NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stockton Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ammaad Akhtar, 33, of Stockton, was arrested today and charged by complaint with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, since February 2025, Akhtar has been communicating online with a law enforcement-controlled individual, whom Akhtar believed was a member of ISIS. In these conversations, Akhtar voiced his support for ISIS and jihad, expressed a desire to travel overseas to join and fight with ISIS, and stated a desire to send guns and money to ISIS.

    In April 2025, during this investigation, Akhtar demonstrated a desire to provide support of ISIS and did so by providing financial funding on multiple occasions. After a few payments, the law enforcement-controlled individual indicated that ISIS had procured several guns with the money Akhtar had sent. In his response, Akhtar said, “may Allah destroy our enemies” and affirmed that he will send more money that same day.

    Akhtar also talked about planning acts of violence, including conducting an attack against a specific individual and an attack utilizing homemade explosives. He said he “want[s] to die in the cause of Allah fighting the kuffar [infidels]” and asked for instructions on how to make a homemade explosive device in order “to make a boom” at a populated event.

    Then, on June 23, 2025, Akhtar met with an individual he believed was an ISIS associate, but who was actually an undercover employee. Akhtar provided clothing, binoculars, $400 cash, two loaded guns, and six additional magazines. Akhtar then swore bayat (a pledge of loyalty) to ISIS.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Field Offices in New York and Sacramento and the New York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong and Trial Attorney Ryan D. White of the National Security Division are prosecuting the case.

    If convicted, Akhtar faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Airline Employee Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Attempted Coercion, Enticement of a Minor, and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US FBI

    Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Brian Walker (52, Bradenton) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and possession of child sexual abuse material. Walker pled guilty on March 25, 2025.

    According to court documents, Walker contacted a 12-year-old female living in his community over a social media application. The FBI took over the minor’s social media account and engaged in chats with Walker in an undercover capacity. Walker engaged in sexual conversations with the undercover agent, whom he believed to be the 12-year-old female, and attempted to coerce and entice her to engage in sexual activity. Within the conversations, Walker shared his attraction to 12-year-old females and expressed his desire to meet in person.

    On June 24, 2024, Walker travelled to meet the minor in person at the community pool and was arrested at the scene. Law enforcement seized a cell phone from Walker and located hundreds of images and videos of minors, including those under the age of 12 years, engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Newcomb Man Charged with Assault for Violent Attack

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man is facing federal charges after a violent altercation left a victim with serious injuries.

    According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Vincent Torrez, 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe at a residence on the Navajo Nation. During the incident, Torrez entered John Doe’s bedroom, repeatedly struck him, slammed him to the floor, and used a ceramic cup as a weapon to inflict a deep laceration to John Doe’s leg. John Doe sustained multiple injuries, including lacerations to the head and leg, abrasions, and an arterial wound, and was transported to Northern Navajo Medical Center for treatment.

    Torrez is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Torrez faces up to 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Terra Amarilla Man Faces Federal Charges for Illegal Firearm Possession

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Terra Amarilla man has been federally charged for unlawful possession of a firearm despite prior felony convictions.

    According to court documents, on May 31, 2025, the Jicarilla Apache Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance involving Ronnie Martinez, 49, at a residence in Dulce, New Mexico. According to the investigation, Martinez became agitated after a dispute with Jane Doe and subsequently sent her threatening messages, including a photograph of a rifle.

    Officers located Martinez at the residence, where he was found carrying multiple knives. During questioning, Martinez admitted to possessing a rifle, which he claimed belonged to his father. Martinez consented to a search, and officers recovered a rifle from the home.

    Court records confirm Martinez has prior felony convictions, including first-degree assault with a deadly weapon and second-degree assault, both punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. As a previously convicted felon, Martinez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

    Martinez will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Martinez faces up to 15 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pahl is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Taos Man in 2019 Double Homicide

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury convicted a Taos man of two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the June 2019 killings of two members of the Taos Pueblo. The verdict came after an eight-day trial and approximately six hours of deliberation.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on June 1, 2019, John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, both enrolled members of the Taos Pueblo, were reported missing after their last known contact on May 30, 2019. Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety officers responded to John Doe 1’s residence, where they discovered John Doe 2’s pickup truck crashed into trees near the home. Officers entered the residence and found the bodies of both men, stacked and partially concealed under wire fencing. Forensic experts confirmed both victims died from extensive blunt force trauma. Investigators documented evidence from both inside and outside the residence, including large amounts of blood spatter, vehicle tracks, and property damage.

    The investigation tied Joshua Gonzales, 38, a non-Indian, to the murders. After the murders, Gonzales confessed to a witness, providing a detailed account of the killings, including that he used a wooden table leg as the murder weapon and describing the injuries he inflicted, details that matched the forensic findings. The victim’s niece testified that he was the last person seen with John Doe 1 and recounted how he attempted to manufacture a false alibi and threatened her to remain silent. She also testified that Gonzales had a key to the residence, which could only be locked from the outside.

    Additional evidence included bloody footprints at the scene, DNA analysis, surveillance video and cell phone records.  Investigators established a timeline placing Gonzales at the scene and showed that he possessed one of the victim’s cell phones the morning after the murders. Further, Gonzales fled the scene in John Doe 2’s truck, which he crashed while attempting to leave the area.

    Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Gonzales remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Gonzales faces up to life in prison.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Indian Affairs, New Mexico State Police, Espanola Police Department, Taos Police Department, Taos County Sheriff’s Department, and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Probasco and Samuel Hurtado are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Fifth Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement with Armenia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 27, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board completed the fifth review under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with Armenia, providing the country with access equivalent to SDR 18.4 million (about US$26.1 million). The Armenian authorities continue to treat the arrangement as precautionary.
    • Economic activity remains strong. Real GDP growth is expected to reach 4.5 percent in 2025 as external growth drivers continue to taper off amid higher global uncertainty.
    • The SBA aims to support the government’s policy and reform agenda to preserve economic and financial stability and support strong, inclusive, and sustainable growth.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the fifth review under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with Armenia. The completion of the review enables access to an amount equivalent to SDR 18.4 million (about US$26.1 million), bringing total access to the equivalent of SDR 110.4 million (about US$156.9 million). The SBA was approved by the IMF Executive Board on December 12, 2022 (see Press Release No. 22/429). The Armenian authorities continue to treat the arrangement as precautionary. The Executive Board’s decision was taken on a lapse-of-time basis.[1]

    Armenia’s economic activity remains strong. Real GDP growth reached 5.9 percent in 2024 and is expected to return to its long-term trend of 4.5 percent in 2025 as trade and services normalize. Inflation is expected to remain around the Central Bank of Armenia’s (CBA) target by end-2025. Risks to this outlook are elevated, stemming from the unprecedented uncertainty related to the ongoing global trade tensions and potential slowdown in the growth of trading partners. Regional geopolitical shifts, which could lead to a reversal of recent capital inflows and foreign exchange (FX) volatility, also weigh on the outlook.

    The slowdown in external demand, lower remittances inflows, and robust domestic demand, are projected to widen the current account deficit to 4.5 percent of GDP in 2025. Nonetheless, external and financial sector buffers remain strong.

    The 2025 budget deficit target of 5.5 percent of GDP is appropriate, accommodating priority spending needs, including on national security, refugee integration, and infrastructure development. The adopted 2026-28 medium-term expenditure framework will reduce the fiscal deficit in 2026 to 4.5 percent, supporting macro-fiscal stability while making room for well-targeted, priority social and development spending.

    The program is broadly on track. All end-December 2024 quantitative performance criteria (QPCs) have been met except for a small breach of the QPC on budget domestic lending. The end-December 2024 inflation was within the inner Monetary Policy Consultation Clause bands. Progress on structural benchmarks continues, although with some delays.

    The ongoing economic uncertainty underscores the need for prudent policies and steadfast implementation of structural reforms:

    • Fiscal policy should continue to balance the need to support national spending priorities while maintaining macro-fiscal stability, with further efforts to mobilize revenue and enhance spending efficiency.
    • The CBA should remain proactive in keeping inflation anchored, with future interest rate decisions guided by developments in inflation and inflation expectations. The flexible exchange rate should continue to serve as a key shock absorber. Foreign exchange interventions should be limited to addressing disorderly market conditions and seeking opportunities to bolster FX reserves through purchases when conditions allow.
    • To sustain long-term growth, structural reforms should continue to advance reforms focused on improving labor market flexibility, diversifying exports, enhancing supervisory frameworks, and strengthening governance.

    Table 1. Armenia: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2022–30

     

     

     

    2022

    2023

    2024

     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

     

     

    Act.

     

    Proj.
                           

    National income and prices:

    		                      

    Real GDP (percent change)

    		  

    12.6

    8.3

    5.9

    		  

    4.5

    4.5

    4.5

    4.5

    4.5

    4.5

    Final consumption expenditure, Contrib. to Growth

    		  

    3.7

    5.3

    3.3

    		  

    3.8

    2.5

    2.9

    2.9

    2.9

    2.9

    Gross fixed capital formation, Contrib. to Growth

    		  

    2.7

    3.1

    2.6

    		  

    2.6

    2.5

    2.1

    2.1

    2.1

    2.1

    Changes in inventories, Contrib. to Growth

    		  

    -0.3

    0.0

    -0.3

    		  

    -1.8

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Net exports of goods and services, Contrib. to Growth

    		  

    6.2

    -0.1

    0.0

    		  

    0.3

    -0.5

    -0.5

    -0.5

    -0.5

    -0.5

    Gross domestic product (in billions of drams)

    		  

    8,501

    9,493

    10,193

    		  

    10,926

    11,760

    12,658

    13,624

    14,665

    15,784

    Gross domestic product (in millions of U.S. dollars)

    		  

    19,514

    24,186

    25,705

    		  

    26,437

    26,864

    28,084

    29,724

    31,603

    33,547

    Gross domestic product per capita (in U.S. dollars)

    		  

    6,661

    8,159

    8,671

    		  

    8,917

    9,060

    9,471

    10,024

    10,656

    11,311

    CPI (period average; percent change)

    		  

    8.7

    2.0

    0.3

    		  

    3.2

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    CPI (end of period; percent change)

    		  

    8.3

    -0.6

    1.5

    		  

    3.3

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    GDP deflator (percent change)

    		  

    8.0

    3.1

    1.4

    		  

    2.6

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    Unemployment rate (in percent)

    		  

    13.5

    12.4

    13.9

    		  

    13.5

    14.0

    14.0

    14.0

    14.0

    14.0

    Investment and saving (in percent of GDP)

    		                      

    Investment

    		  

    22.4

    22.9

    23.8

    		  

    21.2

    21.2

    21.2

    21.1

    21.1

    21.1

    National savings

    		  

    22.7

    20.6

    20.0

    		  

    16.7

    16.4

    16.5

    16.4

    16.3

    16.3
                           

    Money and credit (end of period)

    		                      

    Reserve money (percent change)

    		  

    5.0

    -4.0

    13.8

    		  

    9.8

    9.8

    9.8

    9.8

    9.8

    9.8

    Broad money (percent change)

    		  

    16.1

    17.4

    13.7

    		  

    12.5

    12.5

    12.5

    12.5

    12.5

    12.5

    Private sector credit growth (percent change)

    		  

    4.5

    18.4

    31.7

    		  

    13.3

    13.3

    13.3

    13.3

    13.3

    13.3

    Central government operations (in percent of GDP)

    		                      

    Revenue and grants

    		  

    24.3

    24.9

    25.3

    		  

    25.1

    25.4

    25.5

    25.5

    25.5

    25.5

    Of which: tax revenue

    		  

    21.9

    22.5

    22.4

    		  

    23.0

    23.3

    23.4

    23.4

    23.4

    23.4

    Expenditure

    		  

    26.4

    26.9

    29.0

    		  

    30.6

    29.9

    29.8

    29.3

    29.0

    28.8

    Overall balance on a cash basis

    		  

    -2.1

    -2.0

    -3.7

    		  

    -5.5

    -4.5

    -4.3

    -3.8

    -3.5

    -3.3

    Public and publicly-guaranteed (PPG) debt (in percent of GDP)

    		  

    49.2

    50.5

    50.0

    		  

    54.2

    55.9

    57.4

    57.6

    57.4

    57.1

    Central Government’s PPG debt (in percent of GDP)

    		  

    46.7

    48.2

    48.0

    		  

    52.4

    54.3

    56.0

    56.4

    56.4

    56.1

    Share of foreign currency Central Government PPG debt (in percent)

    		  

    62.1

    52.7

    48.2

    		  

    47.7

    46.9

    46.3

    46.3

    46.5

    46.9

    External sector

    		                      

    Exports of goods and services (in millions of U.S. dollars)

    		  

    10,118

    14,338

    18,618

    		  

    12,167

    12,292

    12,537

    12,863

    13,228

    13,611

    Exports of goods and services (percent change)

    		  

    100.8

    41.7

    29.8

    		  

    -34.7

    1.0

    2.0

    2.6

    2.8

    2.9

    Imports of goods and services (percent change)

    		  

    66.8

    41.6

    31.3

    		  

    -30.7

    1.2

    2.4

    2.9

    2.9

    3.1

    Current account balance (in percent of GDP)

    		  

    0.3

    -2.3

    -3.9

    		  

    -4.5

    -4.8

    -4.8

    -4.8

    -4.8

    -4.8

    FDI (net, in millions of U.S. dollars)

    		  

    926

    527

    76

    		  

    397

    454

    468

    483

    529

    534

    Gross international reserves (in millions of U.S. dollars)

    		  

    4,112

    3,610

    3,679

    		  

    3,427

    3,561

    3,665

    3,768

    3,869

    3,969

    Import cover 1/

    		  

    3.4

    2.3

    3.3

    		  

    3.1

    3.1

    3.1

    3.1

    3.1

    3.1

    End-of-period exchange rate (dram per U.S. dollar)

    		  

    394

    405

    397

    		  

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Average exchange rate (dram per U.S. dollar)

    		  

    436

    392

    397

    		  

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

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

    1/ Gross international reserves in months of next year’s imports of goods and services, including the SDR holdings.
       
                                 

    [1] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Wafa Amr

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/27/pr-25222-armenia-imf-executive-board-completes-the-fifth-review-under-the-stand-by-arrangement

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Meets on Situation in Democratic Republic of Congo

    Source: United Nations 4

    Meetings Coverage

    9948th Meeting (PM)

    The Security Council meets this afternoon to discuss the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Expected to brief the Council are Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), and the representative of Sierra Leone as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Democratic Republic of the Congo

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA firearms investigation in the Prairie Region leads to five-year jail sentence

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 27, 2025                           Winnipeg, Manitoba                               Canada Border Services Agency

    Today, Robert Ripcik, a 57-year-old resident of Beausejour, Manitoba, was sentenced to five years imprisonment for firearms-related offences along with a 10-year firearm prohibition and ordered to provide a DNA sample.  

    Ripcik, who has been in custody since his arrest on March 12, 2024, pleaded guilty in Selkirk Provincial Court to the following charges:

    • False statements, contrary to section 153(a) of the Customs Act
    • Possession of illegally imported goods, contrary to section 155 of the Customs Act
    • Unauthorized possession of firearms, contrary to section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
    • Possession of prohibited devices, contrary to section 91(2) of the Criminal Code
    • Possession of a prohibited firearm with readily accessible ammunition, contrary to section 95(1) of the Criminal Code

    The investigation into Ripcik began in April 2023 after CBSA officers at the Winnipeg Land Commercial office examined a shipment that was found to contain items related to the manufacture of firearms without serial numbers. A firearm with no serial number is also known as a “ghost gun” and is untraceable.

    In March and April 2024, CBSA officers, with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, executed search warrants at a rural property near Chatfield, Manitoba. Among the items seized were:

    • Nine long guns with serial numbers (two prohibited firearms, seven non-restricted firearms)
    • Two Polymer 80 pistol receiver blanks for Glock pattern handguns (restricted firearms) and other handgun parts without serial numbers
    • One Ghost Gunner Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine and one 3D printer
    • One lower receiver for an AR pattern rifle without serial number (a prohibited firearm)
    • Fully automatic parts for an AR pattern rifle (prohibited devices) and other AR parts
    • Multiple overcapacity magazines (prohibited devices) and ammunition
    • One fully automatic AR-15 pattern rifle (prohibited firearm)
    • One automatic switch for a Glock handgun (prohibited device)

    The CBSA Integrated Firearm Enforcement Team (IFET), with assistance from the Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP and Manitoba Conservation, led the complex investigation that resulted in today’s conviction.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on Racist Attacks on Zohran Mamdani

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is today releasing the following statement regarding a barrage of racist, anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant, and xenophobic attacks against the Democratic Nominee for Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, including from sitting Members of Congress. 

    “There has been an outpouring of disgraceful, dangerous, racist ideology from sitting Members of Congress and administration officials following Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York Mayoral primary. 

    “The constant displays of Islamophobia are an affront to the millions of Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world. One of the most jarring called for the denaturalization and deportation of Mr. Mamdani, an American citizen who just won a massive Democratic primary with more votes than that Member, Mr. Ogles, could ever hope to win. This is an insult to voters in New York City who take democracy seriously. 

    “Denaturalization of U.S. citizens is part of the Trump playbook to attack all legal immigration. It is completely outrageous and flies in the face of the laws of this country.

    “The hateful language directed at Mr. Mamdani will get someone killed, and we all should be outraged. It must end. Every person who cares about democracy, freedom of religion, and the right for all Americans to be treated equally should speak out immediately against these insane and dangerous attacks.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Demands Answers on Immigrants Transferred from WA to AK

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on reports of immigrants being transferred from the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington to the Anchorage Correctional Complex (ACC) in Anchorage, Alaska. 

    “These individuals were moved thousands of miles away from their families, communities, and legal representatives to a prison with a deeply problematic history,” wrote the Members. “ICE confirmed that these individuals do not have final orders of removal and that the individuals will be transferred back to NWIPC for their court hearings. […] We are deeply concerned that ICE is wasting taxpayer dollars, flying dozens of people between detention centers thousands of miles apart, in efforts that do nothing to help protect Americans.”

    ICE confirmed that at least 40 individuals were moved from NWIPC to ACC earlier this month. ACC has a deeply troubling record of inadequate conditions, on occasion having used pepper spray on detained people. ACC also has a history of improperly restricting access to private conversations with attorneys. Just last month, incarcerated Alaskans filed a lawsuit against the Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC), alleging that the care provided by the DOC has resulted in “needless suffering” and even death.

    Before the Trump Administration began its mass deportation agenda, one in 16 detained persons had no criminal record. Following this campaign of mass deportation and detention, kidnapping people off the streets, from their workplaces, and from routine immigration check-ins, one in four detained persons has no criminal record. 

    The letter was signed by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Emily Randall (WA-06), and Adam Smith (WA-09). 

    The full text of the letter can be found HERE. 

    Issues: Immigration

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What the Supreme Court ruling against ‘universal injunctions’ means for court challenges to presidential actions

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Cassandra Burke Robertson, Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Professional Ethics, Case Western Reserve University

    A journalist runs out of the U.S. Supreme Court building carrying a ruling on the last day of the court’s term on June 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    When presidents have tried to make big changes through executive orders, they have often hit a roadblock: A single federal judge, whether located in Seattle or Miami or anywhere in between, could stop these policies across the entire country.

    But on June 27, 2025, the Supreme Court significantly limited this judicial power. In Trump v. CASA Inc., a 6-3 majority ruled that federal courts likely lack the authority to issue “universal injunctions” that block government policies nationwide. The ruling means that going forward federal judges can generally only block policies from being enforced against the specific plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit, not against everyone in the country.

    The ruling emerged from a case challenging President Trump’s executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship. While three federal courts had blocked the policy nationwide, the Supreme Court allowed it to proceed against anyone who isn’t a named plaintiff in the lawsuits. This creates a legal environment where the same government policy can be simultaneously blocked for some people but enforced against others.

    Crucially, the court based its decision on interpreting the Judiciary Act of 1789 – not the Constitution – meaning Congress could restore this judicial power simply by passing new legislation.

    But what exactly are these injunctions, and why do they matter to everyday Americans?

    Immediate, irreparable harm

    When the government creates a policy that might violate the Constitution or federal law, affected people can sue in federal court to stop it. While these lawsuits work their way through the courts – a process that often takes years – judges can issue what are called “preliminary injunctions” to temporarily pause the policy if they determine it might cause immediate, irreparable harm.

    A “nationwide” injunction – sometimes called a “universal” injunction – goes further by stopping the policy for everyone across the country, not just for the people who filed the lawsuit.

    Importantly, these injunctions are designed to be temporary. They merely preserve the status quo until courts can fully examine the case’s merits. But in practice, litigation proceeds so slowly that executive actions blocked by the courts often expire when successor administrations abandon the policies.

    Legislation introduced by GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley would ban judges from issuing most nationwide injunctions.
    Sen. Chuck Grassley office

    More executive orders, more injunctions

    Nationwide injunctions aren’t new, but several things have made them more contentious recently.

    First, since a closely divided and polarized Congress rarely passes major legislation anymore, presidents rely more on executive orders to get substantive things done. This creates more opportunities to challenge presidential actions in court.

    Second, lawyers who want to challenge these orders got better at “judge shopping” – filing cases in districts where they’re likely to get judges who agree with their client’s views.

    Third, with growing political division, both parties used these injunctions more aggressively whenever the other party controls the White House.

    Affecting real people

    These legal fights have tangible consequences for millions of Americans.

    Take DACA, the common name for the program formally called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which protects about 500,000 young immigrants from deportation. For more than 10 years, these young immigrants, known as “Dreamers,” have faced constant uncertainty.

    That’s because, when President Barack Obama created DACA in 2012 and sought to expand it via executive order in 2015, a Texas judge blocked the expansion with a nationwide injunction. When Trump tried to end DACA, judges in California, New York and Washington, D.C. blocked that move. The program, and the legal challenges to it, continued under President Joe Biden. Now, the second Trump administration faces continued legal challenges over the constitutionality of the DACA program.

    More recently, judges have used nationwide injunctions to block several Trump policies. Three courts stopped the president’s attempt to deny citizenship to babies born to mothers who lack legal permanent residency in the United States – the cases that led the Supreme Court to limit the reach of injunctions. Judges have also temporarily blocked Trump’s efforts to ban transgender people from serving in the military and to freeze some federal funding for a variety of programs.

    Nationwide injunctions have also blocked congressional legislation.

    The Corporate Transparency Act, passed in 2021 and originally scheduled to go into effect in 2024, combats financial crimes by requiring businesses to disclose their true owners to the government. A Texas judge blocked this law in 2024 after gun stores challenged it.

    In early 2025, the Supreme Court allowed the law to take effect, but the Trump administration announced it simply wouldn’t enforce it – showing how these legal battles can become political power struggles.

    A polarized Congress rarely passes major legislation anymore, so presidents – including Donald Trump – have relied on executive orders to get things done.
    Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

    A ruling that Congress could change

    The Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA was notably narrow in its legal reasoning. The court explicitly stated that its ruling “rests solely on the statutory authority that federal courts possess under the Judiciary Act of 1789” and that it expressed “no view on the Government’s argument that Article III forecloses universal relief.”

    This distinction matters enormously. Because the court based its decision on interpreting a congressional statute rather than the Constitution itself, Congress has the power to overturn the ruling simply by passing new legislation that authorizes federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions.

    The Supreme Court’s majority opinion, written by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, emphasized that universal injunctions “likely exceed the equitable authority that Congress has granted to federal courts” under the Judiciary Act of 1789. The court found these injunctions lack sufficient historical precedent in traditional equity practice.

    However, the three dissenting justices strongly disagreed. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, focused on the importance of birthright citizenship, explaining that “every court to evaluate the Order has deemed it patently unconstitutional.”

    As a result, the dissent argues, “the Government instead tries its hand at a different game. It asks this Court to hold that, no matter how illegal a law or policy, courts can never simply tell the Executive to stop enforcing it against anyone.”

    Legislative solutions on the table

    Congress was already considering legislation to limit judges’ ability to grant nationwide injunctions.

    Another way to address the concerns about a single judge blocking government action would be to require a three-judge panel to hear cases involving nationwide injunctions, requiring at least two of them to agree. This is similar to how courts handled major civil rights cases in the 1950s and 1960s.

    My research on this topic suggests that three judges working together would be less likely to make partisan decisions, while still being able to protect constitutional rights when necessary. Today’s technology also makes it easier for judges in different locations to work together than it was decades ago.

    What comes next

    With the Supreme Court limiting judges’ ability to issue nationwide injunctions based on an old statute, the ball is now in Congress’ court. Lawmakers could choose to restore this judicial power with new legislation, further restrict it, or leave the current limitations in place.

    Until Congress acts, the legal landscape has fundamentally shifted.

    Future challenges to presidential actions may require either cumbersome class action lawsuits or a patchwork of individual cases – potentially leaving many Americans without immediate protection from policies that courts determine violate the Constitution. But unlike a constitutional ruling, this outcome isn’t permanent: Congress holds the key to change it.

    This is an updated and expanded version of a story originally published on April 3, 2025.

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

    – ref. What the Supreme Court ruling against ‘universal injunctions’ means for court challenges to presidential actions – https://theconversation.com/what-the-supreme-court-ruling-against-universal-injunctions-means-for-court-challenges-to-presidential-actions-260040

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California invests billions of dollars to fix roads with “gas tax,” expand bus and train service

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 27, 2025

    What you need to know: Continuing Governor Newsom’s build more, faster agenda, the state is awarding nearly $5 billion today to infrastructure projects that improve roads, expand transportation, bus and rail options while improving public health and safety.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced nearly $5 billion in funding to improve state highways, expand bus, train, and clean transportation services, and increase pedestrian and bicycle travel options. The funds announced today are awarded by the California Transportation Commission (CTC). 

    The investments announced today are a key part of Governor Newsom’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and creating thousands of jobs across the state.

    “We’re not just rebuilding transportation – we’re reimagining it. This investment – upwards of $5 billion – is about protecting Californians today and preparing for tomorrow with transit and transportation options that are safer, cleaner, and built to serve the needs of every Californian.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Nearly $2.44 billion of the funding announced today comes from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, which puts drivers’ gas tax dollars to work improving the safety conditions of California’s roadways. $1.45 billion of this funding will go to zero- and low-emission transportation and new infrastructure to strengthen California’s freight network and better connect marine ports with railyards and freight corridors — leading to less traffic and improved road conditions. 

    The Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP) will provide $810 million to projects designed to improve freight movement and reduce toxic pollution by decreasing the time trucks, cars and trains sit idle and by rerouting tractor-trailers. It will also increase the number of zero-emission truck stations by 25%.

     “Under Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership, these transformative investments represent a bold step towards a future where our transportation system is safer, more efficient and a driving force for economic prosperity,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “By tackling congestion and enhancing connectivity, we are creating a brighter, more sustainable California for all.”

    “The Commission is pleased to partner with Caltrans to continue investing in California’s world-class transportation system,” said Commission Chair Darnell Grisby. “The investments we are making today will improve safety, ease congestion and reduce out-of-pocket costs for everyone in California.”

    Projects receiving funding announced today include:

    • $483 million to help communities invest in passenger rail extensions, bicycle and pedestrian safety and rapid transit bus expansion
    • $202 million for projects in the Local Partnership Competitive Program to further upgrade rail, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities
    •  $63 million for improvements to the Ramona Expressway in Riverside County, including a new bridge over the San Jacinto River, bike lanes in each direction, and a new wildlife crossing
    • $49 million to build charging hubs in the cities of Fresno, Oakland, Ontario, and San Diego to support clean medium- and heavy-duty truck fleets
    •  $28 million to install ultra-fast vehicle charging stations along Interstate 5 and State Route 99
    •  $18 million for a variety of safety enhancements around five schools most affected by traffic congestion in the city of Los Angeles

    SB 1 has invested approximately $5 billion annually toward transportation projects since its adoption. It provides funding split between the state and local agencies. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 27, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today after the U.S. Supreme Court announced its ruling on Trump v. CASA, Trump v. Washington, and Trump v. New Jersey: In a challenge to the Trump Administration’s blatantly…

    Jun 26, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Kira Younger, of Fair Oaks, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Finance and Accounting Division at the California Department of Social Services. Younger has…

    Jun 26, 2025

    News What you need to know: La Passeggiata on Lindsey Street in Stockton is the latest site to be transformed from excess, underutilized state land into affordable housing under Governor Newsom’s executive order. STOCKTON — Today, state leaders broke ground on a new…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RIDOH Recommends Closing the Swimming Area at Colaluca Family Campground Pond

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing the swimming area at the Colaluca Family Campground Pond in Foster due to high bacteria counts.

    RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Reinforcing global partnerships for development finance: EIB Group in Seville

    Source: European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank Group (EIB) President Nadia Calviño, Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle and Andrew McDowell Director General of EIB Global, the group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, will be leading the EIB’s delegation to the 4th United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain from Sunday, June 29th until Thursday, July 3rd.

    The EIB will announce new partnerships to boost g support for women’s health, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development across key global regions and sectors..contributing to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy for women’s empowerment and gender equality.

    The EIB will also join an initiative lead by the Government of Spain, the Debt Pause Clause Alliance, to promote debt pause clauses in vulnerable countries. In the past year, the EIB has introduced this possibility for more than 70 countries. The press conference on this will be livestreamed here on Tuesday July 1st at 3PM (CET).

    The EIB will join the initiative led by the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, which will focus on scaling up finance for climate-resilient social protection and smallholder agriculture, formalise a partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) to bridge investment gaps and increase the impact of multilateral project financing, and renew its memorandum of understanding with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to jointly transform food systems. The press conference on the initiative against poverty and hunger will be livestreamed here on Tuesday July 1st at 10:30AM (CET).

    Together with other multilateral development banks the EIB will launch a new report on water financing. As a top multilateral financier in the sector, the EIB will further strengthen its support for access to safe water for everyone, everywhere through its upcoming Water Resilience Programme, which foresees an investment of 15 billion euros from now to 2027. This is also in line with the commitment adopted by MDBs in December last year to significantly increase support for the water sector over the five years from 2025 to 2030, particularly in vulnerable regions. It serves as a great example of MDBs working together as a system.

    The EIB will also be convening, together with the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), multilateral development banks and private sector leaders to boost concrete action for scaling up private investment in emerging markets and developing economies.

    The EIB will also be unveiling several new financing deals, that are part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, and Memorandums of Understanding with partners across the world, including UN agencies and fellow multilateral development institutions. The EIB will also publish its 2024 Global Impact Report during the Summit.

    “This is a very timely opportunity to reinforce Europe’s global partnerships for prosperity, win-win outcomes and peace, and to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind,” said President Calviño.

    In case of interview requests for EIB’s principals in Seville, please contact: 

    Monica Faro (m.faro@eib.org, +34 678 37 7117)

    Shirin Wheeler (s.wheeler@eib.org, +32 474 242 494)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group and European Commission simplify application of State Aid rules to support Europe’s clean industry and hold roundtable with business leaders

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank Group and the European Commission agreed to simplify State aid rules in relation to EIB Group financing, in a step to further facilitate support for Europe’s industry and economic competitiveness.

    The agreement confirms that financing by the EIB Group from its own resources falls outside the scope of EU State aid rules. The accord also eases conditions for joint investments by Member States and the EIB Group and speeds up the deployment of the InvestEU programme.

    The agreement takes place within the broader European Union framework to prevent governmental support for companies from distorting markets. The accord reinforces the EIB Group’s ability to channel investments that advance EU policy goals, such as the Clean Industrial Deal, while safeguarding the European single market.

    The Clean Industrial Deal is the Commission’s plan to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of European industry by accelerating decarbonisation and securing the future of manufacturing in Europe. As the financial arm of the EU, the EIB Group plays a key role in mobilising private investment advancing climate action and industrial competitiveness in Europe.

    Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework

    On 25 June 2025, the Commission adopted a new state-aid framework supporting the Clean Industrial Deal (CISAF) to enable Member States to push forward the development of clean energy, industrial decarbonisation and clean technology.

    The EIB Group-Commission accord on State aid rules has three main elements:

    • The agreement ensures that financing provided by the EIB Group from its own resources falls outside the scope of state-aid rules along with all its consequences. This is particularly relevant for Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs), which are critical to Europe’s strategic autonomy in areas like clean technologies and advanced manufacturing. Under the agreement, EIB Group financing will not count toward State aid thresholds for IPCEIs, making it easier to combine funding sources and scale up ambition.
    • The accord facilitates co-investments by Member States and the EIB Group. When the EIB Group participates in a project that also receives support from a Member State, the required level of private-sector participation – when relevant for state-aid purposes – will be reduced by half if accompanied by an equivalent amount from the EIB Group. This principle is already reflected in CISAF and highlights the EIB Group’s role as a market reference and a catalyst for additional investment. It will facilitate equity co-investment programs with Member States, including in early-stage funds, funds managed by first-time investment teams and funds in European regions with less a developed venture capital ecosystem.
    • The agreement facilitates and accelerates the deployment of the InvestEU programme, for which the EIB Group has already mobilised billions of euros in investments for innovation, sustainability, competitiveness, and social inclusion. This paves the way for a new equity co-investment product under InvestEU and sets the stage for a review of the guarantee agreement to streamline State aid provisions in line with evolving policy priorities.

    Cleantech

    The EIB Group boosts the Clean Industrial Deal and strengthens Europe’s leadership in technology through TechEU, the EU’s largest financing programme to date in support of innovation, with the goal to attract talent, capital and investment in Europe. These actions include the reinforcement of cross guarantees for wind energy production and three new instruments to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness:

    • A €1.5 billion package to provide counter-guarantees through partner banks to grid component manufacturers to ensure sustainable supply, giving companies greater certainty to ramp up production of electricity networks across Europe. This will facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the grid and the delivery of affordable power to EU businesses and households. 
    • To help ensure predictable and affordable energy costs for businesses and accelerate investments in green energy, the EIB and Commission are launching a €500 million pilot programme to support the take-up of more corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs). The EIB will counter-guarantee, through partner banks, part of the PPAs undertaken by mid-sized as well as larger energy-intensive companies for the long-term purchase of electricity generation from clean sources.
    • To provide liquidity and working capital for highly innovative small and medium-sized enterprises active in developing green technologies, the EIB and Commission are launching a €250 million CleantechEU guarantee scheme.
    • A €1.5 billion top-up to a successful EIB programme supporting European wind turbine and component manufacturers.

    President Nadia Calviño and Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera also hosted today a roundtable on Investing in Europe’s Clean Future in Brussels with key financial and industrial stakeholders on mobilising private investments for a resilient, decarbonised European industry.

    Statements from the roundtable are available on EBS.

    EIB Group and European Commission simplify application of State Aid rules to support Europe’s clean industry and hold roundtable with business leaders

    ©EIB
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    EIB Group and European Commission simplify application of State Aid rules to support Europe’s clean industry and hold roundtable with business leaders

    ©EIB
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    EIB Group and European Commission simplify application of State Aid rules to support Europe’s clean industry and hold roundtable with business leaders

    ©EIB
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    EIB Group and European Commission simplify application of State Aid rules to support Europe’s clean industry and hold roundtable with business leaders

    ©EIB
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Obtaining an upper-secondary level qualification is highly dependent on a young person’s socio-economic situation

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Of the young people who turned 15 between 2011 and 2013, 8.2% had not obtained an upper-secondary level qualification ten years later. Among young people from the 20% of households with the lowest net equivalent income from employment, this figure rose to 13% and among those from households claiming economic social assistance to 24%. It is much more common for individuals from these households to obtain a federal vocational qualification than a Swiss baccalaureate. The probability of obtaining a qualification is also influenced by a number of other interrelated socio-economic factors. These are the main findings of a new publication by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) based on longitudinal analyses of nearly 82,000 young people.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New Swiss ambassadors

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    As part of the FDFA’s periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council, personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) at the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Jamie Laing Drops Surprise Morning Anthem to Help the Nation ‘Seize the Day’

    Source: Samsung

     
     

    Jamie Laing drops new spoken word track, Morning People, urging the UK to ditch the snooze button and take charge of their day
    Named “Morning People”, the track blends Jamie’s signature wit with practical health & wellness tips
    New research reveals 68% say poor sleep affects their daily lives
    Commissioned by Samsung Health, the campaign calls on the nation to seize the day and achieve their wellness goals with the help of AI-powered wearable tech including the Samsung Galaxy Watch Series & Galaxy Rin
    Samsung have announced new features to help consumers set up habits to improve sleep, heart health, fitness and nutrition as part of the upcoming One UI 8 Watch, which will be available on the newest Galaxy Watch Series

     
    Jamie Laing is urging the nation to hit snooze on snoozing via a surprise music collab aimed at energising mornings and championing wellness.
     
    The Podcast Host, Ultramarathon Runner, and Reality TV Star has turned Motivational Speaker for the spoken word anthem which aims to transform Britain’s bleary-eyed mornings into turbocharged triumphs.
     
    Titled “Morning People”, the track showcases a bold, synth driven battle cry for better mornings, smarter sleep, and data-driven days — complete with an inspirational animated lyric video.
     
    Drenched in dopamine-bright visuals, the video follows an animated Jamie leaping into action with the help of Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra & Galaxy Ring — from guided breathing to movement nudges and mindfulness moments. It’s wellness with a beat drop.
     
    The new campaign encourages consumers to become more morning people, with AI-powered sleep tracking, personalised training plans and Energy Score – a daily measurement of your physical and mental energy and readiness. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Series & Galaxy Ring deliver actionable insights so users can stay on track and keep motivation high [1].
     
    From “Check in with your breath, your mood, your mind” to “Use your feet / Find your rhythm ”, Jamie delivers genuine advice with warmth and charisma — all designed to help a sleep-deprived nation build better habits and wake up feeling ready to ditch the snooze button and “carpe the heck outta that diem”.
     
    “If you can beat the morning, you can win the day” says Jamie. “That’s why I love what Samsung Health is doing — helping people understand the body and the mind, and how tech can empower you to live your best day.”
     
    The track follows Jamie’s headline-making 150-mile ultramarathon — a feat that earned him the title of the UK’s official Morning Motivator. And now he’s using his platform to help others start their day right, with a focus on rest, recovery, and routine.
     
    It comes following research that the average Brits only sleeps for 6 hours, with four in 10 admitting that it is stopping them from reaching their full potential.
     
    Ever-changing temperatures (35%), overthinking past decisions (32%), and pain or discomfort (28%) topped the list as issues stopping Brits from getting their 40 winks.
     
    It also emerged that 59% of the nation don’t class themselves as morning people as research shows nearly a third (30%) of Brits hit snooze on a weekday morning twice or more.
     
    Half the nation revealed they feel grumpy (50%) and stressed (34%) in mornings following a rough sleep and over three-quarters (78%) believe their mental wellbeing would improve if they managed to sleep consistently well.
     
    A third of Brits will cancel their plans following a bad night’s sleep (32%) and 33 per cent blame a lack of sleep for snapping at someone, craving junk food (23%) or making an error at work (21%).
     
    Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience VP of Product & Marketing, Samsung UK&I, said:
     
    “Sleep is the foundation to our approach to health, as it influences physical and mental wellbeing, yet our research reveals that many of us aren’t getting enough. That’s why we are taking action, providing innovative tools to help people understand and improve their sleep. By offering insights, coaching, and inspiration like the Morning People track, we are empowering better starts and helping the nation seize the day.”
     
    The study commissioned by Samsung Health, ushers in a new era of wellness powered by AI.  The wearable technology including the Galaxy Watch Series & Galaxy Ring paired with Samsung Health, is designed to optimise wellness and recovery, helping users seize the day and reach their goals from the moment they wake up.
     
    Samsung Health’s newly announced features[2] include Bedtime Guidance[3], to help you optimise your sleep; Vascular Load[4], which measures stress on your vascular system while sleeping; Running Coach[5], to help strategize your training; and Antioxidant Index[6], to measure your carotenoids for healthy aging. All designed to help users develop healthy habits, using instant health feedback as a motivating tool.
     
    The new features are part of the One UI 8 Watch, which will be available on the newest Galaxy Watch series.
     
    For more information, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile/explore-samsung-health/ for more details.  
     
    [1]Requires smartphone operating on Android 11 or above with Google Mobile Services and the latest version of the Samsung Health app. Samsung account login and Galaxy smartphone is required for certain AI features
    [2]Samsung Health features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. Samsung account login required. Vascular Load, Running Coach and Antioxidant Index are available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). Vascular Load and Antioxidant index are Labs features that you can preview before its official launch. If you don’t want to use these experimental features, you can turn them off in Samsung Health settings.
    [3]Bedtime guidance is available on Android phone (Android 11 and above) requires Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). It is based on 3 days of sleep analysis of user’s circadian rhythm and sleep pressure.
    [4]Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To measure vascular load, it is required to wear Galaxy Watch when sleeping for at least 3 days out of recent 14 days.
    [5]Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To use running coach program, user needs to take a running level test and get a level before starting the coach program.
    [6]Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To measure, place the centre of your finger on the sensor at the back of the Watch and hold it for 5 seconds. While Anti-oxidant index can be measured using any finger, the thumb is recommended for the most accurate result. Repeat measurement due to uneven skin texture may lead to inaccurate results.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Explain Changing VA Hospital Guidelines in Secret

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    June 27, 2025

    The changes include potentially hiring medical professionals and giving veterans health care based on certain protected traits such as political affiliation and sexual orientation

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both D-Ore., said today they have joined their Senate colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump administration for secretly changing language in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) health facilities’ bylaws that could lead to discrimination against veteran patients and health care providers.

    A recent report detailed the Trump administration’s secret plan to change guidelines that would leave VA providers and patients with ambiguity about whether certain protected traits – including political affiliation or sexual orientation – can serve as reasons for denying certain veterans health care and prohibiting medical professionals from being hired.

    “We write today to request information regarding recent changes to patient and staff policies governing medical facilities within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Having reviewed past and current versions of bylaws for multiple medical facilities within the Department, we have confirmed the Department made changes, in secret and without notification to the veterans you serve or to Congress, that could allow for discrimination in treating patients and hiring medical professionals,” the senators wrote to VA secretary Doug Collins.

    The VA previously required providers to care for veterans regardless of politics, marital status, age, national origin, and disability. Language that ensured decisions for who could be a part of VA’s medical staff were made without regard to political affiliation, marital status, age, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and union membership has been removed from certain VA facilities’ medical bylaws.

    The senators continued, “Allowing, let alone encouraging, this ambiguity opens the door for widespread discrimination. These changes invite uncertainty as to whether a patient can be denied access to their earned health care or whether a provider is considered unfit to serve veterans based on anything other than their expertise and credentials. Even the appearance  of allowing discrimination directly violates VA’s own mission … It is your duty to answer to veterans, the public, and Congress as to why VA is sowing confusion and potentially putting veterans at risk and jeopardizing the Department’s medical workforce, clinicians’ licensure, and accreditation of its medical facilities nationwide.”

    The letter was led by Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was signed by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and U.S. Senators Patty Murray, D-Wash., Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Angus King, I-Maine, Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich.., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Tim Kaine, D-Va., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., and Mark Warner, D-Va.

    The full text of the letter is here,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Pressure From Wyden and Colleagues, Trump Administration Confirms No Frontline Workers Have Been Recategorized as “Schedule F” at Social Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    June 27, 2025

    The recategorization of Social Security workers would pave the way for mass firings

    Washington, D.C. – Following U.S. Senator Ron Wyden sounding the alarm on the Trump administration stripping civil service protections at the Social Security Administration, the administration has confirmed that no frontline workers have been reclassified at the agency.

    Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano confirmed that the agency has not yet reclassified any workers as Schedule F policy-making employees. 

    “The Trump administration’s plan to reclassify Social Security staff is nothing but a ploy to make it easier to install his cronies in a government agency vital to millions of people in Oregon and nationwide receiving benefits they’ve earned in a timely fashion,” Wyden said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make sure the Administration’s disastrous plan hasn’t moved forward, and I won’t take my foot off the gas.” 

    Schedule F workers is a new category of government employees who can be fired at any point and who lack the same rights that protect other federal workers from being terminated. Additionally, it is unclear whether Schedule F employees are included in collective bargaining units or eligible for union representation.

    “SSA’s broad reclassification of employees under seemingly false pretenses appears to be a deliberate effort to allow DOGE to purge SSA of the employees who work dutifully to make sure Americans receive their earned benefits,” Wyden and other Democratic lawmakers wrote in a letter to Bisignano in May.

    The Social Security War Room is an effort by Senate Democrats to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders,encourages grassroots engagement, and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Social Security services and benefits.

    The text of the SSA’s response is here.

    The text of the original letter is here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden Announce Over $31 Million in PILT Payments to Support Vital Services in Oregon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    June 27, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced counties throughout Oregon will receive a combined total of $31,027,890 in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2025. Because local governments cannot tax federal lands, annual PILT funding helps to defray the costs associated with maintaining important community services in counties with federal lands.  

    “Rural communities shouldn’t have to wonder if they will have the resources they need to pay for essential services and infrastructure,”?said Merkley, who serves as Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee which funds PILT.?“PILT funds firefighters, law enforcement, schools, and road construction—I will keep working to fully fund PILT so communities and families across Oregon have the stability they deserve.” 

    “Oregonians count on these federal investments to provide key support for road and bridge maintenance, public safety including firefighters and law enforcement, and more throughout our state,” said Wyden. “I’m gratified that Oregon will be receiving more than $31 million this year to strengthen those community priorities, and I’ll keep battling to ensure each county gets its fair share of this longstanding and proven financial lifeline.” 

    PILT compensate counties for tax-exempt federal lands administered by federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.?Payments are calculated based on the number of acres of federal land within each county or jurisdiction and the population of that county or jurisdiction.?  

    Individual payments may vary from year to year as a result of changes in acreage data, prior-year federal revenue-sharing payments reported annually by the governor of each state, and inflationary adjustments using the Consumer Price Index and population data. Senators Merkley and Wyden continue to monitor PILT allocations closely and will continue to ensure fair payments for every county.?  

    Here is a breakdown of PILT payments per Oregon county: 

    Oregon County

    2025 Payments

    Total Acres of Federal Land

    Baker 

    $1,647,739 

    1,016,406 

    Benton 

    $176,932 

    74,430 

    Clackamas 

    $744,207 

    617,455 

    Clatsop 

    $8,165 

    1,578 

    Columbia 

    $37,902 

    10,961 

    Coos 

    $784,444 

    244,052 

    Crook 

    $2,298,509 

    940,423 

    Curry 

    $1,043,286 

    687,737 

    Deschutes 

    $3,927,415 

    1,445,487 

    Douglas 

    $829,456 

    1,659,923 

    Gilliam 

    $154,886 

    45,757 

    Grant 

    $882,252 

    1,765,580 

    Harney 

    $1,435,664 

    4,462,615 

    Hood River 

    $292,405 

    205,855 

    Jackson 

    $2,010,989 

    909,852 

    Jefferson 

    $676,388 

    305,317 

    Josephine 

    $1,738,589 

    714,226 

    Klamath 

    $1,115,636 

    2,232,634 

    Lake 

    $1,522,671 

    3,692,647 

    Lane 

    $868,540 

    1,738,140 

    Lincoln 

    $96,432 

    192,982 

    Linn 

    $280,573 

    561,487 

    Malheur 

    $3,646,793 

    4,299,181 

    Marion 

    $112,978 

    226,094 

    Morrow 

    $400,885 

    150,971 

    Multnomah 

    $153,211 

    82,322 

    Polk 

    $142,440 

    41,984 

    Sherman 

    $199,610 

    57,726 

    Tillamook 

    $68,203 

    136,490 

    Umatilla 

    $1,007,272 

    420,242 

    Union 

    $1,579,842 

    624,214 

    Wallowa 

    $690,395 

    1,171,213 

    Wasco 

    $169,906 

    220,074 

    Washington 

    $48,314 

    13,972 

    Wheeler 

    $150,948 

    302,080 

    Yamhill 

    $84,013 

    58,758 

    Total

    $31,027,890

    31,330,865

    A full list of funding by state and county is available on the Interior Department’s?PILT?page.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “We are all inclusive from birth”: the results of the All-Russian competition “My Good Business” have been summed up

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On June 27, 2025, a ceremony was held to present awards to the winners of the All-Russian competition of socially responsible initiatives of entrepreneurs and socially oriented non-profit organizations “My Good Business”.

    The organizer of the All-Russian competition “My Good Business” is the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia. The federal operator of the Competition for the third year in a row was the State University of Management. The award ceremony for the winners, as in the previous year, was held at the Social Entrepreneurship Forum “More than Business”.

    “This is a very kind competition, fully corresponding to its name. It is not only and not so much about money, but about the impulse of the soul. The exhibition in the foyer clearly showed the interest and involvement of entrepreneurs and their clients, grandmothers and mothers. I am personally happy to participate in the main events of the Competition,” admitted Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Tatyana Ilyushnikova and thanked the State University of Management for assistance in organizing the Competition.

    “GUU has been the operator of the Competition for the third year already. We can see how interest in it is growing based on the number of applications. I often visit the regions and never miss the opportunity to visit local My Business centers to meet social entrepreneurs. It is rare to find such passionate people who are ready to give everything for the sake of people and the promotion of their projects. I have never regretted that we started working on this Competition,” shared Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of GUU.

    “We see that more and more entrepreneurs are taking part in the Competition, both small and large businesses. Our foundation will be happy to continue supporting the Competition. We have recently developed state standards for assessing the social effects of good business. All of these are elements of a major task – focusing the economy on people,” said Roman Davydov, development advisor for the Our Future Foundation and member of the Public Council of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development.

    “My experience of meeting with entrepreneurs shows that for every second one, the main motive for implementing their projects is the desire to be socially useful. Focus on society has recently become increasingly important. And since everyone here is for good, there are simply no losers in this Competition,” said Dmitry Litvin, head of the Rosmolodezh.Predprinimatel and Rosmolodezh.Profi departments.

    Results of the All-Russian competition of projects in the field of social entrepreneurship and NPO “My good business”

    Track “Social Interaction”

    Nomination “Good Guy”: 2nd place: Irina Romacheva, project “Implementation of charitable and infrastructure programs aimed at supporting youth and children’s sports, adaptation of people with disabilities”, Nizhny Novgorod Region; 1st place: Anna Knyazeva, project “Dorogobuzhkotlomash – for children”, Smolensk Region.

    Nomination “Cultural Code”: 1st place: Iskandar Bakhtiyarov, project “Annual holiday for first-graders “Children are our future” from the Ufanet company”, Republic of Bashkortostan.

    Nomination “Initiatives to support socially responsible business and NPOs”: 3rd place: Nikolay Makarov, project “Competition for students of the construction program “KSM Scholar”, Republic of Karelia; 2nd place: Irina Medvedeva, project “Social entrepreneurship development program “Start your own business”, Nizhny Novgorod Region; 1st place: Evgeny Petrov, project “Information technologies in the field of social entrepreneurship”, Nizhny Novgorod Region.

    Track “Help with meaning”

    Nomination “Kind Assistance”: 3rd place: Anna Zueva, project “Charity Shop “Teplo”, Perm Krai; 2nd place: Tatyana Egorova, project “Assistance Point for Participants of the SVO “Territory of Good 26”, Stavropol Krai; 1st place: Aishat Karaeva, project “Comprehensive Social, Medical, Scientific and Information Support for the Population of the Republic of Dagestan”, Republic of Dagestan.

    Nomination “Young Entrepreneur”: 3rd place: Yaroslav Kozlov, project “NeuroCareer Guidance”, Moscow; 2nd place: Anna Pokshivanova, project “Centers for Additional Education for Children and Family Classes “Mirta Superclass”, Lipetsk Region; 1st place: Vladislav Kozin, project “School of Music KozinMusicEducation”, Rostov Region.

    Nomination “Cultural Code”: 3rd place: Elena Bobrova, project “OOO “Valeologiya” Comprehensive rehabilitation of children with disabilities in the Ivanovo Regional Center for Exercise Therapy and Sports Medicine”, Ivanovo Region; 2nd place: Marina Kolesnichenko, project “Theatrical anthology of school literature (Educational theater of the Association of Artists of the Moscow Art Theater)”, Moscow; 1st place: Irina Slesareva, project “STARFISH network of family health aqua clubs”, Moscow.

    Nomination “Kind Mom”: 3rd place: Anastasia Kupriyanova, project “Let’s Help You Learn”, Yaroslavl Region; 2nd place: Yulia Moshkina, project “Family Inclusive Club “We Are Together”, Kirov Region; 1st place: Ekaterina Davydova, project “Correctional and Development Center for Children with Disabilities “MIR”, Tyumen Region.

    Nomination “Good Guy”: 3rd place: Roman Usachev, project “EQUICENTER – power in motion”, Lugansk People’s Republic; 2nd place: Olga Repkina, project “Good Robot” – creation and development of a children’s technical creativity club”, Arkhangelsk region; 1st place: Olga Cherpakova, project “Ecosystem of assistance to the elderly and disabled “Comfort”, Tyumen region.

    Nomination “Crafts of Russia”: 3rd place: Ulyana Voitenko, project “Siberian Will”, Novosibirsk Region; 2nd place: Elena Kuvshinova, “Project for the creation of a cultural and educational center for folk art and crafts in the city of Kirovo-Chepetsk, Kirov Region”, Kirov Region; 1st place: Vladimir Matveyev, project “Reproduction of ancient Russian jewelry”, Novgorod Region.

    Silver Business nomination: 3rd place: Larisa Krutskikh, project From Movement to Speech, Altai Krai; 2nd place: Oleg Serdyuk, project Organization of Care for the Elderly and People with Limited Mobility at Home and in Hospital, Saratov Oblast; 1st place: Galina Bozhenko, project I Want! I Can! I Do!, Donetsk People’s Republic.

    Nomination: “Working to Help”: 3rd place: Gulnaz Kamalova, project “Inclusive Workshops “Dobroshtuki”, Republic of Bashkortostan; 2nd place: Yulia Romeiko, project “Charity Program “Social Hotel for Children with Cancer “Good House”, Moscow; 1st place: Marina Sintsova, project “Center for Reconstructive Dermatology, Cosmetology and Aesthetic Rehabilitation for Participants of the Special Military Operation (SVO)”, Samara Region.

    My Kind Startup nomination: 3rd place: Daniil Bredikhin, project “Smart sticker for the blind and visually impaired”, Oryol region; 2nd place: Alexander Ryabinin, project “Elevatek: creating the opportunity to live without restrictions”, Bryansk region; 1st place: Alexander Litvinov, project “Production of polymer ophthalmological implants for mass use to solve medical and social problems associated with visual impairment”, Nizhny Novgorod region.

    Special nomination “Best social franchise”: Winner – Olga Zubkova, project “Inclusive camp Novy Gorod “Druzhny”, Perm Krai.

    We congratulate all the winners and are already looking forward to the start of the next season of the All-Russian competition “My Good Business”.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Update on Developments in Iran (7)

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Radiation levels in the Gulf region remain normal following the 12-day conflict that severely damaged several nuclear facilities in Iran, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

    Citing regional data reported regularly to the IAEA through the International Radiation Monitoring System (IRMIS), Director General Grossi noted that this 48-nation network would have detected an important radioactive release from any damaged nuclear power reactor.

    “From a nuclear safety perspective, Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Tehran Research Reactor represented our main concern as any strike affecting those facilities – including their off-site power lines – could have caused a radiological accident with potential consequences in Iran as well as beyond its borders in the case of the Bushehr plant. It did not happen, and the worst nuclear safety scenario was thereby avoided,” Director General Grossi said.

    Stressing again that nuclear facilities should never be attacked, he reiterated the IAEA’s current assessment – based on information received from Iran’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority – that this month’s Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites would have caused localized radioactive releases inside the impacted facilities and localized toxic effects, but there has been no report of increased off-site radiation levels.

    The Director General also emphasised the need for IAEA inspectors to continue their verification activities in Iran, as required under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) with the Agency.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Note to Correspondents: Lead author selected for the second independent progress study on youth, peace and security

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    In its resolution A/RES/79/1 on the Pact for the Future, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to carry out the second independent progress study on youth’s positive contribution to peace processes and conflict resolution. The report will be submitted to Member States by the end of the eightieth session of the General Assembly.

    The request follows Security Council resolution 2250 (2015) adopted almost ten years ago. The resolution mandated the development of the first independent progress study, entitled The Missing Peace and published in 2018. Building on this work, the second independent progress study will serve as a critical input to advancing the youth, peace and security agenda within the multilateral system.

    Ms, Nanjala Nyabola (Kenya) was selected to lead the drafting process of the report. She is a writer, researcher and policy expert based in Nairobi, Kenya, with extensive expertise on youth engagement, technology, social change and digital rights. She has held fellowships and research roles with the Oxford Internet Institute, the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Lab, the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), NYU’s Centre on International Cooperation, and Strathmore University’s CIPIT. She studied at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, as well as at the University of Birmingham and Harvard Law School. Her writings appear in The Nation, Al Jazeera, and The Boston Review.

    Ms. Nyabola will work in close coordination with the United Nations Joint Secretariat on youth, peace and Security, composed of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the United Nations Population Fund, and the United Nations Youth Office. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Update on Developments in Iran (7)

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    Radiation levels in the Gulf region remain normal following the 12-day conflict that severely damaged several nuclear facilities in Iran, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

    Citing regional data reported regularly to the IAEA through the International Radiation Monitoring System (IRMIS), Director General Grossi noted that this 48-nation network would have detected an important radioactive release from any damaged nuclear power reactor.

    “From a nuclear safety perspective, Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Tehran Research Reactor represented our main concern as any strike affecting those facilities – including their off-site power lines – could have caused a radiological accident with potential consequences in Iran as well as beyond its borders in the case of the Bushehr plant. It did not happen, and the worst nuclear safety scenario was thereby avoided,” Director General Grossi said.

    Stressing again that nuclear facilities should never be attacked, he reiterated the IAEA’s current assessment – based on information received from Iran’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority – that this month’s Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites would have caused localized radioactive releases inside the impacted facilities and localized toxic effects, but there has been no report of increased off-site radiation levels.

    The Director General also emphasised the need for IAEA inspectors to continue their verification activities in Iran, as required under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) with the Agency.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Strong year-end surplus for a stronger Alberta

    [embedded content]

    Alberta closed the 2024-25 fiscal year with its fourth consecutive surplus, totalling $8.3 billion. The increase is largely due to higher-than-expected resource revenues, corporate and personal income tax revenue and impressive investment income. In the face of rapidly changing economic conditions this year due to global trade challenges, the government will use the surplus to fortify Alberta’s economic position, repay debt and save for the future.

    “Alberta’s financial strength isn’t just luck, it’s the result of disciplined decisions and a clear commitment to responsible government. While others reach for higher taxes and more debt, we’re focused on stability, savings and respect for the people who keep Alberta’s economy moving. That means more security for families, more opportunity for young people, and stronger communities across our province. In uncertain times, Alberta showing this kind of economic leadership is important.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “This surplus shows Alberta’s strength. The road ahead may be rough, but Alberta is built to last. We’re paying down debt, saving for the future and backing the services Albertans count on. This surplus lets us save smart, spend wisely and stand strong for the long haul.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    Alberta’s economy expanded at a steady pace in 2024, supported by increased pipeline capacity through the spring opening of the Trans Mountain pipeline, record crude oil production and increased natural gas production. The price of West Texas Intermediate oil averaged $74.34 per barrel over the year, slightly higher than the $74 per barrel forecast in Budget 2024. A narrower light-heavy differential, which increases the price of Alberta’s heavy crude oil, plus a lower exchange rate also propelled higher returns for the energy sector. As a part of a Canada-wide settlement, a $713-million payment from three major Canadian tobacco companies also contributed to the surplus.

    Rapid population growth and falling interest rates bolstered the provincial economy. Alberta remained the fastest-growing province in Canada in 2024. With population growth, Alberta saw strong employment gains fuelled by full-time and permanent jobs, which led to more employed Albertans contributing to the tax base. To relieve added pressure on hospitals, schools and infrastructure, the government provided record funding for health care and education and continued to invest in the priorities of Albertans.

    When disaster hit, Alberta’s government answered the call. The government delivered $1.9 billion in disaster relief, including $702 million to fight wildfires, $191 million for evacuation and recovery, and $1 billion to support drought-hit farmers and producers.

    After calculations and adjustments, Alberta ended the year with a $5.1-billion in surplus cash. Following the province’s mandated fiscal framework, half – or $2.6 billion – will go towards improving the province’s net financial position, either through debt repayment or savings in the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. The other half will be allocated to the Alberta Fund for future use. This can include further debt payments, more savings or one-time initiatives.

    Revenue

    Revenue in 2024-25 was $82.5 billion, $8.9 billion more than estimated in Budget 2024, including:

    • $22.0 billion in non-renewable resource revenue, up from $17.3 billion at budget.
      • The increase was primarily driven by higher bitumen royalties due to narrower light-heavy oil price differentials and lower exchange rates.
    • $30.4 billion in tax revenue, $1.7 billion higher than estimated in Budget 2024. This included:
      • $8.1 billion in corporate income tax, $1.1 billion more than at budget, even as the province maintained the lowest corporate income tax rate in the country.
      • A record high of $16.1 billion in personal income tax, $0.5 billion more than estimated in Budget 2024, in large part because of strong growth in personal incomes and Alberta’s growing population.

    Expense

    Expense in 2024-25 was $74.1 billion, $967 million more than estimated in Budget 2024, including:

    • $29.6 billion in health expense, a 2.9 per cent increase from budget, as the province began refocusing the health system to better meet the needs of patients and families, provide more surgeries, recruit more doctors and provide lab services.  
    • $17.2 billion for education, or a 1.1 per cent increase from budget, including:
      • $9.9 billion for K-12 education, with more money to hire more teachers as enrolment increased.
      • $7.2 billion for post-secondary institutions to increase seats in high-demand areas, including apprenticeship training.
    • $1.9 billion for disaster relief and emergency supports.

    Debt

    The province ended the year with taxpayer-supported debt of $85.2 billion. Total debt-servicing costs were $3.2 billion in 2024-25, down $0.2 billion from budget because of lower-than-expected borrowing requirements.

    Oil Prices

    • A barrel of West Texas Intermediate averaged US$74.34 per barrel in 2024-25, slightly higher than the US$74 per barrel forecast in Budget 2024.
    • The light-heavy oil price differential averaged US$13.06 per barrel in 2024-25, $2.94 narrower than estimated in budget, influenced by increased demand for heavier crude and the completion of the TMX expansion project.

    Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund

    The province grew the market value of the Heritage Fund to a record high of $27.2 billion as of March 31, 2025. The Heritage Fund grew by $4.2 billion last year, fuelled by $1.9 billion in investment income and $2 billion in surplus cash reinvested from 2023-24. This growth supports Alberta’s bold plan to reach $250 billion by 2050 while diversifying the economy for a stronger future.

    Through responsible fiscal management, Alberta is building a stable economic foundation and saving for a secure tomorrow. No matter the challenges ahead, Alberta has the resources and resilience to protect its prosperity.

    Related information

    • Budget 2024: A responsible plan for a growing province

    Related news

    • Q2 update: Under Pressure (Nov. 21, 2024)
    • Q1 update: Continued fiscal growth (Aug. 31, 2023)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement After Congressional Briefing on Iran Strikes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    June 27, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement after receiving a classified briefing on the U.S. operation targeting Iran’s nuclear program:

    “While I cannot share the details of today’s classified briefing, it is clear that the U.S. strikes significantly disrupted aspects of Iran’s nuclear program. A nuclear-armed Iran would be a threat to the U.S., our allies, and the world—this strike slowed that path. Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

    “I commend our service members for carrying out their mission with extraordinary precision and professionalism. Their performance is a testament to the strength and discipline of the finest military in the world. Any retaliatory attack on American troops or interests must be met with resolve. Our service members deserve nothing less.

    “But their courage and success do not absolve the President of his constitutional obligations. The War Powers Resolution is not a suggestion—it is the law. It exists to prevent any President, Republican or Democrat, from unilaterally dragging the United States into another protracted conflict without proper oversight or authorization from Congress.

    “There was no attack on the United States or its forces to justify bypassing Congress. And there was no meaningful consultation with Congress before the strikes. This was not an act of urgent self-defense—it was a premeditated, large-scale use of force. Regardless of outcome, dropping a dozen 30,000-pound bombs on multiple hardened targets is an act of war. And under our Constitution, only Congress has the authority to authorize such an act.

    “Past presidents, even when pushing the limits of executive power, acknowledged Congress’s role. President Trump refused. And now, Speaker Mike Johnson has gone even further calling the War Powers Resolution itself ‘unconstitutional.’ That is a stunning abdication of responsibility. Instead of defending the institution he leads, the Speaker is surrendering Congress’s authority and bending to the will of the executive branch.

    “Congress is not a ceremonial body. We are a co-equal branch of government. When American lives are at stake, when global stability hangs in the balance, our role is not optional—it is essential.

    “I will always stand with our troops. And I will always fight to ensure that the decisions to send them into harm’s way are made lawfully, strategically, and with full accountability. That is what they swore to defend. And that is what I intend to uphold.”

    ##

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on the Supreme Court’s Birthright Citizenship Ruling

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    June 27, 2025

    Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. CASA, Inc. that limits nationwide injunctions resulting from President Trump’s Executive Order on birthright citizenship:

    “Today’s Supreme Court decision sets a dangerous precedent. Nationwide injunctions have been used by courts in cases with profound national implications to protect all Americans from dangerous and illegal actions. Now, Americans will be under constant threats from the current Administration without protections from the courts.

    “The Trump Administration is intent on unleashing Executive Orders that limit constitutional rights and protections, like the birthright citizenship order, and this ruling would force every individual affected by an unconstitutional or unlawful order to sue in federal court for their basic rights.

    “In Congress, House Republicans are abdicating their constitutional duties and are trying to dismantle the authority of district courts nationwide to appease President Trump. Earlier this year, I voted against legislation intended to disrupt injunctive relief and will continue to fight back in light of this Supreme Court decision.”

    ##

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Medical Laboratory Technologists Board meets representatives of training institutions and professional associations

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The following is issued on behalf of the Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT) Board:

    ​A meeting was held by the MLT Board yesterday (June 26) with representatives of training institutions and professional associations to provide detailed explanations and communicate on the decision of the MLT Board in 2024 about the review and amendment of accreditation criteria of programmes, in maintaining the total required hours for training, to amend the minimum hours for clinical practice/attachment in the major four basic areas, namely “Clinical Microbiology & Infection”, “Anatomical Pathology”, “Chemical Pathology” and “Haematology” to 50 hours each, with the released 200 hours for training institutions to flexibly allocate to new and rapidly evolving medical laboratory science subjects, such as clinical immunology, artificial intelligence, molecular techniques and genetic testing etc., and/or to perform enhanced clinical practice/attachment in the four basic areas as well as in the new areas.

    The MLT Board reiterated at the meeting that the overall minimal training hours would remain unchanged, and it was a misunderstanding to perceive the arrangement as cutting down training hours. The updated training requirement would facilitate training institutions with the flexibility to enable continuous transition/improvement of the curriculum both in existing and new programmes, to better prepare our students for the challenge of quickly evolving medical technologies, while maintaining professional standards.

    Under the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance (Cap. 359) and the Medical Laboratory Technologists (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulations (Cap. 359A) (Ordinance and Regulations), the MLT Board was empowered to promote adequate standards of professional practice and conduct among members of the profession. The Ordinance and Regulations specified that all MLTs must obtain at least three years of post-qualification experience involving intensive on-the-job training under supervision before they could practise independently to ensure patients’ safety.

    The MLT Board had invited institutions to submit their updated curriculum on the training of MLT for approval. The MLT Board will continue to communicate with the MLT industry, training institutions and healthcare professions to ensure patient safety and enhance professional standard.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness” exhibition opens (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    “Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness” exhibition opens  
    Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that, as one of the celebration activities of the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, this is the largest joint exhibition, in terms of profile, scale and quantity of artefacts on display, since the signing of the Framework Agreement on Deepening Exchange and Cooperation in the Field of Heritage Architecture and Archaeology between the DEVB and the National Cultural Heritage Administration in 2022. The exhibition marks a move towards a higher level of mutual co-operation. Hong Kong is an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. She is eagerly anticipating that the exhibition can showcase the culture of the majestic Tang dynasty to members of the public and friends from all over the world.
     
    Other officiating guests at the ceremony were Deputy Administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration Mr Qiao Yunfei; the Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Songmiao; the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau; the Director of Art Exhibitions China, Mr Tan Ping; the Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Professor Desmond Hui; and the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation, Professor Douglas So.
     
    The exhibition is divided into eight sections on the administrative system and governance of the Tang dynasty, the planning of Chang’an city, the life of people, religious beliefs, literati elegance, craftsmanship, prosperous scenes along the Silk Road and Maritime Silk Road, and Hong Kong’s role as a node on the Maritime Silk Road in the Tang dynasty. It features 269 significant pieces/sets of artefacts from 28 museums and cultural institutions in 10 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities on the Mainland (including 49 pieces/sets of grade-one cultural relics) and 29 pieces/sets of important artefacts unearthed in Hong Kong and dated to the Tang dynasty.
     
    Among the key exhibits are two paintings, namely the “Scroll depicting Emperor Minghuang playing polo”, which is a Song dynasty depiction of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (Minghuang) playing polo with his concubines on horseback; and the hanging scroll of Li Bai’s “Chun Ye Yan Tao Li Yuan Xu” (preface to the spring night banquet in the peach and plum garden) on kesi (cut silk) depicting the refined life of Tang dynasty literati. These paintings will only be displayed during the first two months (June 28 to August 27). Other key exhibits include a sancai teaware set with a seated figurine revealing the image of Lu Yu, China’s sage of tea; a gold jie comb (hair comb accessory) carved in openwork from a thin piece of gold; a painted figurine of a dancing black man with exotic charm; the “Lun Yu Zheng Xuan Zhu” (the Analects with annotation by Zheng Xuan) copied by Bu Tianshou, which has been included in the first batch of the National Catalogue of Precious Ancient Books; and a crimson gold walking dragon used in ritual ceremonies, which will be displayed throughout the entire exhibition period.
     
    The exhibition also displays significant Tang dynasty artefacts unearthed at Chek Lap Kok, Tung Chung and San Tau on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, including ceramic ware, iron weapons, bronze belt ornaments, silver chai hairpin, glass ring, fragment of silver piece, Kai Yuan Tong Bao (circulating treasure from a new era) and Qian Yuan Zhong Bao (heavy treasure of Qian Yuan reign) bronze coins, to illustrate the role of Hong Kong in the Maritime Silk Road.
     
    The exhibition will run at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre in Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, from tomorrow to December 31 with free admission. For details and a short video on the preparation of the exhibition, please visit the websiteIssued at HKT 19:42

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