Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-02)
Davenport, IA– Today, U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) joined Secretary of the Army Driscoll for a site visit and mission briefing at the Rock Island Arsenal, one of the nation’s most critical logistics and manufacturing hubs.
“Rock Island Arsenal has always been a pillar of strength for our national defense and the Quad Cities region,”said Miller-Meeks. “As a 24-year Army veteran, it was an honor to join Secretary Driscoll today and hear directly from the dedicated men and women who keep this installation running. I remain committed to protecting the Arsenal, supporting its workforce, and ensuring it continues to serve our nation for generations to come.”
During the visit, Miller-Meeks and Secretary Driscoll toured the installation’s manufacturing operations, met with Army personnel and civilian employees, and discussed how provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, like full expensing, can modernize the Arsenal’s equipment production capabilities and drive innovation in defense manufacturing.
Background:
This visit follows Miller-Meeks’ April 25, 2025letterto Secretary Driscoll urging him to protect Rock Island Arsenal amid reports of a potential reduction in force due to a consolidation of Joint Munitions Command (JMC) and Army Sustainment Command (ASC). In the letter, Miller-Meeks emphasized that Rock Island Arsenal is not only essential to America’s military readiness but also a cornerstone of the Quad Cities economy.
According to the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, Rock Island Arsenal supports more than 15,000 jobs and contributes over $1.2 billion annually to the regional economy. The installation provides command support to the Army Contracting Command, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and plays a unique role in advanced manufacturing, including 3-D printed parts for troops deployed abroad.
Miller-Meeks, who serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has been a consistent advocate for protecting and strengthening Rock Island Arsenal through the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Nearly half of Arsenal employees live in Iowa, and many are veterans continuing to serve their country in civilian roles.
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On June 27, 2025, the final of the All-Russian competition of final qualification works in the format “Startup as a Diploma” was held at the National Center “Russia”, the winner of which was a student of the State University of Management.
The author of the best startup in Russia, a 4th-year student of the Institute of Industry Management of the State University of Management of the educational program “Small and Medium Business Management” Danila Yakovlev, has developed a glass processing technology that allows obtaining a finished product for sale – glass pebbles. The project “
The Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, the Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova and the Deputy Director of the Department of State Youth Policy and Educational Activities of the Ministry of Education and Science Alexander Vedekhin, as well as the First Deputy Chair of the Committee on Science and Higher Education of the State Duma Ksenia Goryacheva addressed the young entrepreneurs and guests of the event with welcoming words.
Our student’s performance did not leave the members of the expert jury indifferent – following the results of the final pitches, Danila Yakovlev became the absolute winner of the competition and took 1st place. In addition, he received a special prize from the Moscow School of Management “Skolkovo”, a certificate for participation in the acceleration program “Academy of Innovators” and other gifts from the competition partners. The scientific director of the project Victoria Degtyareva received special gratitude.
Only 14 finalists presented their innovative ideas to the expert jury. The podium of honor looks like this:
1st place – startup “Innovative glass pebbles”#Proesklo “, State University of Management;
2nd place – startup “Automated irrigation system – Control’s”, Russian State Agrarian University – MSCHA named after K.A. Timiryazeva;
3rd place – Startup Recyclix – plastic processing, Far Eastern Federal University.
The event brought together over 400 participants – students from different regions of Russia, experts, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, universities and government bodies. The hosts were Olga Serebryannikova, Director of the Project Office for the Development of Youth Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Institutions, and Andrey Goryachev, a finalist of the 2024 Startup as a Diploma competition. The young entrepreneurs and guests of the event were addressed with welcoming speeches by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Valery Falkov, First Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Science and Higher Education of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Ksenia Goryacheva, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova and Deputy Director of the Department of State Youth Policy and Educational Activities of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia Alexander Vedekhin.
The final became an important part of the large-scale joint work of university teams, mentors and partners in the development of youth entrepreneurship. Students and employees of the State University of Management, including his scientific supervisor, Associate Professor of the Department of Innovation Management Victoria Degtyareva, came to support Danila at the final stage of the competition. Also on the day of the final, an exhibition of the TOP-50 projects of the Startup as a Diploma competition of 2025 was held at the site of the National Center “Russia”, where one could get acquainted with another innovative development of the State University of Management – the project of the Business Incubator resident Mikhail Zorin HolterTECH (a wireless Holter designed to monitor the work of the heart), which was also highly appreciated by the experts of the competition this year.
We asked Danila Yakovlev for details about his project.
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What is unique about your product and what advantages does it provide? — The technology itself is not unique, but for some reason large businesses do not use it. Construction companies tried to make materials cheaper with this technology, but we transferred the product to another industry where people are willing to pay for beauty and comfort. In addition, we were able to significantly reduce the time and labor costs of the processing process, which allows us to save on electricity and human resources. Plus, given the integration into an existing business, our raw material cost is negative, that is, the waste generator pays us to take this glass from them. It should also be added that the production line can fit on 100 square meters, and only two operators can control it. In terms of numbers, this is a very promising project.
What investments will be required to fully launch the project? – We have outlined several stages of investment. At the first stage, we will need 3.5 million rubles to purchase equipment to complete the first line, launch and adjust the process.
What difficulties do you face in the process of project implementation and how do you overcome them? — The main problem today is that I have 24 hours in a day, like everyone else. I understand that all entrepreneurs are busy people. Every hour is not that expensive, but it is very valuable. Sometimes there is simply not enough time to sleep or spend time with family. In addition, unemployment in Russia is now extremely low, everyone works somewhere, but for some reason no one wants to here. Fortunately, there are young ambitious students who are eager to work not for money, but for the sake of prospects. And in general, you can’t say “problems”. There are tasks that need to be solved. And there are dreams. I invite everyone to achieve them together. We now need a warehouse manager, even a young one with no experience, we need simple warehouse employees, sales managers. We need everyone. If you want, we will accept everyone. We have a lot of ideas, we have an agreement with the State University of Management and students can do paid internships with us. I think together we can build a cool future.
How do you see the future?
The full interview with Danila Yakovlev will soon be available on the GUU channel on RuTube.
We are posting Danila’s contact on Telegram for those who would like to join his project or do an internship: https://t.me/yakovleff_dan
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, announced his amendments to President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans’ budget megabill in an attempt to thwart the legislation’s most catastrophic impacts. The partisan proposal—which Republicans are ramming through Congress using a legislative process that enables them to expedite it and pass it with a fewer number of votes than most Senate legislation—would slash critical funding for programs that Virginians rely on to disproportionately give tax cuts to the wealthy.
“We should be focused on growing and supporting the middle-class, not passing Donald Trump and congressional Republicans’ Hurt People, Kill Jobs, and Spike the Debt to Reward the Rich Act,” said Kaine. “I’m filing amendments to protect Americans from some of the worst of the worst from this Administration and its partisan megabill—from safeguarding our rural hospitals and preventing Americans from losing their health insurance, to keeping families from going hungry, standing up for our veterans, and preventing energy cost increases. I’m also filing amendments to address ways this bill is uniquely bad for Virginia, including to restore funding the Richmond Water Treatment Plant desperately needs and to address the proposed transfer of the Space Shuttle Discovery from Chantilly to Houston at enormous expense to the American taxpayer. The fact that these amendments are necessary in the first place goes to show that Republicans will stop at nothing to give the wealthiest a massive tax break.”
Kaine filed a series of amendments, including:
To rename the legislation the “Hurt People, Kill Jobs, and Spike the Debt to Reward the Rich Act.”
To protect Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from cuts by reversing tax cuts that benefit the wealthy and large corporations.
To protect Virginia’s rural hospitals by mitigating changes to the Medicaid provider tax program.
To crack down on the Trump Administration’s mass firing of veterans from the federal workforce, by prohibiting firings of federal employee veterans without submitting a report to Congress.
To protect Virginians’ health care coverage by eliminating the estate tax cut for multi-millionaires.
To provide small businesses, farmers, and low- and moderate-income families with relief from Trump’s senseless trade wars.
To prevent the weakening and destruction of unions representing federal workers.
To require agencies to cease illegal mass firings and illegal withholdings of appropriated funding.
To prevent utility bill increases by blocking Republicans’ effort to create a new tax on wind and solar power and undo energy efficiency tax credits Kaine helped create through the Inflation Reduction Act.
To include Kaine’s bipartisan Jumpstarting Our Businesses By Supporting Students (JOBS) Act to help more Americans get good-paying jobs by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants—need-based education grants for lower-income individuals—to pay for shorter-term job training programs for the first time.
To restore funding for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program within the Federal Emergency Management Agency. BRIC grants were canceled by the Trump Administration for projects across Virginia, including a $12 million grant for the Richmond Water Treatment Plant and a $24 million grant to enhance the Lake Meade Dam in Portsmouth.
To prevent the transfer of the Space Shuttle Discovery from the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia—where it is available for viewing to the public free of charge—to Houston, Texas. The transfer would cost hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars and force Americans to pay an admission fee to view the shuttle.
To align a portion of munitions procurement spending to the European Deterrence Initiative to support European partners’ capacity to provide their own national security.
To prevent Republicans from hiding the true cost of their bill and violating long-standing Senate rules.
Full text of Kaine’s amendments is available here.
When former President Joe Biden revealed in May that he had been diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer, the news rattled UConn’s Reza Amin ’18 Ph.D., ’19 MS.
Amin is the CEO and Founder of Bastion Health, the first and largest virtual urology group in the country. Bastion, a UConn startup, addresses men’s health care through at-home diagnostics, specialist-led care, and elimination of impediments to medical attention.
Detecting prostate cancer in its most treatable stage is more than a professional interest for Amin. He lost his grandfather to the disease and wants to spare others from that heartbreak.
“Prostate cancer is a cruel disease because it can often be asymptomatic and, without testing, men don’t know they have it,’’ he says. “The good news is that if prostate cancer is diagnosed early, the survival rate is close to 100 percent. Diagnosed later, it falls to about 40 percent.
“Our work at Bastion is about changing that equation—by offering early, accessible, and private care for our male patients,’’ he says. Bastion also addresses prostate, hormonal, and reproductive issues, as well as cancer prevention.
“Improving men’s access to care is at the heart of what we do. We’re building a future where men don’t delay care because of stigma, access issues, or inconvenience,’’ he says. “When care is confidential, virtual, and designed around them, men are more willing to use it.’’
Men’s Health a Growing Concern
Bastion Health is based at the UConn Technology Incubation Program (TIP) in Farmington, which unites research, facilities, and business support for high-impact startups.
The company, created in 2020, contracts with large employers who offer the medical service to their employees. Some 120,000 men—in all 50 states— have access to Bastion’s services. The company is growing quickly and is set to expand, adding multiple Fortune 500 employers to its ranks next year.
The statistics about men’s health are concerning. About one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. In the last seven years or so, there has been a spike in men being diagnosed with late-stage disease.
Reza Amin (courtesy of Bastion Health)
Bastion offers at-home testing, supported by a team of more than 60 board-certified urologists, who deliver comprehensive virtual care and guide patients every step of the way, offering fast referrals when in-person support is needed.
New patients begin with an app-based intake, followed by a nurse practitioner visit and at-home diagnostic kits delivered to their door. The tests cover blood, urine, semen, and stool. Samples are processed by certified labs, and results are reviewed by board-certified urologists to initiate treatment.
“The clinical accuracy matches traditional in-office care, but with greater convenience, faster follow-through, and a better patient experience,’’ Amin says. The normalization of telehealth following the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated Bastion’s growth, making virtual specialty care not just viable—but preferred, he added.
The traditional health care system hasn’t evolved with men’s needs, and as a result, many men bypass it, Amin says. Long waits in a doctor’s office, missed time at work, embarrassing test requirements, and difficulty scheduling follow-up appointments result in men avoiding life-enhancing or life-saving care.
“Men deserve care that’s private, seamless, and designed for them, especially when it comes to issues ‘under the belt,’” Amin says. “We’re a team of technologists, physicians, nurses, and health professionals building the future of men’s health. With AI-powered telehealth, nationwide urologist access, and integrated at-home testing, we’re redefining specialty care—delivered from home, anywhere in the country. We are always keeping the patient in mind in whatever we do.”
The medical service not only improves outcomes and prevents late-stage diagnoses, but also reduces health care spending for employers and payers.
“Not only are we saving lives, but we are also saving companies a great deal of money. Every cancer patient who is diagnosed early saves employers and payers $300,000. That’s just huge,” Amin says. “In many cases that savings alone covers the cost of the program for the entire employee population.’’
From Avid Researcher to Business Entrepreneur
Amin’s business idea began 10 years ago when he was completing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, with a focus on medical diagnostic system design, at UConn. He published his first paper on at-home testing and how it can help with cancer detection.
“It started as an idea on paper, but it pieced things together,’’ he says. As the idea took root, Amin realized he wanted to create something more impactful than a testing company. He wanted to transform access to care.
“We dove into everything—regulations, diagnostics, emerging tech,” he says. “Today, we’re an AI-powered virtual care platform integrating at-home testing and automated clinical workflows. With help from AI, we streamline medical documentation, enhance clinical decision-making, and engage patients more effectively, improving the experience for both patients and providers. It’s about reducing friction, increasing satisfaction, and delivering high-quality care at scale.”
The year after completing his Ph.D., Amin added a master’s degree in global entrepreneurship from UConn to his resume. He is also the co-founder of Encapsulate, a precision personalized cancer therapy program.
Urologists Often Difficult to Find
Because urology practices are most frequently located in cities, some 62% of United States counties don’t have a single urologist, Amin says. That makes it difficult for many men, even those who are health-conscious, to get an appointment and schedule follow-ups if a problem is detected.
At Bastion, the team tries to make accessing care as seamless as possible. A dedicated care coordinator alerts men to appointments, testing, and medication refills. If follow-up care is needed, the patient is quickly referred to a health care system that can address even complex treatment.
If men are comfortable receiving care at home, let’s bring it to them there. We are leading the market but not abandoning high-quality service. — Reza Amin, Bastion Health
Through Bastion’s focus on patient satisfaction, Amin and his team reviewed and adopted technologies designed with the male patient experience in mind—making it easy to collect blood, urine, semen, and stool from home.
“We strive to be tech-savvy and futuristic thinking,” he says. “If men are comfortable receiving care at home, let’s bring it to them there. We are leading the market but not abandoning high-quality service.”
UConn Instrumental in Bastion’s Success
Bastion Health has also benefitted from numerous UConn entrepreneurship programs through the School of Business, College of Engineering, the Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. As an entrepreneur, Amin says, he ran into many people who discouraged his efforts. The support from UConn offset the challenges.
“Our company is a UConn spinoff. We’re Huskies through and through. We’ve had great support, lab and office space, and we utilize talent from UConn,” Amin says.
Amin has also competed in prestigious entrepreneurship competitions, including Connect Next, Mayo Clinic Incubator, Mass Challenge, and Plug & Play.
Bastion has been recognized in Forbes twice and as a Top 100 Healthcare Tech Company by Healthcare Tech Report Nation. He was also chosen as a “40 Under Forty” award recipient by the Hartford Business Journal.
“In growing this business, I realized that talent is key. I wanted to spend enough time to find the right people. Technology and funding are important, but it is talent that brings the ideas, builds the culture, and shares the vision that creates value,’’ he says. “Our partnerships and alignment are very important.’’
‘It Impacts Everyone and Everything’
Although Amin is focused on caring for men’s health, he recognizes the work he does has a profound ripple effect.
“Whether you’re addressing men’s health, women’s health, or children’s health, it is all family health,” he says. “Everyone wants a healthy family and if any one member has a problem, it impacts everyone and everything, from fear and disruption to employment and income concerns.”
“Losing lives to conditions that are treatable, when solutions exist and can’t be accessed, is failure,” he says. “We hope to save many families from going through the terrible experience of advanced prostate cancer.’’
NEW YORK, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ashton Thomas Private Wealth (“Ashton Thomas” or the “Company”), an Arax Investment Partners firm, is proud to celebrate Managing Wealth Advisor and Women & Wealth Ambassador Cary Carbonaro, who was named InvestmentNews’ 2025 DEI Trailblazer of the Year.
This honor recognizes an outstanding trailblazer in the wealth management and financial planning industry who has shown a meaningful commitment and impact on diversity in financial services. Ms. Carbonaro was honored for dedicating her career to supporting female clients and advisors, both with Ashton Thomas and across the broader industry.
“We’re very proud of Cary,” said Aaron Brodt, Chief Executive Officer of Ashton Thomas. “This national recognition is a testament to the work she has done at Ashton Thomas to foster financial empowerment, share knowledge and uplift women in the financial services industry. Advisors like Cary make our network strong, helping us to effectively serve a diverse range of clients across the country. We appreciate her contributions and look forward to continuing our work together.”
The annual InvestmentNews Awards recognize top-performing advisors who demonstrate leadership, innovation and transformative results for clients. Final winners were announced on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the InvestmentNews Awards dinner in New York City. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth was honored as an Excellence Awardee in the RIA Firm of the Year category. Lance Knight, Partner, Senior Director and Head of Business Development at Ashton Thomas was honored as an Excellence Awardee in the Excellence in Philanthropy and Community Service category for his work with St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Nevada.
About Ashton Thomas Private Wealth Ashton Thomas is a diversified financial services firm committed to a culture of excellence, integrity, and respect in every aspect of its business. Through its various entities listed below, Ashton Thomas serves foundations, businesses, and affluent individuals and families by providing a range of services which include fee-based financial planning and investment portfolio management, retirement plan consulting, securities brokerage, life and health insurance, and income tax preparation. The firm also strives to remain at the forefront of technological innovation and thought leadership within the financial services industry.
Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, LLC, (“ATPW”), founded in 2010, is an SEC-registered investment adviser which provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC, (“ATS”) is a dually registered entity. ATS registered with FINRA as a broker-dealer in 1984 and provides securities brokerage services. ATS became an SEC-registered investment adviser in 2008 and provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Insurance Agency, LLC, (“ATIA”) provides life and health insurance brokerage services. ATIA also provides income tax services through its DBA, Ashton Thomas Tax Advisory. Representatives of the entities listed may only conduct business for which they are licensed, if required, and with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered and/or licensed.
About Arax Investment Partners Arax Investment Partners is a rapidly growing boutique wealth management platform making strategic control investments in leading RIAs and elite advisor teams. Founded and led by CEO Haig Ariyan — a seasoned industry executive with a distinguished track record of building and scaling wealth management businesses — Arax empowers its partners to be entrepreneurial and focus on delivering exceptional client service. Firms benefit from a management team with deep M&A expertise, capital sourcing capabilities, and the backing of RedBird Capital Partners. For more information, visit www.araxpartners.com.
Headline: Governor Stein Announces New Auto Industry Supplier Will Create 125 Jobs in Rutherford County
Governor Stein Announces New Auto Industry Supplier Will Create 125 Jobs in Rutherford County lsaito
Raleigh, NC
Governor Josh Stein announced today that TMG & Haartz Solutions LLC, a new joint venture to supply synthetic leather materials for automotive interiors, will create 125 jobs over the next five years in Rutherford County. The company will invest $51 million in Bostic to establish an industrial facility to supply original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Mercedes Benz, Volvo, BMW, GM, Toyota, and Ford.
“North Carolina’s robust network of suppliers to the automotive industry grows stronger today with TMG Haartz Solutions’ decision to locate in our state,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Manufacturing companies understand that North Carolina’s workforce training programs can help supply the skilled craftspeople they need.”
TMG Haartz Solutions is a new joint venture formed by two family-owned companies, each with long histories of serving the automotive industry. The Haartz Corporation, formed in 1907 with headquarters in Acton, Massachusetts, is a world leader in highly engineered and uniquely designed convertible toppings and interior surface materials. TMG Automotive (TMG), a business unit of the TMG Group with headquarters in Portugal, is a world leader in automotive interior surface materials, notably synthetic leathers.
The new company, TMG Haartz Solutions, will focus on the localized supply of highly engineered synthetic leather materials for automotive interior trim components such as seat covers, instrument panels, door pillars, and shift gear boots. The company’s mission aims to drive the next generation of automotive design by crafting precision materials that reflect the company’s global expertise, commitment to local stewardship, and dedication to a lighter environmental footprint. The company’s project in Rutherford County will establish an industrial manufacturing center in Bostic at a site previously used for the Milliken Golden Valley plant.
“Our journey began with a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, values passed down through generations of the Gonçalves family,” said Isabel Furtado, Board Member at TMG Group & Board Member and CEO at TMG Automotive. “From our roots in Portugal to this new chapter in the United States, we have always believed in building relationships based on trust, respect, and shared purpose. The relationship between Gonçalves and Haartz families is more than a business alliance—it is a story of mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for the future of mobility.”
“Collaboration is one of our core values at Haartz, and our relationship with the Gonçalves family and TMG Automotive is a shining example of how shared values, mutual respect, and family heritage can transcend business,” said Eric Haartz, CEO at The Haartz Corporation. “What began as a business relationship has grown into a deep bond between our families — one that continues to inspire innovation and lasting impact. We are honored to take this next step together, bringing our combined strengths to an exciting new chapter in the United States.”
“North Carolina is the number one manufacturing state in the Southeastern United States, and our leadership has been noticed by companies around the world,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “From our world-class transportation networks to our concentration of workers with manufacturing experience, we can offer companies like TMG Haartz Solutions the right ingredients for success.”
Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new positions will be $64,218, compared with an average wage in Rutherford County of $46,673.
The company’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by more than $352.59 million. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $1,463,000, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation targets.
The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 125 per cent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost, the state receives $2.25 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.
“I’m pleased to see two family-owned companies with great reputations begin their next phase of growth together right here in North Carolina and Rutherford County,” said Senator Tim Moffitt. “We are a family-friendly region and our community will rally around and support this company as it begins to put down roots in our area.”
“It takes a lot of work behind the scenes by many community and economic development groups to bring a great company like TMG Haartz Solutions to our region,” said Representative Paul Scott. “We welcome these new jobs and this confident investment in the people of Rutherford County.”
Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the Commerce Department’s Division of Workforce Solutions, Isothermal Community College, Rutherford County, and Rutherford County Economic Development.
With this announcement, since January 1st, Governor Stein has announced business expansions or new projects that will make more than $16.3 billion of new capital investment in North Carolina and create more than 18,000 new good-paying jobs.
Headline: Governor Stein Highlights Ongoing Efforts to Expand Access to Good Jobs with Good Wages
Governor Stein Highlights Ongoing Efforts to Expand Access to Good Jobs with Good Wages lsaito
Raleigh, NC
Today at Central Piedmont Community College, Governor Josh Stein’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships announced its first report, outlining its goals to expand access to good jobs with good wages that will support a family.
“You shouldn’t have to get a four-year degree to get a good job and support your family,” said Governor Stein. “That’s why I am committed to creating more good-paying jobs and pursuing the goals in this report so that our people have the skills and knowledge they need to build strong careers and bright futures in a changing economy.”
“The Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships featured the expertise of representatives from everyone in our workforce system, from employers and labor to educators and state officials,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Meeting the goals adopted by the Council will be vital to continuing North Carolina’s economic success, because our talented people give us our competitive edge.”
“Communities in every corner of the state, whether they are urban or rural, all need workers with the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Senator Eddie Settle. “The Council’s goals identify the top priorities for North Carolina to continue building an exceptional business climate, while allowing all workers to have opportunities for rewarding careers.”
“Building upon North Carolina’s strong tradition of collaboration in workforce development, the Council has highlighted important ways that we can use education, training, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning partnerships to meet the needs of employers,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the N.C. Community College System. “Our outstanding 58 community colleges look forward to playing a key role in meeting these goals.”
The 11 goals approved by the Council and submitted to Governor Stein are:
1. Ensure 2 million North Carolinians aged 25-44 will have earned an industry-valued credential or degree.
2. By graduation, ensure that every high school student has completed coursework that results in transferable credit or credentials/certifications in preparation for the postsecondary pathway of their choice. The coursework includes dual enrollment, Career & Technical Education (CTE) concentrator, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate, and work-based learning courses.
3. For graduating high school students, increase postsecondary enrollment, employment, or enlistment in the military within 12 months of high school graduation.
4. Double the number of registered apprentices.
5. Increase participation in work-based learning:
Double the number of work-based learning experiences through the NCWorks system with funding from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I and the Native American Workforce Program.
Double the number of high school students participating in work-based learning.
Increase by 25% the number of community college students participating in work-based learning courses.
Increase by 25% work-based learning experiences including Correction Enterprises roles and work-release at state correctional facilities.
Increase by 15% work-based learning experiences for individuals with disabilities through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title IV funds.
Double the number of students participating in the state government internship program.
6. Engage 50,000 employers to partner with the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships on achieving its goals.
7. Establish and expand coordinated partnerships between education and workforce agencies and employers to increase alignment of resources to better address current and projected employer needs. Partnerships will result, on an annual basis, in the identification of local industry-valued training across the education continuum, shared planning for educational courses to meet these training needs, and increased use of available federal and state funds to support training in these programs.
8. Create statewide sector-based workforce development strategies for at least 3 key industries, including, but not limited to, advanced manufacturing, education, and health care.
9. Develop a plan to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills development into sector-based strategies and work-based learning in key industries to build a future-ready workforce.
10. Reduce state government vacancy rate to 15%.
11. Launch a coordinated statewide public outreach effort to broaden awareness and participation in workforce development programs by employers, learners, jobseekers, and incumbent workers, with an emphasis on reaching under-tapped talent pools like rural communities, veterans and their families, individuals with disabilities, and justice-involved people.
Established through Executive Order No. 11 as an advisory body within the NCWorks Commission, the Council is co-chaired by N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, N.C. Senator Eddie Settle, and N.C. Community College System President Dr. Jeff Cox. The Department of Commerce and the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) provide administrative support for the Council’s work. The Council will continue to meet and will develop a second report, due in December 2025, detailing proposed strategies to attain each goal.
Since January 1st, Governor Stein has announced business expansions or new projects that will make more than $16.3 billion of new capital investment in North Carolina and create more than 18,000 new good-paying jobs.
Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the International Business Forum Opening, of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development FFD4 (Sevilla, Spain).
Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the International Business Forum Opening, of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development FFD4 (Sevilla, Spain).
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Darnell William King, age 42, was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release following his plea in May to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the indictment and information presented in court, King entered into separate conspiracies to commit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud and to use stolen identities to obtain personal lines of credit from various private lenders in and around Wake County. King was also ordered to pay restitution to the Small Business Administration and the private lenders who were defrauded.
“This sentence sends a clear message: those who seek to exploit pandemic relief programs and steal individuals’ identities for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “Mr. King’s deliberate and repeated fraud undermined a program designed to help struggling businesses in Eastern North Carolina. Thanks to the diligence of our federal and state partners, justice has been served.”
“Criminals cause immeasurable hardship to innocent victims and businesses by lying and stealing their identities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard Gaskins, Charlotte Field Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “The defendant knowingly stole personally identifiable information and recruited others to aid in obtaining fraudulent loans using the stolen info. Our special agents will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office, to find, investigate and prosecute those who choose to willfully defraud the American people.”
“Stealing critical resources aimed at protecting communities and citizens is inexcusable,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Not only did this individual exploit assistance programs aimed at helping those in need, but he did so while illegally possessing a firearm. Prohibited individuals in possession of firearms are dangerous and should be considered serious threats to public safety.”
King and others recruited “mules” to obtain fraudulent personal loans. King created fake driver’s licenses and other identity documents using a true photo of the mule and stolen personally identifying information belonging to unknowing victims. The mules then used the fake identity documents and other forged business records to obtain personal loans based on applications for credit that King or others had previously submitted online. The mule would then deliver the loan proceeds to King or his co-conspirators and would receive kickbacks anywhere between $100 and $2,000.
“This extensive investigation, known as Operation Overload, uncovered a sophisticated criminal enterprise that fraudulently utilized thousands of North Carolina licenses, resulting in financial crimes that impacted individuals across multiple states,” said Captain Vaughn of the North Carolina DMV License & Theft Bureau. “Bureau commends its inspectors, intelligence analysts, and all partner agencies for their hard work and collaboration. Their efforts underscore the importance of interagency cooperation in combating complex fraud schemes and safeguarding the identities of North Carolina residents.”
“This investigation began following several complaints from Wake County residents regarding identity theft and fraud. Over the course of nearly a year, a thorough investigation led to multiple arrests, supported by the NCDMV License and Theft, Clayton Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the IRS Criminal Investigations. The investigators involved demonstrated exceptional diligence in pursuing the suspects and uncovering a vast network of crimes. Their efforts resulted in identifying hundreds of victims, not only in Wake County, but across North Carolina, and uncovering hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud. I would like to commend the investigators for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to serving the residents of our county and state,” Sheriff Willie Rowe said.
In a second conspiracy, King and other conspirators applied for a PPP loan in King’s name with falsified bank and tax records claiming that King had been working as an Uber driver before the pandemic, resulting in the disbursement of over $15,000 in funds guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. Finally, during the execution of a search warrant in Clayton seeking evidence related to the identity theft conspiracy, law enforcement discovered King in possession of a firearm with a high-capacity drum magazine, even though King is a previously convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms. King’s co-defendants, Loretta Clarice James and Lakesha Bowles, were previously sentenced to 8 years imprisonment and 30 months imprisonment respectively, for their roles in the conspiracies.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II pronounced the sentence. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation led the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations; the Wake County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles License & Theft Bureau. The Clayton Police Department and other local agencies have also aided over the course of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David G. Beraka and Ashley H. Foxx prosecuted the case.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Commerce announced Monday that it will extend anti-dumping duties on stainless steel billets and hot-rolled sheets and coils imported from the European Union, Britain, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Indonesia for another five years from July 1.
This decision was made following an investigation initiated in July 2024 at the request of the Chinese industry in connection with the expiration of anti-dumping measures in relation to the above-mentioned products.
As noted by the Ministry of Commerce, if the anti-dumping measures are terminated, dumping of stainless steel billets and hot-rolled sheets and coils imported from the EU, UK, ROK and Indonesia may continue or resume, potentially causing further or new damage to China’s industry.
Under the expanded measures, anti-dumping duties on imported stainless steel were set in the range of 23.1% to 103.1% for Kazakhstan, 43% for the EU and the UK, and 20.2% for Indonesia.
Stainless steel billets and hot rolled sheets and coils are widely used in shipbuilding, container manufacturing, railway construction, electric power, petroleum and petrochemical industries. –0–
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced twelve appointments to various boards and commissions.
Casey Burton, Ph.D., of St. James, was appointed to the State Board of Health and Senior Services.
Mr. Burton is the executive director of research and governmental affairs at Phelps Health in Rolla, Missouri. He also serves as an adjunct assistant professor of chemistry at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) where he develops and leads sponsored research involving noninvasive disease detection and characterization. Burton also serves on the boards of the Ozark Biomedical Initiative, Missouri Ozarks Community Action, Inc., Phelps County Community Resource Center, and more. Burton earned his doctorate in analytical chemistry and bachelor’s in chemistry from Missouri S&T.
James Carter Jr., of St. Charles, was appointed to the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Mr. Carter currently serves as an Advanced American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter and is certified and licensed by the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters in both Illinois and Missouri. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Carter is a member of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASL), World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), and Deaf in Government (DIG). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Lincoln Christian University.
Earl Crawford, of Excelsior Springs, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Mr. Crawford currently serves as executive director at Missouri Inclusive Housing Development Corporation. He has previous experience as a special education teacher, superintendent of a rehabilitation center, and an education consultant, among other positions. In addition to his professional experience, Crawford has served on the Marshall Parks and Recreation Board, Marshall School Board, Marshall Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Valley College Board of Trustees, and Midland Empire Resources of Independent Living (MERIL), as well as vice president of the Marshall Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Master of Special Education from the University of Central Missouri.
Betty Davidson, Ph.D., of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Ms. Davidson is a retired educational professional and expert in disability studies and inclusive practices. She previously served as the director of visually or orthopedically impaired students at the Special School District of St. Louis County. She also serves as the chair of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), the president of Inclusivity Media, the vice president of the St. Clare Hospital Auxiliary for SSM Health, and more. Dr. Davidson earned a doctorate in higher education from Saint Louis University, a master’s in special education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and her bachelor’s degree from Harris-Stowe State College.
Aaron Durso, of Taneyville, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Mr. Durso currently serves as Bull Creek Village Clerk. He has previous experience as burough manager and the municipal authority manager in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, and Senior Pastor at LOVE Christian Fellowship. A disabled veteran of the United States Air Force, Durso was honorably discharged in 1993. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Newburg Theological Seminary, Master of Ministry at Chesapeake Theological Seminary, and Bachelor of Religious Education at the University of Valley Forge.
Ronald Hack, of Sunset Hills, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Mr. Hack is a retired lawyer, formerly serving as a partner at Evans & Dixon, LLC and Gallop Johnson & Neuman, L.C. He has been an active community volunteer for more than 30 years, currently serving on the boards of the Sunset Hills Conservation Foundation and the Southwest Area Chamber of Commerce. Hack earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College.
Katie Jones, of St. Peters, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Ms. Jones is the chief program officer for Boone Center Inc. (BCI). She previously worked as supervisor for Cardinal Ritter Senior Services and a case manager for the Child Abuse and Neglect Unit for the Division of Family Services. In addition to her professional career, Jones is also a member of the Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services, Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop Managers, and the Legislative Committee of St. Charles Coalition. Jones earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Sociology from Lindenwood University.
Jennifer Meyer, of O’Fallon, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Ms. Meyer currently serves as principal at J. Meyer Strategies. She has previous experience as director of field operations for Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer and district field director for Senator Roy Blunt. In addition to her professional experience, Ms. Meyer serves as an executive board member for both the Freedom 13 and the North County Police Business Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.
Susan Orton, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.
Ms. Orton currently serves as a realtor and sales associate with Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is a member of the St. Louis Realtors Association, Member Inclusion Advisory Committee, and Brain Injury Association of Missouri. Orton is a graduate of Towson High School.
Paul Ogier, of Chesterfield, was appointed to the Health and Educational Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri.
Mr. Ogier is a retired certified public accountant (CPA), providing limited consulting services to not-for-profits in the senior housing industry. He also serves as the chief financial officer for the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in a part-time capacity. Ogier is an active member of his community, previously serving on the board of the Leading Age Missouri, Missouri Health Care Association, and the Treasurer of the Nursing Facilities Agent Corporation. Ogier earned his bachelor’s degree from the Missouri State University.
Jill Wedemeier, of Leopold, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.
Ms. Wedemeier is a judicial assistant and law clerk for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. She previously served as the Cape Girardeau assistant prosecuting attorney. She is an active member of the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence board, and the Leopold R-III School District Foundation. Wedemeier earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Southeast Missouri State University.
Claire West, of Jefferson City, was reappointed to the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS) Board of Trustees.
Prior to her retirement, Ms. West owned and operated Claire West Consulting LLC, a retirement consulting firm. She has previous experience as executive director of the Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement. Additionally, West served on the board of the Missouri Association of Public Employee Retirement Plans from 2000 to 2007. She holds an associate’s degree in business from Columbia College.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The structural division of the Bank of Russia responsible for conducting the survey, contact information for survey questions
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
July
July
Research into IT service providers.
The survey is conducted to study the quality of financial institutions’ management of the risk of outsourcing information technology and cloud services as of 01.07.2025.
Data submission deadline: no later than 21.07.2025
The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.
Information Security Department: Igor Vyacheslavovich Ozhered – Head of Department, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-65-69), e-mail: Celebration@kbr.ru; Mikhailovskaya Anastasia Sergeevna – consultant, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-64-37), e-mail: Mas@kbr.ru
2
July
July
Survey of financial market participants as part of the assessment of the “digital maturity” of the “Financial Services” industry.
The survey is conducted to assess the “digital maturity” of the “Financial Services” industry of financial market participants for the first half of 2025.
The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.
Department of Strategic Development of the Financial Market: Sadovskaya Tatyana Evgenievna – consultant, tel. 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 7-38-08), e-mail: Sadovskayate@kbr.ru; Department of Financial Technologies: Dmitry Vladislavovich Fedorov – Head of Department, tel. 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 7-31-73), e-mail: Fedorovdv@kbr.ru
4
July
July
A survey of trends in the segment of loans issued by microfinance organizations to small and medium-sized businesses.
The survey is conducted with the aim of studying the development of the small and medium-sized business loan segment.
Data provision period: 14 working days from the date the questionnaire is sent to the organization.
The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.
Department of Non-bank Lending: Elizaveta Yuryevna Shtykova – leading expert, tel. 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-16-36), e-mail: Shtykovayu@kbr.ru
6
July
August
Housing market survey.
The survey is conducted in order to obtain a more accurate assessment of the difference in prices between the primary and secondary housing markets, taking into account the region of location and the year the house was built for the period from 01.01.2021 to 30.06.2025.
The information is presented in CSV file format using the functionality of personal accounts.
Department of Financial Stability: Margarita Olegovna Selezneva – Chief Economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-55-98), e-mail: Seleznevamo@kbr.ru
7
July
October
A survey of microfinance organizations on the volume of consumer loans (credits) secured by a pledge of a motor vehicle and loans granted to individuals for purposes not related to their entrepreneurial activities, the borrowers’ obligations for which are secured by a mortgage.
The survey is conducted with the aim of collecting information from microfinance organizations on the volume of consumer loans (credits) secured by a pledge of a motor vehicle and loans granted to individuals for purposes not related to their entrepreneurial activities, the borrowers’ obligations for which are secured by a mortgage, for the third quarter of 2025.
Data submission deadline: no later than 14.10.2025
The survey is being conducted with the aim of analyzing complaints received directly by organizations supervised by the Bank of Russia for the second and third quarters of 2025.
Data submission deadline: for the second quarter of 2025 – July 2025; for the third quarter of 2025 – October 2025.
The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts. A letter from the Bank of Russia containing additional information is sent to survey participants before the start of the next reporting period.
Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Ensuring Accessibility of Financial Services: Vasily Evgenievich Zuev — head of the expert group, for technical support: e-mail: It_Appels@kbr.ru; for questions on methodological support: e-mail: method_appeals@cbr.ru
9
July
November
Cost of cross-border transfers by individuals from the Russian Federation.
The survey is conducted with the aim of achieving the sustainable development goals for the period up to 2030 (Sustainable Development Goals), adopted by UN Resolution No. 68/261 (indicator 10.c.1 of goal 10 “Reducing inequality within and among countries”) for the second and third quarters of 2025.
Data submission deadline: for the second quarter of 2025 – no later than 15.08.2025; for the third quarter of 2025 – no later than 15.11.2025.
The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.
Department of Non-bank Lending: Misnik Anastasia Romanovna – economic adviser, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 7-43-26), e-mail: Misnikar@kbr.ru
11
July
December
Survey of the implementation by credit institutions of the requirements of the Federal Law of 30.12.2004 No. 214-FZ “On participation in shared construction of apartment buildings and other real estate objects and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation.”
The survey is conducted for the purpose of operational monitoring of the functioning of developer accounts and escrow accounts issued to developers of loans using escrow accounts.
Data provision deadline: Section 1 information collection ceased on 01.08.2024. Sections 2, 3 monthly no later than the sixth working day of the month following the reporting month.
The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.
Department of banking regulation and analytics: Akimov Alexander Nikolaevich – head of department, tel.: 8 (495) 957-81-13, e-mail: Akimovan@kbr.ru; Puzin Aleksey Mikhailovich – consultant, tel.: 8 (495) 957-83-07, e-mail: Puzinami@kbr.ru; Karelina Inna Igorevna – leading economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-30-63), e-mail: Karelinai@kbr.ru
12
July
December
Inspection of bank accounts of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs.
The survey is conducted with the aim of analyzing current trends in the development of the deposit market, in particular, attracting funds to current accounts of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, and the cost of attracting them.
Deadline for providing data: monthly, no later than the 23rd day of the month following the month being surveyed.
A survey of the expenses of financial institutions on software and services required for its use at significant critical information infrastructure facilities of the Russian Federation that they own.
The survey is conducted with the aim of qualitatively assessing the expenses of financial institutions on software and services necessary for its use at their significant critical information infrastructure facilities of the Russian Federation for the second and third quarters of 2025.
Deadline for submitting data: no later than the 20th day of the month following the reporting quarter.
The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.
Information Security Department: Bondarev Alexander Vladimirovich – Leading Engineer, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-68-90), e-mail: Bondarevav@kbr.ru
14
July
December
Examination of concluded agreements for receiving credit (borrowed) funds without the voluntary consent of the client.
The survey is conducted with the aim of collecting information on concluded agreements for receiving credit (borrowed) funds without the voluntary consent of the client for the second and third quarters of 2025.
Deadline for submitting data: no later than the fifteenth working day of the month following the reporting quarter.
The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.
Information Security Department: Egor Romanovich Sokrut – Lead Engineer, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-29-05), e-mail: TRASTER@Kbr.ru
15
July
December
Survey of loans granted to individuals in rubles using bank cards.
The survey is conducted with the aim of analyzing interest rates on loans granted to individuals without collateral using an electronic means of payment (bank cards), taking into account the interest-free grace period.
Deadline for providing data: monthly, no later than the 12th working day of the month following the month being surveyed.
Information is provided by e-mail in MS Excel file format.
Department of Financial Stability: Vlada Valerievna Monastyreva – Leading Economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-55-71), e-mail: Monastyrevavv@kbr.ru
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July
December
Survey of deposits of individuals and the conditions for their attraction by credit institutions.
The survey is conducted with the aim of analyzing bank offers for deposits, deposits of individuals, indicating the maximum range of additional parameters that influence the increase in the base rate (minimum guaranteed rate) for a banking product, and their subsequent comparison with the actual level of the cost of attracting deposits.
Deadline for providing data: monthly, no later than the 23rd day of the month following the month being surveyed.
Information on the assignment of rights of claim (cession) and the issue of securities (securitization) secured by claims on consumer loans granted to resident individuals.
The survey is conducted with the aim of analyzing the portfolio of consumer loans, the rights to claim which were assigned to legal entities (including credit institutions), including with subsequent securitization, for the correct assessment of the dynamics of the total consumer portfolio of credit institutions.
Deadline for providing data: monthly, no later than the 16th working day of the month following the month being surveyed.
The survey is conducted with the aim of qualitatively assessing changes in the parameters of banks’ credit policy, the reasons for these changes for an in-depth analysis of the transmission mechanism of monetary policy, and identifying factors influencing lending volumes for the second and third quarters of 2025.
Data submission deadline: last working day of the reporting quarter. For the largest multi-branch banks, the questionnaire may be submitted at a later date. The questionnaire is published on the official website of the Bank of Russia at: http: //kbr.ru/stastiki/dkp/bank_landing_Terms/ in the section “Monetary policy”, “Statistics”, “Terms of bank lending”.
Information is provided by e-mail in MS Excel file format.
Department of Monetary Policy: employee responsible for methodological support of the survey: Egorov Aleksey Vladimirovich – economic adviser, tel.: 8 (495) 957-88-91, e-mail: Egorovav@kbr.ru; Main Directorate of the Bank of Russia for the Central Federal District: employee responsible for conducting the survey: Veronika Eldarovna Islyamova – consultant, tel.: 8 (495) 950-20-72, e-mail: SVP1@kbr.ru
20
July
December
Lessee risk assessment.
The survey is conducted with the aim of quantitatively assessing the risks of lessees for the second and third quarters of 2025.
Data submission deadline: for Q2 2025 – September 2025; for Q3 2025 – December 2025.
The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.
Department of Financial Stability: Vlada Valerievna Monastyreva – Leading Economist, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-55-71), e-mail: Monastyrevavv@kbr.ru
21
July
December
Monitoring of individuals’ loan debt.
Monitoring underwriting standards and credit quality of portfolios of banks specializing in lending to individuals for the purpose of assessing systemic credit risks of the banking sector in the second and third quarters of 2025.
Data submission deadline: for the second quarter of 2025 – 01.08.2025; for the third quarter of 2025 – 01.11.2025.
The information is presented in MS Excel and Word file formats using the functionality of personal accounts.
Department of banking regulation and analytics: Popov Maxim Andreevich – head of department, tel.: 8 (800) 250-40-88, (ext. 2-15-66), e-mail: Poppyma01@kbr.ru; Shterts Ruslan Sergeevich – consultant, tel.: 8 (800) 250-40-88, (ext. 2-15-86), e-mail: Sertsrs@kbr.ru
23
July
December
Survey on received subsidies to compensate for lost income on loans under government support programs.
The survey is conducted in order to identify, as part of the credit institution’s income, subsidies received to compensate for lost income on preferential loans issued for purposes determined by state support programs (quarterly data for the period: Q1 2020 – Q4 2024; monthly data for the period: January – December 2025).
Deadline for providing data: monthly, no later than the eighth working day of the month following the month being surveyed.
Information is provided by e-mail in the form of a scanned copy, MS Excel file format, or through the personal account of the information exchange participant.
Department of Statistics: Kolesnikova Tatyana Alekseevna – Head of Department, tel.: (495) 987-71-35, e-mail: Kolesnikova@kbr.ru; Khizhnyak Anton Vitalievich – Head of Department, tel.: 8 (495) 771-42-71, e-mail: Hizhnyakav@kbr.ru
24
August
September
Survey of individuals receiving/sending cross-border money transfers.
The survey is conducted with the aim of analyzing information on received/sent cross-border money transfers of individuals.
Deadline for providing data: no later than 40 calendar days after sending the questionnaire to the organization.
Information is provided by e-mail in the form of a scanned copy, MS Excel file format, or through the personal account of the information exchange participant.
Department of Statistics: Elena Vyacheslavovna Rozhkova – Chief Economist, tel.: (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-71-67), e-mail: Rozhkovaev@kbr.ru
25
September
October
A survey of the personnel needs of financial sector organizations for information security specialists.
The survey is being conducted with the aim of studying the personnel needs of financial sector organizations for information security specialists.
Deadline for providing data: no later than 30 calendar days from the date the questionnaire is sent to the organization.
The information is presented in Word file format using the functionality of personal accounts.
Cash Circulation Department: Natalya Andreevna Mavrushina — Head of Department, tel.: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-86-70), e-mail: MNA7@kbr.ru; Dzhabrailov Adil Millat ogly – leading economist, tel: 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 1-86-88), e-mail: Dzhabrailovam@kbr.ru
27
October
October
Investigation of cash withdrawal transactions without the client’s voluntary consent using ATMs.
The survey is conducted with the aim of studying operations on issuing cash by credit institutions without the voluntary consent of the client using ATMs (data for September 2025 will be presented in the third quarter of 2025).
Deadline for submitting data: no later than the fifteenth working day of the month following the reporting quarter.
The information is presented in MS Excel file format using the functionality of personal accounts.
Department of Non-bank Lending: Elizaveta Yuryevna Shtykova – leading expert, tel. 8 (495) 771-99-99, (ext. 2-16-36), e-mail: Shtykovayu@kbr.ru
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October
November
A survey of development trends in the market of agricultural credit consumer cooperatives.
The survey is conducted with the aim of studying the development of the agricultural credit consumer cooperative market for the first to third quarters of 2025.
Data provision period: 14 working days from the date the questionnaire is sent to the organization.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)
PHILADELPHIA (June 30, 2025) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) today announced that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026, concluding a distinguished career in public service spanning over four decades.
“Serving the people of Philadelphia has been the honor of my life,” said Evans. “And I remain in good health and fully capable of continuing to serve. After some discussions this weekend and thoughtful reflection, I have decided that the time is right to announce that I will not be seeking re-election in 2026. I will serve out the full term that ends Jan. 3, 2027. I am deeply proud of what I have been able to accomplish over my 45 years in elected office — from revitalizing neighborhoods block by block to fighting for justice, economic opportunity, investments in infrastructure and education. I cannot express the gratitude that I have for the trust that voters put in me as their voice in both state and federal office. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to serve as their advocate in government.”
Evans emphasized that he will continue to serve his constituents fully until the end of his term, that his offices will remain open, and that he will support a smooth transition for his successor.
A Legacy of Service to Philadelphia
Born in North Philadelphia and raised in the Germantown and West Oak Lane neighborhoods, Dwight Evans began his career as a teacher in the city’s public schools and as a community organizer with the Urban League. In 1980, at just 26 years old, he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he served for 36 years. He made history as the first African-American chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, serving in that powerful role for two decades.
Among his signature accomplishments in Harrisburg was spearheading the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, which brought healthy grocery stores and thousands of jobs to underserved communities and became a national model for bringing healthy food to food deserts in both urban and rural areas. He was also instrumental in the creation of Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, which became the model for nationwide CHIP.
In 2016, Evans was elected to represent Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional District (later redistricted as the 3rd), succeeding longtime Congressman Chaka Fattah. In Congress, he serves on the influential Ways and Means Committee, which oversees Social Security, Medicare, taxes and trade, and has served on the Small Business Committee and Agriculture Committee, advocating for equitable economic development, criminal justice reform, funding for school repairs, affordable housing, and access to health care and healthy food.
In 2025, Evans has fought to defend gains made during the Biden-Harris administration and against the pending Trump “Reverse Robin Hood” bill that would give the richest another tax cut and cut Medicaid and SNAP food aid. He fought the bill during a nearly 18-hour markup in the Ways and Means Committee, and voted against it in the full House – a vote two Republicans slept through, including one 31 years younger than Evans. He will vote against it again if the Senate returns it to the House.
Evans has been a vocal supporter of key legislation including the American Rescue Plan, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. He also introduced bills to address gun violence, finance repairs to schools, invest in historically Black colleges and universities, and promote economic empowerment in urban communities.
Throughout his time in public office, Evans remained rooted in his neighborhood — living just blocks from where he grew up — and never wavered in his commitment to building a better Philadelphia for all.
Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. He recently announced that his office returned to or saved $4.5 million for constituents in 2024 in cases involving federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. The 2024 figure brings Evans’ office’s total to more than $45.5 million returned to or saved for constituents during his first eight full years in Congress.
Evans serves on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, including its Subcommittee on Health. The committee oversees Social Security, Medicare, taxes, and trade. Evans’ website is evans.house.govand his social media handle is @RepDwightEvanson YouTube, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)
Bacon to Retire at End of 119th Congress
Touts Accomplishes and Pledges to Continue Outstanding Service and Pursue Legislative Initiatives
Omaha, Neb. – Today, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) Cyber, Information Technologies and Innovation Subcommittee (CITI), announced he will not seek reelection in 2026 and will retire at the end of the 119th Congress.
“After consultation with my family and much prayer, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2026 and will fulfill my term in the 119th Congress through January 2, 2027. After three decades in the Air Force and now going on one decade in Congress, I look forward to coming home in the evenings and being with my wife and seeing more of our adult children and eight grandchildren, who all live near my home. I’ve been married for 41 years, and I’d like to dedicate more time to my family, my church, and the Omaha community. I also want to continue advocating for a strong national security strategy and a strong alliance system with countries that share our love of democracy, free markets and the rule of law.
“During the remainder of the 119th Congress, we will be focused on finishing the job. Providing top-notch constituent services in the district, for which we were recognized in 2021 with the Congressional Management Foundation’s Democracy Awards for Constituent Services in 2021, will be a priority as it always has been.
“To date, we have processed close to 8,500 casework/requests for assistance; we have helped people who were wrongly marked as deceased, helped citizens in distress around the world return home; helped people devasted by disasters such as flood and tornadoes, literally climb out of the ruble and connect them with resources; we have solved problems with Medicare, Social Security and IRS problems, passports and immigration, and so much more. Our team has worked diligently every day to advocate for and deliver on behalf of our constituents.
“Legislatively, I aim to work to get five agricultural bills passed that were included as part of the Farm Bill, including the increase of defenses for our nation’s food supply chain and removing barriers for the next generation of farmers seeking to establish their operations. I will continue my work on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and lay the groundwork for a new VA hospital in Omaha.
“My service to our great nation started in the Air Force, where I served sixteen assignments, five commands and four deployments and will continue in Congress until the end of the 119th Congress. I’d like to find new ways to serve our great country. I have a love for national security, and I’ll always be a proponent for old-fashioned Ronald Reagan Conservative values. It has been an honor to serve the 2nd District of Nebraska and the nation, and I thank our constituents for trusting me to represent them. I am proud of the work we have done and will continue to do until the lights in the office are turned off for the last time. Thank you, and God bless America.”
Highlights from Rep. Bacon’s Congressional Career
Legislative Record
Most bills signed into law in the 118th Congress and bill totals as of Jan. 2025
· Total number of stand-alone bills enacted into law: 2
· Total numbers of bills enacted through NDAA: 33
· Total number of bills enacted through non-NDAA legislation: 3
· Total number of bills introduced that became law: 38
Defense
Rebuilt and Improved Offutt AFB & Camp Ashland
Delivered forceful congressional advocacy for Offutt Air Force Base, one of the district’s leading engines of economic growth and prosperity
Led the fight in the House to secure critical resources to respond to the devasting 2019 floods
Engaged with the Secretary of the Air Force to prevent the permanent loss of the flying mission
Secured more than $1.5 billion for the cleanup, rebuild and critical improvements to Offutt AFB – one of the largest employers in the region – including a new runway
Worked tirelessly to protect, modernize, and replace aircraft fleets at Offutt AFB including the RC-135, WC-135 and E-4B
Confederate Base Names: Original co-sponsor for H.R. 7155, National Commission on Modernizing Military Installation Designations Act, the bi-partisan legislation in the House to re-designate military bases named after Confederate generals
Spearheaded the Restoration of DoD Electronic Warfare Capability
Drove major legislative reforms requiring the Pentagon to develop a new EW strategy, implementation plan and other organizational reforms
Secured more than $1.5 billion to double the size of the USAF’s fleet of EA-37B Compass Call aircraft, the most powerful and sophisticated electronic attack aircraft in the world
Helped guide the establishment of the Joint EMSO Center (JEC) at STRATCOM
Relentlessly Championed Initiatives to Modernize America’s Strategic Nuclear Deterrent
Secured more than $75 million establish the NC3 technical engineering and development hub in Nebraska
Advocacy helped speed the establishment of the new 95th Wing at Offutt focused on NC3 operations
Helped secured more than $500 million to advance development of the future E-4C SAOC aircraft which will be based at Offutt
Championed Improvements to Military Quality of Life
Led the most significant and comprehensive package of legislative reforms to improve the quality of life for military servicemembers and families in US history
Largest single-year increase for junior enlisted pay ever (14.5%)
Billions in critical improvements to military housing and barracks
Major expansion and improvements to childcare for military families
Fought for employment reforms and RIF protections for federally employed military spouses
Conference Committee
Passage of major national defense legislation in 2017, 2018 and 2019 that reversed the dangerous decline in military readiness after years of neglect and funded the modernization of US military capabilities
Named to select House-Senate Armed Service Conference Committee for 3 straight years
Agriculture
Responsible for numerous provisions in the Farm Bill, including language related to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine and measures to address foreign ownership of farmland and improve SNAP administration
Original sponsor of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which established lynching as a federal hate crime
Education
STOP School Violence Act of 2018 (co-sponsor) – Provides DOJ money for grants to states and local governments to improve security including the placement and use of metal detectors and other deterrents measures at schools and school grounds. Fighting for $125 million in FY’20 to fund these grants
Civil Rights and Holocaust Education
House Republican lead for Anti-Lynching Legislation making lynching a federal crime – Language was amended into H.R. 35 and passed House 2/26/20)
Helped lead effort to push H.R. 943 – Never Again Education Act which was signed by the President 5/29/20
Worked with state leaders on getting Holocaust Education requirements enacted into state statute
Leader on support for non-profit security grants for religious institutions
Veterans Affairs
Finalized additional funding for the VA’s Ambulatory Care Center and pushed House Leadership to go ahead and pass the bill while my friend Brad Ashford was still in office
CHIP IN Bill: Congressman Bacon’s CHIP IN Bill, H.R. 3888, was incorporated into HR 5293: Department of Veteran Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2021, extending the program through 2025
HR: 217 in the 119th – seeks to extend the program and expand authorities to include minor projects and non-recurring maintenance projects (passed House)
Led Congressional efforts to support Gold Star families and survivors; championed significant legislation to care for and honor these families
Lifetime installation access for survivors
Major reforms to military veterans transition assistance programs
Mandated regular meetings with DoD leadership and surviving families
Infrastructure and Jobs Act:
Voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided $165 million for Nebraska’s 2nd District: Eppley, modernization of natural gas lines and other projects
Eppley Airfield
Over $77.1 million of improvements to Eppley Airfield from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding and other sources
Make it a true international airport
Increase flights and inspection areas
Streamline process of checking in and TSA for consumers
Other Community Funding projects of note:
(2024) Wahoo Airport Runway – $4.3 million
2024) Saunders County Emergency Radio Equipment – $2.6 million
(2024) City of Omaha N. 24th Street Lighting Project – $4.17 Million
(2023) OPPD Grid Resiliency and Modernization – $7.7 million
(2023) City of Omaha North 24th Street Streetscape Improvement Projects Phase II – $4 million
(2023) Blackstone Business Improvement District – $2 million
(2022) North 24th St. Streetscape Improvements – $3 million
(2022) the CHOICE $50 million federal grant to redevelop the Southside Terrace Garden Apartments and the surrounding Indian Hill neighborhood in South Omaha.
(2019) the CHOICE neighborhood grant program, which awarded $25 million for the 75 North project to the City of Omaha and Omaha Housing Authority for 5 years
Other Accomplishments/Recognitions
Founded the bipartisan For Country Caucus
Co-chair of bipartisan Caucus made up of 30 veteran members of Congress, evenly divided between R’s and D’s
Objective of the Caucus is to work in a nonpartisan way towards a more productive government. Members serve with integrity, civility and courage
Restarted the Main Street Caucus
Co-chair of the Congressional Electronic Warfare Caucus, leading voice in Congress to advance and reform US capabilities to defend and dominate the electromagnetic spectrum
In 2023, appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council by former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy
Center for Effective Lawmaking
One of the top ten effective legislators in the 118th congress, 2nd most effective Republican
Most effective Republican in the 117th Congress and fourth overall, despite being in the minority party
Rated #1 Most bi-partisan Republican 117th Congress-Common Ground Committee
Earned a perfect score by the Common Ground Committee of 110 (2024)
Rated #1 in 2022 by Common Ground Committee with a score of 104 out of 110
2021 Democracy Awards-Constituent Services, Congressional Management Foundation
Over the course of 8 and ½ years, the office has processed close to 8,500 casework/requests for assistances including people who were erroneously marked as deceased; devastated by disasters such as floods and tornadoes literally climb out of the rubble and connect them with resources to rebuild; and in distress around the globe trying to return home.
Other cases include problems with Medicare, passports or immigration, helping veterans get their benefits, cutting through red tape to solve Social Security and IRS problems, and others.
2024 Democracy Awards- Workplace Environment, Congressional Management Foundation
Source: US Whitehouse
Gas prices are falling as millions of Americans hit the road for the holiday weekend.
According to CNBC, “gas is the cheapest it’s ever been.” Inflation-adjusted gas prices “are near the lowest levels we’ve seen in the last 20 years” — and with rising incomes, “Americans are actually spending far less of their income on energy than they have in quite some time.”
The good news is being felt across the nation:
Tupelo, Mississippi: “If you’re driving, you could be in for a pleasant surprise at the pump.”
New York City, New York: “It looks like gas prices are about to get cheaper.”
Toledo, Ohio: “Summer gas prices are at a surprising four-year low.”
Columbia, South Carolina: “If you’re planning to hit the road ahead of the 4th of July weekend, gas prices are currently the lowest that they’ve been since 2021.”
Jacksonville, Florida: “Some good news for gas prices — they continue to fall ahead of the 4th of July holiday.”
Macon, Georgia: “If you’re planning to travel this week, gas prices in our area are down. They’re the lowest that we’ve seen this time since 2021.”
The Arizona Republic:“Arizona motorists are seeing a relatively cheap summer at the gas pump, despite recent conflicts abroad.Oil prices have fluctuated since the start of the Israel-Iran war earlier this month. But gas prices have remained relatively steady across the nation — and have largely declined in Arizona.”
GasBuddy: Gas Prices to Fall to Lowest July 4th Level Since 2021 as Middle East Tensions Cool
CNN: “They’re pretty low — and they’re trending lower … This would be the lowest on Fourth of July for gas since at least 2021 — perhaps even since 2020 during COVID. Of course, people are making more money, on average, than they did back then, so on an inflation-adjusted basis, gasoline is swallowing up a smaller and smaller chunk of paychecks.”
ABC News: “Most people traveling right now are traveling by road. Gas prices — $3.18/gallon right now, that’s the national average for regular unleaded. Last year, that was $3.49/gallon — so significantly lower.”
CNBC: “As Americans gear up for summer travel, prices at the pump may be cooling off. This summer could bring the lowest gas prices in years.”
The New York Times: “Summer road trips appear to be safe from a big spike in gasoline prices … The last time the cost for drivers was lower in late June was in 2021.”
The Wall Street Journal: “The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline, $3.21, is about 23 cents cheaper than this time last year … Reduced prices would be a boon for consumers during the warmer months when Americans drive more. Low energy prices so far this year have already contributed to the economy’s resilience and helped keep inflation in check.”
NBC News: “Looking at gas prices that are the best in four years — and this is so important for all of those millions of people who will be hitting the roads … 20 cents less than it was a year ago, so that’s six or seven bucks extra when you fill up. That’s real money.”
Fox Business: “Summer gas prices hit lowest level in 4 years despite Middle East tensions”
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Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On June 30, the State University of Management and the leading Russian container operator TransContainer signed a cooperation agreement.
Representatives of the company, represented by HR Director Oleg Novikov and Deputy HR Director Ekaterina Balykina, who are graduates of the educational programs of the State University of Management, arrived at the university to meet with the management.
Rector Vladimir Stroyev, vice-rectors Dmitry Bryukhanov and Maria Karelina, as well as associate professor of the Department of Transport Complex Management Artem Merenkov spoke about the history of the university, discussed the future of the industry and priority formats of interaction.
“Historically, one of the first logistics departments was established at our university, back in the days of Sergo Ordzhonikidze. Of course, the name was different, but that doesn’t change the essence. Of course, there were also railway universities back then, but they were only looking at one area, while we trained transport hub managers in a more global sense and in different areas. Today is the time for quick actions and decisions, so it is especially important that we signed the agreement in the shortest possible time. Now it’s time for specific working steps,” Vladimir Stroyev noted.
Dmitry Bryukhanov spoke about project-based learning, which is carried out at the State University of Management from the first year, and also drew attention to the possibility of interaction within the framework of the work of the State University of Management Higher School of Business and Technology.
Oleg Novikov also confirmed his readiness to implement joint projects.
“We are extremely interested in cooperation. Today is the time when personnel must be forged before they are intercepted. Literally 5-7 years ago we were monopolists, but now there are many competitors, albeit on a smaller scale, but they exist. First of all, we are interested in attracting students for internships in order to assess their abilities and readiness for employment. We are also interested in project activities, since we have ideas that we would like to implement, and we are confident that students of the State University of Management will help with this,” concluded the representative of TransContainer.
The parties also agreed on the possibility of conducting introductory tours for students at the company’s enterprises and practical classes from TransContainer experts.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
June 30, 2025
Warren: “I actually don’t think my Republican colleagues have lost their hearts. I think they have lost their spines.”
Floor Remarks (YouTube)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate, calling out her Republican colleagues for trying to pass their “Big Beautiful Bill,” which will rip health care away from 17 million Americans, slash food assistance, and raise costs for families.
Remarks from Senator Elizabeth WarrenAs prepared for deliveryJune 29, 2025
On Friday, I met Vivian. Vivian is an 11-year-old kid from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She likes school. She likes her friends. She likes reading Harry Potter. She’s a lot like any other 11-year-old. But for Vivi, going to school and being with her friends depends on Medicaid because Medicaid covers the costs for her wheelchair, her therapists, and her health aide.
Right now, Republicans are trying to rip away health care from kids like Vivian. The cruelty is breathtaking. I ask for one Republican senator who plans to vote for this bill to look into Vivi’s eyes and tell her that her health care isn’t a priority in this country. Mitch McConnell said to Republican senators that he knew they were getting calls about Medicaid, but not to worry about people losing their care, because he said “they will get over it.”
I ask Republicans to look at Vivi and at Vivi’s sisters and her mom and dad and say if Vivi loses her Medicaid and her wheelchair and her therapists and her health aide that she will “get over it.”
Because here’s the deal: Vivi won’t get over it. Her family won’t get over it. The people of North Carolina won’t get over it. None of us—Massachusetts, Idaho, Arizona—none of us will get over it.
The cruelty is off the charts, but the part that really burns is that the Republicans are trying to slash the health care that keeps kids like Vivi alive so they can hand out more tax cuts for billionaires. It’s beyond cruel. It’s obscene.
I’m angry. And we should all be angry. Because instead of playing at the pool or the park like a regular kid on summer break, Vivian had to come here to Washington to ask senators not to cut her health care. In a country as rich as ours, that shouldn’t even be a question.
I actually don’t think my Republican colleagues have lost their hearts. I think they have lost their spines. It seems that all they can do now is bow down to Donald Trump and his billionaire donors. They will bow down even if it means hurting families, community hospitals, and nursing homes in their own states. Trump wants the Republicans in Congress to hand out giant checks to the wealthiest Americans and the biggest corporations, and they are willing to do that, even if it means kicking Vivi to the curb.
Republicans know what they’re doing. They know this bill will hurt people. They know this bill will kill people. And though it’s hard to believe, they just look the other way.
But on behalf of Vivi — and the millions of other kids, mommas, seniors, and families who rely on the life-saving care that Medicaid makes possible — my Republican colleagues should grow a spine and stop this awful bill in its tracks.
If it wasn’t bad enough that this bill is set to rip away health care from 17 million Americans to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires, it has a bunch of other filthy giveaways buried in it, too.
Who wins if Republicans pass this ugly bill? Billionaires, Wall Street, Big Tech, Big Oil. The wealthiest Americans and giant corporations.
Big Oil will get a special “get out of paying your taxes” card while millions of people lose their health care coverage. Billions of dollars for Big Oil; nothing but pain for Vivi.
Meta – who’s really struggling — will win $15 billion to “incentivize” them to do research in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Meta gets $15 billion simply for existing while families lose their health care.
Wall Street wins big with a provision Republicans squeezed in that would slash funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Giant corporations want the opportunity to cheat American families again – so Republicans are trying desperately to take the cop off the beat.
And who loses thanks to this ugly bill? Americans who can’t afford health care. Families who need a little extra help putting food on the table. Grandmas and grandpas in nursing homes. Little babies and their mommas.
If Republicans pass this bill, 17 million Americans would have their health care ripped away. That number has kept growing as Republicans make more changes to the bill. For them, it’s a question of how many MORE Americans they can rip away health care from.
This bill would make the biggest cut to food assistance for families, kids, and veterans in history.
One in four nursing homes would have to shut down. My Republican colleagues should call a few seniors in nursing homes in their states and go over the plans for where they go next. Maybe call the daughter of someone in one of those nursing homes and explain how she has to become a full-time caregiver tomorrow. Maybe call a few of the people whose lives you plan to tear apart.
Budgets are about our values, and Republicans have made their values clear — they are willing to throw millions of Americans under the bus so they can help out a handful of their billionaire buddies and giant corporations. They should be ashamed.
Here’s what Democrats believe: no baby should go hungry so that Mark Zuckerberg can buy another Hawaiian island.
No person with a disability who needs a wheelchair or a home health aide to live independently should have to give that up so that Jeff Bezos can buy a third yacht.
No grandma should be pushed out of her nursing home so that Elon Musk can take a subsidized rocket ship ride to Mars.
And it doesn’t have to be this way. What if, instead of tax breaks for billionaires, we make the rich pay their fair share?
What if, instead of slashing health care for kids, we make it possible for every American to see a doctor when they’re sick without breaking the bank?
What if, instead of giving Big Oil more giant handouts, we make universal childcare a reality for families across this country?
We can tax the rich. If Jeff Bezos can afford to rent Venice for a $50 million wedding, he can afford to pitch in so the next kid has an opportunity to make it in America, too.
We can make life easier for working people — not harder. We can lower costs for families — not jack them up even more, like this bill does. We can put families first — not billionaires and billionaire corporations.
Democrats believe this. We will vote NO on this awful bill. And for kids like Vivian, for seniors in nursing homes, for families who rely on home health aides, and the millions more Americans that this bill will hurt, I urge my Republican colleagues to join us and vote NO.
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
The State University of Management hosted the Demo Day of the Acceleration Interuniversity Program “City Energy. Environment 2.0”, which was held at the State University of Management from February to June 2025.
Over 1,000 students from the State University of Management and other Russian universities took part in the accelerator; 212 startup projects were prepared; over 30 experts from such fields as medicine, education, IT, construction, agro-industrial complex, ecology and others were involved in providing expert advice to the teams.
The acceleration program included an educational block, expert webinars, team consultations with trackers, equator, expert consultations and project defense. The industrial partner was Technopark, a part of the Rusnano Group.
The trackers of the acceleration program were teachers of the project management department, who have extensive experience in tracking and mentoring student teams. The tracking process was carried out using the BusinessChain platform from the partner of the State University of Management, IPI Lab.
On the final day of the program, student teams presented projects such as:
“City breathing” (the product is a bull for collecting cigarette butts for subsequent processing).
“The Light of the Future 2.0” (adaptive lighting system with AI and motion sensors to save electricity and increase people’s performance).
“Smart Bird Monitoring System” (software, which will allow to collect, analyze and recommend taking measures based on data from video surveillance and humidity and sensors, lighting, temperature and ammonia concentration. The product is focused on poultry farms).
“Dron Cleaning” (autonomous drone for cleaning water bodies. The product is focused on hotel owners, fishing facilities, NPOs, distributors).
“Universkino” (the organization of a cinema on the territory of the GUU in the open air with the involvement of students, applicants and partners of the GUU).
“QR code, as a way of quick connection with the owner of a lost thing” (a service for creating personalized icons / stickers / stickers intended for labeling personal things and increasing the likelihood of returning a lost thing to the owner).
The game on ecology “Eco -geria” (board game on ecology for children is 7-12 years old, which will allow the environmental education of the younger generation).
Wedding machine of useful drinks “Ne Ice” (an automatic machine for the preparation of fruit frhes with ice).
The mobile application “Interactive map of Russia” is an interactive map that allows you to open tourist places in Russia, as well as upload a description and photos of new places. Extended functionality will allow users to get acquainted and unite for planning joint trips).
Guli-Guli WMS system (simple warehouse management system for B2B and B2C customers)
“Smart device for the refrigerator” (allows you to keep records of products and shelf life, make a menu and inform the owner about the need to buy the necessary products).
The works were evaluated by the following jury members:
Head of the Acceleration Program “City Energy. Environment 2.0”, Deputy Head of the Project Management Department of the State University of Management, certified project manager IPMA® Level B Ekaterina Khalimon; Deputy General Director of TEN Group LLC – TechnoSpark technology park in Troitsk Igor Volkov; Head of the Committee of the Scientific and Technical Council of the Moscow Confederation of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Yuri Bocharov; Head of the Logistics Department of the transport company KIT Alexander Alexandrov; Chairman of the Youth Association for Project Management Young Crew SOVNET Mikhail Zorin; Associate Professor of the Project Management Department of the State University of Management, experienced mentor and tracker of student startups Tatyana Chernova; Associate Professor of the Project Management Department of the State University of Management, experienced mentor and tracker of student startups Tatyana Mezina.
The experts noted the deep development of the projects: the teams presented manufactured technological prototypes, mock-ups, 3D models, certificates from companies with intentions to further implement the technological product in the company’s activities. In addition, the jury members offered their assistance in the further implementation of startup projects, in finding potential investors and partners.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
Boilermaker work has evolved over more than a century from the union’s roots in steam-powered locomotives to shipbuilding, refineries, nuclear power plants, the latest pollution mitigation technologies and more. And while Boilermakers themselves have also evolved with industry changes, they’ve remained constant as the dependable, go-to welders, riggers and fabricators that steep the union’s history.
That’s what makes a recent Local 242 (Spokane, Washington) project both “new” news and old news at the Sila Nanotechnologies battery materials plant. The job is a move into a new industry for the Boilermakers; but for those on the job, it’s familiar work.
“I don’t think the scope of work—what a Boilermaker does—is really any different. It’s just the type of equipment and the process of that equipment that’s unique,” says International Rep Luke Lafley. “We’re still welding, we’re still rigging, we’re still doing layout, we’re still refabricating things that came in incorrectly.
“It’s normal Boilermaker work. It’s just the technology behind the equipment and the jurisdictional issues that come with it.”
As new industry territory, when Sila, a next-generation battery materials company, announced in 2023 that it was building out its first, auto-scale manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington—and that they intended to use a local workforce—the opportunity for Boilermakers to build it could have been missed. Fortunately, L-242 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Scott Widdicombe attends local Central Washington Building Trades council meetings, where he learned about the opportunity and long-time contractor-partner Haskell’s plan to bid on the work.
“It’s important to go to your building trades meetings,” says Widdicombe, who participates in several area building trades groups. “If I had missed one building trades meeting or two meetings, we might not have been involved in this and it would have been playing a lot of catch up.”
In tandem with building trades involvement, he stresses the importance of the project labor agreements (PLAs) as integral to scoring the work with Haskell, working well with other craft affiliates and the project’s overall success.
“Without PLAs, we’re not getting this work. It’s the simple fact of the matter,” he says.
A PLA and early pre-job assignments made for a clear and smooth understanding of jurisdiction from the get-go, which all agree have eliminated inter-craft issues that can halt work, cause friction with contractors and employers and sour future work opportunities. At the Sila project, as Boilermakers work elbow-to-elbow with Ironworkers, Pipefitters and others, it’s been overall harmonious.
“We got all the stakeholders involved, all the parties, all the different business managers from all the different locals within the building trades of Central Washington, and as the scope developed, we got it agree to and signed, so there’s no drama, or minimal drama, in the field,” says Haskell Site Manager Luke Parham.
Parham describes the new Sila facility as essentially a chemical plant where Sila will make Titan Silicon (TM), an innovative material that enables a more efficient battery for the auto industry, consumer electronics and other future industries. That means the company is extremely cautious about its proprietary processes and plans—which includes first-of-its-kind equipment built by Boilermakers. It also means Silas’ engineers need to regularly tweak and refine original plans that they must hold tight to their chests right up until go-time. Haskell and the crafts all need to be ready to go and pivot as necessary, making the PLA and pre-job work even more critical—and challenging.
“There’s nothing to fall back on,” says L-242 Boilermaker and Site Superintendent Jayme Taylor, referring to the craft assignments and processes. “This is all brand new.”
The tone for fairness was set early in the pre-job phase. Job steward Mark Keffeler said that while Boilermakers claimed their work, they were also vocal about ensuring other crafts’ work was properly assigned.
“We’d say, ‘no, that’s ours; that’s theirs,’ and some guys were pretty new to the jurisdictional assignment process,” he explains. “[Scott Widdicombe and I] talked about it ahead of time, that if we’re fair from the start, we should be fair for the duration, and that’s really worked.”
In fact, Keffeler drives a shuttle van every day to and from the jobsite. His passengers: all Pipefitters.
“You know, we’ve got a new product line so to speak, and if we’re going to move forward getting this done with unions, we’ve got to do it professionally and safely. And that’s what Haskell and Sila have allowed us to do,” he says. “We don’t have to fight about piddly stuff. We might have to make concession here or there, but it’s better than watching across the fence while the work is done nonunion. We’re all getting along good in the sandbox.”
Boilermakers were assigned to the process vessels, air pollution mitigation equipment, reactors, flare stack, components for an auxiliary generator and work on pressure transfer system for the product. Among highlights of their work at Sila, they set the thermal oxidizer and are building several substantial vessels including multiple massive tanks, some of which may be visible from the road.
“[The Boilermakers] have done an excellent job—high quality work on the tanks, the thermal oxidizer setting, and just constantly working through issues we’ve all experienced, whatever the case may be, to stay on schedule the best we can and pull things back in,” says Sila Construction Manager Shannon Denmark.
Adds Haskell’s Parham: “The craftsmanship here is what I’m used to in the Pacific Northwest, and that’s people show up rough and ready, staunch and steady, ready to go. They take pride in what they do, with Jayme all the way down to his crew.”
At its peak, the project employed 20 Boilermakers, which has meant a lot to local members who can commute back and forth for the job rather than leaving home for weeks and months. It’s also good for the local Moses Lake economy. Plus, it’s a significant foot in the door for future Boilermaker work in battery plants and other new industries.
“This really is, basically, like a refining facility, but it’s refining new products, and hopefully it’s on the forefront,” Taylor says. “Moving forward, it’s more work for the Boilermakers and for all crafts really. It’s a new process, and hopefully it takes off.
“It’s great for us as a whole—away from what we’re used to in the old fossil fuels. It’s stepping into the future.”
EXTRA: Watch this video interview with L-242 Boilermaker Apprentice Nez Ogle.
Apprentices learn at battery plant project
The Sila battery materials plant project has proved to be a great setting for Local 242 apprentices make their mark on a growing new industry, sharpen their skills and learn from seasoned journeymen.
For apprentice Nez Ogle, the experience has cemented his decision to become a career Boilermaker.
“It’s been really eye opening for me,” he says. “I’m learning everything that I’ve been wanting to learn.
Ogle went to welding school at Lewis-Clark State College and had an instructor who was a Boilermaker and talked about the union. So, when he finished school and wasn’t sure what to do next, he thought he’d give Local 242 a try.
“This job is a lot of fun. A lot of journeymen that are here are really helpful, and any question I ask them, they’re super helpful when answering my questions—and they’re really nice to me. So, it’s been awesome. I love it, and I think I’ll do this for the rest of my life.”
Journeyman Steven Pollard is among those working with apprentices like Ogle. He says the job has attracted quite a few apprentices, which makes the jobsite both interesting and challenging.
“You have to keep them with someone who can guide them, but it’s been good,” he says. “We have some really good apprentices coming in right now.”
Boilermaker Site Superintendent Jayme Taylor agrees.
“That’s our future. Those are the guys that are going to have to take over for me when I decide to retire,” he adds. “So, train them young, train them right and make sure they know what they’re doing.”
CHICAGO, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Byline Bank is proud to announce its inclusion on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 list of the Best Companies to Work For. This list, released annually by the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, ranks companies by how well they support employees. This year, Byline Bank earned recognition in three categories: Best Companies inthe U.S. overall,Best Companies inthe Midwest, and Best inFinance and Insurance.
“At Byline, we believe that when you take care of your people, you create a dynamic workplace environment where employees are engaged and committed to serving the needs of our customers and communities,” said Dana Rose, Chief Human Resources Officer at Byline Bank. “This recognition reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, supported and empowered to grow alongside the business. I am so proud of the culture we have built here and want to thank our incredible employees for making Byline such a great place to work.”
The U.S. News rankings reflect the evolving criteria that workers consider when evaluating employers, including compensation and benefits, work-life balance and flexibility, job and company stability, physical and psychological comfort, a sense of belonging and esteem, and opportunities for career growth and development.
“Workers understand the direct impact of a workplace on their quality of life,” said Carly Chase, Vice President of Careers atU.S. News & World Report. “The 2025-2026 list recognizes companies that received high scores on multiple metrics that make up a positive work environment and everyday employee experience.”
To compile its annual list, U.S. News considered the 5,000 largest publicly traded companies as of January 2025, each with more than 75 Glassdoor reviews from 2021-2025. Employee sentiment data was analyzed alongside regulatory data from partners Revelio Labs, Good Jobs First’s Violation Tracker and QUODD to assess performance across six key metrics.
This marks the second consecutive year Byline has been named one of the Best Companies to Work For in the Midwest, and the first year the bank has been recognized on both the National and Finance and Insurance industry lists.
About Byline Bank Headquartered in Chicago, Byline Bank, a subsidiary of Byline Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:BY), is a full-service commercial bank serving small- and medium-sized businesses, financial sponsors and consumers. Byline Bank operates over 40 branch locations throughout the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas. Byline Bank offers a broad range of commercial and community banking products and services, including small-ticket equipment leasing solutions, and is one of the top U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders according to the national SBA rankings by volume FY2024. Byline Bank is a member of FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Visit bylinebank.com for more information, and follow Byline Bank on Facebook, LinkedIn,X or Instagram for the latest news and updates.
AboutU.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.
Media Contact: Allison Roche Marketing Communications & Partnerships Manager Byline Bank aroche@bylinebank.com
Investor Contact: Brooks Rennie Investor Relations Director Byline Bank (312) 660-5805 brennie@bylinebank.com
CHICAGO, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Byline Bank is proud to announce its inclusion on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 list of the Best Companies to Work For. This list, released annually by the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, ranks companies by how well they support employees. This year, Byline Bank earned recognition in three categories: Best Companies inthe U.S. overall,Best Companies inthe Midwest, and Best inFinance and Insurance.
“At Byline, we believe that when you take care of your people, you create a dynamic workplace environment where employees are engaged and committed to serving the needs of our customers and communities,” said Dana Rose, Chief Human Resources Officer at Byline Bank. “This recognition reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, supported and empowered to grow alongside the business. I am so proud of the culture we have built here and want to thank our incredible employees for making Byline such a great place to work.”
The U.S. News rankings reflect the evolving criteria that workers consider when evaluating employers, including compensation and benefits, work-life balance and flexibility, job and company stability, physical and psychological comfort, a sense of belonging and esteem, and opportunities for career growth and development.
“Workers understand the direct impact of a workplace on their quality of life,” said Carly Chase, Vice President of Careers atU.S. News & World Report. “The 2025-2026 list recognizes companies that received high scores on multiple metrics that make up a positive work environment and everyday employee experience.”
To compile its annual list, U.S. News considered the 5,000 largest publicly traded companies as of January 2025, each with more than 75 Glassdoor reviews from 2021-2025. Employee sentiment data was analyzed alongside regulatory data from partners Revelio Labs, Good Jobs First’s Violation Tracker and QUODD to assess performance across six key metrics.
This marks the second consecutive year Byline has been named one of the Best Companies to Work For in the Midwest, and the first year the bank has been recognized on both the National and Finance and Insurance industry lists.
About Byline Bank Headquartered in Chicago, Byline Bank, a subsidiary of Byline Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:BY), is a full-service commercial bank serving small- and medium-sized businesses, financial sponsors and consumers. Byline Bank operates over 40 branch locations throughout the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas. Byline Bank offers a broad range of commercial and community banking products and services, including small-ticket equipment leasing solutions, and is one of the top U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders according to the national SBA rankings by volume FY2024. Byline Bank is a member of FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Visit bylinebank.com for more information, and follow Byline Bank on Facebook, LinkedIn,X or Instagram for the latest news and updates.
AboutU.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.
Media Contact: Allison Roche Marketing Communications & Partnerships Manager Byline Bank aroche@bylinebank.com
Investor Contact: Brooks Rennie Investor Relations Director Byline Bank (312) 660-5805 brennie@bylinebank.com
Headline: ICC statement on EU proposals to strengthen global trading system
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Following the conclusion of European Council summit discussions on the future of the multilateral trading system, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:
“It’s very welcome to see EU leaders starting to engage on the question of how to preserve and progressively strengthen the rules-based trading system. This is, without doubt, a mission critical issue for the global business community — and one deserving the highest level of political attention.
“We believe that the immediate focus of discussions between the EU and CPTPP members should be on practical steps to stabilize the global trading system. The obvious starting point for this would be an agreement to harmonize rules of origin requirements between the two blocs.
“That might sound modest on paper — but reinforcing and simplifying the underpinnings of trade would provide a huge boost to business confidence.
“More broadly, it’s important that we don’t reduce the discussion on necessary reform of the trading system to one of institutional form.
“The focus needs to be squarely on outcomes: preserving rules-based trade, keeping markets open and progressively revitalizing global trade governance in line with the realities of 21st century commerce.
“In doing so, governments should be mindful of the fact that around 80% of trade today remains backed by World Trade Organization rules. Despite its many shortcomings, the WTO continues to play an essential role in facilitating millions of commercial transactions — day in, day out.
“President von der Leyen and Chancellor Mertz very rightly pointed last night to the importance of having a functioning system to resolve trade disputes. In a EU-CPTPP context it’s entirely possible this could be achieved by way a firm commitment to utilize the established workaround to the WTO’s appellate body — the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement.
“We encourage CPTPP members that have not yet signed up to the MPIA to do so without delay. Given the economic imperative to provide renewed certainty to the business community, this is not the moment to be reinventing the wheel — we need to make full use of existing mechanisms to bring stability and predictability to global trade.”
We reaffirm our shared commitment to harnessing the power of trade as a driver of global development.
A well-functioning multilateral trading system remains essential to enabling private sector-led growth — particularly in emerging and developing economies, where local businesses depend on predictable rules, open markets, and efficient trade processes to compete and thrive.
Yet too many businesses around the world continue to face barriers that hinder their full participation in global trade. From constrained access to trade finance and working capital services, to excessive border delays and customs inefficiencies, these obstacles often hit the smallest and most dynamic enterprises the hardest — undermining both job creation and development impact.
We call on governments and development partners gathered in Seville to:
— Reaffirm the centrality of the multilateral trading system as a foundation for global development;
— Strengthen efforts to identify and address regulatory frictions that inhibit cross-border trade and associated financing — including, as a priority, the erosion of correspondent banking networks and the unintended impacts of financial crime compliance regimes that have led to de-risking, particularly in regions most in need of trade finance.
— Support coordinated efforts to strengthen trade-related infrastructure, digitalization of trade processes, and targeted capacity building for SMEs to enhance economic and supply chain resilience.
As the global community focuses on strengthening economic resilience and fostering growth, enabling trade must be a central pillar of any serious strategy for mobilizing private capital at scale. This must be underpinned by a shared effort to modernize core multilateral trade rules in line with the realities of 21st century commerce.
We stand ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure that trade can deliver on its full potential for people, planet, and prosperity.
John W.H. Denton AO Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO)
Headline: ICC statement on EU proposals to strengthen global trading system
Share this:
Following the conclusion of European Council summit discussions on the future of the multilateral trading system, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:
“It’s very welcome to see EU leaders starting to engage on the question of how to preserve and progressively strengthen the rules-based trading system. This is, without doubt, a mission critical issue for the global business community — and one deserving the highest level of political attention.
“We believe that the immediate focus of discussions between the EU and CPTPP members should be on practical steps to stabilize the global trading system. The obvious starting point for this would be an agreement to harmonize rules of origin requirements between the two blocs.
“That might sound modest on paper — but reinforcing and simplifying the underpinnings of trade would provide a huge boost to business confidence.
“More broadly, it’s important that we don’t reduce the discussion on necessary reform of the trading system to one of institutional form.
“The focus needs to be squarely on outcomes: preserving rules-based trade, keeping markets open and progressively revitalizing global trade governance in line with the realities of 21st century commerce.
“In doing so, governments should be mindful of the fact that around 80% of trade today remains backed by World Trade Organization rules. Despite its many shortcomings, the WTO continues to play an essential role in facilitating millions of commercial transactions — day in, day out.
“President von der Leyen and Chancellor Mertz very rightly pointed last night to the importance of having a functioning system to resolve trade disputes. In a EU-CPTPP context it’s entirely possible this could be achieved by way a firm commitment to utilize the established workaround to the WTO’s appellate body — the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement.
“We encourage CPTPP members that have not yet signed up to the MPIA to do so without delay. Given the economic imperative to provide renewed certainty to the business community, this is not the moment to be reinventing the wheel — we need to make full use of existing mechanisms to bring stability and predictability to global trade.”
We reaffirm our shared commitment to harnessing the power of trade as a driver of global development.
A well-functioning multilateral trading system remains essential to enabling private sector-led growth — particularly in emerging and developing economies, where local businesses depend on predictable rules, open markets, and efficient trade processes to compete and thrive.
Yet too many businesses around the world continue to face barriers that hinder their full participation in global trade. From constrained access to trade finance and working capital services, to excessive border delays and customs inefficiencies, these obstacles often hit the smallest and most dynamic enterprises the hardest — undermining both job creation and development impact.
We call on governments and development partners gathered in Seville to:
— Reaffirm the centrality of the multilateral trading system as a foundation for global development;
— Strengthen efforts to identify and address regulatory frictions that inhibit cross-border trade and associated financing — including, as a priority, the erosion of correspondent banking networks and the unintended impacts of financial crime compliance regimes that have led to de-risking, particularly in regions most in need of trade finance.
— Support coordinated efforts to strengthen trade-related infrastructure, digitalization of trade processes, and targeted capacity building for SMEs to enhance economic and supply chain resilience.
As the global community focuses on strengthening economic resilience and fostering growth, enabling trade must be a central pillar of any serious strategy for mobilizing private capital at scale. This must be underpinned by a shared effort to modernize core multilateral trade rules in line with the realities of 21st century commerce.
We stand ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure that trade can deliver on its full potential for people, planet, and prosperity.
John W.H. Denton AO Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO)
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – “We want to ask everybody — the government, the leaders, and the political spheres — to look at the fact that we are taking care of the dignity of the young people,”said Archbishop Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo of Nairobi yesterday, Sunday, June 29, in a statement regarding the accusations made by the Minister of the Interior Kipchumba Murkomen against Catholic and non-Catholic religious leaders, whom the minister accuses of siding with the “anarchists” and failing to condemn the violence during the “Generation Z” protests on June 25 in memory of the victims of last year’s demonstrations against the Finance Bill (see Fides, 21, 25 and 26 June 2024).At least 16 people were killed in clashes with police during this year’s protests (see Fides, 26/6/2025). In his statement, the Archbishop of Nairobi emphasized that the Church cares about the lives of all people: “Life is never to be sacrificed for anything else, but to be given the future, for the prosperity of the nation and for the prosperity of human beings.”Archbishop Anyolo therefore reiterated his call to listen to young people: “we have to agree — all of us together — the leaders in government, the church, and the parents, all of us who take care of the young people, we need to listen to them and understand them and help them grow and mature”.Members of the Anglican Church also responded to the Minister of the Interior. “Give top priority to the economic well-being of the people. The cost of living is unbearable for many families. Young people are unemployed. Parents cannot pay school fees. Businesses are struggling. These are not just statistics; they are stories of real suffering. Government must listen, act, and respond quickly,” emphasized the Anglican Bishop of Nyahururu, Samson Gachathi.”I know that there will be no bishop or church member, neither Catholic nor Anglican, who will come out to defend the police. Nobody will speak about how the police were injured,”the Minister of the Interior declared, reiterating that nine police stations were attacked, five of which were set on fire. Dozens of police, government, and civilian vehicles were also damaged. The Ministry of Agriculture also claimed that more than 7,354 bags of fertilizer worth approximately $230,000 were stolen from a national warehouse in Meru County, about 200 kilometers east of Nairobi, taking advantage of the chaos of the demonstrations that turned violent. The theft was described by Kenyan authorities as a “direct attack on Kenya’s food security.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 30/6/2025)
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Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – “We want to ask everybody — the government, the leaders, and the political spheres — to look at the fact that we are taking care of the dignity of the young people,”said Archbishop Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo of Nairobi yesterday, Sunday, June 29, in a statement regarding the accusations made by the Minister of the Interior Kipchumba Murkomen against Catholic and non-Catholic religious leaders, whom the minister accuses of siding with the “anarchists” and failing to condemn the violence during the “Generation Z” protests on June 25 in memory of the victims of last year’s demonstrations against the Finance Bill (see Fides, 21, 25 and 26 June 2024).At least 16 people were killed in clashes with police during this year’s protests (see Fides, 26/6/2025). In his statement, the Archbishop of Nairobi emphasized that the Church cares about the lives of all people: “Life is never to be sacrificed for anything else, but to be given the future, for the prosperity of the nation and for the prosperity of human beings.”Archbishop Anyolo therefore reiterated his call to listen to young people: “we have to agree — all of us together — the leaders in government, the church, and the parents, all of us who take care of the young people, we need to listen to them and understand them and help them grow and mature”.Members of the Anglican Church also responded to the Minister of the Interior. “Give top priority to the economic well-being of the people. The cost of living is unbearable for many families. Young people are unemployed. Parents cannot pay school fees. Businesses are struggling. These are not just statistics; they are stories of real suffering. Government must listen, act, and respond quickly,” emphasized the Anglican Bishop of Nyahururu, Samson Gachathi.”I know that there will be no bishop or church member, neither Catholic nor Anglican, who will come out to defend the police. Nobody will speak about how the police were injured,”the Minister of the Interior declared, reiterating that nine police stations were attacked, five of which were set on fire. Dozens of police, government, and civilian vehicles were also damaged. The Ministry of Agriculture also claimed that more than 7,354 bags of fertilizer worth approximately $230,000 were stolen from a national warehouse in Meru County, about 200 kilometers east of Nairobi, taking advantage of the chaos of the demonstrations that turned violent. The theft was described by Kenyan authorities as a “direct attack on Kenya’s food security.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 30/6/2025)
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The NATO Innovation Fund has made its first investment in a biotechnology company, it said on Monday, seeking to enhance defences against biological threats
The fund is co-leading a $35 million fundraising round for Portal Biotech, which uses protein sequencing to detect engineered threats and defend against biological warfare.
UK-based Portal Biotech’s capability is essential for biosecurity defence and security, said Ana Bernardo-Gancedo, senior associate at NATO Innovation Fund.
“We believe that it is absolutely imperative that we are able to detect, monitor and create countermeasures,” she said.
The fund, created in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, plans to invest more than $1 billion in technologies that would enhance NATO’s defences.
Portal Biotech uses an AI-backed technology with biological sensors that can work at the single molecule level on-site, giving results within hours.
“It’s for everything from measuring diseases to better pandemic prevention … you can take this out of large labs with long turnaround times and into the field,” CEO Andy Heron told Reuters.
Heron said the company’s instruments can detect any pathogen and can be used for continuous monitoring of anything from a field to water supply.
“It allows you not just to detect what you did know was out there, but it allows you to detect what you didn’t know,” he said.
Beyond biosecurity, Portal Biotech expects its portable equipment to aid in drug discovery and precision medicine.
The company’s investors include Earlybird Venture Capital, Science Creates VC, Pillar VC, 8VC, We VC and British Business Bank.