unfounded idea that ethylmercury in vaccines from thimerosal were driving the rising rates of autism.

    The Wakefield study was retracted in 2010, and Wakefield was found guilty of dishonesty and flouting ethics protocols by the U.K. General Medical Council, as well as stripped of his medical license. Subsequent studies have not shown a relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism, but despite the absence of evidence, the idea took hold and has proven difficult to dislodge.

    The Wakefield study severely damaged many parents’ faith in the MMR vaccine, even though its results were eventually shown to be fraudulent.
    Peter Dazeley/The Image Bank, Getty Images

    Have scientists tested whether thimerosal is safe?

    No unbiased research to date has identified toxicity caused by ethylmercury in vaccines or a link between the substance and autism or other developmental concerns – and not from lack of looking.

    A 1999 review conducted by the Food and Drug Administration in response to federal guidelines on limiting mercury exposure found no evidence of harm from thimerosal as a vaccine preservative other than rare allergic reactions. Even so, as a precautionary measure in response to concerns about exposure to mercury in infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Public Health Service issued a joint statement in 1999 recommending removal of thimerosal from vaccines.

    At that time, just one childhood vaccine was available only in a version that contained thimerosal as an ingredient. This was a vaccine called DTP, for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Other childhood vaccines were either available only in formulations without thimerosal or could be obtained in versions that did not contain it.

    By 2001, U.S. manufacturers had removed thimerosal from almost all vaccines – and from all vaccines in the childhood vaccination schedule.

    In 2004, the U.S. Institute of Medicine Immunization Safety Review Committee reviewed over 200 scientific studies and concluded there is no causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism. Additional well-conducted studies reviewed independently by the CDC and by the FDA did not find a link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism or neuropsychological delays.

    How is thimerosal used today?

    In the U.S., most vaccines are now available in single-dose vials or syringes. Thimerosal is found only in multidose vials that are used to supply vaccines for large-scale immunization efforts – specifically, in a small number of influenza vaccines. It is not added to modern childhood vaccines, and people who get a flu vaccine can avoid it by requesting a vaccine supplied in a single-dose vial or syringe.

    Thimerosal is still used in vaccines in some other countries to ensure continued availability of necessary vaccines. The World Health Organization continues to affirm that there is no evidence of toxicity in infants, children or adults exposed to thimerosal-containing vaccines.

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

    – ref. A preservative removed from childhood vaccines 20 years ago is still causing controversy today − a drug safety expert explains – https://theconversation.com/a-preservative-removed-from-childhood-vaccines-20-years-ago-is-still-causing-controversy-today-a-drug-safety-expert-explains-259442

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: A preservative removed from childhood vaccines 20 years ago is still causing controversy today − a drug safety expert explains

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Terri Levien, Professor of Pharmacy, Washington State University

    A discredited study published in 1989 first alleged a link between thimerosal and autism. Flavio Coelho/Moment via Getty Images

    An expert committee that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccines is meeting for the first time since Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly replaced the committee’s 17 members with eight hand-picked ones on June 11, 2025.

    The committee, called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, generally discusses and votes on recommendations for specific vaccines. For this meeting, taking place June 25-26, 2025, vaccines for COVID-19, human papillomavirus, influenza and other infectious diseases were on the schedule. According to an updated agenda, however, the committee is now also scheduled to hear a presentation on a chemical called thimerosal and to vote on proposed recommendations regarding its use in influenza vaccines.

    Public health experts have raised concerns about the presentation, noting that anti-vaccine advocates continue to promote confusion regarding the purported health risks of thimerosal despite extensive research demonstrating its safety.

    I’m a pharmacist and expert on drug information with 35 years of experience critically evaluating the safety and effectiveness of medications in clinical trials. No evidence supports the idea that thimerosal, used as a preservative in vaccines, is unsafe or carries any health risks.

    What is thimerosal?

    Thimerosal, also known as thiomersal, is a preservative that has been used in some drug products since the 1930s because it prevents contamination by killing microbes and preventing their growth.

    In the human body, thimerosal is metabolized, or changed, to ethylmercury, an organic derivative of mercury. Studies in infants have shown that ethylmercury is quickly eliminated from the blood.

    Even though thimerosal is no longer used in childhood vaccines, many parents still worry about whether it can harm their kids.

    Ethylmercury is sometimes confused with methylmercury. Methylmercury is known to be toxic and is associated with many negative effects on brain development even at low exposure. Environmental researchers identified the neurotoxic effects of mercury in children in the 1970s, primarily resulting from exposure to methylmercury in fish. In the 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration established limits for maximum recommended exposure to methylmercury, especially for children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age.

    Why is thimerosal controversial?

    Fears about the safety of thimerosal in vaccines spread for two reasons.

    First, in 1998, a now discredited report was published in a major medical journal called The Lancet. In it, a British doctor named Andrew Wakefield described eight children who developed autism after receiving the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. However, the patients were not compared with a control group that was vaccinated, so it was impossible to draw conclusions about the vaccine’s effects. Also, the data report was later found to be falsified. And the MMR vaccine that children received in that report never contained thimerosal.

    Second, the federal guidelines on exposure limits for the toxic substance methylmercury came out about the same time as the Wakefield study’s publication. During that period, autism was becoming more widely recognized as a developmental condition, and its rates of diagnosis were rising. People who believed Wakefield’s results conflated methylmercury and ethylmercury and promoted the unfounded idea that ethylmercury in vaccines from thimerosal were driving the rising rates of autism.

    The Wakefield study was retracted in 2010, and Wakefield was found guilty of dishonesty and flouting ethics protocols by the U.K. General Medical Council, as well as stripped of his medical license. Subsequent studies have not shown a relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism, but despite the absence of evidence, the idea took hold and has proven difficult to dislodge.

    The Wakefield study severely damaged many parents’ faith in the MMR vaccine, even though its results were eventually shown to be fraudulent.
    Peter Dazeley/The Image Bank, Getty Images

    Have scientists tested whether thimerosal is safe?

    No unbiased research to date has identified toxicity caused by ethylmercury in vaccines or a link between the substance and autism or other developmental concerns – and not from lack of looking.

    A 1999 review conducted by the Food and Drug Administration in response to federal guidelines on limiting mercury exposure found no evidence of harm from thimerosal as a vaccine preservative other than rare allergic reactions. Even so, as a precautionary measure in response to concerns about exposure to mercury in infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Public Health Service issued a joint statement in 1999 recommending removal of thimerosal from vaccines.

    At that time, just one childhood vaccine was available only in a version that contained thimerosal as an ingredient. This was a vaccine called DTP, for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Other childhood vaccines were either available only in formulations without thimerosal or could be obtained in versions that did not contain it.

    By 2001, U.S. manufacturers had removed thimerosal from almost all vaccines – and from all vaccines in the childhood vaccination schedule.

    In 2004, the U.S. Institute of Medicine Immunization Safety Review Committee reviewed over 200 scientific studies and concluded there is no causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism. Additional well-conducted studies reviewed independently by the CDC and by the FDA did not find a link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism or neuropsychological delays.

    How is thimerosal used today?

    In the U.S., most vaccines are now available in single-dose vials or syringes. Thimerosal is found only in multidose vials that are used to supply vaccines for large-scale immunization efforts – specifically, in a small number of influenza vaccines. It is not added to modern childhood vaccines, and people who get a flu vaccine can avoid it by requesting a vaccine supplied in a single-dose vial or syringe.

    Thimerosal is still used in vaccines in some other countries to ensure continued availability of necessary vaccines. The World Health Organization continues to affirm that there is no evidence of toxicity in infants, children or adults exposed to thimerosal-containing vaccines.

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

    – ref. A preservative removed from childhood vaccines 20 years ago is still causing controversy today − a drug safety expert explains – https://theconversation.com/a-preservative-removed-from-childhood-vaccines-20-years-ago-is-still-causing-controversy-today-a-drug-safety-expert-explains-259442

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI: F&M Bank Announces Appointment of Ahmed Alomari to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO), announces the appointment of Ahmed Alomari to the Board of Directors of both the Company and the Bank. Mr. Alomari was appointed by the F&M Board of Directors on June 24, 2025, at the monthly board meeting.

    Mr. Alomari is widely recognized for his expertise in Oracle database performance and enterprise systems architecture. He founded Cybernoor in 2007 and remained CEO until it was acquired in 2021 by Buchanan Technologies [Cybernoor Info]. As part of the acquisition, Alomari became the Executive Vice President for Buchanan Technologies, overseeing the company’s database and application operations [Buchanan Technologies Appoints Ahmed Alomari as Executive VP].

    “Ahmed brings a deep level of technical expertise and a strong track record of innovation and strategic insight,” said Lars Eller, President and CEO of F&M Bank. “His knowledge of enterprise systems and data performance will be a valuable asset as we continue to enhance our digital capabilities and technology infrastructure.”

    Mr. Alomari holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan’s School of Engineering.

    About F&M Bank

    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe harbor statement

    Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    Company Contact: Investor and Media Contact:
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81637346-a2e6-4544-b7ff-fe65be09b5e1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: F&M Bank Announces Appointment of Ahmed Alomari to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO), announces the appointment of Ahmed Alomari to the Board of Directors of both the Company and the Bank. Mr. Alomari was appointed by the F&M Board of Directors on June 24, 2025, at the monthly board meeting.

    Mr. Alomari is widely recognized for his expertise in Oracle database performance and enterprise systems architecture. He founded Cybernoor in 2007 and remained CEO until it was acquired in 2021 by Buchanan Technologies [Cybernoor Info]. As part of the acquisition, Alomari became the Executive Vice President for Buchanan Technologies, overseeing the company’s database and application operations [Buchanan Technologies Appoints Ahmed Alomari as Executive VP].

    “Ahmed brings a deep level of technical expertise and a strong track record of innovation and strategic insight,” said Lars Eller, President and CEO of F&M Bank. “His knowledge of enterprise systems and data performance will be a valuable asset as we continue to enhance our digital capabilities and technology infrastructure.”

    Mr. Alomari holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan’s School of Engineering.

    About F&M Bank

    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe harbor statement

    Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    Company Contact: Investor and Media Contact:
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81637346-a2e6-4544-b7ff-fe65be09b5e1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: F&M Bank Announces Appointment of Ahmed Alomari to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO), announces the appointment of Ahmed Alomari to the Board of Directors of both the Company and the Bank. Mr. Alomari was appointed by the F&M Board of Directors on June 24, 2025, at the monthly board meeting.

    Mr. Alomari is widely recognized for his expertise in Oracle database performance and enterprise systems architecture. He founded Cybernoor in 2007 and remained CEO until it was acquired in 2021 by Buchanan Technologies [Cybernoor Info]. As part of the acquisition, Alomari became the Executive Vice President for Buchanan Technologies, overseeing the company’s database and application operations [Buchanan Technologies Appoints Ahmed Alomari as Executive VP].

    “Ahmed brings a deep level of technical expertise and a strong track record of innovation and strategic insight,” said Lars Eller, President and CEO of F&M Bank. “His knowledge of enterprise systems and data performance will be a valuable asset as we continue to enhance our digital capabilities and technology infrastructure.”

    Mr. Alomari holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan’s School of Engineering.

    About F&M Bank

    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe harbor statement

    Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    Company Contact: Investor and Media Contact:
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81637346-a2e6-4544-b7ff-fe65be09b5e1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: F&M Bank Announces Appointment of Ahmed Alomari to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO), announces the appointment of Ahmed Alomari to the Board of Directors of both the Company and the Bank. Mr. Alomari was appointed by the F&M Board of Directors on June 24, 2025, at the monthly board meeting.

    Mr. Alomari is widely recognized for his expertise in Oracle database performance and enterprise systems architecture. He founded Cybernoor in 2007 and remained CEO until it was acquired in 2021 by Buchanan Technologies [Cybernoor Info]. As part of the acquisition, Alomari became the Executive Vice President for Buchanan Technologies, overseeing the company’s database and application operations [Buchanan Technologies Appoints Ahmed Alomari as Executive VP].

    “Ahmed brings a deep level of technical expertise and a strong track record of innovation and strategic insight,” said Lars Eller, President and CEO of F&M Bank. “His knowledge of enterprise systems and data performance will be a valuable asset as we continue to enhance our digital capabilities and technology infrastructure.”

    Mr. Alomari holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan’s School of Engineering.

    About F&M Bank

    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe harbor statement

    Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    Company Contact: Investor and Media Contact:
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81637346-a2e6-4544-b7ff-fe65be09b5e1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New climate reporting rules start on July 1. Many companies are not ready for the change

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Baird, Senior Lecturer , University of Tasmania

    PaeGAG/Shutterstock

    A new financial year starts on July 1. For Australia’s large companies, that means new rules on climate-related disclosures come into force.

    These requirements are the culmination of years of planning to ensure companies disclose climate-related risks and opportunities for their business. The Albanese government passed the legislation in September 2024.

    To be clear, the time to prepare is gone. From July 1, large public companies and financial institutions must gather significant amounts of information and data to include in a new year-end sustainability report. Collecting all this information is one challenge; another is finding the specialists across many fields to compile the reports.

    This is a huge change for corporate Australia. It is a whole new reporting regime, supported by volumes of technical detail. Directors will need to sign off on the report. Investors must also upskill to make sense of the disclosures. Neither of these outcomes is assured.

    And it is not clear the increased disclosures will do anything to reduce actual emissions.

    Climate impacts in focus

    Though it’s called a sustainability report, in reality it is very much focused on climate-related disclosures. If you go looking for wider sustainability matters such as social impact, environmental performance and ethical choices, you will be disappointed.

    Markets and ultimately the millions of Australians who hold shares will be watching to find out if:

    1. Corporate Australia is prepared for the transition to this new regulatory regime

    2. End users of the new reports are equipped to decipher and understand the huge amount of additional data.

    My research suggests the answer to both questions is a resounding no.

    Starting with the big end of town

    The government has wisely adopted a three-year transition for the new reporting regime, with only the big end of town facing the music this year. Think the big four banks, big supermarkets and large miners.

    Some large corporations have been publishing sustainability reports for years. National Australia Bank, for example, published its first one in 2017.

    Over the next two years, medium and then smaller companies will join the fold. By 2027–28, companies will be required to report if they meet two of three thresholds: consolidated revenue of A$50 million, or consolidated gross assets of $25 million, or more than 100 employees.

    The reasoning behind the transition is they have the benefit of watching how the larger companies adapt to the new laws.

    What has to be disclosed?

    Reporting entities must include:

    – climate statements for the year plus any notes, and

    – the directors’ declaration about these statements and notes

    This sounds rather simple and straightforward, but it is not.

    Arriving at a completed sustainability report involves an understanding of two detailed documents: the international standards and a new Australian Accounting Sustainability Standard.

    The Australian standards are mandatory and based on the international rules. In broad terms, companies will be required to gather and disclose information on many micro-level issues, which are grouped into four categories. These are: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets.

    Some issues will straddle all four categories.

    For example, the physical risk of climate change (floods, uninsurable properties, supply chain disruption) can be considered at the board level and in dedicated climate committees (goverance); in planning for alternative supply chains in a climate transition plan (strategy); in risk assessment (risk management) and in data prediction of the costs involved (metrics and targets).

    The big challenge for corporate Australia is that the people, expertise and time required to deliver a sustainability report are in short supply.

    More than a quarter of ASX 200 companies do not use the international standards. This means they are not positioned to adapt to the new reporting regime. Even for those that have been early adopters, there has been selective use of the four categories.

    For the smaller companies that will follow the first reporting year, the stakes are high.

    More information is not always better

    The amount of new information (much of it technical) to be disclosed will be overwhelming for the producers of the sustainability reports – and for the readers, whether they are institutional or mum-and-dad investors.

    The cost of collecting and making sense of the data required to meet detailed reporting requirements will lead to many companies being swamped in data. More data collected does not equal better data.

    Deciding what data to collect and then making sense of it so it supports disclosures will be a major headache for most companies.

    The new climate disclosure rules will have a profound impact on corporate Australia. There is a significant gap in capacity and capability to meet the requirements of the new reporting regime. And there is a corresponding need to educate the readers of these new reports to make effective use of the disclosed information.

    Rachel Baird 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. New climate reporting rules start on July 1. Many companies are not ready for the change – https://theconversation.com/new-climate-reporting-rules-start-on-july-1-many-companies-are-not-ready-for-the-change-258706

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Israel’s domestic crises and Netanyahu’s aim to project power are reshaping the Middle East

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Spyros A. Sofos, Assistant Professor in Global Humanities, Simon Fraser University

    Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian territory have been widely framed as an act of deterrence or yet another episode in a protracted regional rivalry.

    Such interpretations overlook the deeper motivations behind Israel’s actions.

    As a global humanities scholar who specializes in Middle Eastern politics, I believe the world is watching the convergence of a domestic political crisis and a profound strategic shift as Israel evolves into a more aggressive entity in a fragmented international order.

    Political survival

    At the centre of Israel’s current strategic turn lies Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — a beleaguered leader fighting for political survival, but also considered a calculating, opportunistic operator with a particular vision of the Middle East.

    At home, Netanyahu, confronting an unprecedented convergence of challenges — multiple corruption indictments, mass protests against what many consider a self-serving judicial overhaul and a fragile governing coalition — has leaned into military escalation as both a defensive reflex and a political instrument. He’s seemingly deploying it to both mute dissent at home and assert control abroad.

    Israelis opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan set up bonfires and block a highway during a protest in March 2023.
    (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

    But Netanyahu’s ambitions appear to extend beyond his immediate political survival. He seems to be striving for a legacy-defining “1967 moment” — a transformative reordering of the regional landscape in the Middle East that sidelines the Palestinian issue and entrenches Israeli supremacy.

    This dual imperative — domestic survival and amassing power in the region — likely shapes Netanyahu’s recent actions, including the strike on Iran, the expanded occupation of Syrian territory, the October 2024 attack on Lebanon and the ongoing assaults on Gaza and the West Bank.

    By describing each military campaign as a reluctant necessity — forced upon him by Iran, Hamas or even his coalition hardliners — Netanyahu maintains public support as he consolidates power. His government has used war-time conditions to suppress public protest, push forward its radical constitutional agenda and advance his geopolitical vision.

    The result is a volatile but calculated strategy that is likely to mark Netanyahu’s tenure, though with significant repercussions for regional stability.

    Israel’s grand strategy

    While Netanyahu’s actions could serve his immediate political ends, they also reflect a longer-term shift in Israeli grand strategy. Following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, Israel intensified a long-standing pattern of pre-emptive strikes and campaigns to neutralize its adversaries. This strategy has been pursued at an unprecedented scale in Gaza, but often without a clearly articulated political endgame.

    This pattern echoes a regional policy doctrine Netanyahu laid out in his 1993 book A Place Among the Nations when he asserted “the only peace that will endure in the region is the peace of deterrence.”

    This policy advocates the projection of overwhelming Israeli power, the emasculation of regional challengers and efforts to radically reorder the Middle East.

    Netanyahu’s doctrine, a more aggressive revision of Israel’s earlier pre-emptive security traditions, stands in sharp contrast to the approach pursued by the Oslo Accords-era leadership of the 1990s and 2000s — figures such as Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, and later Ehud Barak.

    They emphasized diplomacy over coercive leverage and perpetual confrontation. They sought genuine political settlements and a negotiated co-existence with Palestinians and neighbouring Arab states. This strategy — rooted in compromise and limited reconciliation — has now been decisively eclipsed by Netanyahu’s highly militarized approach and his vision for achieving strategic power in the Middle East.

    This approach underpins all of Israel’s modern-day actions — from its reoccupation of parts of Lebanon to its growing military footprint in Syrian territory, the obliteration of Gaza, its aggression against Iran and the increasing calls for Iranian regime change from the current Israeli cabinet.

    From buffer to power projection

    Nowhere is this clearer than in Israel’s expanding operations across its northern front. In Syria, Israel seized upon the post-Bashar al-Assad vacuum to entrench military control over at least 12 square kilometres of new terrain, constructing infrastructure and outposts far beyond prior ceasefire lines.

    This had less to do with protecting minority populations or deterring Iranian proxies — as officials claimed — and more with establishing long-term buffer zones and projecting dominance into a fragile post-war Syria.

    A similar pattern is evident in Lebanon. Following months of border escalation, Israel has sought not only to undermine Hezbollah’s capacity but to create no-go zones controlled by the Israeli military along the frontier. These operations reflect older strategic instincts but are now integrated in the ongoing process of Israel’s northern border redesign.

    Finally, Israel’s bombing campaign against Iran reflects a doctrine to move beyond containment toward strategic dismantlement of the Iranian regime’s regional power and to erode its ability to control its own territory.

    The escalation is the outcome of Israel’s pursuit of a favourable regional moment — the weakening of the so-called “Axis of Resistance” following the Abraham Accords of 2020 aimed at establishing diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations — and months of war in Lebanon and Syria.

    From ‘western ally’ to regional challenger

    A constellation of domestic and international changes has enabled Israel’s transformation.

    These include a shift in Israeli political culture encouraged by Netanyahu’s rejection of efforts to pursue some sort of regional co-existence and co-operation; the far right’s growing influence in government; and the ongoing disruption of the international order amid Donald Trump’s second presidency in the United States that gave Israel more room to manoeuvre.

    This constellation has eroded the few constraints the liberal international order had in the past imposed on Israel’s pursuit of its regional policies amid an era of expansionism, permanent conflict and the aggressive management — not resolution — of the Palestinian issue.

    Israel is now heading down the same path as Russia and Turkey, capitalizing on vast disparities in military and intelligence capabilities among regional powers to its advantage, disregarding international norms, undermining diplomacy and preferring transactional alliances instead of long-term peace processes.

    The U.S. has facilitated this transformation. Former president Joe Biden and now Trump have made very little effort to constrain Netanyahu.

    Trump’s “Gaza Riviera” plan, along with his isolationist rhetoric, have effectively left regional decision-making to Israel while he continues to underwrite Israeli military dominance and its use of overwhelming force to reshape its regional environment.



    Read more:
    Why Israel and the U.S. are sure to encounter the limits of air power in Iran

    Netanyahu’s reluctance to accept the current ceasefire as a definitive end to hostilities with Iran reveals his and his cabinet’s regional revisionist reflexes.

    Broader regional destabilization lies ahead as Israel seeks to destroy threats with immense military power without any strategic foresight.

    Spyros A. Sofos 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 Israel’s domestic crises and Netanyahu’s aim to project power are reshaping the Middle East – https://theconversation.com/how-israels-domestic-crises-and-netanyahus-aim-to-project-power-are-reshaping-the-middle-east-259359

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA:  Sen. Scott Applauds Treasury’s Action to Crack Down on Illicit Actors Fueling Fentanyl Trade

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    Treasury’s orders are a direct result of the authorities provided by the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, legislation led by Senator Scott to target the China-Mexico fentanyl supply chain.

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee Chairman, today applauded the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) for taking action against three Mexico-based financial institutions who have played a key role in money laundering in connection with the illicit fentanyl trade. Treasury’s orders are a direct result of the authorities provided by the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, legislation led by Senator Scott to target the China-Mexico fentanyl supply chain.

    “For too long, Americans across the country have fallen victim to the illicit actors that fuel the fentanyl trade, and it was clear we needed a different approach to help save American lives. That’s why I drafted and led legislation that was signed into law last year to target the financial assets of the criminal groups in China and Mexico poisoning our communities and profiting off the backs of Americans suffering from addiction. Treasury’s action today – thanks to the authorities provided by our bill – is yet another demonstration of President Trump’s commitment to keeping our communities safe,” said Senator Scott.

    BACKGROUND:

    Senator Scott wrote and introduced the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which directs the Department of Treasury to use U.S. economic security tools to choke off the profits of the Chinese precursor manufacturers and the Mexican cartels that push fentanyl across the border. The bill was debated and unanimously passed out of the Senate Banking Committee on June 21, 2023, during the committee’s first legislative markup since 2019. Multiple national groups, including law enforcement associations and anti-opioid abuse organizations, also voiced support for the bill. 

    Senator Scott’s bill was signed into law as part of the national security supplemental package in April 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Arbitrary use by Italian Government of golden power in the banking sector – E-001673/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission does not comment on individual cases or specific transactions.

    The Commission notes that in the European banking union significant banks are supervised by the Single supervisory mechanism, which has the task of vetting prospective acquirers of banks’ shares under EU rules (qualifying holdings).

    In addition, national competition authorities and/or the Commission have also the power to veto it under relevant EU and national competition rules.

    In principle, EU law prohibits restrictions to the fundamental market freedoms. As an exception, Member States may impose restrictions through their national laws only if such restrictions are proportionate and based on legitimate public interests.

    In the banking sector, such interests have to be other than prudential ones, to avoid interference with the European Central Bank’s competence.

    However, reliance on those exceptions must be interpreted strictly, to reflect genuine and sufficiently serious threats to a fundamental interest of society. Moreover, those derogations must not be applied to serve purely economic ends.

    Last updated: 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision on the adoption by Bulgaria of the euro on 1 January 2026 – A10-0113/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the proposal for a Council decision on the adoption by Bulgaria of the euro on 1 January 2026

    (COM(2025)0304 – C10‑0110/2025 – 2025/0158(NLE))

    (Consultation)

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2025)0304),

    – having regard to Article 140(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C10‑0110/2025),

    –  having regard to the Commission Convergence Report 2025 and the European Central Bank Convergence Report of June 2025,

    – having regard to Rule 108 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A10-0113/2025),

    1. Approves the Commission proposal;

    2. Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

    3. Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the text approved by Parliament;

    4. Instructs its President to forward Parliament’s position to the Council, the Commission, the European Central Bank, the Eurogroup and the governments of the Member States.

     

     

     

    EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

    Bulgaria joining the euro area sends a strong political and economic signal of confidence in the enduring viability and appeal of the European Union’s single currency. More than two decades after the euro’s introduction, Bulgaria’s readiness to adopt the euro on 1 January 2026 reaffirms the Union’s cohesion and the euro’s role as a global symbol of stability and unity. Bulgaria has achieved substantial progress towards full economic convergence, making it well-positioned to become the twenty-first member of the euro area.

    Bulgaria introduced its currency board framework on 1 July 1997, pegging the Bulgarian lev to the German mark and subsequently to the euro. Since its EU accession in 2007, Bulgaria has held the status of a “Member State with a derogation,” subject to regular convergence assessments by the European Commission and the European Central Bank.

    At the European Parliament level, the Euro Accession Countries Working Group was established by a decision of the ECON Coordinators on 18 November 2019. It remained active throughout the entire 9th legislative term, scrutinising Bulgaria’s readiness to join the euro area and holding four dedicated sessions with experts, as well as Bulgarian Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers of Finance. 

    On 25 February 2025, Bulgaria submitted a request for a convergence assessment. The ECB and Commission reports of 4 June 2025 include an examination of the compatibility between Bulgaria’s national legislation, notably the statute of its national central bank, with Articles 130 and 131 of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB and of the ECB. The reports also examine whether a high degree of sustainable convergence has been achieved, by reference to the fulfilment of the convergence criteria, and take account of several other factors required under the final sub-paragraph of Article 140(1) of the Treaty.

    Based on its own convergence report and that of the ECB, the Commission proposed that Bulgaria adopt the euro as of 1 January 2026. In accordance with Article 140(2) TFEU, the Council shall decide, by qualified majority and on a proposal from the Commission, which Member States with a derogation meet the necessary conditions for adopting the euro, as defined in Article 140(1) TFEU. This decision is to be made following consultation with the European Parliament and on the basis of the Commission and ECB reports. The Parliament is thus consulted on the legislative proposal for a Council decision to allow Bulgaria to adopt the euro on 1 January 2026.

    On the Convergence Criteria under Article 140(1) of the TFEU, the Rapporteur observes:

    1. Compatibility of National Legislation with Articles 130 and 131 TFEU and the Statutes of the ECB

    Bulgaria’s national legislation, including the Law on the Bulgarian National Bank, is fully aligned with EU requirements. The law guarantees the independence of the national central bank and of the members of its decision-making bodies, the prohibition of monetary financing and privileged access, and ensures compliance with the objectives of the ESCB as formulated in Article 127 of the Treaty.

    2. Achievement of a High Degree of Price Stability

    Over the 12 months to April 2025, Bulgaria recorded an average inflation rate of 2.7%, below the reference value of 2.8%. An analysis of a broad set of indicators reveals no concerns regarding the sustainability of price stability. The reference value is calculated as the average inflation rate of the three best-performing EU Member States in terms of price stability, plus 1.5 percentage points. For the period from May 2024 to April 2025, the reference value of 2.8% is based on the inflation rates of Ireland (1.2%), Finland (1.3%), and Italy (1.4%). No Member States were considered statistical outliers in this calculation, as none showed inflation deviations significantly above the euro area average due to country-specific factors.

    3. Sustainability of the Government Financial Position

    Bulgaria is currently not subject to a Council Decision on the existence of an excessive deficit. Its general government budget deficit stood at 3.0% of GDP in 2024, i.e. at the level of the 3% reference value, and its general government gross debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 24.1%, i.e. well below the 60% reference value since 2007. 

    4. Compliance with the Normal Fluctuation Margins of the EMS’s Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II) for at least the past 2 years

    The Bulgarian lev participated in ERM II in the two-year reference period from 20 May 2023 to 19 May 2025. Over the reference period, the lev did not exhibit any deviation from the central rate. Bulgaria has fulfilled nearly all of its post-entry commitments under ERM II. Further efforts are needed related to anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing (AML/CFT) measures.

    5. Durability of Convergence, as Reflected in Long-Term Interest Rate Levels

    In the twelve months ending April 2025, Bulgaria’s average long-term interest rate was 3.9%, well below the reference value of 5.1%. The reference value for April 2025 is calculated as the simple average of the average long-term interest rates in Ireland (2.8%), Finland (2.9%) and Italy (3.7%) plus 2 percentage points, yielding a reference value of 5.1%.

    6. Economic Integration and Convergence (Article 140(1), Second Subparagraph TFEU) 

    In accordance with Article 140 TFEU, the Commission’s assessment must also consider additional factors relevant to economic integration and convergence, as these provide insight into a Member State’s capacity to join the euro area without significant difficulties. These include developments in the balance of payments and product, labour, and financial market integration.

    In this context, Bulgaria’s external position has improved, with its combined current and capital account close to balance in 2024. The country is well integrated with the euro area through trade and investment, benefiting from increased banking and financial integration and access to the broader euro area market. Bulgaria continues to make progress but further actions are needed to address the rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, and regulatory quality. 

    While the financial sector is small and bank-dominated, it is well embedded in the euro area, supported by Bulgaria’s participation in the banking union since 2020. Market-based financing remains underdeveloped, but potential financial stability risks are being mitigated by the Bulgarian National Bank’s conservative macroprudential policy and the robustness of the banking system. The Commission’s 2025 Alert Mechanism Report found no need for an in-depth imbalance review, but emphasized the importance of closely monitoring developments in competitiveness, the housing market, and credit growth.

    Bulgaria’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), supported by €5.7 billion in EU grants (2021–2026), targets structural reforms, competitiveness, and reducing regional disparities. A revised RRP was submitted in April 2025 to accelerate implementation, especially in decarbonisation, governance, and business environment. Cohesion policy funds (€10.7 billion for 2021–2027) further support competitiveness, the green transition, social inclusion, and education, with implementation progressing overall, despite some remaining challenges.

    7. Note regarding Consultation of the European Parliament

    In accordance with Rule 108 of the Rules of Procedure, when Parliament is consulted pursuant to Article 140(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the committee responsible shall submit a report to Parliament advocating approval or rejection of the proposed act on the basis of which Parliament shall deliberate. Parliament shall take a single vote on the proposed act, to which no amendments may be tabled, which shall apply also to the vote in committee. On 19 March 2025, ECON Coordinators agreed the file to be treated swiftly with plenary vote in July and to allocate the rapporteurship on this file as soon as possible.

    Based on the above, the Rapporteur recommends that the derogation be lifted and Bulgaria adopts the euro on 1 January 2026.

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that she received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the draft report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

     

    Entity and/or person

    Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification

    Minister of Finance of the Republic of Bulgaria

    Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria to the European Union

    Chair of the Committee on Budget and Finance in the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria

    Association of Banks in Bulgaria

    Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank

    Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria

    Bulgarian Commission for Consumer Protection

     

    The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

     

    Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur declares that she has submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

     

     

     

     

    MINORITY POSITION

    MEP Rada Laykova

    Minority position under Rule 56(4) of the Rules of Procedure

    Proposal for a Council decision on the adoption by Bulgaria of the euro on 1 January 2026

    The supposed job of the EP is to scrutinize the Commission´s assessment on behalf of the people, as they will pay the price of the ignored Maastricht criteria – mathematical rules to ensure no Ponzi scheme happens to the Euro.

    However, what did it do?

    • Ignore incoherence between findings within the Commission report and its final assessment, which strongly suggests a political decision that ignores Maastricht criteria and math to the detriment of the people;

    • ignore the suspicious Bulgarian budget data sent to the Commission with absurd income projections and concealed expenses;

    • ignore the suppressed referendum in Bulgaria;

    • replace the scrutiny by a gleeful statement cheerleading Bulgaria´s boarding of the “Eurotanic”, ignoring the obvious state of the Euro, which shows several classic terminal signs of a flat currency. A short statement like “shared sorrow is half sorrow” would have been more honest.

    The lack of diligence might have serious and far-reaching consequences for the people in the Eurozone or Bulgaria as it recreates certain aspects of Greece´s accession into the Euro.

    Here, the EU´s “democracy in action” was “democracy in name only” and the people will pay the price, as evidenced in the past.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –