NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tiffany, Finstad Lead Letter Urging Canada to Mitigate Wildfire Risk

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tom Tiffany (WI-07)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Reps. Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Pete Stauber (MN-08) sent a letter to Canada’s Ambassador urging stronger forest management practices to mitigate wildfire risk. The call for action comes after yet another wave of Canadian wildfire smoke affecting the Upper Midwest. 

    The lawmakers wrote, “As I’m sure you know, this is not the first year Canadian wildfire smoke has been an issue. In 2023, Canada had its worst year for wildfires on record, last year’s fire season was considered one of the worst, and this year seems to be a continuation of these previous years. While we know a key driver of this issue has been a lack of active forest management, we’ve also seen things like arson as another way multiple large wildfires have ignited in Canada. With all the technology that we have at our disposal, both in preventing and fighting wildfires, this worrisome trend can be reversed if proper action is taken.”  

    They added that hazardous air quality has disrupted daily life, “Our constituents have been limited in their ability to go outside and safely breathe due to the dangerous air quality the wildfire smoke has created. In our neck of the woods, summer months are the best time of the year to spend time outdoors recreating, enjoying time with family, and creating new memories, but this wildfire smoke makes it difficult to do all those things.”  

    The Members closed by urging the Ambassador to raise the issue with key Canadian agencies, including Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Forest Service. 

    You can read the full letter here.

      

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger: The One Big Beautiful Bill is a commonsense, pro-growth solution that locks in President Trump’s tax cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Pfluger: The One Big Beautiful Bill is a commonsense, pro-growth solution that locks in President Trump’s tax cuts

    Washington, June 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) penned an op-ed in the Odessa American outlining why the One Big Beautiful Bill is good for Texas’s 11th Congressional District.

    In the op-ed, Rep. Pfluger wrote in part, “The One Big Beautiful Bill is a commonsense, pro-growth solution that locks in President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, protecting hardworking Texans from devastating tax hikes. What Democrats won’t tell you about the bill is that if Congress fails to pass this legislation, families, farmers, and small businesses inTX-11will be hit with the largest tax increase in history. To put this into perspective, over 475,000 taxpayers inTX-11are at risk, with the average taxpayer facing a 26% tax increase if this bill is not passed. In practical terms, an average family of four inTX-11, making the median income of $67,226, would see their taxes rise by $1,293—roughly the cost of seven weeks’ worth of groceries.”

    You can read the full op-ed here or by clicking the image below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Delivers $100,000 Federal Earmark for NEIT Summer Skills Building Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    EAST GREENWICH, RI – Dozens of high school students from across Rhode Island gathered today at the New England Institute of Technology to kick off the second session of the college’s immersive Summer Tech Camp. The camp is giving students early, hands-on access to advanced courses in college-level facilities so they can start exploring new topics and potential career pathways.

    U.S. Senator Jack Reed was on hand with NEIT faculty and staff to deliver a $100,000 federal earmark he secured in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations law for the summer programming. Senator Reed toured campus with the new students to learn more about the classrooms and the immersive and experimental programs being offered by NEIT. Reed stopped into several programs, including: digital animation, business, electronics, introduction to healthcare, and physical therapist assistant (PTA).

    “New England Tech does a great job of preparing students for good jobs in in-demand fields. This summer camp is an extension of the work they do and is giving Rhode Island high school students an early look at some of the options they can explore after high school in state of the art, college-level facilities,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  “I was proud to deliver this federal earmark to engage more students in building new skills, help local businesses find talented, prepared new employees, and help Rhode Islanders explore new opportunities, new topics, and potential future careers they are passionate about.”

    “New England Tech extends its sincere gratitude to Senator Reed for his continued leadership and commitment to expanding access to quality education and career pathways for students across Rhode Island,” said Amy Grzybowski, Vice President of Community Relations at the New England Institute of Technology. “This summer, thanks to a $100,000 federal earmark secured by Senator Reed, we are able to provide hands-on, immersive learning experiences to over 150 students at no cost to participants. Opportunities like this help open doors for students to explore new pathways to future careers and develop real-world skills in a supportive setting.”

    The $100,000 federal earmark secured by Senator Reed is helping to cover instructional materials, lunches, and program costs for all students. A total of approximately 150 Rhode Island high schoolers are attending NEIT’s camp sessions this summer.

    From June to the beginning of August, New England Tech is operating four different day-camp programs for Rhode Island high school students, including the first session of the immersive camp which was held last month and welcomed over 60 students to campus for hands-on training in the fields of cybersecurity, robotics and drones, and digital photography.

    Through immersive and experimental camp options, Summer Tech Camp allows students to dive deep into a specific topic for one week or to explore various topics over two weeks. All programs are led by New England Tech’s industry-leading faculty and include access to college-level labs and equipment.

    In an effort to bring high-quality skills building opportunities to students in underserved communities, New England Tech’s summer programming is open to all eligible students and prioritizes registrations from Pawtucket, Providence, Central Falls, and Woonsocket schools.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Fly-By: July 3, 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Pfluger Fly-By: July 3, 2025

    Washington, July 3, 2025

    July 3, 2025

    Friend,

    Welcome back to the weekly Pfluger Fly-By, a roundup of events and updates to keep you informed about everything I’m doing week by week to represent you in Congress.

    This week was one for the history books. The House officially passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, a major step forward in delivering on President Trump’s agenda and keeping our promises to the American people. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk and is set to be signed into law on July 4th — a fitting way to begin the celebrations of the 250th year of the greatest nation on earth.

    As we mark six months of the 119th Congress today, I’ve included a special mid-year report below highlighting our accomplishments so far. You’ll also find information on how my office can assist you with any federal issues you may be facing. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact my office if we can ever be of assistance.

    Best,

    Happy Independence Day, Texas-11

    On the eve of Independence Day, I want to take a moment to wish everyone in Texas-11 a very Happy 4th of July!

    As we prepare to gather with family and friends tomorrow to celebrate, I am reminded of the incredible privilege it is to be an American and to live in the greatest country on earth. This day marks the birth of our great nation, and it is a time to reflect on our history, honor the sacrifices made by countless individuals, and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the values that make the United States a beacon of hope and liberty.

    I had the honor of serving nearly two decades as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, flying combat missions against ISIS over Syria and Iraq, and defending our country against foreign and domestic threats. Those years shaped my deep appreciation for America and the immense responsibility we all share to protect it. Every mission reminded me of what’s at stake—and of the courage it takes to defend freedom.

    I am a proud Texan and a staunch conservative. I believe in the founding principles that have guided our nation since its inception. Our Constitution, our freedoms, and our way of life are worth defending with every ounce of our strength. That is what drives me each day in Congress.

    This Independence Day, let us celebrate the freedoms we enjoy while remembering the duty we each have to protect them. This year also marks the beginning of America’s 250th year—a historic time to be alive. The United States of America is the greatest country the world has ever known, and it is our responsibility to keep it that way.

    Happy Independence Day, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

    My Statement on the Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill

    The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill today is a big, beautiful win for Texas families, workers, seniors, and small businesses. This legislation locks in President Trump’s historic tax cuts — protecting taxpayers in my district from a devastating 26% tax increase, which would have been the largest in American history. It also delivers $13.5 billion in border reimbursements for states like Texas, and makes the most significant investments in border security ever seen.

    This bill reclaims America’s energy independence — lowering energy costs for families, creating high-paying jobs in the Permian Basin, and reversing President Biden’s disastrous energy policies. I fought to make sure Texas values were reflected in this package: from much-needed support through strategic investments for farmers and ranchers, to ending forced taxpayer funding of abortion, to nearly $150 billion in military investments that will directly support the incredible men and women serving at Goodfellow Air Force Base and Fort Hood.

    The American people are tired of business as usual in Washington. They demanded that we secure the border, eliminate wasteful spending, and make life genuinely affordable for hardworking American families – and this bill does exactly that.

    6-Month Report on the 119th Congress

    Serving the incredible men and women of Texas’s 11th District in Congress is the honor of my lifetime. I’m proud of the meaningful progress we’ve achieved during the first six months of the Republican trifecta, and I remain committed to delivering real results that bring Texas values to Washington and implement the priorities of my district—the greatest district in America.

    You can read my mid-year report here or by clicking the image below.

    Telephone Town Hall on the One Big Beautiful Bill

    I also hosted a Telephone Town Hall this week ahead of the vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill to discuss why this historic legislation is great news for TX-11. Thank you to everyone who tuned in!

    REMINDER: If you are in need of assistance with a federal agency, my office is here to help. For more information, please visit our website HERE.

    Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for daily updates.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor, Congressional Delegation Joint Statement on Republican Tax Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – Governor Josh Green, M.D., U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie K. Hirono, and U.S. Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda today released the following statement after Congress passed a Republican tax bill that will cut healthcare coverage through Med-QUEST for more than 40,000 people in Hawai‘i, gut food assistance programs that more than 20,000 Hawai‘i families rely on, and raise the national debt by $3.3 trillion. The bill now goes to the president to be signed into law.

    “The Republican tax bill breaks promises, and guts funding for healthcare and food assistance that thousands of Hawai‘i families rely on every day. It’s a terrible bill that we all strongly opposed.

    “While it won’t be easy to stop all the damage from these cuts, we’re moving quickly to protect our communities. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be meeting with state and local officials, community partners, and service providers to assess the fiscal impact on Hawai‘i and develop operational plans to blunt the harm. That includes coordinating resources, setting local priorities, and making sure the most vulnerable aren’t left without support. These next few years won’t be easy, but we are mobilizing now to respond, protect our people, and make sure Hawai‘i can weather what’s coming.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Releases Six-Month Report

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Pfluger Releases Six-Month Report

    Washington, July 3, 2025

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released a report on his accomplishments for Texas’s 11th Congressional District during the first six months of the historic Republican trifecta.

    “Serving the incredible men and women of Texas’s 11th District in Congress is the honor of my lifetime. I’m proud of the meaningful progress we’ve achieved during the first six months of the Republican trifecta, and I remain committed to delivering real results that bring Texas values to Washington and implement the priorities of my district — the greatest district in America,” said Rep. Pfluger.

    The report can be viewed, read, and downloaded for broadcast and distribution HERE.

    Picture for broadcast and distribution available for download below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Dramatic Reduction in Emissions Must Start Now, Secretary-General Tells BRICS Conference, Calling Impact on Human Health ‘Atrocious’

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the BRICS [Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa] Summit session titled “Environment, COP30 and Global Health”, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, today:

    Our environment is being attacked on all fronts:  pollution poisoning land and water; biodiversity destroyed at an appalling rate; and of course, the climate crisis.

    Across the world, lives and livelihoods are being ripped apart, and sustainable development gains left in tatters — as disasters accelerate.

    The impact on human health is atrocious:  Extreme heat kills.  So does water contamination.  Destroyed lands and harvests push up prices and aggravate hunger.  Our changing climate inflames the spread of disease — from malaria to dengue fever.

    The vulnerable and the poorer pay the highest price.  And we absolutely need to tackle the point where climate and health meet.  And that is where the World Health Organization’s (WHO) role is fundamental.

    As we speak, emissions keep rising.  The 1.5°C limit is on a knife’s edge.  We absolutely need a dramatic reduction in emissions — starting now.

    The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must apply, but all countries must make an extra effort.  And we must accelerate the pace of the energy transformation with justice, in order to make sure that all countries can benefit.

    Renewables already largely match fossil fuels in global installed power capacity.  And clean energy investments are racing ahead of fossil fuels.  Renewables are the cheapest and fastest new electricity almost everywhere.  And we can’t forget the 700 million people still without electricity in the world.

    Renewables boost energy security and sovereignty, liberating countries from volatile fossil fuel markets, connecting people to power in the most remote locations and powering sustainable development.  And renewables and electrification don’t churn out toxic air pollution — which today kills 7 million people every year.

    We need Governments to build on the progress of last year’s biodiversity COP, particularly reaching an ambitious agreement on finance.  We need a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution — this year.  And we need to make COP30 [thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] a success.  I urge you to demonstrate how multilateralism counts, addressing the world’s needs in these difficult and divided times.

    And to come forward by September with ambitious new national climate plans — or nationally determined contributions that show the way:

    That cover all emissions and the whole economy; align with the 1.5°C limit; and advance the global energy transition goals agreed at COP28.

    We need to tackle injustices in the critical minerals value chain, and to ensure developing countries receive maximum benefit from their resources, as recommended by the United Nations Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.  And we need you standing firm on finance for a just, equitable transition.

    Developed countries must keep their promises, including the $40 billion a year for adaptation starting in 2025.  Adaptation needs are particularly dramatic in developing countries that barely contribute to climate change.

    We must ensure that the $300 billion a year by 2035 for developing countries agreed in Baku is delivered, and chart a course to raising $1.3 trillion a year, including new and innovative sources of finance and a credible price on carbon.

    We must bolster South-South cooperation and improve new models such as the Just Energy Transition Partnerships.  And we must fill the coffers of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.

    Allow me a story.  When this Fund was created, the pledging conference that took place in COP resulted in a sum that corresponded to the contract salary of the best well-paid basketball player in the United States.  This shows that we must be serious when we talk about the Loss and Damage Fund.

    But, the problem goes far beyond climate finance.  As I said yesterday, we must invest in the reform of the international financial architecture and institutions, take action on debt relief, and triple the finance and capacity of the multilateral development banks to the benefit of developing countries.

    This is a moment of profound peril and possibility.  I urge the BRICS countries to be a pillar of the world’s response in solidarity — for people, planet and prosperity.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Sidhu meets with Alberta counterpart and industry leaders to discuss trade, innovation and investment

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 7, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, spent 3 days in Calgary, Alberta, working with provincial leaders and business representatives to strengthen trade and investment opportunities for Canadian businesses.

    On Thursday, July 3, Minister Sidhu met with Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. They discussed how the federal and provincial governments can work together to advance trade diversification and promotion, including through Team Canada trade missions.

    Minister Sidhu delivered remarks at the Canada-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Business Council board meeting, highlighting recent progress in the growing Canada-UAE trade relationship.

    On Friday, July 4, the Minister toured local facilities that are at the forefront of using advanced technologies. At Carbon Upcycling Technologies, he saw world-leading carbon-capture and conversion technology in action. He then toured Carbonova, an innovative company that turns greenhouse gases into valuable products for a range of industries. The Minister also visited De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited’s leading manufacturing facility and saw first-hand their proud Canadian operations, including the production of aircraft headed to the EU and Colombia. He then led a round-table discussion with aerospace and defence industry leaders.

    During the Calgary Stampede, Minister Sidhu met with members of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to discuss key trade priorities, particularly those of interest to Western Canadian business leaders.

    Throughout the trip, Minister Sidhu highlighted the advantages of Canada’s economic resilience and global trade relationships, as well as how the Trade Commissioner Service can help Canadian businesses explore international markets and opportunities. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: FamilyBoost changes will exacerbate inequity of ECE access

    Source: NZCTU

    The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is warning that the FamilyBoost changes announced today by Finance Minister Nicola Willis will fail to make early childhood education more affordable for the families who need it most and will instead widen inequities.

    “The Government has missed an opportunity to reflect on the failure of the FamilyBoost scheme and pivot towards improving access and affordability through expanding universal free-fees entitlements and moving towards a quality public ECE system,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.

    “FamilyBoost puts an administrative burden on whānau and teachers while failing to deal with the key issues in early childhood education, which include low wages, systemic underfunding, and a private model that results in high profits for big corporates.

    “The changes announced today disproportionately benefit high-income households, who are already much more likely to be able to afford to send their kids to ECE centres. This means the benefit of the scheme will be weighted against those who need it most.

    “Access to quality early childhood education helps ensure that children have the best possible start in life, and no families should be denied that due to costs.

    “The revised scheme does nothing to support the development of new centres or to help low-income groups into ECE provision. Instead, the Government has loaded up its support for higher-income groups, once again demonstrating their priorities,” said Ansell-Bridges.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Virginia Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought and Excessive Heat

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Virginia of the July 15 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought and excessive heat occurring on April 16, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Virginia counties of Accomack, Albemarle, Alleghany, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Augusta, Bath, Bedford City,  Bedford County, Bland, Botetourt, Bristol, Brunswick, Buchanan, Buckingham, Buena Vista, Campbell, Caroline, Carroll, Charles City, Charlotte, Chesapeake, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Craig, Culpeper, Cumberland, Danville, Dickenson, Dinwiddie, Emporia, Essex, Fauquier, Floyd, Fluvanna, Franklin City, Franklin County, Fredericksburg, Galax, Giles, Gloucester, Goochland, Grayson, Greene, Greensville, Halifax, Hampton, Hanover, Henrico, Henry, Hopewell, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Lee, Lexington, Louisa, Lunenburg, Lynchburg, Madison, Martinsville, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Montgomery, Nelson, New Kent, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, Norton, Nottoway, Orange, Patrick, Petersburg, Pittsylvania, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Prince William, Pulaski, Radford, Rappahannock, Richmond City, Richmond County, Roanoke County, Rockbridge, Russell, Scott, Smyth, South Boston City, Southampton, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Suffolk, Surry, Sussex, Tazewell, Virginia Beach, Washington, Westmoreland, Williamsburg, Wise, Wythe and York; Harlan, Letcher, and Pike in Kentucky; Charles, Somerset, St. Mary’s, and Worcester in Maryland; Alleghany, Ashe, Camden, Caswell, Gates, Granville, Hertford, Northampton, Person, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Vance, and Warren in North Carlina; Johnson and Sullivan in Tennessee; as well as McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe and Summer in West Virginia.

    Under this declaration SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”  

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 15, 2025.

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    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development to Host Public Meeting on July 15

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the quarterly Interagency Task Force (IATF) on Veterans Small Business Development meeting will occur on July 15, 2025. The public is encouraged to attend this meeting and hear updates on the status of policies and initiatives that affect veteran-owned businesses.

    “Veterans’ resourcefulness, determination, and grit are just a few of the many traits that make them ideal entrepreneurs,” said Elias Hernandez, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development. “The IATF meeting opens the door for policy recommendations to be made based on the unique insights of other federal agencies and industry partners to better support America’s veteran small business owners. At the SBA, we’re proud to be leading the charge to help more of our nation’s heroes start – and grow – their small businesses.”

    The IATF independently proposes policy recommendations and offers advice related to veteran- and military spouse-owned small business development to the SBA Administrator, the Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development, Congress, the President, and other U.S. policymakers.

    Tuesday, July 15

    Interagency Task Force (IATF) on Veterans Small Business Development Meeting

    Who: Elias Hernandez, Associate Administrator, Office of Veterans Business
    Development, U.S. Small Business Administration

    SBA Office of Manufacturing and Trade

    SBA Office of Advocacy

    IATF members (Small Business Administration, Departments of Veterans Affairs, Treasury, Defense, and Labor; U.S. General Services Administration; Office of Management and Budget; American Legion; VetForce; National Veteran Small Business Coalition) 

    When: 1-3 p.m. ET

    How: Virtual participants may join using this link: https://bit.ly/IATF-JUL25. Participants who wish to join by phone may do so at +1 206-413-7980 and enter the Conference ID: 278 883 801#

    Public comments and questions are strongly encouraged to be submitted in advance via email by July 14 to veteransbusiness@sba.gov. For technical support, please visit the Microsoft Teams support page. Minutes for both meetings will be available at www.sba.gov/ovbd under the “Federal Advisory Committees” section. 

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    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Urges Court to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids in Los Angeles

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a coalition of 17 other attorneys general in supporting the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) lawsuit challenging the federal government’s use of unlawful immigration enforcement tactics in Los Angeles, California. In an amicus brief filed today in Perdomo v. Noem, Attorney General James and the coalition urge the court to grant a temporary restraining order halting the raids, which have upended the community, harmed local economies, and undermined public trust in law enforcement.

    “In Los Angeles and nationwide, we are seeing immigration enforcement officers deploy dystopian tactics that are deeply harmful,” said Attorney General James. “No one should fear being questioned, detained, or deported by unidentified masked agents while taking their child to school, going to work, or attending church. These mass raids are tearing families apart, threatening public safety, and turning once-lively neighborhoods into ghost towns. Federal agents are sowing fear in entire communities, which is why we are urging the court to intervene and stop these unconstitutional raids at once.”

    In the brief, Attorney General James and the coalition detail how the federal government’s current immigration enforcement efforts have “shattered the rhythms of everyday life” in Los Angeles. In recent months, masked agents conducting unannounced and unmarked operations in neighborhoods, churches, schools, and local businesses have left people afraid to leave their homes. Residents, including U.S. citizens, have been unlawfully detained, questioned, and harassed, often without any reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing. Local businesses have closed and farmers markets have shut down due to fear of enforcement. Hospitals and health clinics report soaring appointment cancellation rates, which presents alarming concerns for public health. Students are skipping school and graduation ceremonies, days that are supposed to be among the most joyous of their lives. Houses of worship have also seen a dramatic decline in attendance.

    The attorneys general highlight the long history of discriminatory and militarized immigration enforcement campaigns in California, including “Operation Wetback,” a 1954 mass deportation campaign that took its name from an ethnic slur, as well as the La Placita raids during the Great Depression. The attorneys general note that at the time, Mexican farmworkers were indiscriminately blamed for job shortages and shrinking public benefits, and ultimately, the campaign resulted in the deportation of nearly two million Mexican Americans, more than half of whom were U.S. citizens, without due process. Families were separated, and many children never again saw their parents. Historians and scholars have widely condemned these discriminatory raids as inhumane terror campaigns.

    Attorney General James and the coalition draw parallels between those shameful chapters of American history and the current actions under the Trump administration, which seemingly prioritize maximizing the quantity of arrests over the right to due process. They highlight the president’s past remarks, in which he praised “Operation Wetback” as an enforcement model and hailed the Eisenhower administration for setting the record for deportations, a record he said his administration would break. The attorneys general emphasize that the administration’s recent immigration raids, including in Los Angeles, appear to bear many of the same hallmarks as the earlier mass deportation efforts that are now shameful chapters of American history.

    The attorneys general argue that the federal government’s conduct creates confusion and fear that also directly impedes local law enforcement. Numerous incidents have been reported in which plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents driving unmarked vehicles were mistaken for criminals, leading to false reports of kidnappings and assaults. This, too, erodes the culture of trust between immigrant communities and the police. ICE’s secretive approach has even led to a rise in copycat crimes in which masked perpetrators imitate ICE agents in order to abduct or harass others.

    In their filing, Attorney General James and the coalition emphasize that while the ACLU’s lawsuit is specifically focused on ICE enforcement tactics in Los Angeles, the federal government has been engaging in widespread raids in cities throughout the country, including New York. Arrests at immigration courts in Manhattan and on farms upstate have contributed to a culture of fear for many immigrant New Yorkers. The attorneys general are asking the court to immediately intervene and stop the unlawful immigration enforcement tactics in Los Angeles, arguing that the culture of fear that these raids have created permeates well beyond city and state borders and has had an overwhelming chilling effect on communities nationwide.

    The attorneys general are supporting the plaintiffs’ motion for a temporary restraining order, in which they argue ICE is not stopping people based on any reasonable, individualized suspicion, and instead is engaging in racial profiling. 

    Joining Attorney General James in filing this brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Could new pipelines shield Canada from U.S. tariffs? The answer is complicated

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Torsten Jaccard, Assistant Professor of Economics, University of British Columbia

    It should come as no surprise that United States President Donald Trump’s tariff threats have renewed interest in building pipelines that don’t rely on access to the American market. Almost four million barrels of crude oil cross the Canada-U.S. border each day, generating revenue of more than $100 billion per year — a quarter of Alberta’s GDP.

    A February survey by the Angus Reid Institute found that half of Canadians believe the federal government isn’t doing enough to expand pipeline capacity. Meanwhile, two-thirds said they would back reviving the Energy East project — a cancelled pipeline that would have transported oil from western Canada to New Brunswick and Québec.

    But would new pipelines truly insulate Canada from the threat of U.S. tariffs? And how much new pipeline capacity is necessary? Despite the apparent urgency of approving new infrastructure projects, these questions remain surprisingly unexplored.

    In a recent paper I co-authored with researcher Jotham Peters, which is currently under revision, we applied formal economic modelling techniques to parse through the costs and benefits of new pipelines, and in particular to understand the role of American tariffs in shaping these costs and benefits.

    How tariffs could hit Canadian oil producers

    In a worst-case scenario where the U.S. follows through on its threat of a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian oil exports, Canadian producers could lose as much as $14 billion in annual revenue — roughly a 10 per cent decrease.

    Simply put, Canada’s existing pipeline network severely limits access to markets other than the U.S., and as a consequence oil producers bear the full brunt of American tariffs.

    But what if Northern Gateway and Energy East — two previously cancelled pipelines that would have brought Canadian oil to tidewater — had been built?

    If Northern Gateway and Energy East were operational in 2025, Canada would be more resilient, but not completely immune, to U.S. tariffs. Instead of a $14 billion loss, tariffs would reduce annual revenue by $9 billion.

    Ultimately, the combined capacity of Northern Gateway and Energy East, which would be 1.625 million barrels per day, pales in comparison to the four million barrels per day of existing pipeline capacity connecting Canadian producers with American refineries.

    Closing this gap would require an expansion of east-west pipeline capacity far beyond the cancelled pipelines of the last decade.

    The economic case for pipelines

    So have the recent shifts in U.S. trade policy fundamentally altered the economic case in favour of new east-west pipelines? As with most economic analyses, the answer is complicated.

    On the one hand, any progress that mitigates the significant cost of U.S. tariffs are likely dollars well spent. Building new pipelines strengthens the bargaining power of Canadian producers, which carries an additional benefit of potentially increasing the return on each barrel sold to our southern neighbour.

    There’s also a long-term capacity issue. Existing pipelines may reach their limit by 2035. In the absence of new pipelines, any new production after 2035 would either need to be transported by rail at a higher cost, or left in the ground.

    On the other hand, if the U.S. never follows through on tariffs on energy exports — or if future administrations do not share Trump’s affinity for chaotic trade policy — Canada could end up right back where it started when these projects were cancelled.

    All pipelines carry some economic benefit, but such benefits were not enough in 2016 and 2017 to warrant the construction of the Northern Gateway and Energy East pipelines.

    Inflated construction costs threaten benefits

    The elephant in the room is whether a significant expansion in pipeline capacity could realistically be achieved at reasonable cost. Recent evidence suggests it could be a challenge.

    The Trans Mountain expansion project, for instance, was initially estimated to cost $5.4 billion in 2013. By the time it was completed in 2024, the final price tag had ballooned to $34 billion — a cost overrun of 380 per cent when accounting for inflation.

    The Coastal GasLink pipeline, which transports natural gas, faced similar issues. It was initially projected to cost $4 billion in 2012 and was completed in 2023 at a final cost of $14.5 billion, with an inflation-adjusted overrun of 180 per cent.

    While some of these costs were circumstantial — a major flood affected Trans Mountain, for example — increased efficiency in pipeline construction is necessary for the economic benefits of new pipelines to be realized, regardless of U.S. trade policy.

    Beyond economics costs

    While our research explores the economic impact of new pipelines in the face of U.S. tariffs, we acknowledge there are other issues that need to be considered.

    Chief among them is ensuring Canada meets its constitutional obligation to consult First Nations on decisions, like natural resources projects, that affect their communities and territories. Although this lies beyond our area of expertise, it will inevitably be an important element of consideration for any new pipeline developments.



    Read more:
    The complicated history of building pipelines in Canada

    The environmental impacts of new pipelines are another key concern. These impacts range from local exposure to oil spills to upstream greenhouse gas emissions associated with oil production. While these varying and complex impacts are also beyond the scope of our current work, future research should focus on quantifying the potential environmental impacts of new pipelines.

    Our research cannot say whether any new pipeline project is good, bad or in Canada’s national interest. But we can help Canadians reach an informed decision about how changes in U.S. trade policy may or may not alter the economic case for new pipelines in this country.

    While Canada would undoubtedly be in a stronger position to respond to U.S. tariffs were Northern Gateway and Energy East operational in 2025, it would still find itself significantly exposed to Trump’s tariff threats.

    Fully removing this exposure would require not one but seven pipelines equivalent to Northern Gateway. Whether that’s a goal worth pursuing is a broader question — one we hope our research can help Canadians and policymakers reach on their own.

    Torsten Jaccard receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Could new pipelines shield Canada from U.S. tariffs? The answer is complicated – https://theconversation.com/could-new-pipelines-shield-canada-from-u-s-tariffs-the-answer-is-complicated-259660

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Georgia’s International Gold and Foreign Exchange Reserves Reach $4.7 Billion

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Tbilisi, July 7 /Xinhua/ — Georgia’s international gold and foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 103.3 million in June 2025 to USD 4.7 billion, the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) reported on Monday.

    According to the regulator, in the conditions of favorable market conditions, the NBG continues the policy of active replenishment of reserves. In particular, in March, net purchases of foreign currency were made for $101.7 million, in April – for $266.4 million, in May – for $245.4 million. The total volume of net purchases for January-May 2025 amounted to $613.5 million.

    It is noted that as of June 2025, the share of gold in the total volume of Georgia’s international reserves amounted to 16.1 percent /754.4 million dollars/.

    “As a result of the change in the price of gold, the value of monetary gold has increased by 254.4 million US dollars since its acquisition, which underlines the validity of the National Bank’s strategy to diversify reserves,” the Central Bank said in a statement. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: At least 87 dead, dozens missing in Texas floods

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    HOUSTON, July 7 (Xinhua) — The death toll from flash floods in central Texas has risen to 87, with dozens still missing, local authorities said, as search and rescue efforts entered their fourth day.

    Mystic, a 99-year-old Christian summer camp for girls located on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, is mourning the deaths of at least 27 children and counselors after heavy rains caused a series of flash floods in central Texas on July 4 and 5.

    The whereabouts of 10 girls and one camp counselor remained unknown as of Monday morning, County Sheriff Larry Leita said at a news conference.

    The sheriff added that as of Monday morning, 48 adults and 27 children had been confirmed dead in Kerr County as a result of the massive flooding. Many of the victims were still unidentified.

    Four other counties in the central part of the state reported a total of 12 deaths, including several children.

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott has warned that more rain is expected in the coming days, leaving parts of the state at risk of further flooding. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan as displacement, hunger and disease escalate

    Source: United Nations 2

    The situation is particularly dire in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province, which has witnessed some of the worst episodes of the ongoing conflict between rival militaries.

    Those remaining in El Fasher are facing “extreme shortages” of food and clean water, with markets repeatedly disrupted, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular news briefing in New York.

    Across the city, nearly 40 per cent of children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition, including 11 per cent with severe acute malnutrition.

    Most of the surrounding water infrastructure has also been destroyed or rendered non-functional due to minimal maintenance and fuel shortages, Mr. Dujarric added.  

    El Fasher displacement

    Since April 2023, an estimated 780,000 people have been displaced from El Fasher town and the nearby Zamzam displacement camps, including nearly 500,000 in April and May of this year.

    Famine conditions have been confirmed in the area since last August.

    About three-quarters of Zamzam camp’s residents fled to various locations across Tawila, where the UN and its partners have scaled up critical humanitarian assistance.

    Cholera outbreak continues

    Mr. Dujarric further warned that the breakdown of water and sanitation services, combined with low vaccination coverage, has sharply increased the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera.

    So far this year, Sudan has reported more than 32,000 suspected cholera cases.

    According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) cholera cases continue to rise across Darfur, with over 300 suspected cases and more than two dozen deaths reported in South Darfur state last week alone.

    “Conflict and collapsing infrastructure continue to drive the spread of the disease and impede response efforts,” Mr. Dujarric stressed.

    Unprecedented and complex crisis

    Since war erupted between the former allies-turned-rivals, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed and more than 12 million forced to flee their homes – including approximately four million as refugees in neighbouring countries.

    The crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of extreme vulnerability, as the country remains highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and disasters.

    From severe droughts to deadly floods, the compounded effects of conflict and environmental instability are pushing communities to the brink, leaving them struggling to survive. Famine has already been declared in some parts of the country, putting millions of lives at risk.

    Lack of resources hamstring response

    Despite growing needs, the $4.2 billion humanitarian response plan for 2025, which aims to assist around 21 million of the most vulnerable people, remains only 21 per cent funded, having received $896 million received so far.

    Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, underscored the gravity of the situation in El Fasher.

    Civilians in the area remain cut off from aid and face the risk of starvation, he said in a post on social media.

    Appealing for an urgent humanitarian pause, he warned that that “every day without access costs lives.” 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Department Expands Commitment to Collaboration with Norway on Water Power Research and Development

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today extended a commitment to collaboration in water power research and development with Norway’s Royal Ministry of Energy. The extension of this previously established Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which facilitates planning and coordination activities between the two countries, will further the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce energy costs, strengthen grid reliability and security, and unleash American energy innovation as called for in President Trump’s Executive Orders on energy and Secretary Wright’s memorandum.

    “Strong partnerships drive innovation, and innovation strengthens America’s energy future,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “Hydropower is a tremendous resource— one that supports reliable, affordable power across the country and holds vast potential to bolster America’s grid. By signing this Memorandum of Understanding with Norway, we are building upon our two nations’ shared expertise and advanced marine energy technologies to support President Trump’s pro-growth energy agenda for the American people.”

    “Hydropower and marine energy have potential to reduce energy costs and improve the resilience of our electric grid,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Lou Hrkman. “Our collaboration with Norway—another country that is rich in water power resources—will help us expand our generation capacity, upgrade existing facilities, and cultivate the technical expertise we need to make the most of these opportunities.”

    In 2020, DOE and Norway’s Royal Ministry of Energy signed a five-year MOU Annex that brought together DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office and the Norwegian Research Centre for Hydropower Technology to collaborate on hydropower research and development. The latest MOU Annex expands the scope of this collaboration to include marine energy, which has the potential to provide locally sourced energy to millions of Americans in the most densely populated regions of the country. Under the extended MOU, the two parties will share foundational information, tools, and technologies that reduce barriers to the development, testing, and advancement of both marine energy and new hydropower technologies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: WTF Rings Nasdaq Bell, Preparing to Provide Brokerage Services to AIs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waton Financial Limited (NASDAQ: WTF) (“Waton” or the “Company”), a holding company registered in the British Virgin Islands and engaged primarily in securities brokerage and fintech services through its Hong Kong subsidiaries, Waton Securities International Limited and Waton Technology International Limited, today commemorated its recent initial public offering by ringing the opening bell at the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York.

    Waton’s ordinary shares began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “WTF” on April 1, 2025.

    “This is a defining moment for Waton,” said Mr. Kai Zhou, Chairman of the Board of Waton Financial Limited. “Our Nasdaq listing marks both a recognition of our team’s work and the beginning of a new chapter in our evolution. We remain focused on long-term value creation for our customers, shareholders, and broader society.”

    Launch of a Global AI Strategy

    During the ceremony, Waton Financial Limited introduced its global AI strategy, signaling a long-term vision to transition from a broker-serving model to exploring how it may serve AI-based entities. This strategic initiative aims to evaluate the integration of advanced AI technologies across Waton’s operations, with the goal of evolving how products and services are delivered in an increasingly digitized financial ecosystem.

    “Our aspiration is to become a pioneer in offering brokerage infrastructure that supports AI-driven participants,” said Mr. Kai Zhou, Chairman of the Board of the Company. “We believe AI is emerging as a new category of economic agent, and we are beginning to explore how financial institutions may one day support such entities responsibly, in parallel with human clients.”

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, but not limited to statements regarding plans, objectives, strategies, future events, performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events, which may affect the Company’s financial condition, operating results, business strategy, and capital needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “should,” “seek,” “estimate,” “will,” “target,” “anticipate,” or similar expressions. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or changes in its expectations. While the Company believes the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee these expectations will prove correct and cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from anticipated results, and encourages investors to review the Company’s registration statements and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional factors that could affect its future performance.

    ABOUT WATON FINANCIAL LIMITED (“WATON”)

    Waton Financial Limited is a holding company registered in the British Virgin Islands, conducting business primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong. Waton offers comprehensive financial services, including securities brokerage, asset management, and software licensing to retail and institutional investors. Driven by technology and a customer-centric philosophy, Waton is committed to delivering innovative and reliable financial solutions.

    CONTACTS

    Media Inquiries
    pr@waton.com

    Investor Relations
    ir@waton.com
    Waton Financial Limited

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb0da1ed-da9c-4b1e-a58c-db19d2b337ae

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9df492d7-3e3c-4b4b-b0b5-92963328759e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WTF Rings Nasdaq Bell, Preparing to Provide Brokerage Services to AIs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waton Financial Limited (NASDAQ: WTF) (“Waton” or the “Company”), a holding company registered in the British Virgin Islands and engaged primarily in securities brokerage and fintech services through its Hong Kong subsidiaries, Waton Securities International Limited and Waton Technology International Limited, today commemorated its recent initial public offering by ringing the opening bell at the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York.

    Waton’s ordinary shares began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “WTF” on April 1, 2025.

    “This is a defining moment for Waton,” said Mr. Kai Zhou, Chairman of the Board of Waton Financial Limited. “Our Nasdaq listing marks both a recognition of our team’s work and the beginning of a new chapter in our evolution. We remain focused on long-term value creation for our customers, shareholders, and broader society.”

    Launch of a Global AI Strategy

    During the ceremony, Waton Financial Limited introduced its global AI strategy, signaling a long-term vision to transition from a broker-serving model to exploring how it may serve AI-based entities. This strategic initiative aims to evaluate the integration of advanced AI technologies across Waton’s operations, with the goal of evolving how products and services are delivered in an increasingly digitized financial ecosystem.

    “Our aspiration is to become a pioneer in offering brokerage infrastructure that supports AI-driven participants,” said Mr. Kai Zhou, Chairman of the Board of the Company. “We believe AI is emerging as a new category of economic agent, and we are beginning to explore how financial institutions may one day support such entities responsibly, in parallel with human clients.”

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, but not limited to statements regarding plans, objectives, strategies, future events, performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events, which may affect the Company’s financial condition, operating results, business strategy, and capital needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “should,” “seek,” “estimate,” “will,” “target,” “anticipate,” or similar expressions. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or changes in its expectations. While the Company believes the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee these expectations will prove correct and cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from anticipated results, and encourages investors to review the Company’s registration statements and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional factors that could affect its future performance.

    ABOUT WATON FINANCIAL LIMITED (“WATON”)

    Waton Financial Limited is a holding company registered in the British Virgin Islands, conducting business primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong. Waton offers comprehensive financial services, including securities brokerage, asset management, and software licensing to retail and institutional investors. Driven by technology and a customer-centric philosophy, Waton is committed to delivering innovative and reliable financial solutions.

    CONTACTS

    Media Inquiries
    pr@waton.com

    Investor Relations
    ir@waton.com
    Waton Financial Limited

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb0da1ed-da9c-4b1e-a58c-db19d2b337ae

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9df492d7-3e3c-4b4b-b0b5-92963328759e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Canoe EIT Income Fund Announces July 2025 Monthly Distribution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canoe EIT Income Fund (the “Fund”) (TSX – EIT.UN) announces the July 2025 monthly distribution of $0.10 per unit. Unitholders of record on July 22, 2025, will receive distributions payable on August 15, 2025.

    About Canoe EIT Income Fund
    Canoe EIT Income Fund is one of Canada’s largest closed-end investment funds, designed to maximize monthly distributions and capital appreciation by investing in a broadly diversified portfolio of high quality securities. The Fund is listed on the TSX under the symbol EIT.UN, and is actively managed by Robert Taylor, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Canoe Financial.

    About Canoe Financial
    Canoe Financial is one of Canada’s fastest growing independent mutual fund companies managing approximately $20.0 billion in assets across a diversified range of award-winning investment solutions. Founded in 2008, Canoe Financial is an employee-owned investment management firm focused on building financial wealth for Canadians. Canoe Financial has a significant presence across Canada, including offices in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.

    For further information, please contact:
    Investor Relations
    1–877–434–2796
    www.canoefinancial.com
    info@canoefinancial.com

    Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States of America.

    The Fund makes monthly distributions of an amount comprised in whole or in part of Return of Capital (ROC) of the net asset value per unit. A ROC reduces the amount of your original investment and may result in the return to you of the entire amount of your original investment. ROC that is not reinvested will reduce the net asset value of the fund, which could reduce the fund’s ability to generate future income. You should not draw any conclusions about the fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment funds. Please read the information filed about the fund on www.sedar.com before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed and past performance may not be repeated.

    This communication is not to be construed as a public offering to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Such an offer can only be made by way of a prospectus or other applicable offering document and should be read carefully before making any investment. This release is for information purposes only. Investors should consult their Investment Advisor for details and risk factors regarding specific strategies and various investment products.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Canoe EIT Income Fund Announces July 2025 Monthly Distribution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canoe EIT Income Fund (the “Fund”) (TSX – EIT.UN) announces the July 2025 monthly distribution of $0.10 per unit. Unitholders of record on July 22, 2025, will receive distributions payable on August 15, 2025.

    About Canoe EIT Income Fund
    Canoe EIT Income Fund is one of Canada’s largest closed-end investment funds, designed to maximize monthly distributions and capital appreciation by investing in a broadly diversified portfolio of high quality securities. The Fund is listed on the TSX under the symbol EIT.UN, and is actively managed by Robert Taylor, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Canoe Financial.

    About Canoe Financial
    Canoe Financial is one of Canada’s fastest growing independent mutual fund companies managing approximately $20.0 billion in assets across a diversified range of award-winning investment solutions. Founded in 2008, Canoe Financial is an employee-owned investment management firm focused on building financial wealth for Canadians. Canoe Financial has a significant presence across Canada, including offices in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.

    For further information, please contact:
    Investor Relations
    1–877–434–2796
    www.canoefinancial.com
    info@canoefinancial.com

    Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States of America.

    The Fund makes monthly distributions of an amount comprised in whole or in part of Return of Capital (ROC) of the net asset value per unit. A ROC reduces the amount of your original investment and may result in the return to you of the entire amount of your original investment. ROC that is not reinvested will reduce the net asset value of the fund, which could reduce the fund’s ability to generate future income. You should not draw any conclusions about the fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment funds. Please read the information filed about the fund on www.sedar.com before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed and past performance may not be repeated.

    This communication is not to be construed as a public offering to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Such an offer can only be made by way of a prospectus or other applicable offering document and should be read carefully before making any investment. This release is for information purposes only. Investors should consult their Investment Advisor for details and risk factors regarding specific strategies and various investment products.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Veritex Holdings, Inc. Announces Dates of Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Veritex Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: VBTX) (“Veritex” or “the Company”), the parent holding company for Veritex Community Bank, today announced that it plans to release its second quarter 2025 results after the close of the market on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The earnings release will be available on the Company’s website, https://ir.veritexbank.com/. The Company will also host an investor conference call to review the results on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. Central Time.

    Participants may access a live webcast of the conference call through the investor relations section of Veritex’s website, or the hosting website at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/jgbuv92c. Participants may also register via teleconference at: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIb89ce5a5b5dd41f3bb84e30e37241d2f. Once registration is completed, participants will be provided with a dial-in number containing a personalized conference code to access the call. All participants are instructed to dial in 15 minutes prior to the start time.

    A replay will be available within approximately two hours after the completion of the call and made accessible for one week. You may access the replay via webcast through the investor relations section of Veritex’s website.

    About Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Veritex is a bank holding company that conducts banking activities through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Veritex Community Bank, with locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and in the Houston metropolitan area. Veritex Community Bank is a Texas state-chartered bank regulated by the Texas Department of Banking and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. For more information, visit www.veritexbank.com.

    Source: Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited Announces Pricing of Approximately $5 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ANPA) (the “Company”), a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (“Offering”) of 1,250,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. The ordinary shares have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market and are expected to commence trading on July 8, 2025 under the ticker symbol “ANPA.”

    The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $5 million from this Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. Proceeds from the Offering will be used for the incorporation of generative AI features into the Company’s service modules; the setting up of new branches and offices in the U.S. and to recruit suitable and appropriate staffs to support the Company’s expansion; potential strategic alliances with other industry players; and working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

    The Offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. Eddid Securities USA Inc. acted the underwriter (the “Underwriter”) for the Offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as counsel to the Company, and Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP acted as counsel to the Underwriter in connection with the Offering.

    A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (File Number: 333-285592) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 27, 2025. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Eddid Securities USA Inc., 40 Wall Street, Suite 1606, New York, NY 10005. In addition, a copy of the prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    About Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited is a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong. Its service portfolio covers a myriad of deliverables, mainly including listing documents, financial reports, fund documents, circulars and announcements. The Company offers to its customers a wide range of convenient and quality financial printing services, from typesetting, proofreading, translation, design and printing. In addition, it also offered advisory services such as conducting internal control assessment and environmental, social and governance performance evaluation as well as other services including provision of co-working space at its leased office.

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

    For more information, please contact:

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited
    Matthew Chan, CEO
    mc@anpa.com.hk

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited Announces Pricing of Approximately $5 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ANPA) (the “Company”), a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (“Offering”) of 1,250,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. The ordinary shares have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market and are expected to commence trading on July 8, 2025 under the ticker symbol “ANPA.”

    The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $5 million from this Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. Proceeds from the Offering will be used for the incorporation of generative AI features into the Company’s service modules; the setting up of new branches and offices in the U.S. and to recruit suitable and appropriate staffs to support the Company’s expansion; potential strategic alliances with other industry players; and working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

    The Offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. Eddid Securities USA Inc. acted the underwriter (the “Underwriter”) for the Offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as counsel to the Company, and Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP acted as counsel to the Underwriter in connection with the Offering.

    A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (File Number: 333-285592) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 27, 2025. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Eddid Securities USA Inc., 40 Wall Street, Suite 1606, New York, NY 10005. In addition, a copy of the prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    About Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited is a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong. Its service portfolio covers a myriad of deliverables, mainly including listing documents, financial reports, fund documents, circulars and announcements. The Company offers to its customers a wide range of convenient and quality financial printing services, from typesetting, proofreading, translation, design and printing. In addition, it also offered advisory services such as conducting internal control assessment and environmental, social and governance performance evaluation as well as other services including provision of co-working space at its leased office.

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

    For more information, please contact:

    Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited
    Matthew Chan, CEO
    mc@anpa.com.hk

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AC Reports Preliminary June 30 Book Value of $43.20 to $43.40 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“AC” or the “Company”) (NYSE:AC), announced today a preliminary range for its second quarter book value of $43.20 to $43.40 per share. This compares to $42.51 per share at March 31, 2025 and $42.14 per share at December 31, 2024.

    AC will be issuing further details on its financial results in August.

    About Associated Capital Group, Inc.
    Associated Capital Group, Inc. (NYSE: AC), based in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a diversified global financial services company that provides alternative investment management through Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (“GCIA”). We have also earmarked proprietary capital for our direct investment business that invests in new and existing businesses. The direct investment business is developing along several core pillars including Gabelli Private Equity Partners, LLC (“GPEP”), formed in August 2017 with $150 million of authorized capital as a “fund-less” sponsor. We also created Gabelli Principal Strategies Group, LLC (“GPS”) in December 2015 to pursue strategic operating initiatives.

    SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
    Our disclosure and analysis in this press release contain “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements convey our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements because they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. They also appear in any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance of our products, expenses, the outcome of any legal proceedings, and financial results. Although we believe that we are basing our expectations and beliefs on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of what we currently know about our business and operations, the economy and other conditions, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from what we expect or believe. Therefore, you should proceed with caution in relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance.

    Ian J. McAdams
    Chief Financial Officer
    (914) 921-5078
    Associated-Capital-Group.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Jennifer Wolfenbarger Joins Franklin Electric as Chief Financial Officer, Bringing Extensive Financial Leadership in Global Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) announced today that Jennifer Wolfenbarger has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Accounting Officer. As a core member of the executive leadership team, Wolfenbarger will help shape the company’s financial future by enabling growth and overseeing fiscal accountability for the entire organization.

    Wolfenbarger has served in divisional CFO roles at some of the country’s most recognizable and growth-minded manufacturing companies, including Caterpillar, Stryker and most recently Owens Corning. In her role at Owens Corning, Wolfenbarger oversaw strategic planning, investor relations, compliance and financial reporting for the company’s $4 billion global insulation business. This included 50 manufacturing and distribution sites around the world.

    “Jennifer’s experience is exceptional, and we could not have selected a more well-rounded and dynamic candidate to fill this position,” said Joe Ruzynski, CEO of Franklin Electric. “She is value-driven to the core, and her passion for implementing continuous improvement will be an incredible asset to our people, our shareholders and our customers.”

    Throughout Wolfenbarger’s career, she has lent her financial expertise to her community, serving as the Treasurer on three not-for-profit boards. While at Owens Corning, she was the executive sponsor for the company’s Latin America Women’s Initiative Network, and she often mentors at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, providing professional guidance. Her career has taken her to the United Kingdom, Brazil, the Netherlands, Maryland, Michigan, South Carolina, Georgia, Illinois and Ohio. She is excited to be returning to her Indiana roots in her new role and will be relocating to the Fort Wayne area.

    “This is an incredible opportunity to support Franklin Electric’s commitment to growth and innovation,” said Wolfenbarger. “I’m thrilled to work alongside a highly talented and dedicated global team that values collaboration, teamwork, growth and development.”

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

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

    Contact:   Jill Hart
        Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
        260.824.2900

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Appoints Daniela Williams as Chief Human Resources Officer to Lead Talent and Culture Strategy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) announced that Daniela Williams will join its executive leadership team as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), bringing a proven track record of driving growth for global organizations.

    In her new role, Williams will be setting the strategic direction for talent acquisition and management at Franklin Electric, overseeing all aspects of employee relations, compensation, benefits, development and compliance. She will serve on the Company’s executive leadership team, reporting to the CEO.

    “Daniela has a well-established reputation for leading and managing talent at a global scale,” said Joe Ruzynski, CEO of Franklin Electric. “Her expertise spans HR technology, talent development, analytics and global workforce strategy, and she’ll play a critical role in ensuring we are organized to serve our customers well into the future. We are thrilled to have Daniela join Franklin Electric and lead our Human Resource team as we invest in our people and processes to drive our growth initiatives.”

    Williams joins Franklin Electric with an extensive resume of leading people and culture at top automotive supply and manufacturing companies. In her previous role at automotive technology firm Visteon Corporation, Williams oversaw all HR functions and global talent acquisition. She also launched the company’s first Women’s Leadership Program with a focus on accelerating leadership skills across the company to ensure a pipeline of leaders ready to drive the business forward. Throughout her career, she has used her talents to lead outreach efforts, including mentoring programs as well as serving on the Advisory Council for Project Pathways, a STEM program for Detroit public schools.

    “My focus has always been on supporting decisions that contribute to growth, profitability, building great teams, and long‑term success,” said Williams. “Franklin Electric is clearly an organization dedicated to fostering talent, and I’m excited to bring my experience in workforce strategies to this innovative organization.”

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

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

    Contact:   Jill Hart
        Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
        260.824.2900

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Releases Statement on Budget Reconciliation Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    07.02.25
    Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today released the following statement on H.R. 1, the budget reconciliation bill:
    “This was one of the hardest votes I have taken during my time in the Senate.
    “My goal throughout the reconciliation process has been to make a bad bill better for Alaska, and in many ways, we have done that. In addition to extending pro-growth tax cuts, a larger child tax credit, and no tax on tips or overtime, we made a historic investment and modernization of the Coast Guard; enhanced our border security and national defense; funded aviation safety, including AWOS/VWOS systems that will save lives; and provided tax-exempt status for the Community Development Quota Program to help western Alaska communities establish a sustainable economy, among other provisions.
    “We have advanced new opportunities for resource development in the NPR-A, the Coastal Plain, and Cook Inlet that will help us create jobs and increase the share of revenues our state receives. I also co-led the Senate effort to restore a slightly longer phase-out for wind and solar tax credits while deleting a punitive excise tax targeting them.
    “Those provisions will benefit our economy, but it is the people of Alaska that I worry about the most, especially when it comes to the potential loss of social safety net programs—Medicaid coverage and SNAP benefits—that our most vulnerable populations rely on.
    “To address the bill’s shortcomings, we have helped our communities through a $50 billion rural health fund. This will mean hundreds of millions of dollars for Alaska hospitals, community health centers, and other providers. We secured commitments from the CMS Administrator to continue to address longstanding priorities which will directly help Bartlett, Fairbanks Memorial, Central Peninsula, and other hospitals in Alaska.
    “In the SNAP program, we have added tribal exemptions for work requirements, delayed cost-share penalties to help Alaska get benefits to the people who need them, and included work requirement waivers that align with our Medicaid policies. We also secured commitments from the Secretary of Agriculture to provide additional flexibilities to Alaska for SNAP.
    “But, let’s not kid ourselves. This has been an awful process—a frantic rush to meet an artificial deadline that has tested every limit of this institution. While we have worked to improve the present bill for Alaska, it is not good enough for the rest of our nation—and we all know it.
    “My sincere hope is that this is not the final product. This bill needs more work across chambers and is not ready for the President’s desk. We need to work together to get this right.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Fight for Tax Equality for Married LGBTQ+ Couples

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    Bipartisan bill would retroactively give refunds to same-sex married couples who were denied the chance to lower taxes by filing jointly

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet recently joined 43 of their Senate colleagues to reintroduce the bipartisan Refund Equality Act to make sure that married same-sex couples can amend their tax returns back to the date of their marriage. The anniversary of the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court ruling, which recognized a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, was June 26th.

    “Who you love shouldn’t determine how you’re taxed,” said Hickenlooper. “Legally married same-sex couples deserve the tax refunds they were denied because of outdated laws.”

    “As we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, we also must continue working to achieve equality for all – that includes writing a fairer tax code that does not discriminate based on who you love,” said Bennet. “These bills are important steps forward to update our tax system and build an economy that works for everyone.”

    Specifically, the Refund Equality Act would:

    • Allow same-sex couples who were married in jurisdictions that recognized same-sex marriage prior to 2013 – including Massachusetts, Connecticut, California, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington, D.C – to file for income tax adjustments for those years, back to the date of their marriage
    • Create exceptions for two tax code limitations: Section 6013(b), which gives married couples three years to begin filing jointly after their most recent separate returns, and Section 6511(a), which requires a claim for tax credits or refunds to be filed within three years of the initial return 
    • Create exemptions including adjustments to capital loss carryback and adjustments for retired service members who receive an award of disability compensations.

    According to a 2021 estimate by the Joint Committee on Taxation, this bill would return $55 million in refunds to taxpayers whose marriages were systematically discriminated against.

    The legislation is also endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE), the Movement Advancement Project, and MassEquality.

    Full text of the bill available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Trump unveils 25% tariffs on goods from Japan, South Korea in letters to leaders

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump said on Monday the U.S. would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Japan and South Korea beginning Aug. 1 as he unveiled the first two of an expected 12 letters to trading partners outlining the new levies they face.

    “If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 25% that we charge,” Trump said in letters to the leaders of the two Asian countries, which he posted on his Truth Social platform.

    Later, Trump also announced the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on Malaysia and Kazakhstan, 30% on South Africa and 40% on Laos and Myanmar.

    The rate for South Korea is the same as Trump initially announced on April 2, while the rate for Japan is 1 point higher than first announced. A week later, he capped all of the so-called reciprocal tariffs at 10% until July 9 to allow for negotiations. Only two agreements have so far been reached, with Britain and Vietnam.

    There was no immediate response from the Japanese or South Korean embassies on the announcement.

    About12 countries will receive letters from Trump, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing without identifying them. She said Trump would sign an executive order on Monday formally delaying the July 9 deadline to August 1.

    “There will be additional letters in the coming days,” Leavitt said, adding that “we are close” on some deals.

    The European Union will not be receiving a letter setting out higher tariffs, EU sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Monday.

    U.S. stocks fell in response, the latest market ruction since Trump unleashed a global trade war on his return to office in January. His moves have repeatedly whipsawed financial markets and sent policymakers scrambling to protect their economies.

    U.S. stocks were driven to near bear-market territory by his cascade of tariff announcements through the early spring but quickly rebounded to record highs in the weeks after he put the stiffest levies on hold on April 9.

    The S&P 500 on Monday was down nearly 1%, its biggest drop in three weeks. U.S.-listed shares of Japanese automotive companies fell, with Toyota Motor down 4.1% at mid-afternoon trading and Honda Motor off by 3.8%. The dollar surged against both the Japanese yen and the South Korean won.

    U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier on Monday he expected several trade announcements to be made in the next 48 hours, adding that his inbox was full of last-ditch offers from countries to clinch a tariff deal by the deadline.

    Bessent did not say which countries could get deals and what they might contain. Trump has kept much of the world guessing on the outcome of months of talks with countries hoping to avoid the hefty tariff hikes he has threatened.

    Countries have scrambled to hammer out deals before the Wednesday deadline. South Korea and Indonesia dispatched representatives to Washington, while Thailand submitted a new trade proposal offering zero tariffs on many U.S. goods.

    “We’ve had a lot of people change their tune in terms of negotiations. So my mailbox was full last night with a lot of new offers, a lot of new proposals,” Bessent said in an interview with CNBC. “So it’s going to be a busy couple of days.”

    BRICS THREAT

    For its part, the European Union still aims to reach a trade deal by July 9 after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump had a “good exchange,” a Commission spokesperson said.

    It was not clear, however, whether there had been a meaningful breakthrough in talks to stave off tariff hikes on the United States’ largest trading partner.

    Adding to the pressure, Trump threatened to impose a 17% tariff on EU food and agriculture exports, it emerged last week.

    Trump had said on Sunday the U.S. was close to finalizing several trade pacts and would notify other countries by July 9 of higher tariff rates. He said they would not take effect until Aug. 1, a three-week reprieve.

    He also put members of the developing nations’ BRICS group in his sights as its leaders met in Brazil, threatening an additional 10% tariff on any BRICS countries aligning themselves with “anti-American” policies.

    The new 10% tariff will be imposed on individual countries if they take anti-American policy actions, a source familiar with the matter said.

    The BRICS group comprises Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa along with recent joiners Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

    Trump’s comments hit the South African rand.

    EU SEEKS EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO TRUMP

    The EU has been torn over whether to push for a quick and light trade deal or back its own economic clout in trying to negotiate a better outcome. It had already dropped hopes for a comprehensive trade agreement before the July deadline.

    “We want to reach a deal with the U.S. We want to avoid tariffs,” the spokesperson said at a daily briefing.

    Without a preliminary agreement, broad U.S. tariffs on most imports would rise from their current 10% to the rates set out by Trump on April 2. In the EU’s case, that would be 20%.

    Von der Leyen also held talks with the leaders of Germany, France and Italy at the weekend, Germany said. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has repeatedly stressed the need for a quick deal to protect industries vulnerable to tariffs ranging from cars to pharmaceuticals.

    The German spokesperson said the parties should allow themselves “another 24 or 48 hours to come to a decision.”

    Germany’s Mercedes-Benz MBGn.DEsaid on Monday its second-quarter unit sales of cars and vans had fallen 9%, blaming tariffs.

    Russia said BRICS was “a group of countries that share common approaches and a common world view on how to cooperate, based on their own interests.”

    “And this cooperation within BRICS has never been and will never be directed against any third countries,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

    (Reuters)