NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Honors Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program with National Award

    Source: US FBI

    CLARKSBURG, WV—On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division Assistant Director Timothy A. Ferguson presented the Harrison County (West Virginia) Deputy Reserve Program with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for its service to citizens in West Virginia. The Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program is dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community.

    The FBI established the DCLA in 1990 to publicly acknowledge the achievements of those working to make a difference in their communities through the promotion of education and the prevention of crime and violence.

    “The FBI’s successes are built on our connections with our law enforcement partners and our communities,” said CJIS Division Assistant Director Ferguson. “Having partner organizations such as the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program that engage with the public ensures we are able to maintain public trust and accountability, crush violent crime, and defend the homeland.”

    The Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers who support law enforcement and the community in a myriad of ways. The organization’s members are trained to assist in missing persons’ searches and traffic incident management. They hold monthly meetings that provide opportunities to connect state, local, and federal law enforcement. They also provide platforms for the FBI’s CJIS Division to reach community members via the CJIS Community Outreach Program’s Child ID Fingerprinting—a service that gives parents and guardians copies of their children’s fingerprints. The family can then turn over the fingerprints and accompanying headshots, which are not stored in any FBI system, to police in the event a child goes missing. Inspired by the FBI CJIS Division’s Citizens Academy, the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program created the Harrison County Citizens Academy to connect with, and better educate, community leaders about aspects of law enforcement and the judicial system. As with the FBI’s citizen academies, these opportunities enable frank discussion to enhance communities.

    Multiple members of the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program attended the award ceremony.

    “I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the FBI for this tremendous honor,” said former Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny. “Thank you for your unwavering commitment to strengthening the bond between federal and local law enforcement and thank you recognizing the power of partnership in building safer communities. This award is a testament to what can be accomplished when ordinary citizens step forward to do extraordinary things. The men and women of our Reserve Unit have answered that call time and again, without hesitation and without expectation. We are honored to accept this award, not just as a unit, but as part of the greater law enforcement family—united by purpose, service, and the unwavering belief that communities are worth protecting.”

    “This award was totally unexpected, but I am proud of how our unit has come together to give back to the community and to assist the sheriff’s office and deputies as they fulfill their duties,” said Deputy Sheriff Reserve Michael Lambiotte.

    Learn more about the Director’s Community Leadership Award program, the FBI’s general outreach efforts, and the FBI’s CJIS Division online.

    Photo Courtesy: Federal Bureau of Investigation – CJIS Division Assistant Director Timothy A. Ferguson (far left) and CJIS Division Section Chief Scott E. Schubert (far right) are joined by Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny II (center left) and members of the Harrison County Deputy Reserve Program.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – Sales activity lifts but listings keep property prices in check – Cotality

    Source: Cotality (Formerly CoreLogic)

    Property sales activity in New Zealand continued to strengthen in May, with volumes holding above average levels for a third consecutive month, according to Cotality’s June Housing Chart Pack.
    Sales volumes in May, measured across both private deals and real estate agents, were 16% higher than in the same month last year. This is the 24th rise in the past 25 months.

    The total number of sales at 8,218, was also about 5% above the 10-year May average, marking the third month in a row where activity has exceeded ‘normal’ levels.

    Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the ongoing lift in sale volumes points to improving confidence in the market.
    “Property sales have been gradually trending upwards for around two years now, and activity is back at normal levels, or even slightly above. It’s not a boom, but it’s clear that confidence is slowly returning, undoubtedly supported by falling mortgage rates.”
    However, for-sale listings remain high, with the number of new listings coming forward in recent weeks still ticking over at a solid pace.
    “New listings have generally tracked in line with typical seasonal patterns this year, though April’s extended holiday break did cause a temporary dip. As the market now enters the traditional winter lull, listing activity is likely to remain muted until it picks up again in Spring,” he said.
    Mr Davidson noted that stronger sales volumes have started to slightly reduce total stock levels in recent weeks.
    “While it has started to come down, the total number of properties listed on the market is still 20% above the five-year average, and that’s putting a lot of the negotiating power in buyers’ hands.”
    “Most areas are now showing a decline in total properties listed for sale compared to the same time in 2024, although Canterbury and Otago haven’t quite joined the club just yet,” he said.

    Total listings, change from equivalent period last year

    “While we’re starting to see listings come down, they’re still well above average in many markets. That means price growth is likely to remain contained in the short term,” he concluded.
    Highlights from the June 2025 Housing Chart Pack include:

    New Zealand’s residential real estate market is worth a combined $1.64 trillion.

    The CoreLogic Home Value Index shows property values across New Zealand edged down -0.1% in May. Over the three months to May, there was also a -0.1% dip in median property values across NZ.
    The total sales count over the 12 months to May is 85,395.
    Total listings on the market were 29,443 in May. The total number of properties listed on the market remains elevated, although the seasonal fall for new listings flows means that agreed sales have just started to eat into stock levels a little in the past few weeks.
    The pace of rental growth remains subdued, with net migration having fallen a long way from its peak, and the stock of available rental listings on the market still elevated.
    Gross rental yields now stand at 3.8%, which is the highest level since 2015-16.
    Inflation is back in the 1–3% target range, and after May’s 0.25% cut, the OCR is now down to 3.25%.
    The Chart of the Month shows Reserve Bank figures, with the average rate being paid on the existing stock of fixed loans currently about 5.9%, but prevailing rates are now about 1%-point lower than that figure.

    For more property news and insights, visit www.corelogic.co.nz/news-research

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government’s response to temporary stay granted by Court about decision to remove Aggressive Construction Company Limited from register

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government’s response to temporary stay granted by Court about decision to remove Aggressive Construction Company Limited from register 
    The BA refused the registration renewal application of ACCL on May 22, 2025 and decided to remove its name from the register of general building contractors on June 20. ACCL has appealed against the decision and applied for a stay of execution of the decision. The Court of First Instance of the High Court today granted an interim-interim stay of execution of the decision. The hearing of the appeal and application for stay of execution is tentatively scheduled for August 26 and 27.
     
    The spokesman for the DEVB said, “As the Court has granted an interim-interim stay of execution of the decision, ACCL will not be removed from the register of general building contractors on June 20. During the period pending further hearings, if there are still construction activities on the project sites undertaken by ACCL, the project owners concerned will act in accordance with the contracts and continue to monitor the construction sites and the performance of the contractor. If the contractor’s performance fails to meet the contractual requirements, the project owners will handle the matter in accordance with the contract and reserve the right to take follow-up actions. The BD and project owners will also step up monitoring and surprise inspections to safeguard site safety. In fact, since the performance of ACCL in respect of the public works project of the Chai Wan Government Complex was far below the contractual requirements, the Government as the project owner has terminated the contract in accordance with the contractual mechanism and taken over the construction site on June 15. The Government will endeavour to arrange in the near term for a new contractor to take over and finish the remaining works.”
    Issued at HKT 20:45

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt set to replace water main

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Water Supplies Department (WSD) will work around the clock to replace a 400-metre-long steel water main by early July, that was believed to be the source of the bitumen sediments found in the fresh water at Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court.

    Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn told legislators today that the Government is highly concerned about the water incident at Queen’s Hill. Upon receiving the incident reports at the end of May, the WSD and the Housing Department (HD) formed a joint working group to probe the incident and formulate remedial measures.

    The WSD has cleaned the water mains under its management and maintenance 11 times, while the HD has cleaned water pipes and water tanks under its purview six times and three times respectively.

    The HD has also installed 22 screen filters at the water inlet of each building and the estates.

    In addition, the WSD keeps collecting water samples from the estates for testing. So far, all samples have complied with the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards.

    Ms Linn noted that about 700 enquiries have been made to the 24-hour hotline since its set-up on June 7. Furthermore, the WSD has received over 1,500 requests for flushing water meters through community channels.

    Such channels involved the street counters and home visits organised by District Council members, the three district committees and the Care Teams.

    The WSD has completed the flushing of water meters within one to two days. Currently, most of the residents reported an improvement in water quality and follow-up action is not required.

    The WSD believes that the black sediments in the fresh water originated from a steel water main at the upstream water supply network at Ping Che Road. The 400-metre-long water main uses bitumen as an inner lining that serves as a protective coating.

    Over the past week, the WSD has explored the approach of using exposed temporary water mains to replace the steel water main.

    It collaborated with the Development Bureau, the contractor, the Transport Department, Police and the North District Office to formulate traffic arrangements.

    Through collective efforts, the WSD will immediately start the project and work around the clock to complete the temporary water mains by early July, when the specified section of bitumen-lined steel water mains will decommission.

    The WSD will also strive to replace the exposed temporary water mains with a permanent underground water mains by the end of this year.

    Ms Linn pointed out that the WSD has ceased applying bitumen lining on fresh water mains since 2005. Of the water pipes that still contain this type of lining, only about 230km are fresh water distribution mains, representing about 3.9% of the city’s total fresh water distribution mains.

    Apart from installing over 1,000 screen filters in the related water supply network, the WSD is reviewing the necessity of installing additional screen filters at suitable locations, she added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: From Puddles to Pollinators: Rain Gardens are Transforming Connecticut Landscapes

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Rain can dampen summer activities, but it’s also vital to the health of our landscapes – from replenishing groundwater to sustaining plants and crops.

    Modern infrastructure and excess water from rain don’t always work perfectly in sync. Our homes, roads, parking lots, and buildings block water from soaking into the ground, leading to more flooding and erosion.

    Mike Dietz ’94 (CLAS), ’01 MS, ’05 Ph.D., a senior extension educator and director of the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources, offers Connecticut residents some ideas to better handle Mother Nature’s wet presence.

    Rain gardens offer a natural, beautiful solution, helping to manage stormwater while supporting cleaner water across Connecticut. UConn Extension is leading efforts to expand rain gardens statewide through resources including an app, a free online course, workshops, and hands-on support.

    A rain garden is a shallow, landscaped area that captures and filters stormwater using plants, mulch, and ground covers. In residential neighborhoods, this reduces the amount of runoff that leaves the property in stormwater pipes, where it is sent untreated to local streams.

    Because Connecticut is part of the Long Island Sound watershed, every rain garden also helps protect the Sound, restore local waterways, and strengthen ecosystems. These gardens filter pollutants from stormwater before it reaches rivers and the Sound, using nature’s own cleaning processes.

    Dietz has spent years working with team members, developing rain garden resources for homeowners and communities.

    “I like the hands-on aspect of Extension water programs where I can see tangible things happening,” Dietz says. “The research advances the science, but I find the greatest impact working with people to get practices implemented.”

    Dietz remembers when UConn installed its first rain garden at the Towers dorms in 2004. Today, there are 30 rain gardens and 70 green infrastructure systems, including permeable pavements, across campus.

    Last year, Dietz worked with students to install a rain garden near the UConn Dairy Bar. Amanda Stowe ’26 (CAHNR) and Grace Wright Goodison ’27 (CLAS, Neag) were part of that team that applied for and won a UConn Change grant for the project.

    Mike Dietz, senior extension educator, with students planting a rain garden near the UConn Dairy Bar (Contributed photo)

    “I researched land management at UConn, especially with all our rain and having to walk through a huge puddle every time I left my dorm,” Wright Goodison says. “Native plants are important for our soil.”

    “This is important. People are concerned with flooding, and rain gardens help,” says Stowe.

    Both students began the project during class and used the undergraduate Change Grant to install the new garden.

    The site already had a catch basin, but they disconnected stormwater drains from part of a nearby building so the runoff now flows into the rain garden instead. Both students called it a great learning opportunity in water quality, pollinators, and native plants. A sign now helps Dairy Bar visitors learn about rain gardens and the specific plants growing there.

    “The goal was to take rainwater from the building and parking lots and disconnect it from Roberts Brook, which is already impaired,” Dietz says. “The rain garden is functioning as designed. And for pollinators, it’s a huge benefit – this was a barren landscape for them otherwise.”

    This summer, UConn Extension’s CLEAR program is partnering with towns across Connecticut to install more rain gardens as part of municipal stormwater efforts. Step-by-step training and resources are available for anyone interested in creating one. The Rain Garden Design, Installation, and Maintenance Course offers six hours of free online learning across seven modules. While geared toward landscapers, contractors, and municipal staff, homeowners can take the course too.

    Likewise, UConn CLEAR’s Rain Garden app puts helpful tools at your fingertips, including video tutorials, a sizing calculator, soil drainage tips, and plant recommendations. It’s designed for residents but works just as well for businesses and municipalities.

    “Rain gardens are about more than just water,” Dietz says. “They’re pollinator habitats too. And if you pick the right spot, the only real cost is your time, labor, and the plants. It’s not a lot of work to implement.”

    Planting a rain garden is a small step that makes a big impact on Connecticut’s water and communities. Easy to install and low maintenance, rain gardens are an ideal way to replace puddles with pollinators and beauty.

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Fostering Sustainable Landscapes at the Urban-Rural Interface.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supporting Immigrant New Yorkers

    Source: US State of New York

    esterday, Governor Kathy Hochul visited Brooklyn’s Little Haiti neighborhood to visit community leaders and discuss the impact of President Trump’s policies on the Haitian-American community.

    PHOTOS of the meeting are available on the Governor’s Flickr page.

    “With the Statue of Liberty in our harbor, New York has always welcomed immigrants who come to this country seeking a better life. That’s especially true for our Haitian American community who have become a large, vibrant part of New York’s culture and civic life. Haitian American leaders have opened small businesses, provided essential healthcare as front line workers, produced extraordinary arts and culture, and served at the highest levels of elected office. These are our fellow Americans — and our fellow New Yorkers,” said Governor Hochul. We know the Haitian American community has been under attack by cynical political leaders. Haiti has been characterized in ways that are too vile to put in writing, and politicians have spread false rumors about Haitian Americans in Ohio. Now, the federal government is banning travel between Haiti and the United States, cutting hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers off from their loved ones and family. As leaders of the Empire State, we stand united against this outrageous travel ban. The ban is cruel and does nothing to make us safer. Instead of doubling down on hate, New York will continue our efforts to lift up the Haitian American community with support and resources to ensure their safety and well-being. We stand united in the face of this bigotry, and we will not back down.”

    Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus said, “This policy is not rooted in national security. It is rooted in racism, xenophobia, and a cruel desire to slam the door on families fleeing hardship. As the first person of Haitian descent elected to the New York State Legislature, this is deeply personal. I understand what our community has faced and continues to endure. Haitian New Yorkers are caregivers, small business owners, students, faith leaders, and essential workers who contribute to our economy and enrich New York every day. Banning Haitians and others from entering the United States under the guise of safety is not only wrong, it is a stain on our nation’s moral fabric. We cannot allow fear and bigotry to dictate immigration policy. We must reject this shameful act and continue fighting for an immigration system that reflects compassion and human dignity.”

    Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said, “New York has always been a welcoming beacon for immigrant communities to build a better life. The President’s inhumane and xenophobic policy banning citizens from 12 countries – including Haiti – from entry and travel to the U.S. is not only unjust — it causes real harm by cutting families off from their loved ones in a time of dire crisis. Further, the sudden, blatantly racist ban targets millions who have legally called our nation and state home, and will wreak havoc on our economy while causing dangerous discord for our nation that is built on the backs of immigrants. As the first Haitian-American State Legislator elected to represent NYC, I resolutely stand with Governor Hochul in opposition. In the face of xenophobic rhetoric and harmful policies that unfairly target Haitians, and the Black and brown immigrants from 11 nations, New York must, and will, lead with compassion, strength, and resolve.”

    Assemblymember Clyde Vanel said, “Policies like these serve only to further isolate Haiti and its people during a time when international support is most needed. Thousands of constituents in my district, including myself, have close relatives in Haiti. This ban will do nothing except to make unifying families and visiting loved ones next to impossible. It will also further worsen the humanitarian crisis already occurring in Haiti.”

    Councilmember Farah N. Louis said, “The decision to impose travel restrictions on 12 countries represents a despicable and deeply troubling moment for our community. Haiti is once again being unfairly targeted in an intentional attack on our identity, dignity, and humanity. I commend Governor Hochul for standing with Haitian New Yorkers and reaffirming that our state will not be complicit in cruelty. New York’s leaders are showing the country what it means to protect all people, regardless of nationality or status. I will continue to join efforts to safeguard our community, uplift Haitian voices, and fight back against federal policies rooted in discrimination and fear.”

    Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse said, “As a proud Haitian-American, I stand with my community and Governor Hochul in opposing the federal travel ban that will only deepen the suffering of those already facing unimaginable challenges. Haiti is in the midst of a devastating crisis, and for many, the United States represents their last hope for safety, medical care, and a better life. By cutting off access to this lifeline, the federal government is turning its back on the Haitian people, and also disregarding the very values that define this nation, compassion, humanity, and support for those in need.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Who Attempted To Sell Assault Rifle Sentenced To 92 Months In Federal Prison For Unlawful Firearm Possession

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SAN FRANCISCO – Timothy Demetrius Jeffrey, aka “Boo,” 44, of Antioch, Calif., was sentenced today to 92 months in federal prison, following his conviction on March 12, 2025, by a federal jury on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Alsup handed down the sentence. Judge Alsup also sentenced Jeffrey to concurrent 24-month terms for violating the terms of his supervised release in two other federal cases.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 25, 2023, Jeffrey drove into a shopping plaza parking lot in Pittsburg, Calif., parked, and fled on foot from a pursuing police officer. Jeffrey threw a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and 19 rounds of ammunition over a fence behind the shopping plaza before he was arrested.

    Jeffrey posted bond after his arrest but absconded soon thereafter. Following an investigation by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service, law enforcement officers located Jeffrey at a relative’s home in Antioch on March 27, 2024. After U.S. Marshals arrested Jeffrey, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence, where deputies located and seized an Aero Precision AR-style rifle with a magazine and 25 rounds of ammunition from under a couch in the living room. They also seized a cell phone that had been used by Jeffrey. The phone contained multiple text messages in which Jeffrey attempted to sell the AR rifle and sent a photo of it.

    At the time of his April 2023 and March 2024 arrests, Jeffrey was on federal supervised release following past felony convictions for being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, escape from custody, and conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

    Judge Alsup also found that enhancements were appropriate under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (i) due to Jeffrey’s obstruction of justice resulting from perjury during his trial testimony; and (ii) because one of the guns Jeffrey possessed had previously been stolen.

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Buenaventura made the announcement.

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

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aseem Padukone prosecuted this case with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop, Nina Burney, and Yenni Weinberg. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF, the United States Marshals Service, the Pittsburg Police Department, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chesapeake cocaine trafficker sentenced to 18 years in prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime.

    According to court documents, on Feb. 10, 2024, Chesapeake Police officers were attempting to serve arrest warrants for assault and battery of a family or household member and destruction of property on Abdul-Wakeel Khabeer Qaabid, aka Kenneth Andrew Jordan, 39. Qaabid fled during a traffic stop, but crashed his vehicle and fled on foot. From Qaabid’s vehicle, investigators recovered two loaded handguns, five ounces of cocaine base, 43 grams of marijuana, $25,020, and three cellular devices. During a search of Qaabid’s residence, investigators recovered over six kilograms of cocaine, packaging materials, .45 caliber ammunition, and $26,900 in drug proceeds.

    Qaabid was arrested on March 13, 2024, at a residence in Chesapeake. During a search of that residence, CPD recovered an additional $11,850 in drug proceeds.

    Qaabid previously had been convicted for attempted capital murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and felony assault and battery. As a previously convicted felon, Qaabid cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Mark G. Solesky, Chief of Chesapeake Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin G. Bird prosecuted the case.

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

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-68.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to allow qualified foreign investors to trade on-exchange ETF options

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

    BEIJING, June 18 — China will allow qualified foreign investors to participate in on-exchange exchange-traded fund (ETF) options trading from Oct. 9 this year for hedging purposes only, the country’s top securities regulator said on Wednesday.

    The move aims to expand the range of investable assets for qualified foreign investors, and to enable foreign institutional investors — particularly those focused on portfolio allocation — to access risk-management tools that align with their investment needs, according to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC).

    It is expected to foster more stable investment by foreign institutional investors, and to support their long-term participation in China’s A-share market, the regulator said.

    Since the beginning of this year, the CSRC has gradually eased restrictions on qualified foreign investors’ access to domestic commodity futures, commodity options and ETF options.

    Going forward, the regulator said it will roll out further reform measures to improve the qualified foreign investor scheme, and do more to promote the high-standard institutional opening-up of the country’s capital market.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top political advisor stresses research on integrated development of sci-tech, industrial innovation

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

    China’s top political advisor Wang Huning on Wednesday stressed the need to deepen research on the integrated development of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, highlighting its crucial role in advancing Chinese modernization.

    Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks during a symposium where the central committees of some non-CPC parties presented their research outcomes.

    Wang said that promoting the integration of sci-tech innovation with industrial innovation is conducive to fostering new quality productive forces, advancing high-quality development, and building an innovative country.

    Efforts should be made to deepen research on the challenges in advancing sci-tech and industrial innovation, and on bottlenecks in policy implementation, Wang said.

    He emphasized the importance of high-quality research to support Party and government decision-making, and called for efforts to advance the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy and accelerate the building of an innovative country.

    During the symposium, leaders of the central committees of five non-CPC parties provided their respective suggestions on topics such as accelerating the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, advancing the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector, and promoting high-standard opening up.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: G7 summit ends in disputes

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

    The Group of Seven (G7) summit wrapped up in Canada on Tuesday with no joint communique but some stark frictions.

    Several statements, or the leaders’ commitments, were issued after the summit, which included driving secure, responsible and trustworthy AI adoption across public and private sectors, powering AI now and into the future, and closing digital divides; boosting cooperation to unlock the full potential of quantum technology to grow economies, solve global challenges and keep communities secure.

    The attendees also committed to mounting a multilateral effort to better prevent, fight and recover from wildfires, which are on the rise around the world; protecting the rights of everyone in society, and the fundamental principle of state sovereignty, by continuing to combat foreign interference, with a focus on transnational repression; and countering migrant smuggling by dismantling transnational organized crime groups.

    In his final remarks at the closing news conference, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that the discussions over the past two days were marked by a range of differing opinions, frank conversations and strategic exchanges.

    “There is a great amount of direct dialogue and discussion, very frank exchanges, very strategic exchanges, differences of opinion on a number of issues, but an effort to find common solutions to some of these problems,” said Carney, also chair of this year’s summit.

    He said this is particularly valuable “at a time when multilateralism is under great strain.”

    There was no joint statement on Ukraine, although Carney announced new Canadian support for Ukraine’s defense and another set of sanctions on Russia. Carney invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the event in person and made support for the country one of the summit’s key discussion topics on Tuesday.

    Leaders met for the final day of the summit in Kananaskis in Canada’s province of Alberta without U.S. President Donald Trump, who suddenly left Canada on Monday night, saying that escalations in the Middle East forced his early exit from the G7 event.

    As he left, the summit published a statement that the resolution of the Iranian crisis can lead to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, even a ceasefire in Gaza.

    The remaining G7 leaders had a working lunch with visiting non-G7 leaders on energy security. In the statement, the leaders said that they remain vigilant to the implications of the Iran-Israel aerial conflict for international energy markets and that they will stand ready to coordinate to safeguard market stability.

    Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in downtown Calgary and Banff during the summit, calling on the summit to address a variety of issues, including Trump’s threat to annex Canada.

    Originally scheduled to begin on the weekend, the summit was shortened to two days and officially started on Monday.

    French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday that next year’s summit will take place in Evian, a French spa town known for its mineral water.

    The G7 is an informal bloc comprising seven of the world’s advanced economies — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States — along with the European Union.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: From mammoth hunters to numismatic collections – CNB issues a coin featuring the Venus of Dolní Věstonice

    Source: Czech National Bank

    The Czech National Bank (CNB) is issuing a CZK 200 commemorative silver coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the famous female figurine in Dolní Věstonice – the Venus of Dolní Věstonice. The coin will go on sale on 18 June 2025.

    The design of the new coin was chosen in an art competition. At the recommendation of an expert committee, the CNB Bank Board selected the design submitted by Majka Wichnerová. Petr Neruda, head of the Anthropos Institute of the Moravian Museum in Brno, acted as the expert advisor to the committee.

    The CZK 200 coin depicts one of the world’s most precious and best-known archaeological discoveries from both sides. The obverse side of the coin features the Venus of Dolní Věstonice from behind and the landscape of the Pavlov Hills. The reverse side depicts a landscape with two mammoths, and the Venus of Dolní Věstonice from the front.

    “The Venus of Dolní Věstonice is one of the most important works of art from the Palaeolithic, the oldest ceramic figurine in the world and a symbol of Czech and global cultural heritage. The commemorative coin marks 100 years since its discovery in Dolní Věstonice, which significantly deepened our understanding of the spiritual life and technological development of prehistoric societies,” said CNB Bank Board member Karina Kubelková.

    The CNB is issuing a total of 18,300 coins: 6,400 in normal quality and 11,900 in proof quality. The coin is minted from an alloy containing 925 parts silver and 75 parts copper. It weighs 13 grams and has a diameter of 31 mm. It is issued in two versions, normal quality and proof quality. Proof-quality coins have a polished field and a matt relief.

    The coin’s denomination of CZK 200 does not equal the sale price, which is higher and reflects, among other things, the current price of silver, production costs and VAT. The coins were minted by Česká mincovna, a. s., in Jablonec nad Nisou and are available for purchase from selected contractual partners. The CNB does not sell numismatic material directly to the public.

    The commemorative coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the Venus of Dolní Věstonice is the second CZK 200 silver coin issued by the CNB this year. A coin marking 200 years since the establishment of Czech savings bank – Böhmische Sparkasse was issued in February. The next CZK 200 coin will be issued in October, marking 900 years since the death of the chronicler Cosmas. Other silver coins to be issued by the CNB this year include a CZK 100 coin from the Institutions of the Czech Republic series featuring the Customs Administration.  A few days ago, the CNB issued a CZK 500 coin featuring the Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainer. Two more gold coins will be issued this year: a CZK 5,000 featuring the town of Tábor and an extraordinary CZK 10,000 gold coin weighing one troy ounce and marking 1,100 years since the start of the reign of Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia.

    The whole schedule of issuance of coins and banknotes for the period 2021–2025, as well as for the following period 2026–2030 is available on the CNB website.

    Venus of Dolní Věstonice

    The Venus of Dolní Věstonice is one of the world’s most important works of art from the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age). It is 27,000 to 29,000 years old and was created during the age of mammoth hunters. A high degree of technological knowledge is attributed to this culture. Besides the production of stone tools made of flint, they also processed bones, antlers and mammoth ivory, which they used not only for tools and weapons, but also for decorative and artistic items.

    The ceramic figurine of the Venus fits in one’s palm – its height is 11.5 cm, width 4.4 cm and thickness 2.8 cm. It was discovered by a team of archaeologists led by Professor Karel Absolon at a site in Dolní Věstonice in South Moravia in July 1925. It is currently housed in the collections of the Anthropos Institute of the Moravian Museum in Brno.

    Jaroslav Krejčí
    CNB Spokesperson

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PHILIPPINES – Impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte: Catholics are guided by the spirit of the “Oratio imperata”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Archdiocese of Manila

    Manila (Agenzia Fides) – ” “There has been and continues to be a heated debate in the country following the postponement, in the Senate, of the vote on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Public opinion seems to be divided. As an ecclesial community, following these political developments, we can affirm that our compass remains the common good. And the spirit with which we observe and assess this situation is that of the “Oratio Imperata” that we recited in Manila before the elections,” Father Esteban Lo, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Philippines, told Fides.In that moment before the elections, Cardinal José Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, invited the faithful “to be open to a constant conversion toward truth, justice, and peace.” Father Lo recalls several passages from the Oratio Imperata, in which one asks God: “Guide our nation in this time of crisis”; “Let the light of truth shine to guide us on the path to unity and peace”; “Let justice prevail and pave the way to healing and reconciliation.”Last February, the House of Representatives initiated impeachment proceedings against Sara Duterte on charges of embezzlement, bribery, and corruption with 215 of 306 votes. For the proceedings to proceed, the Senate must also vote on the matter.Following the May 12 elections and the new composition of the Senate, a special impeachment court was established in the Assembly to consider the case and potentially conduct the trial of Vice President Duterte. However, on June 10, senators voted to refer the complaints to the House of Representatives for legal and procedural reasons, sparking protests from activists and public discontent. The spokesperson for the Senate impeachment tribunal, attorney Regie Tongol, rejected accusations of “buying time” and explained the necessary steps: the formal organization of the tribunal, the adoption of procedural rules, the issuance of a mandate to the House to resolve jurisdictional issues, the formal summons of Duterte, and the receipt of his defense attorneys and receiving the formal summons from the defense attorneys. At this stage, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, through a message signed by its president, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, urged the Senate to act, recalling that this is “a constitutional duty, not a political choice.” According to the statement, the Church’s intervention does not respond to partisan interests, but is rooted in Catholic social teaching, “which upholds truth, justice, and the common good.” “The pursuit of truth is not a political option; it is a moral imperative. Let your conscience guide your actions. Let the truth take its course,” the statement reads.The Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, Socrates Villegas, also warned that delaying the impeachment process “not only constitutes a political, moral, and spiritual failure on the part of public officials, but also a grave sin of omission against the common good,” as it violates truth, justice, and the right of citizens to demand accountability.The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), the largest network of Catholic educational institutions in the country, has joined the call, urging the Senate not to delay the process, which it called “a constitutional, moral, and democratic imperative.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 18/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – Auxiliary Bishop of Minna: “It is inexplicable that such cruelty was inflicted on hundreds of people”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 18 June 2025

    Minna (Agenzia Fides) – “What happened in Makurdi is truly horrible,” said the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Minna, Luka Sylvester Gopep, to Fides, in a commentary on the massacre that occurred on the night of June 13-14 in Benue State (see Fides, 16/6/2025).Speaking to Fides, Bishop Gopep does not hide his deep sadness when speaking of this tragic, umpteenth episode of violence that has struck the country.”It is inexplicable that such cruelty was inflicted on hundreds of people. It is difficult to understand why the Fulani herdsmen who perpetrated the massacre acted in this way,” said Bishop Gopep. “The fact is that Makurdi is a predominantly Christian area, and the Fulani nomads are predominantly Muslims from the northern part of the country, while Makurdi is located in the center of the Country. The Diocese of Minna in Niger State lies between two dioceses before reaching Makurdi: the Archdiocese of Abuja and the Diocese of Lafiya. Last May 29, the area of Minna was hit by severe floods that left more than 200 dead and thousands displaced, including more than 1,000 children.”The prelate also announced that Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, President of Nigeria since May 29, 2023, is expected in Makurdi today, June 18, 2025. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 18/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SUDAN – Is Sudan moving toward partition?

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 18 June 2025

    Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – Is Sudan heading toward a de facto partition? This is the question several regional analysts are asking following the takeover of the so-called “border triangle” between Sudan, Libya, and Egypt by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.According to the regular armed forces (Sudan Armed Forces, SAF) under the command of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the RSF’s conquest of the tri-border area was facilitated by the help of General Khalifa Haftar, head of the Libyan National Army (LNA), the Benghazi-based Libyan faction that controls Cyrenaica and opposes the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. Control of this important border region between Sudan and Libya makes it possible to manage legal and illegal trade (especially gold) and to supply RSF troops across the Libyan border. After being expelled from the capital Khartoum, the RSF leadership intends to concentrate its forces in western Sudan, in Darfur and Kordofan (see Fides, 11/6/2025). By creating a secure supply and trade route, Dagalo aims to establish its own administration in its stronghold of Darfur. In recent months, Dagalo has already announced the formation of an alternative government to the one led by General al-Burhan (see Fides, 19/2/2025 and Fides 16/4/2025).The conflict between Sudanese factions has also taken on an ideological and international dimension. To help the RSF control the tri-border area, General Haftar has deployed the “Subul al-Salam” brigade, an armed Salafist group that opposes the political Islam represented by the Muslim Brotherhood. This trend is frowned upon by the United Arab Emirates, which has supported both Haftar and the RSF. In its strategy to curb the Muslim Brotherhood, the Emirates appears willing to ally, albeit indirectly, with Salafi groups with strong tribal roots, such as the Subul al-Salam Brigade, made up of members of the Zuwaya tribe. The SAF, under the leadership of General Buran, was able to recapture Khartoum and other areas largely thanks to the newly formed ‘Hunter Force’, a special elite unit composed, among others, of Islamist elements with links to the Muslim Brotherhood. The external influences in the Sudanese civil war are finally demonstrated by the “drone war” (see Fides, 16/5/2025), in which the RSF uses armed Chinese-made drones supplied by the Emirates, as well as Turkish army drones supplied by Ankara, which supports General Buran. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 18/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • German minister to Iran: never too late to negotiate

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Germany’s foreign minister appealed to Iran’s leaders to make credible assurances that it is not seeking a nuclear weapon and to show it is willing to find a negotiated solution as fears mount of further military escalation between Iran and Israel.

    “We are still ready to negotiate a solution. However, Iran must act urgently … it is never too late to come to the negotiating table if one comes with sincere intentions,” Johann Wadephul said at a news conference with his Jordanian counterpart on Wednesday.

    Wadephul said Israel’s fear that Iran would develop nuclear weapons was justified and it had a right to self-defence.

    “The Israeli decision to do something against this threat is comprehensible,” he said, adding civilian deaths on both sides were regrettable after air attacks between Iran and Israel.

    His ministry was arranging special flights later on Wednesday and on Thursday to each repatriate about 180 German citizens via Amman, he said.

    Wadephul also said Germany had agreed to create an economic council with Syria to improve cooperation and boost prosperity and stability there.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Security: Witness appeal launched after murder in Camden

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the murder of a woman in Camden.

    Officers were called by the London Ambulance Service at 18:00hrs on Friday, 13 June to a report of an unresponsive woman at her home in Mornington Place, Camden.

    Officers attended and found a woman with stab injuries. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

    She has been identified as 69-year-old Jennifer Abbott. Known professionally as Sarah Steinberg, Jennifer was a popular member of the community. She was often seen walking her Corgi dog in the Camden area, including on Tuesday, 10 June when she was last seen by neighbours.

    A post-mortem examination took place on Sunday, 15 June and gave cause of death as sharp force trauma.

    Officers also carried out a number of enquiries alongside the PM. Details of which meant that it is now appropriate to issue information about the incident and the appeal.

    While detectives are keeping an open mind about the possible motive for the murder, they are appealing in particular for information about a Rolex watch which they believe is missing from Jennifer’s address.

    It has a distinctive diamond encrusted face.

    Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Camden, said: “We are working closely with our colleagues in the homicide team to establish exactly what happened and it’s incredibly important that we hear from anyone who may have knowledge about how this awful death occurred.

    “Were you out in Camden on Friday? Perhaps you had been coming home from work, or at an event nearby? Did you see or hear anything around Mornington Place that struck you as being unusual?

    “Someone must have seen or heard something and no piece of information is too small. It could be the crucial clue that leads us to identify Jennifer’s murderer.

    “Extra patrols continue in the area while my officers remain at the crime scene. I would urge anyone who has any information, or who may be worried, to speak to them.”

    There have been no arrests at this stage.

    Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or message @MetCC on X, giving the reference 6470/13JUN. Information, including photos or videos, can also be easily uploaded to our dedicated appeal page.

    Alternatively you can speak anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Witness appeal launched after murder in Camden

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the murder of a woman in Camden.

    Officers were called by the London Ambulance Service at 18:00hrs on Friday, 13 June to a report of an unresponsive woman at her home in Mornington Place, Camden.

    Officers attended and found a woman with stab injuries. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

    She has been identified as 69-year-old Jennifer Abbott. Known professionally as Sarah Steinberg, Jennifer was a popular member of the community. She was often seen walking her Corgi dog in the Camden area, including on Tuesday, 10 June when she was last seen by neighbours.

    A post-mortem examination took place on Sunday, 15 June and gave cause of death as sharp force trauma.

    Officers also carried out a number of enquiries alongside the PM. Details of which meant that it is now appropriate to issue information about the incident and the appeal.

    While detectives are keeping an open mind about the possible motive for the murder, they are appealing in particular for information about a Rolex watch which they believe is missing from Jennifer’s address.

    It has a distinctive diamond encrusted face.

    Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Camden, said: “We are working closely with our colleagues in the homicide team to establish exactly what happened and it’s incredibly important that we hear from anyone who may have knowledge about how this awful death occurred.

    “Were you out in Camden on Friday? Perhaps you had been coming home from work, or at an event nearby? Did you see or hear anything around Mornington Place that struck you as being unusual?

    “Someone must have seen or heard something and no piece of information is too small. It could be the crucial clue that leads us to identify Jennifer’s murderer.

    “Extra patrols continue in the area while my officers remain at the crime scene. I would urge anyone who has any information, or who may be worried, to speak to them.”

    There have been no arrests at this stage.

    Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or message @MetCC on X, giving the reference 6470/13JUN. Information, including photos or videos, can also be easily uploaded to our dedicated appeal page.

    Alternatively you can speak anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CSAF, CMSAF visit MacDill AFB

    Source: United States Air Force

    U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi hosted an all-call for Airmen at MacDill Air Force Base, highlighting the base’s vital contributions to force readiness, talent development and global power projection.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ban Belarus: UEFA’s ‘neutral’ policy does not go far enough

    Source: Scottish Greens

    18 Jun 2025 Human Rights Sport

    Human rights violators should not be platformed in sport.

    More in Human Rights

    UEFA must go further than allowing Belarus to play behind closed doors, and ban them from competing while the country continues to violate human rights and enable Russian war crimes, say Scottish Greens. 

    Scotland fans will not be able to attend the World Cup qualifier game in Hungary this September, because UEFA decided that Belarus matches must be played on ‘neutral’ grounds and behind closed doors due to their ongoing support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

    Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP wrote to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin earlier this month, urging the football body to ban Belarus from all competitions.

    Mr Harvie said:

    “UEFA rightly banned Russia for their criminal domestic and international record, and they must follow suit with those countries who enable war and have a shocking history of human rights violations, like Belarus does. 

    “The continued participation of Belarusian sports teams in UEFA competitions flies in the face of the organisation’s own supposed values, particularly its RESPECT campaign, which promotes fairness, dignity and human rights in football.

    “Football is a globally uniting sport. UEFA’s platform holds a massive reach, and that can be used as a force for good to show that human rights and peace is the way forward. By allowing Belarus to continue competing, even behind closed doors, it sends the wrong message to the world. They must become a sporting pariah like Russia has become. 

    “Scotland fans may be disappointed in skipping the game, but morally it is the right thing to do.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to foster exchanges (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to foster exchanges  
         The visit was arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which invited government officials from 10 countries across Africa and Asia. The aim was to enhance exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and countries around the world, as well as expand the “circle of friends” of Hong Kong.
     
         The 10 countries concerned are Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.
     
         During their stay in Hong Kong, the delegation met with the Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; and the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, to exchange views and obtain a better understanding of Hong Kong’s distinctive advantage of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. The delegation also learned of Hong Kong’s important roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” serving as a bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world.
     
         They also met with the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; and the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, as well as representatives of a number of relevant institutions. The delegation also visited the Hong Kong Science Park and West Kowloon Cultural District to learn about the city’s latest developments and opportunities in finance, trade, innovation and technology, and arts and culture.
     
         The delegation departed for Shenzhen after their visit to Hong Kong to learn more about the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
    Issued at HKT 20:29

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Is Good for All 50 States

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill will be an economic windfall for working and middle-class Americans, delivering the largest tax cut in history, higher wages, higher take-home pay, and much more — coupled with generational spending cuts and deficit reduction that will position the U.S. for real prosperity. Its massive benefits will be felt by Americans in all 50 states, according to a new state-by-state analysis from the Council of Economic Advisers:
    State
    Long-run wage increase(Inflation-adjusted)
    Take-home pay increase(Typical family with two kids)
    Alabama
    $4,800 to $9,100
    $6,500 to $10,800
    Alaska
    $6,400 to $12,200
    $8,100 to $13,900
    Arizona
    $5,800 to $11,100
    $7,500 to $12,800
    Arkansas
    $4,500 to $8,600
    $6,200 to $10,300
    California
    $7,500 to $14,300
    $9,200 to $16,000
    Colorado
    $7,000 to $13,300
    $8,700 to $15,000
    Connecticut
    $7,300 to $14,000
    $7,300 to $14,000
    Delaware
    $6,100 to $11,700
    $7,800 to $13,400
    Florida
    $5,800 to $11,000
    $7500 to $12,700
    Georgia
    $5,800 to $11,000
    $7,500 to $12,700
    Hawaii
    $7,000 to $13,300
    $8,700 to $15,000
    Idaho
    $5,500 to $10,500
    $7,200 to $12,200
    Illinois
    $6,200 to $11,800
    $7,900 to $13,500
    Indiana
    $5,100 to $9,800
    $6,800 to $11,500
    Iowa
    $5,200 to $10,000
    $6,900 to $11,700
    Kansas
    $5,200 to $10,000
    $6,900 to $11,700
    Kentucky
    $4,700 to $8,900
    $6,400 to $10,600
    Louisiana
    $4,700 to $8,900
    $6,400 to $10,600
    Maine
    $5,400 to $10,300
    $7,100 to $12,000
    Maryland
    $7,200 to $13,800
    $8,900 to $15,500
    Massachusetts
    $7,700 to $14,800
    $9,400 to $16,500
    Michigan
    $5,200 to $10,000
    $6,900 to $11,700
    Minnesota
    $6,300 to $12,100
    $8,000 to $13,800
    Mississippi
    $4,300 to $8,100
    $6,000 to $9,800
    Missouri
    $5,200 to $9,900
    $6,900 to $11,600
    Montana
    $5,300 to $10,000
    $7,000 to $11,700
    Nebraska
    $5,700 to $10,800
    $7,400 to $12,500
    Nevada
    $5,800 to $11,000
    $7,500 to $12,700
    New Hampshire
    $7,000 to $13,300
    $8,700 to $15,000
    New Jersey
    $7,700 to $14,700
    $9,400 to $16,400
    New Mexico
    $4,800 to $9,100
    $6,500 to $10,800
    New York
    $6,800 to $13,000
    $8,500 to $14,700
    North Carolina
    $5,500 to $10,500
    $7,200 to $12,200
    North Dakota
    $5,500 to $10,500
    $7,200 to $12,200
    Ohio
    $5,200 to $10,000
    $6,900 to $11,700
    Oklahoma
    $4,800 to $9,100
    $6,500 to $10,800
    Oregon
    $6,000 to $11,400
    $7,700 to $13,100
    Pennsylvania
    $5,700 to $10,900
    $7,400 to $12,600
    Rhode Island
    $6,300 to $12,000
    $8,000 to $13,700
    South Carolina
    $5,200 to $9,900
    $6,900 to $11,600
    South Dakota
    $5,400 to $10,300
    $7,100 to $12,000
    Tennessee
    $5,300 to $10,000
    $7,000 to $11,700
    Texas
    $6,000 to $11,300
    $7,700 to $13,000
    Utah
    $6,600 to $12,500
    $8,300 to $14,200
    Vermont
    $5,900 to $11,300
    $7,600 to $13,000
    Virginia
    $6,900 to $13,100
    $8,600 to $14,800
    Washington
    $7,200 to $13,800
    $8,900 to $15,500
    West Virginia
    $4,300 to $8,200
    $6,000 to $9,900
    Wisconsin
    $5,500 to $10,400
    $7,200 to $12,000
    Wyoming
    $5,200 to $9,900
    $6,900 to $11,600
    Methodological notes:
    The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) calculates how investment, GDP, and wages increase in response to lower effective tax rates (lower statutory rates, bigger deduction for pass-through businesses, and full expensing that businesses will enjoy on new equipment, R&D, and factories) using standard academic methods that were successful in accurately forecasting the effects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
    Take-home pay — defined as after-tax earnings — increases because wages rise and less money is taken out of workers’ paychecks.
    The CEA also looks at the further boost to GDP from the stronger incentive to work (lower taxes boost labor supply) and the greater spending power that Americans will have.
    More about the methodology can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tosyalı has Become Türkiye’s Largest and Europe’s Third-Largest Steel Producer

    Türkiye’s global steel producer Tosyalı (www.TosyaliHolding.com.tr) continues its global growth with nearly 50 facilities across 3 continents, a liquid steel production capacity of 15 million tons, and approximately 15,000 employees.

    Drawing attention with its investments in high value-added qualified steel production by determining sustainability as the main agenda, Tosyalı is rapidly climbing the steps in world steel production with its production complexes in different geographies of the world, green steel products produced with advanced technology, R&D and innovation, strong equity and highly competent employees.

    Amid the challenging global conditions in 2024, a difficult year for steel producers worldwide, Tosyalı achieved a rapid rise in the global rankings, adding yet another success to its record. According to data released by the World Steel Association, Tosyalı produced 9.12 million tons of liquid steel in 2024 and climbed 21 places compared to the previous year, reaching 46th position in the world rankings. With a 54.3% increase in production, Tosyalı has become one of the world’s top 3 fastest-growing steel producers. Today, Tosyalı has reached the position of Türkiye’s largest steel producer while also strengthening its strong position in the global arena as Europe’s third-largest steel producer. Additionally, the company entered the world’s top 50 steel producers, crossing a significant milestone for the industry.

    Tosyalı Holding Chairman of the Board Fuat Tosyalı: “Our goal is to become one of the world’s top 20 steel producers”

    Stating that Tosyalı‘s global success is based on well-planned strategic investments and qualified steel production, Fuat Tosyalı, Chairman of the Board of Tosyalı Holding, said: “As Tosyalı, we have identified sustainability, efficiency and economies of scale as three important priorities. With this strategy, we continue to grow in a healthy and stable manner with eco-efficiency-oriented investments in Türkiye and in different geographies around the world. We completed Tosyalı Demir Çelik İskenderun Plant, the largest industrial investment of our country in recent years, despite the major earthquake disaster and started the first production in 2023. This plant eliminated Türkiye’s 4 million tons of flat steel imports and started to make a significant contribution to value-added steel exports. We are taking firm steps towards becoming one of the most important and strategic integrated iron and steel production centers not only in the Mediterranean basin and Africa, but also in the world with our fourth phase investments in our five-phase Tosyalı Algérie production complex, which is one of the driving forces of our success as a global steel company to date. We have also initiated investments in Libya as a strategic step in Africa. With our investments in Türkiye, Algeria, Spain and Libya, we are strengthening our position as a global steel producer day by day.

    As Tosyalı, our total investment amount in the last 5 years is over 6 billion USD and the majority of these are sustainability-oriented investments. Our investments in R&D, advanced technology, circular production, and clean energy sources such as solar and hydrogen continue without interruption. At the same time, we are focusing on efficiency, which is also one of the main issues of sustainability, and we tend to produce more by consuming fewer resources. We continue to achieve sustainable growth thanks to our completely independent, yet dynamic and efficient structure that analyzes everything from the mine to the final product within the Tosyalı ecosystem. Thus, we continue our rapid yet steady rise in the world rankings. Between 2020 and 2024, we increased our global crude steel production by 110%. Due to this progress, we have entered the world’s top 50 companies, becoming Türkiye’s largest and Europe’s third-largest steel producer. Among the top 50 companies, we are the only one to continuously rise in the global rankings every year. Our steady and sustainable growth continues, and with our production figures, we have taken a very strong step toward moving up to the next league on a global scale. In the next 4–5 years, as our ongoing investments begin production, we will move forward with confidence toward our goal of becoming one of the world’s top 20 steel companies.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Tosyali Holding.

    Contact:
    Serap Öztürk
    sozturk@medyaevi.com.tr

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia 2025 launches in Lusaka – C&I Energy + Storage Summit is a project of VUKA Group

    The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia (https://apo-opa.co/4n3jClL), a landmark event for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, is set to launch on 27-28 August 2025 in Lusaka. Hosted in Zambia’s capital, this summit introduces a dynamic platform to tackle energy challenges and deliver sustainable solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. 

    About the Summit

    The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia unites industry leaders, project owners, innovators, and financiers to advance energy security and sustainability. Following the success of the 2024 South Africa summit, this event connects pre-qualified C&I project owners with cutting-edge energy and storage providers, fostering actionable insights, peer collaboration, and strategic partnerships. As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group, a leading organiser of transformative industry events across Africa, this summit will drive the SADC region’s energy future. 

    “Zambia is at a turning point in its energy journey,” says Chanelle Hingston, Portfolio Director of VUKA Group’s Power and Energy Portfolio. “With growing demand, policy reform, and a clear appetite for private generation, there’s never been a more important time to connect buyers and solution providers. Launching the C&I Energy + Storage Summit here is about unlocking real opportunities—where energy independence meets economic resilience.”

    Why attend?

    This summit is essential for businesses facing unreliable utility power and pursuing energy independence. Through masterclasses, case studies, and networking, participants will explore alternative energy and storage technologies to secure reliable energy, learn from early adopters about successful project execution, gain insights into regulatory frameworks and policy advocacy, mitigate financial and technical risks with expert advice, and build partnerships to accelerate project development.  

    This event is critical for Zambia’s C&I sectors, which depend on effective energy solutions. Key industries include retail, powering stores and supply chains consistently; manufacturing, ensuring stable energy for production; agriculture and agri-processing, supporting irrigation and processing; property development, enabling sustainable buildings; and energy-intensive users, stabilising operations for mining and industry. 

    Download the programme (https://apo-opa.co/4n3jClL)

    Programme highlights 

    The two-day programme features dynamic sessions and masterclasses:

    Day 1 (27 August 2025): The day kicks off with a keynote, moderated by Dr Johnstone Chikwanda, featuring a project briefing on energy strategies, followed by case studies where early adopters like Dangote Cement Zambia and Shoprite Zambia share embedded generation successes. This is followed by a panel discussion on derisking business continuity, featuring Helen Zulu, Zambia Country Director, ENGIE Energy  Access, and Chabuka Kawesha, Vice President (South Block), Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

    Day 2 (28 August 2025): The day begins with a plenary and a keynote by the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a session on open-access electricity policy, outlining its economic impact and challenges.  

    Masterclasses cover grid capacity and flexibility in an open-access era; navigating clean energy technologies, solar PV, and storage implementation; safety and sustainable asset management for solar PV projects; and analysis of Zambia’s renewable energy tariff regime and cost insights, featuring Billy Onyango, County Operations & Maintenance Engineer, Kenya Power. 

    Closing remarks explore the future of storage for hydro-dependent nations, addressing battery storage, climate impacts, and investment frameworks. 

    Join us 

    Seize this opportunity to elevate your energy strategy, engage with top providers, and shape the future of Zambia and the SADC region. Whether a sponsor, delegate, hosted buyer, or investor, the C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia offers unmatched value. For more information visit https://apo-opa.co/4n3jClL

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group.

    For sponsorship or hosted buyer enquiries, contact:
    Marcel du Toit
    marcel.dutoit@wearevka.com

    For speaking opportunities, contact:
    Babalwa Bungane 
    Babalwa.bungane@wearevuka.com 

    About VUKA Group:
    As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group (https://apo-opa.co/4jUGq4g), this summit aligns with VUKA’s mission to connect industries, spark innovation, and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA views G7 as strategic partner in several areas 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    South Africa views the Group of Seven (G7) as a strategic partner in its efforts to drive climate resilience, promote a just energy transition, and secure value-added investment in its rich mineral resources.

    This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was speaking following the conclusion of his working visit to Canada where he participated in the G7 Summit Outreach Session. The session took place on the margins of the G7 Leaders’ Summit, held in Kananaskis, Alberta.

    “South Africa views the G7 as a strategic partner. We seek greater cooperation in areas such as investment, financing for development, international crime, climate change and just transitions, as well as inclusive global growth and development,” the President said on Tuesday.

    READ | President in Canada for G7 Leaders’ Summit

    The G7 consists of the largest advanced economies namely: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

    The European Union also participates in G7 Summits, although it is not a member.  

    The Outreach Session aimed “to explore leadership and collaboration in driving a comprehensive approach to energy security with a focus on technology and innovation; diversification and strengthening critical mineral supply chains; and infrastructure and investment”.

    The outreach theme resonated with South Africa’s national interests and priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.  

    The Outreach Sessions of the G7 have been a feature of the Group over the years with the aim being to strengthen unity among G7 members and like-minded countries to deliberate on and address some of the world’s most pressing issues. 

    President Ramaphosa described the summit as “most meaningful” particularly in the context of South Africa’s role as the G20 President.

    “We’ve just concluded our visit to Canada to attend the G7 Summit. It has been most meaningful for us, particularly as we are the President of the G20. We’ve had the opportunity to interact with a number of heads of state and government of various countries,” he said.

    Climate change 

    President Ramaphosa placed climate change and its devastating effects at the centre of South Africa’s message to the G7 leaders, highlighting the destruction brought by floods in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, as well as the ongoing droughts in parts of the Western Cape. 

    “We put that firmly on the global agenda, that there should be sufficient funding for incidents such as those, as they happen on a repeated basis, particularly in our sub region – in [the] SADC [Southern African Development Community], but more importantly, in two of our provinces, KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape [which] over the past few years have suffered repeated incidents of destruction from floods and also droughts in parts of the Western Cape,” the President explained.

    Beneficiation 

    On the economic front, President Ramaphosa also pushed for a shift in the global approach to Africa’s critical minerals, emphasising the need for beneficiation and inclusive value chains.

    “We discussed the importance of how our critical minerals should be treated, particularly in view of the fact that they play such an important role in energy security and that the extraction of minerals from African countries and our own country, particularly, should be made more to be not only extractive, but also to have value add, where beneficiation becomes the order of the day,” he said. 

    He said investors must be made aware upfront that South Africa seeks to move beyond raw exports to value-added production, in line with its long-held vision of selling finished goods rather than raw materials.

    “Those who want to invest in our minerals, should know up front that we are not only looking forward to them extracting minerals, but also to value chain additions or advancements in the form of beneficiation, so that in the end, we live up to what we’ve been saying, that we want to sell value added products to the rest of the world,” the President stressed.

    Bilateral meetings

    The first citizen also held bilateral meetings with several leaders on the sidelines of the summit, which he described as “most beneficial” for South Africa’s diplomatic and economic engagements.

    He held bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government from Canada, France, Germany and the Republic of Korea. The meetings centered on fostering greater cooperation on issues of mutual interest. 

    President Ramaphosa welcomed the strengthening of cooperation between South Africa and Canada as it relates to the G20 and the G7. 

    “Canada’s Africa strategy is comprehensive and there is potential for cooperation in areas where there is alignment with the African Agenda.”

    Several engagements have taken place between South Africa and Canada at various levels, including at Sherpa and Ministerial levels. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cricket world champions arrive home

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Hundreds of South Africans braved the cold on Wednesday to welcome the national men’s cricket team back on home soil, following their historic victory in the 2025 International Cricket Council’s Test Championship (ICC).

    The Proteas won against the then champions Australia, in a thrilling final at Lord’s in England with a five-wicket win on Saturday.
    This marked South Africa’s first-ever appearance in a World Test Championship Final, and their triumphant performance signalled a landmark achievement for the nation’s cricketing history. 

    This as Australia, currently ranked number one in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, entered the final as favourites and defending champions. 

    The Proteas, ranked second, rose to the occasion and delivered a memorable performance, cementing their status as one of the world’s elite test sides.

    READ | President Ramaphosa hails Proteas historic ICC test championship victory

    The cricket team received an electrifying welcome with jubilation, song and dance from supporters, who arrived at OR Tambo International Airport, early on Wednesday morning.

    The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said the team’s win gives the nation hope.

    “People should see themselves when they watch our national teams and that is what we are doing in cricket. They are following in the footsteps of rugby. We are a socially cohesive country. We are a rainbow nation and you can see this.

    “We are the best sporting nation in the world. We have the strongest women and men in the world. We have the fastest runners, the best soccer players, [and]we have the best rugby players and cricket team,” the Minister said.

    The Proteas men’s head coach Shukri Conrad expressed his joy at the welcome the team received at the airport.

    “I am absolutely ecstatic to see people come out in their hundreds. It makes this win even more special. We won a few days ago but it hasn’t sunk in. To get a reception like this… it starts to sink in. The guys have been great but the fans have been better,” Conrad said.

    The Minister, together with the cricket team, will brief the nation this afternoon on their success. –SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Police Minister condemns threats against at Gift of the Givers staff

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has strongly condemned the threats and intimidation directed at humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers, while they were delivering lifesaving assistance to flood-affected communities in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

    It is alleged that members of a so-called “water mafia”, linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality, threatened Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to residents impacted by the recent floods. 

    Mchunu was in Mthatha this past weekend to engage with and thank members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their efforts during the floods, which have claimed 90 lives to date and displaced hundreds more. The Minister also addressed some of the affected families. 

    “The police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to our people. Gift of the Givers has consistently been a source of hope and dignity to South Africans in their hour of need.

    “Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of ubuntu. No individual or group will be allowed to profiteer off disaster or compromise the safety and well-being of our people. Law enforcement will act decisively. 

    “The SAPS will ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers in the area, and hold those responsible fully accountable under the law. 

    “We have also been made aware of individuals who go to the homes of those who lost their lives due to these floods, with a view to commit acts of theft from these homes. Police have been deployed to ensure the safety of the property of the deceased,” Mchunu said. 

    The provincial government said plans are underway to hold a Provincial Day of Mourning on Thursday, 19 June 2025, in Decoligny Village, Mthatha.

    Residents have been urged to report persons who went missing in the areas that were affected by the floods to law enforcement. 

    President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the area last Friday to offer support and assess the damage. He was accompanied by government officials, key Ministers, the Premier, and local government representatives.

    President Ramaphosa has expressed sadness over the loss of life during floods. The President offered his condolences to those who have lost loved ones. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government’s Spaza Shop campaign goes to Sedibeng

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng will be the next stop in the national campaign to create awareness about the Spaza Shop Support Fund.

    This as an interactive session is set to take place at the City Hall, in the Vereeniging Central Business District, on Friday.

    This leg of the campaign will offer spaza shop owners and township-based convenience store operators critical information on how to apply for both financial and non-financial support under the R500-million fund that was launched by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni in April.

    READ | Government launches R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund 

    The fund is aimed at increasing the participation of South African owned spaza shops in the townships and rural areas retail trade sector.

    The national campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), follows successful engagements held in KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. 

    At these events, township-based entrepreneurs gathered in large numbers to learn how they can access support from the fund.
    The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) which are agencies of the DSBD and the dtic, respectively. These entities are responsible for administering the fund.

    The campaign aims to bolster the township economy by supporting South African-owned spaza shops and other township convenience stores through:
    •    Access to affordable stock via delivery channel partners,                                                                                                                   
    •    Infrastructure upgrades including shelving, refrigeration and security, Point of Sale devices,
    •    Training programmes covering business skills, digital literacy, compliance, credit health and food safety, and partnerships with local manufacturers, black industrialists and wholesalers to improve supply chain inclusion.

    “These efforts are geared toward increasing the competitiveness of township businesses and ensuring they play a significant role in the broader retail sector. 

    “The campaign also promotes bulk buying and the use of locally produced goods, helping spaza shops lower operating costs while improving access to quality products,” the dtic and the DSBD said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

    Friday’s session is expected to get underway at 9am. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: eThekwini intensifies water management measures

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The eThekwini Municipality’s Water and Sanitation Unit will intensify measures to enhance water management through various key initiatives, including the installation of strategic Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) in key network zones of the city.

    This came during an Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting held on Tuesday, where several resolutions were adopted to accelerate implementation and respond to current challenges facing the municipality.

    During the meeting, the municipal leadership approved measures aimed to accelerate implementation and address current water service delivery challenges facing the municipality.

    During the meeting, management from the Water and Sanitation Unit presented an action plan aligned with the city’s Water Turnaround Strategy, which aims to reduce non-revenue water until it reaches acceptable standards.

    The municipality said the installation of PRVs is a critical component in managing water pressure effectively and reduce incidents of bursts and leaks, which result in excessive water losses.

    “Other initiatives in the action plan include maintenance of PRVs, installation of water restrictors, rehabilitation and refurbishment of district metered areas, performance-based contracts for leak detection and repairs, and installation of data loggers and trunk main pressure sensors,” the municipality reported after the meeting.

    These initiatives are currently at the procurement process.

    Strategic partnership with academic institutions renewed

    The EXCO meeting also approved the renewal of a three-year Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with leading academic institutions, aimed at pursuing a common developmental research agenda to support policy development and improved service delivery.

    The new MoA, effective from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028, includes partnerships with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Stellenbosch University (SU), and the University of South Africa (UNISA).

    Supporting the agreement, Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee, Nkosenhle Madlala, said the agreement will position eThekwini as a responsive and learning-oriented city.

    “It is through such partnerships that we will be able to co-create solutions to our most complex developmental challenges, while ensuring that our policies are grounded in rigorous research and real-world insight,” Madlala said.

    Parties are to contribute funding jointly to facilitate priority research deemed strategic and collaborative. The co-funding model will form basis of shared responsibility using the ratio 1:1.

    The municipality’s financial contribution will be as follows:
    •    2025/26 financial year: R500 000.
    •    2026/27 financial year: R1 000 000.
    •    2027/28 financial year: R 1 500 000.

    Two committees will be established to achieve effectiveness under this partnership, including the Research and Operations Committee, and the Steering Committee. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In first official trip to Central Asia, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visits Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: In first official trip to Central Asia, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visits Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

    In first official trip to Central Asia, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visits Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan | OSCE

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    Home Newsroom News and press releases In first official trip to Central Asia, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visits Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

    MIL OSI Europe News –