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  • MIL-OSI USA: Schakowsky, Markey, Ruiz, Jayapal Introduce Dr. Paul Farmer Memorial Resolution Outlining 21st Century Global Health Strategy 

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

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced the Dr. Paul Farmer Memorial Resolution, to honor Dr. Farmer’s staggering life and legacy and lay out his extraordinary vision for realizing global health equity. This resolution lays out a 21st century global health strategy that proposes spending $125 billion annually on global health aid, reforming aid to focus on building national health systems, and putting an end to the exploitation of impoverished countries to increase their domestic tax base and health spending. This resolution seeks to save over 100 million lives per decade by increasing the flow of money in the global economy. 

    “Dr. Paul Farmer is responsible for transforming the lives of millions and millions of poor and marginalized people around the world, bringing them health care, dignity, and justice. A true visionary, Paul insisted that all people have a right to excellent health care, and he developed the systems to deliver it in places people had written off. Gleaming world class hospitals and locally trained doctors, nurses, and community workers now exist in places like Haiti and Rwanda. Paul was not only a world-renowned leader in global health, but also a precious friend and a tireless organizer, inspiring thousands of people to actively participate in his work. All of us owe him a debt that can only be paid by carrying on his mission and legacy,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “That is why I am introducing the Dr. Paul Farmer Memorial Resolution alongside my colleagues Senator Markey and Representatives Ruiz and Jayapal. This resolution lays out a 21st Century Global Health Strategy that enshrines Paul’s vision to achieve global universal health care and end unnecessary and preventable deaths. We are the richest country in the world at the richest time in the world. As the Trump Administration rips away lifesaving aid from millions of people, it is more important than ever for those of us who care about global health and justice to rededicate ourselves to building and fully funding a robust global health strategy. Paul called on us to understand global health inequity as an injustice—a result of centuries of violence and exploitation inflicted on the global poor. We can make the choice to end global health inequity, and with Paul’s vision guiding us, we will.” 

    “Dr. Paul Farmer was a health care visionary and revolutionary who understood compassion and care went hand in hand. At a time when global health and well-being are strained, I am proud to introduce this resolution honoring Dr. Farmer and the transformational work he did to deliver health care to people and communities around the world. Health is the first wealth, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that people around the world are healthy, safe, and have access to the resources they need to live and thrive,” said Senator Edward Markey.

    “Dr. Paul Farmer was more than a global health leader, he was my mentor, professor, and dear friend,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. “From my early years at Harvard Medical School to our work together in Boston, Chiapas, Guatemala, and post-earthquake Haiti, he showed me what it means to fight for underserved communities with unwavering dedication. I am honored to help reintroduce this resolution in his memory, as a testament to his extraordinary impact on humanity.” 

    “Dr. Paul Farmer changed global health for the better with his work in impoverished countries, treating infectious diseases and providing high quality care to those who needed it most. He also fundamentally altered the way we think about international aid, and his organizing and movement building has led to millions of people worldwide living healthier and longer lives. As a lifelong organizer and someone who worked in global health for years before coming to Congress, I know the importance of this work and know how devastating Trump and Republicans’ cuts to USAID and other international aid programs are. This resolution outlines a vision for a world in which we tackle the injustice of global health inequities and treat health care as a true human right. It also recognizes that to achieve these goals, we need to democratize the global financial system, including cancelling predatory debt that has often crushed low- and middle-income countries. I’m proud to co-lead it with Representatives Schakowsky and Ruiz,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

    The proposals in the resolution are as follows: 

    • Increase global health aid to $125 billion per year
      • Close the essential universal health care financing gap for low-income countries
      • Allow the U.S. to meet the U.N. aid target of 0.7% GNI for the first time ever
    • Reform global health aid
      • Focus on building national health systems and direct funding to local partners, not the development industry
      • Develop new medical technologies for diseases of poverty and ensure their availability as global public goods
    • Make the global economy more fair, just, and democratic
      • Democratizing the IMF, World Bank, and World Trade Organization, so that poor countries have greater say over decisions that affect their economies and their ability to finance health systems
      • Global debt cancelation for all developing countries that need it
      • Ending harmful licit and illicit financial flows from poor countries—ending global tax havens and illegal practices like trade misinvoicing
      • Supporting global labor rights, such as a global minimum wage

    “In this moment of crisis, we need Paul’s vision for global health justice more than ever. Thankfully, that vision is captured in this resolution. It provides us with a much-needed roadmap for global cooperation based on solidarity and justice by getting to the root causes of unnecessary suffering and death, or what Paul called ‘structural violence’. This includes greatly improving development assistance for health, but also going well beyond aid to address ongoing extractive colonial arrangements, which preclude local investments in health systems,” said Sheila Davis, CEO of Partners in Health.

    As an infectious disease physician, Dr. Farmer earned accolades for treating patients in impoverished countries with high quality care, including those suffering from HIV and cancer. As a medical anthropologist, he was known for popularizing and deepening understandings of “structural violence,” the idea that social systems are designed to impoverish, sicken, and sideline select groups. As chief strategist of Partners in Health, he garnered plaudits for pioneering community-based treatment strategies, building teaching hospitals, and more. Dr. Farmer called on us to understand global health inequity as an injustice—an effect of centuries of violence and exploitation inflicted on the global poor. This resolution embodies that and will serve as a North Star that will guide the movement for global health equity for years to come. 

    In addition to Reps. Schakowsky, Ruiz, and Jayapal, this resolution is cosponsored in the House of Representatives by Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52). 

    In addition to Sen. Markey, this resolution is cosponsored in the Senate by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

    Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security, Health Care

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Minister announces SOE appointments

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Seven reappointments and seven new appointments to eight companies in the State Owned Enterprises portfolio have been made, ensuring these companies are equipped with the skills and expertise necessary to deliver on their commitments to New Zealanders, State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown says.

    “I have made clear that the Government expects a return on investment from our state-owned enterprises, and that like all commercial entities, they need to make commercial decisions that are in the best interest of the company. This requires SOEs to run profitable businesses that set ambitious targets and performance measures and emphasise distributions to shareholders.

    “The Government is committed to ensuring our state-owned enterprises have strong leadership in place to navigate both the challenges and opportunities they face. These individuals bring a strong mix of governance expertise, commercial acumen, and stakeholder engagement to their roles, which will help ensure the entities they oversee meet the Government’s expectations,” Mr Brown says

    ECNZ and Kordia will benefit from experienced leadership continuity through the reappointments of Victor Wu and Sophie Haslem as the Chairs of ECNZ and Kordia respectively. Victor Wu has successfully guided ECNZ towards its planned wind-up, while Sophie Haslem will continue to oversee Kordia’s strategic transformation, driving improved operational efficiency and enhancing its future resilience.

    In addition, Terry Paddy (Airways), Jan Hilder (AsureQuality), Jane Meares (ECNZ), Nicola Riordan and Linda Robertson (Kordia) have all been reappointed to their respective boards with new term start dates of 1 September for Nicola Riordan and 1 November for the remainder.

    Seven new directors will bring specific skills to help Hawke’s Bay Airport, Landcorp, MetService, and NZ Post achieve Ministers’ expectations, with terms commencing on 1 August:

    • Hawke’s Bay Airport: Megan Allan will bring expertise in financial strategy, operational efficiencies, and stakeholder engagement to enhance the airport’s role as an economic hub for the region.
    • Landcorp (Pāmu): The appointments of Angela Dixon, Stu Husband, and Brent Lawgun will focus on driving Landcorp’s performance turnaround. Collectively, they bring experience in agricultural governance, capital management, and iwi engagement, tailored to meet the Government’s expectations for a sharper focus on core farming operations.
    • MetService: Janie Elrick and Julian Smith bring complementary skills, with backgrounds in finance, risk management, and customer-centred transformational change. They will add value to the Board as the business amalgamates with NIWA over the medium term.
    • NZ Post:  Michelle Henderson, with her commercial acumen and expertise in governance and digital transformation, will support the organisation’s transformation in the postal and logistics sector.

    The Government acknowledges and thanks outgoing appointees for their valuable contributions and service.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Affordable Housing Units Open In Saskatoon

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 31, 2025

    Solving Canada’s housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs. To provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the government today announced that individuals with low incomes will now have access to more affordable housing in Saskatoon thanks to a $1.1 million investment from the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.  

    The new fourplex located at 501 Avenue H South includes two accessible one-bedroom units and two bachelor units, giving four individuals renting through the Saskatoon Housing Authority (SHA) a place to call home. 

    Funding for this development has been provided through the National Housing Strategy – Saskatchewan Priorities Initiative. The units are owned by the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and the SHA will manage maintenance and rentals at the building.   

    As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration will be essential. That means working hand-in-hand with the non-profit sector to bring down costs and build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War. 

    “Our new government was elected on a promise to build Canada,” Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger said. “The federal government is committed to working with provinces and territories to provide people in communities like Saskatoon the support they need to access adequate, affordable housing. This new housing development announced today is another step toward making sure every Canadian has a safe, comfortable place to live.”   

    “The opening of the four new housing units in Saskatoon expands access to affordable homes, while creating spaces that promote safety, security and brighter futures,” Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) Terry Jenson said. “The development reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding affordable housing across the province.” 

    Quick facts:

    The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10 plus year, $115 plus billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. 

    As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence. 

    NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life and people with lived experience of housing need. 

    All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people and communities. 

    In 2019, the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan entered into an agreement through the NHS. The Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Agreement will invest $585 million over 10 years, which is cost matched between the federal and provincial governments.    

    Through the 2025-26 Government of Saskatchewan budget, continued provincial capital investment of $9.6 million will support repairs, maintenance, and the replacement of major building components in provincially-owned housing units. Overall, SHC is investing a total of $88.4 million to ensure rent-ready units are available across the province. This will support the repair of up to 1,600 provincially-owned housing units with capital investments and provide 350 more households with safe and affordable housing this year compared to last year. 

    Associated Links: 

    Visit Canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government of Canada housing information. 

    Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. Our mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. We also actively support the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity and climate compatibility. Follow us on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. 

    In November 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan released Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan: the Next Decade of Growth 2020-2030, which sets out the government’s vision for a province of 1.4 million people by 2030. The plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province.

    To learn more, visit: www.saskatchewan.ca.

    -30-

    For information, contact: 

    Renee LeBlanc Proctor
    Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
    Email: renee.proctor@infc.gc.ca 

    Media Relations
    Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
    Email: media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca 

    Media Relations
    Social Services 
    Phone: 306-787-3610 
    Email: mediamss@gov.sk.ca 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Proclaims Food Day Canada

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 31, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to join provinces across Canada in officially proclaiming August 2 as Food Day Canada. This day serves as a celebration of the individuals and communities who contribute to Canada’s vibrant food system. 

    “Food Day Canada is a great opportunity to recognize the efforts of all the people who contribute to the success of our agriculture sector,” Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison said. “From producers and researchers to food companies and restaurants, they all have a role to play in delivering safe, sustainable and high-quality food to our tables.” 

    Now in its 22nd year, Food Day Canada is one of the country’s largest and longest-running celebrations of Canadian food and those who produce it. 

    The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to supporting the province’s diverse and globally-respected agriculture and agri-food sector. Agriculture plays a vital role in the province’s economy and its future growth. The sector is responsible for about 10 per cent of our economy, 36,900 jobs and 41 per cent of our total annual exports. 

    In 2024, Saskatchewan exported $18.5 billion in agri-food products and processed $7.9 billion in value – added products. Our agri-food exports have grown by a third since 2014 as we continue to advance toward our 2030 agriculture-related targets in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan. 

    The Ministry of Agriculture supports organizations such as Agriculture in the Classroom, Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, and 4-H Saskatchewan to strengthen consumer awareness about the agriculture sector and its connection to the food they buy, prepare and eat.

    People in Saskatchewan are encouraged to participate in Food Day Canada by trying a new recipe, dining at a local restaurant, or sharing their food stories and photos online using #FoodDayCanada and tagging @FoodDayCanada.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlights President Trump’s AI Action Plan, pro-worker accomplishments on ‘America at Work’ listening tour

    Source: US Department of Labor

    MYRTLE BEACH, SC – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her nationwide America at Work listening tour this week starting on the West Coast in Washington state to discuss artificial intelligence, before heading to the East Coast and stopping in South Carolina, where she spoke with business leaders and manufacturers in Florence, Georgetown, Hartsville, Mullins, and Myrtle Beach.

    In Kirkland, Washington, the Secretary met with software developers at ServiceNow to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace. In South Carolina, she visited with manufacturers across multiple industries to hear directly from business leaders and workers about how President Trump’s pro-growth policies are strengthening the American workforce.

    “Every sector of our economy is coming back to life under President Trump’s bold, visionary leadership – from artificial intelligence in Washington state to advanced manufacturing in South Carolina,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “In just over six months, this President has expanded economic opportunity for hardworking Americans by making historic investments in our workforce through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. I’d like to thank my friend, Congressman Fry, for hosting me in the great state of South Carolina to see the positive impacts of these America First policies firsthand. I’m committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure workers have the tools they need to succeed in America’s new Golden Age.”

    “South Carolina is home to some of the hardest working people in the country, and the One Big Beautiful Bill puts them first – cutting taxes, growing jobs, and investing in the future of our workforce,” said Rep. Russell Fry. “From touring thriving manufacturing facilities, seeing our tourism and hospitality industries in action, and meeting the workers who keep it all running, we saw firsthand how this legislation delivers for South Carolina families and the American people. Thank you to my good friend Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for visiting the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions of our state to see just how much this bill will mean for South Carolina’s future.”

    Washington

    In Kirkland, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer toured ServiceNow’s offices and met with employees to discuss how they are helping power a new AI boom in the U.S. The Secretary emphasized that the Department of Labor will play a central role in implementing President Trump’s AI Action Plan, which aims to boost AI literacy, invest in skills training, and ensure American workers are equipped to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.

    South Carolina

    In Myrtle Beach, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer joined Rep. Fry for a roundtable discussion with business leaders at the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. They talked about how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is reinvigorating American industry by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and expanding access to Pell Grants for technical schools so students can be ready to fill in-demand jobs. The Secretary also provided an update on her America at Work tour, reiterating that listening directly to workers is critical to developing policies that put American workers first.

    Following the roundtable, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited several local employers that are driving economic growth and job creation:

    • Envirosep, where she met with engineers and technicians developing next-generation heating system technologies designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.
    • SOPACKO, a manufacturer of ready-to-eat meals for the U.S. military, where she observed how recent investments have strengthened domestic production and bolstered manufacturing capacity to support America’s servicemembers.
    • Buc-ee’s, where she toured the company’s only South Carolina location and saw firsthand how the pride and value of hard work is reflected in top-tier customer service.
    • Stingray Boats, where she visited with workers to learn more about how one of the nation’s leading independent boat builders has been manufacturing high-performance recreational boats for over four decades. 

    At each stop, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlighted how President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is creating new pathways to economic prosperity by expanding opportunity and helping more hardworking men and women achieve the American Dream. Learn more about her recent visits to Georgia, Michigan, and Indiana.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: HRC WORLD PLC: AUDITED ANNUAL RESULTS TO 31 MARCH 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HRC WORLD PLC

    NASDAQ FIRST NORTH, COPENHAGEN
    TICKER: HRC
    ISIN: GB00BZ3CDY20

    31 July 2025

    AUDITED ANNUAL RESULTS TO 31 MARCH 2025

    The Board of Directors of HRC World Plc (the “Company”), has approved and subsequently are pleased to present its audited financial results for the financial year ended 31 March 2025. The audited financial statements are appended to this announcement and is also available at the Company’s website http://www.hrcplc.co.uk

    The Group reported revenue of US$818,000 for the year ending 31 March 2025, reflecting a much increased income compared to the previous year’s revenue of US$141,000. The financial year ended 31 March 2025 marked a significant improvement in the Group’s performance, reflecting early outcomes of its strategic realignment. The Group also narrowed its pre-tax loss to US$46,000, from US$220,000 in the prior year, indicating improved operational cost control despite ongoing investment in future growth sectors. These results underscore the Group’s steady progress in repositioning toward highpotential, technology-driven business segments.

    The Company remains optimistic about its strategic direction and future prospects and continued to advance its strategic transformation toward digital infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions. While restaurant management services remained part of our operations during the transition period, our focus has increasingly shifted to the development and future commercialisation of our data centre and IT infrastructure capabilities. These efforts reflect our commitment to building a future-ready business model centred on technology-driven services.

    As announced previously, the Directors are not proposing the payment of a dividend.

    THE DIRECTORS OF HRC WORLD PLC ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT

    About HRC World Plc
    HRC World Plc is an England & Wales incorporated public company with registration number 10829936 and is quoted on Nasdaq First North Growth Market (Copenhagen). HRC World provides café management services for developing tourist-based and event-based revenues in member restaurants as well as implementation of HRC Music initiatives.

    Further information may be found at the Company’s website: www.hrcplc.co.uk

    Company contact details
    HRC World Plc
    +603 7786 0500
    info@hrcplc.co.uk

    Certified Adviser
    Keswick Global AG
    info@keswickglobal.com
    +43 1 740 408045

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and the Reesetablishment of the Presidential Fitness Test

    Source: US Whitehouse

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to promote the economic, academic, and social benefits of youth sports, fitness, and nutrition, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1.  Revocation.  Executive Order 13824 of February 26, 2018 (President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition), is hereby revoked.
    Sec. 2.  Amendment.  Executive Order 13265 of June 6, 2002 (President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports), is hereby amended as follows:
    (a) The title is revised to read as follows:  “President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and the Reestablishment of the Presidential Fitness Test”.
    (b) The preamble is revised to read as follows:  “By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to establish the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test, it is hereby ordered:”.
    (c) Sections 1 through 5 are revised to read as follows:  
    “Section 1.  Purpose.  As the United States prepares to celebrate its semiquincentennial anniversary in 2026, we must address the threat to the vitality and longevity of our country that is posed by America’s declining health and physical fitness.  For far too long, the physical and mental health of the American people has been neglected.  Rates of obesity, chronic disease, inactivity, and poor nutrition are at crisis levels, particularly among our children.  These trends weaken our economy, military readiness, academic performance, and national morale.  President Eisenhower recognized this issue when he created the President’s Council on Youth Fitness in response to reports on the poor state of youth fitness in America.  As President-elect, John F. Kennedy famously published an essay titled “The Soft American,” which outlined the imperative for improved health in order to maintain a strong and vital America.  During my first term, I renamed the council the “President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition” and directed the development of a National Youth Sports Strategy, among other activities.     
    My Administration has taken decisive action to reverse this health crisis.  In the first month of my second term, I created the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission to restore the urgency of improving the health of Americans.  Now, we build further.  To advance this commitment, I hereby reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test, which shall be administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with the support of the Secretary of Education.
    With this order, I revitalize the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition as a cornerstone of our national health renewal.  In 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great Nation, honor the 70th anniversary of the original President’s Council on Youth Fitness, and showcase America’s continued global dominance in sports.  Over the next 3 years, America will host the Ryder Cup, the President’s Cup, the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympic Games — the world’s premiere sporting competitions.  These events will provide inspiration for all generations of Americans.
    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of my Administration to:
    (a) prioritize and expand children’s participation in youth sports and active play;
    (b) promote the physical, mental, and civic benefits of daily movement, exercise, and good nutrition; and     
    (c)  engage every sector — public and private, civilian and military — in creating a national culture of strength, vitality, and excellence.
    Sec. 3.  President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. (a)  There is hereby established the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition (Council).
    (b)  The Council shall consist of up to 30 members appointed by the President.  Members shall serve for a term of 2 years, shall be eligible for reappointment, and may continue to serve after the expiration of their terms until the appointment of a successor.  The President may designate one or more of the members as Chair or Vice Chair.
    (c)  The President shall designate an Executive Director of the Council who shall manage day-to-day operations; serve as a liaison to the President on matters and activities pertaining to the Council; and oversee engagement with executive departments and agencies, athletic institutions, and community partners.
    Sec. 4.  Functions of the Council.  (a)  The Council shall advise the President concerning progress made in carrying out the provisions of this order and shall recommend to the President actions to accelerate such progress.
    (b)  In advising the President pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Council shall recommend:
    (i) strategies for reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test, with any appropriate improvements, as the main assessment tool for a Presidential Fitness Award;
    (ii) strategies for the development and promotion of Presidential challenges and school-based programs that reward excellence in physical education;
    (iii) actions to expand opportunities at the global, national, State, and local levels for participation in sports and engagement in physical fitness;
    (iv) bold and innovative fitness goals for American youth with the aim of fostering a new generation of healthy, active citizens;
    (v) campaigns and events that elevate American sports, military readiness, and health traditions;
    (vi) opportunities at the global, national, State, and local levels that expand participation in sports and emphasize the importance of an active lifestyle and good nutrition, which should include partnerships with professional athletes, sports organizations, player’s associations, influential figures, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to inspire all Americans, among other initiatives; and
    (vii) strategies to address the growing national security threat posed by the increasing rates of childhood obesity, chronic diseases, and sedentary lifestyles, which threaten the future readiness of the United States workforce and military.      
    Sec. 5. Administration.  (a)  Each executive department and agency shall, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of funds, furnish such information and assistance to the Council as it may request.
    (b) Members of the Council shall serve without compensation but may receive travel reimbursement, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as allowed under applicable law (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707), consistent with the availability of funds.
    (c) The Department of Health and Human Services shall provide such funding and administrative and technical support as the Council may require, to the extent permitted by law and as authorized by existing appropriations.
    (d) The Council may, with the approval of the President, establish subcommittees as appropriate to aid in its work.
    (e) The seal prescribed by Executive Order 10830 of July 24, 1959 (Establishing a Seal for the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports), as amended, shall be modified to reflect the name of the Council as established by this order.
    (f) Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) (the “Act”), may apply to the administration of any portion of this order, any functions of the President under the Act, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall be performed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in accordance with the guidelines and procedures issued by the Administrator of General Services.
    (g) In accordance with the Act, the Council shall terminate 2 years from the date of this order, unless extended by the President.
    (h) Executive Order 12345 of February 2, 1982 (Physical Fitness and Sports), as amended, is revoked.”.
    (d) A new section 6 is added to read as follows:
    “Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.”.
    Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
    (d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Education.
     
     
     
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP
     
     
     
    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        July 31, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Office of the Privacy Commissioner | New Zealand

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    The European Commission has determined that New Zealand has an adequate level of protection for personal data transferred from the European Union. Essentially ‘adequacy’ says that our legislation isn’t the same as Europe’s, but its outcomes are similar and can be trusted. Read about how the EU determines if a non-EU country has an adequate level of data protection.

    Adequacy means that New Zealand is seen as a good place for the world to do business; we have strong privacy protections in our legislation and are an empowered regulator.

    It’s good news for trade and ease-of-doing business in the digital age and helps ensure smooth cross-border data transfer.

    Why is it important?

    Only a small number of countries have achieved EU adequacy status, and this recognition is important for New Zealand in a global business environment. This recognition gives New Zealand has a competitive trade advantage because the EU has formally recognised that our privacy law meets current EU standards. This EU adequacy status allows the unrestricted transfer of European data for processing.

    Privacy regulation supports the digital economy, with the Privacy Act being the only statute that requires data security safeguards to be in place; that underpins our relationships with key trading partners, which is crucial for any global operator.

    An example of that is New Zealand’s $400 million video and computer games sector, which is enabled by good data protection standards.

    How is it monitored?

    The Privacy Commissioner and European Commission officials have an agreement for our office to provide six monthly update reports as part of the EU’s ongoing monitoring of our adequacy status.

    Media release: NZ is adequate and we couldn’t be happier (January 2024)

    Extra for experts: Report on the first review of the functioning of the adequacy decisions adopted pursuant to Article 25(6) of Directive 95/46/EC.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Final Debt Relief Launches AI-Powered Smart Savings Estimator to Help Americans Overcome Debt

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sheridan, Wyoming, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Final Debt Relief, a trusted leader in debt relief solutions, today announced the launch of its Smart Savings Estimator, an innovative AI-powered platform that offers personalized savings and repayment projections and connects users with vetted debt relief providers, all without obligation.

    As consumer debt continues to rise, with U.S. credit card balances surpassing $1.13 trillion in 2024, Americans are increasingly seeking effective and transparent solutions to regain financial control. The Smart Savings Estimator is designed to support individuals with $10,000 or more in unsecured debt, including credit card debt, personal loans, and medical bills. By inputting basic information such as location, total debt, and financial goals, users receive customized estimates of their potential savings and tailored matches with debt relief companies that suit their unique situations.

    The Time Advantage: Freedom in Years, Not Decades

    One of the most compelling benefits of debt settlement programs is the dramatic time savings they offer. While traditional minimum payment approaches can trap consumers in debt cycles lasting 10-20 years or more, professionally managed debt settlement programs typically achieve resolution in just 24-48 months. This time advantage means families can reclaim their financial freedom in a fraction of the time, allowing them to redirect their energy toward building wealth rather than servicing endless debt.

    Beyond Financial Relief: Restoring Peace of Mind

    The benefits of effective debt resolution extend far beyond mere dollars and cents. Users of debt settlement programs consistently report profound emotional improvements that transform their daily lives:

    • Reduced Stress: Freedom from constant worry about mounting bills and collection calls
    • Peaceful Sleep: Relief from the anxiety that keeps debt-burdened individuals awake at night
    • Relationship Harmony: Elimination of financial strain that often creates tension between spouses and family members

    “Debt isn’t just a financial burden, it’s an emotional prison,” said Dan Henderson, Lead Technology Officer at Final Debt Relief. “When someone can see a clear path to freedom in 2-4 years instead of 20, and when they stop losing sleep over mounting bills, that’s when real healing begins. Our Smart Savings Estimator shows people both the financial math and the emotional relief that’s possible.”

    Transparency and Trust: Removing Industry Barriers

    This launch addresses growing concerns about the lack of clarity and trust in the debt relief industry. Many consumers avoid seeking help due to confusing terms, hidden fees, and high-pressure sales tactics. Final Debt Relief’s new tool removes those obstacles by delivering honest, actionable insights that empower users to make informed decisions at their own pace.

    “Our mission has always been to put consumers first,” said Dan. “People deserve a way to understand their options without fear or sales pressure. The Smart Savings Estimator was built to provide clarity, confidence, and convenience, all in one platform.”

    Unlike basic online debt calculators, the estimator uses advanced algorithms to evaluate various inputs, including debt type and regional differences in settlement terms, providing a personalized snapshot of what debt relief could realistically achieve. The platform’s AI-driven matching system also identifies the most appropriate providers based on the user’s needs, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.

    What sets this tool apart is the rigorous vetting process Final Debt Relief applies to every partner in its network. Providers are screened for licensing, compliance, settlement success rates, customer satisfaction, and ethical business practices. This ensures that users are only connected with reputable companies that meet the highest standards in the industry. The company continuously monitors performance to maintain this quality assurance.

    Proven Results: Real People, Real Success Stories

    Early feedback from beta testing has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants reported a 32% increase in confidence when deciding whether to explore debt relief after using the estimator, showing that access to reliable and customized information significantly influences decision-making. Real-world results support these findings. Take Mark, a 42-year-old father of two from Florida, who had over $32,000 in credit card debt. Using Final Debt Relief’s Smart Savings Estimator, he quickly saw potential monthly savings and connected with a provider who negotiated a lower repayment amount, helping him breathe easier within months.

    In addition to supporting common types of unsecured debt, the platform is equipped to help those with student loans and mixed debt portfolios. This inclusive approach ensures that users from all walks of life can find the guidance they need to begin their journey toward financial stability.

    The Smart Savings Estimator is now live and accessible online. It is completely free to use, requires no sign-up commitment, and delivers results in minutes. Users can explore their options privately and securely, gaining clarity without pressure or obligation.

    To access the Smart Savings Estimator and learn more about Final Debt Relief’s services, visit https://www.finaldebtrelief.com.

    About Final Debt Relief
    Final Debt Relief is a Wyoming-based company committed to helping Americans overcome overwhelming debt through transparent, AI-enhanced solutions. By connecting consumers with vetted debt relief providers and offering educational tools, the company empowers individuals to make confident, informed decisions about their financial futures.

    Media Contact:
    Dan Hednderson
    Final Debt Relief
    Email: support@finaldebtrelief.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Baldwin Releases Statement on Bipartisan Bill to Fund Labor, Health, and Education Departments for Fiscal Year 2026

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, released the following statement after the full committee advanced her Fiscal Year 2026 funding legislation to the Senate floor. In addition to funding critical programs that the Trump Administration has tried to cut or withhold funding from – including Head Start, the National Institutes of Health, and Job Corps – the bipartisan bill takes further steps to mandate the timely delivery of Congressionally approved funding and adequate staffing levels at federal agencies to carry out the mission of these programs.

    “At the end of the day, my North Star is delivering for the people of Wisconsin. While no one got everything they wanted in this bill, I’m proud to say we found common ground and are doing just that to address the challenges facing working families across the country. From investing in cancer and Alzheimer’s research, to protecting the Department of Education and early education funding, to strengthening my 988 Suicide Lifeline, we came together to deliver for our constituents,” said Senator Baldwin. “This bill not only puts Donald Trump’s budget in the trash, it also reins in this President’s efforts to dismantle and withhold funding for critical programs our constituents rely on. This bill takes on the kitchen table issues families face by addressing childcare costs, connecting more Americans with good-paying jobs, and taking on the mental health and opioid epidemics. While it is not perfect, I look forward to getting it over the finish line on behalf of Wisconsinites who want to see a Washington that works for them.”

    As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, Senator Baldwin writes the bill that funds the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. A summary of the bill is available below.

    Key Points & Highlights – Department of Health and Human Services

    Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): The bill provides $116.6 billion, an increase of $446 million in discretionary funding for the Department of Health and Human Services over fiscal year 2025.

    The bill rejects the Trump administration’s harmful efforts to defund and dismantle critical work that HHS oversees—maintaining important funding for programs across HHS that touch the lives of nearly every American, while providing targeted increases to important bipartisan priorities. The bill includes new requirements to help ensure adequate staffing and the timely awarding of funding to prevent completely unnecessary delays and disruptions in programs that families and communities across the country count on—from child care and Head Start to substance use and mental health—and that support lifesaving research into cures and treatments for devastating diseases.

    Biomedical Research: The bill provides $48.7 billion in discretionary funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—an increase of $400 million to propel lifesaving and life-changing cures and treatments across NIH’s 27 institutes and centers and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).

    The bill rejects the catastrophic 40% cut to NIH proposed by President Trump, and instead of slashing funding for biomedical research, includes a:

    • $150 million increase for cancer research;
    • $100 million increase for Alzheimer’s disease research;
    • $30 million increase for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases;
    • $30 million increase for the Office of Research on Women’s Health;
    • $25 million increase for ALS research, fully funding the $100 million as authorized by the ACT for ALS Act of 2021;
    • $20 million increase for the IMPROVE Initiative for research on maternal mortality;
    • $12 million increase for BRAIN Initiative research;
    • $10 million increase for diabetes research;
    • $10 million increase for rare disease research;
    • $9 million increase for the Undiagnosed Diseases Network; and a
    • $5 million to implement the National Parkinson’s Project.

    The bill also rejects the Trump administration’s proposal—and illegal efforts—to cap indirect cost rates at 15%, which would devastate biomedical research, and continues a longstanding provision that prohibits NIH from implementing such a cap. The bill also rejects the Trump administration’s misguided elimination of programs across NIH by maintaining funding for HIV vaccine research, training programs that support the next generation of researchers, and the Safe to Sleep campaign, among others.

    The bill also includes, as part of a manager’s amendment, a new provision that would prevent implementation of the Office of Management and Budget’s misguided policy for NIH to fund significantly more of its multi-year research grants in one lump sum. This poorly thought-out new policy would significantly cut the number of research grants NIH awards this year and next year—according to NIH’s own estimate, by 40% in fiscal year 2025, reducing the percentage of cancer research grants it will award from 13% to 7%, and Alzheimer’s disease grants from 18% to 6%. OMB’s attempt this week to explicitly and illegally withhold billions in funding and halt all remaining NIH research grants through the rest of the year makes its intentions crystal clear. More needs to be done to protect NIH research programs, but the provision included in this bill is an important step in preventing the Trump administration from decimating the biomedical research enterprise Congress has built in a bipartisan manner over decades, which has long been the envy of the world and drives medical innovation that has saved millions of lives.

    The bill also includes a new authority for NIH to address loopholes in sexual harassment reporting and strengthen accountability by requiring institutions to complete investigations into concerns about harassment, bullying, retaliation, or hostile working conditions, even if the alleged perpetrator leaves their current position and is no longer employed by the institution. It provides the NIH Director the authority to decline the transfer of an award to a different institution, helping to close the “pass-the-harasser” loophole. It also provides the NIH Director the authority to share investigation reports on an as-needed basis with any institution that receives NIH funding.

    Child Care and Early Learning Programs: The bill includes $8.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)—an $85 million increase over fiscal year 2025; and $12.4 billion for Head Start, an $85 million increase. Much more needs to be done to address our broken child care system and ensure every working family can find and afford child care, which is critical for businesses and our economy too—but sustained annual increases in these programs are critical in the meantime. The bill also sustains funding for Preschool Development Grants, which President Trump proposed eliminating in his budget request.

    Addressing Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health: The bill sustains funding to address the rising toll of opioid overdoses fueled by fentanyl, maintain access to substance use disorder prevention and treatment, and improve access to mental health services.

    The bill rejects President Trump’s proposed cuts to SAMHSA programs and maintains SAMHSA as its own, independent agency to ensure substance use and mental health remain a priority at HHS. The bill includes targeted increases to SAMHSA programs, including $2.0 billion, a $20 million increase over fiscal year 2025, for the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant; $1.6 billion for State Opioid Response grants, a $20 million increase; and $145 million for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program.

    It protects key investments in mental health programs by sustaining funding for the Mental Health Block Grant, Project AWARE, Mental Health Awareness Training, and the National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network. The bill also provides $535 million, a $15 million increase over fiscal year 2025, for the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline, to address continued increases in demand as 988 has been stood up over the last several years, and it restores dedicated funding for the LGBTQ+ youth specialized services line that President Trump eliminated this summer.

    Additionally, it includes approximately $180 million in investments within the Department of Education to address the shortage of school-based mental health professionals and services in our nation’s K-12 schools.

    Essential Health Care Programs: The bill protects investments in health care access and affordability and the health care workforce—maintaining investments in core programs, including $1.86 billion for Community Health Centers and $128.6 million for the National Health Service Corps. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is fully funded, and the bill affirms support for the mission and scientific integrity of the task force. The bill also includes a $9.3 million increase in rural health programs to boost recruitment of health care providers to practice in rural areas and support rural hospitals.

    Importantly, the bill provides a $5 million increase in funding for the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Modernization Initiative to strengthen and reform the nation’s organ donation and transplant system. There are more than 100,000 individuals on the organ transplant waitlist, and this initiative, which began during the Biden administration, will allow the OPTN to better serve patients and families and strengthen accountability.

    Public Health: The bill rejects the approximately $4 billion—or 50%—cut to CDC programs proposed by President Trump’s budget request. CDC helps keep Americans safe and healthy by protecting against diseases and supporting states and local communities as they do the same. It also rejects the Trump administration’s haphazard proposal to dismantle CDC, which risks Americans’ health and safety, and requires HHS to support staffing levels to carry out the CDC’s programs.

    The bill also helps support state and local health departments by sustaining critical programs across the CDC, including funding for chronic diseases, the Office of Smoking and Health, injury prevention programs (including firearm injury and mortality research), global health programs, and immunization and infectious disease prevention programs.

    HIV/AIDS: The bill includes $613 million for the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, which provides high-need jurisdictions with prevention and treatment services for people at high risk for HIV transmission. This includes $220 million within the CDC’s Domestic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research programs to develop and deploy innovative data management solutions, increase access to PrEP, and better detect and respond to HIV clusters, and $128.9 million for the CDC’s global HIV/AIDS program. The bill also provides full funding for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, including dental services and training for health care practitioners, two initiatives that President Trump sought to eliminate in his budget proposal.

    Women’s Health: The bill sustains funding for reproductive health programs, including Title X and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, which President Trump eliminated in his budget proposal. The bill also increases investments in maternal health across CDC and NIH with a $53 million increase for programs that aim to address maternal mental health, prevent pregnancy-related deaths, support best practices to improve maternal health outcomes, and invest in women’s health research. The bill also provides funding for a new initiative to support survivors of sexual assault and creates a new menopause initiative within AHRQ to translate research best practices into clinical practice for women. Importantly, the bill includes increases in funding for the Maternal Mental Health Hotline and maternal health safety initiatives through the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health program.

    Pandemic Preparedness and Biodefense: The bill includes $3.6 billion for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). It sustains funding for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA); Project Bioshield; the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS); and Industrial Base Management and Supply Chain (IBMSC) activities to help ensure that critical resources in the public health supply chain—including raw materials, medical countermeasures, and ancillary supplies—are manufactured in the United States. It also includes $4 million to support a new program to improve emergency medical services and trauma care during a public health emergency.

    Administration for Community Living: The bill maintains funding for the Administration for Community Living as its own agency within HHS to help support seniors and Americans with disabilities so they can live and participate fully in their communities. This includes providing $1.1 billion for senior nutrition programs and providing targeted increases for family caregiver programs.

    Home Heating and Cooling Assistance: The bill includes $4.045 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a $20 million increase over fiscal year 2025, to help low-income households heat and cool their homes.

    Key Points & Highlights – Department of Education

    Department of Education: The bill provides $79.0 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Education.

    The bill rejects the Trump administration’s call to eliminate the Department of Education and maintains funding across the Department, including funding for K-12 formula and competitive grant programs, CTE and adult education programs, federal student aid, postsecondary competitive grants, and civil rights enforcement to provide the resources needed to help schools improve educational outcomes for students and protect all students from discrimination.

    The bill includes new requirements that the Department of Education maintain the staff necessary to ensure it carries out its statutory responsibilities, including carrying out programs and activities funded in this bill in a timely manner. The bill also includes new requirements for the Department of Education to make formula grants available to states and districts on time. While this should be unnecessary, this step prevents any administration from withholding key funding for students and creating chaos for states and schools, which distracts educators from helping kids thrive.

    Supporting Elementary and Secondary Education Students: The bill strengthens investments in foundational formula grant programs for elementary and secondary education and in public schools, teachers, and students—rejecting the $4.5 billion cut and the proposed consolidations in President Trump’s budget request for a new $2 billion block grant program.

    The bill boosts funding for Title I-A grants by $50 million above the fiscal year 2025 level to $18.457 billion. More than 80% of the nation’s school districts receive these funds, and nearly 25 million students go to schools receiving Title I funding. The bill also provides $15.224 billion, an increase of $50 million over fiscal year 2025, for all three IDEA Special Education State grant programs and retains each as a separate program. IDEA state grant programs support more than seven million students and children with disabilities and their families who receive IDEA services through these programs. The bill also includes new guardrails to prevent the administration from moving these formula grant programs to other federal agencies and disrupting the efficient and effective use of federal funds intended to improve outcomes for students.

    The bill also continues current investments, except for a few targeted reductions, across a range of other important formula and competitive grant programs authorized to improve teaching and learning in elementary and secondary schools, rejecting President Trump’s proposed elimination of $1.5 billion in total funding for nine important programs.

    Career and Technical Education (CTE): The bill provides $1.45 billion for CTE grants and $729 million for adult education grants and appropriates such funding to the Department of Education to carry out these programs, rejecting President Trump’s call to eliminate federal support for adult education. The bill includes new provisions requiring both CTE and adult education formula grants to be awarded in a timely way to prevent any administration from withholding these critical funds.

    Higher Education: The bill provides a total maximum Pell Grant award of $7,395 for the 2026-2027 award year, rejecting President Trump’s proposal to cut the Pell grant by over $1000. This coming school year, Pell Grants are expected to help over 7 million students at all stages of life pursue postsecondary education and further their careers. The bill also rejects President Trump’s proposals to eliminate a range of postsecondary education programs.

    Instead, the bill sustains funding for Federal Work Study and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant that provide additional need-based aid to students to help them afford postsecondary education. The bill also includes $65 million for the Teacher Quality Partnership program and $15 million for the Hawkins Centers of Excellence to help educator preparation programs address educator shortages. It also continues other investments available to recruit, develop, and retain an effective and diverse teacher and school leader workforce, including $90 million for the Supporting Effective Educator Development program.

    The bill sustains funding for TRIO at $1.191 billion; $388 million for GEAR UP; $75 million for the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPIS); a $10 million for the Basic Needs Program; and $40 million for the Postsecondary Student Success Grant Program to help students prepare for and succeed in post-secondary education. The bill also sustains funding for Title III and V programs that support HBCUs, MSIs, Tribal colleges, and other institutions. President Trump had proposed to eliminate CCAMPIS, TRIO, GEAR UP, International Education, the Basic Needs Program, and the Postsecondary Student Success Grant, among other programs in his budget request.

    The bill also sustains funding for the administration of student aid programs. This funding supports a wide range of activities, including: implementing the FAFSA; disbursing student aid; ensuring services are available to student loan borrowers; implementing more affordable repayment plans; and fixing longstanding issues in student loan forgiveness programs. Finally, the bill includes important requirements to help Congress conduct oversight over the new higher education provisions contained in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

    Protecting Students from Discrimination: The bill rejects President Trump’s proposed cut of $49 million, or one-third of the total budget, for the Office for Civil Rights. Instead, the bill maintains the current budget level of $140 million and requires the Department to support the staffing levels necessary for OCR to fulfill its statutory responsibilities.

    Advancing Education Research, Statistics, and Assessments: The bill maintains current funding of $793 million for the Institute of Education Sciences for all programs and activities of IES funded in fiscal year 2024, rejecting the massive reduction of $532 million or 67% proposed in President Trump’s budget request. The Trump administration’s significant workforce reductions and program delays at IES this year have caused it to fail to meet statutory requirements. The bill requires the Department to support staffing levels necessary for IES and the National Center for Education Statistics to fulfill their statutory responsibilities.

    Key Points & Highlights – Department of Labor

    Department of Labor (DOL): The bill includes $13.7 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Labor. The bill rejects the harmful cuts proposed by the Trump administration, including the administration’s proposal to block grant our nation’s workforce training programs.

    Workforce Development: The bill includes $2.9 billion for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) formula grants, protecting essential investments made in recent years. It includes a new directive requiring DOL to award such funds in a timely manner. It provides $285 million for Registered Apprenticeships and $105 million for YouthBuild. The bill also rejects President Trump’s call to eliminate Job Corps and instead provides $1.76 billion for Job Corps. Rejecting President Trump’s proposed cuts for many of these programs and continuing funding for these key workforce development programs will help grow the economy, provide workers with the skills they need to secure good-paying jobs of the future, and help American businesses compete globally.

    Worker Protection: The bill rejects drastic reductions proposed in President Trump’s request and sustains key investments in DOL’s worker protection agencies charged with enforcing requirements for employers to pay workers what they earn and provide safe and healthy workplaces. The bill maintains $191 million in funding for the Employee Benefits Security Administration, which is responsible for, among other things, ensuring private sector employment-based group health plans comply with mental health and substance use disorder parity requirements. The bill also maintains $260 million for Wage and Hour Division to support the Division’s work to recover wages workers are owed and to combat exploitative child labor. Last year, the Division secured more than $273 million in back wages collected and damages for nearly 152,000 workers nationwide.

    The bill also provides $111 million, $41 million more than President Trump’s budget request, for the Bureau of International Labor Affairs to enforce labor provisions of free trade agreements and trade preference programs and combat international child labor and forced labor. Finally, the bill rejects the proposed elimination of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and Women’s Bureau, providing $106 million and $23 million, respectively.

    Key Points & Highlights – Related Agencies

    Social Security Administration (SSA): The bill includes $15.0 billion for SSA’s administrative expenses—an increase of $594 million over fiscal year 2025. This is $100 million more than President Trump’s budget request to help address staffing challenges and improve service to the public. The Trump administration has single-handedly created completely unnecessary chaos at SSA that has weakened Americans’ ability to get the benefits they are owed—and it has continually misled the public with easily disproven claims about widespread fraud. Instead of admitting to its lie, SSA has doubled down and pursued poorly planned and implemented policy changes. The American public and the beneficiaries SSA serves have paid the price, with unacceptable wait times to access the benefits and services Americans deserve, and that they have literally earned through a lifetime of work. Instead of chasing conspiracy theories, the administration should focus on actually improving services and addressing service delivery challenges impacting Americans across the country. The resources in this bill will help SSA do just that.

    AmeriCorps: The bill rejects President Trump’s elimination of AmeriCorps and sustains funding for all of AmeriCorps’ grant programs by providing a total of $1.25 billion to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to administer these programs. This bill also includes new provisions requiring any administration to award AmeriCorps state formula funding in a timely way and includes new requirements to ensure CNCS will award competitive grants in a timely fashion, too. The bill will support AmeriCorps members serving in communities across the country and working to address pressing challenges, including responding to natural disasters, assisting in schools, supporting our veterans, promoting economic opportunity, and conserving and protecting the environment.

    Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB): As a result of Congressional Republicans’ approval of the Rescissions Act of 2025—the first ever partisan rescissions bill signed into law—no funds are provided in the bill for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the more than 1,500 locally owned public TV and radio stations nationwide that have, for over 50 years, been supported by CPB funds and infrastructure investments. Republicans’ devastating rescissions bill will particularly hurt 120 stations that rely on CPB for more than 25% of their revenue, who are now scrambling to find new sources of support or significantly reduce programming or close in the coming months.

    Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): The bill continues to invest $295 million in the nation’s libraries and museums through programs of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and requires IMLS to fund specified programs and activities at amounts identified in the Committee report.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK outshines global competitors as Arbitration Act comes into effect

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    UK outshines global competitors as Arbitration Act comes into effect

    Businesses will benefit from faster and cheaper dispute resolution as major reforms to arbitration law come into effect today.

    • New law comes into force today to strengthen UK’s world-leading status in arbitration
    • Businesses can now settle disputes faster and at less cost
    • Part of Government’s Plan for Change to drive new business straight into £42.6 billion legal sector

    The modernisation of the Arbitration Act is set to boost the UK economy by millions while creating new employment opportunities within the legal sector.   

    The new law will reinforce Britain’s position as the world’s number one destination for arbitration – building on London’s status as the globally preferred location for these services over competitors like Singapore, Hong Kong and Paris.  

    This will attract further investment to the UK’s £42.6 billion legal services economy and create highly-skilled jobs, supporting the sector’s existing 384,000 workforce.  

    Businesses around the world already look to the UK as the gold standard in arbitration, and this new law cements our place as the global jurisdiction of choice – competing globally and keeping British companies on top.   

    As part of our Plan for Change, we will continue to drive new business straight into the UK to boost jobs and support economic growth.

    As the largest legal services market in Europe, international arbitration represents a major growth sector for the UK economy. England and Wales handle at least 5,000 domestic and international arbitrations annually, contributing £2.5 billion in fees alone.  

    From today, arbitrators have the power to dismiss weak cases quickly, preventing businesses from wasting time and money on disputes with no chance of success.   

    The reforms also require arbitrators to declare any potential conflicts of interest upfront, ensuring fairer outcomes for businesses.   

    Courts have gained new powers to better support the arbitration process, while simplified procedures will cut delays and costs for all parties involved.  

    The Arbitration Act received Royal Assent in February and has now been fully implemented. 

    Cristen Bauer, Director of External Affairs, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators 

    As the leading professional body globally for dispute resolvers, we are delighted to see the Arbitration Act 2025 come into force. We commend the Government’s commitment to modernise the Arbitration Act and to engage in a collaborative reform process with stakeholders from across the dispute resolution ecosystem. 

    Ciarb is proud to have contributed to this important reform and stands ready to support the global arbitration community in harnessing the full potential of this new framework. This milestone not only strengthens arbitration in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but also reinforces global efforts to uphold high standards of fairness, efficiency, and integrity across the profession.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 August 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Further Modifies the Reciprocal Tariff Rates

    Source: US Whitehouse

    RESTRUCTURING GLOBAL TRADE TO BENEFIT AMERICAN WORKERS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order modifying the reciprocal tariff rates for certain countries to further address our exploding, annual U.S. goods trade deficits. This decisive action reflects the President’s continued efforts to protect the United States against foreign threats to the national security and economy of the United States by securing fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade relationships to benefit American workers, farmers, and manufacturers and to strengthen the United States’ defense industrial base.

    • On April 2, President Trump announced an additional 10% tariff on all countries, and for countries with which the United States has large trade deficits, he announced higher additional tariffs individualized to each country, effective April 9.
    • A lot has happened since then. For example: 
      • Several countries have agreed to, or are on the verge of agreeing to, meaningful trade deals and security agreements with the United States.
      • Some countries, through negotiations, have offered terms that, in the President’s judgment, do not sufficiently address the national emergency he declared on April 2.
      • Some countries have not negotiated at all with the United States.
    • Based on this additional information and recommendations from senior officials, among other things, the President has determined that it is necessary and appropriate to modify the reciprocal tariff rates for certain countries.
      • Countries listed in Annex I of the Executive Order will be subject to the tariff specified therein.
      • Countries not listed in Annex I will be subject to a 10% tariff.

    STRENGTHENING AMERICA’S POSITION IN THE GLOBAL MARKET: President Trump has reset decades of failed trade policy. Today’s Order underscores President Trump’s commitment to take back America’s economic sovereignty by addressing the many nonreciprocal trade relationships that impact foreign relations, threaten our economic and national security, and disadvantage American workers.

    • President Trump’s bold trade strategy has yielded historic agreements with major trading partners, unlocking unprecedented investments in the United States and expanding market access for American goods. These deals strengthen America’s economic and security positions and create opportunities for American workers, farmers, and businesses.
      • In a massive deal with the European Union, the EU has agreed to purchase $750 billion in U.S. energy and make new investments of $600 billion in the United States, all by 2028, while accepting a 15% tariff rate.
      • Japan has agreed to invest $550 billion in the United States to rebuild and expand core American industries, as well as to further open its own market to U.S. exports, all while paying a baseline 15% tariff rate.
      • The United States-United Kingdom trade deal includes billions of dollars of increased market access for American exports.
      • Additional trade deals with Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and others will protect our industries, open foreign markets, and encourage foreign investment in American industries.
    • These investments position the United States as the world’s premier destination for innovation, manufacturing, and economic growth.
    • President Trump is using tariffs as a necessary and powerful tool to put America First after many years of unsustainable trade deficits that threaten our economy and national security. 
    • President Trump encourages businesses to build and manufacture on American soil: as these countries are aware, they will face no tariff if they decide to build or manufacture products in our country.
      • President Trump has committed that the United States will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely to bring back manufacturing jobs for Americans.

    DELIVERING FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: President Trump’s tariff policies have generated significant investment into the United States, strengthening the U.S. economy while addressing unfair trade practices that have disadvantaged American workers for decades.

    • By imposing tariffs on countries with nonreciprocal trade practices, President Trump is incentivizing manufacturing on American soil and defending our industries.
    • With billions in reshoring investments already announced, President Trump is bringing manufacturing jobs back to America, revitalizing communities, and strengthening supply chains.
    • The Administration will continue to use all available tools to protect our national security, advance our economic interests, and uphold a system of trade based in fairness and reciprocity.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norcross, Stevens, Lawler, Markey Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Improve Warehouse Worker Safety

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Mike Lawler (R-NY), along with Senator Edward Markey, introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Warehouse Worker Protection Act. The bill aims to improve safety by requiring companies with large warehouses to disclose quotas to workers and prohibiting quotas that interfere with health and safety.

    The Warehouse Worker Protection Act requires companies to provide written descriptions of quotas workers are subjected to, any disciplinary action that would result from failure to meet the quota, and the existence of any incentive or bonus program associated with each quota and how the quota is monitored. The bill also prohibits companies from establishing quotas that prevent a worker from complying with any meal or rest period or from using bathroom facilities.

    “In 2022, three New Jersey warehouse workers tragically died on the job within weeks of each other, bringing attention to working conditions and injury rates in warehouses. Businesses can keep workers safe and earn a profit, but that’s only possible with more transparency and accountability,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ). “As a former electrician, I know firsthand what it’s like to lose a coworker on the job. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act takes necessary steps to ensure everyone can come home from work safely.”

    “Too often, the people powering our supply chains go unseen. Warehouse workers, including thousands across Michigan, are essential to keeping goods moving and our economy strong,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI). “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, a bill that prioritizes worker safety. It establishes fair limits on productivity demands and guarantees access to basic needs like meal and restroom breaks. This legislation is about honoring the hardworking people of Michigan, and beyond, who keep our communities and businesses running every day.”

    “Injury and illness rates in warehouses remain unacceptably high. While progress has been made, far too many warehouse workers are still operating in conditions that are unsafe and unsustainable,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY). “It’s time to bring greater transparency, accountability, and basic protections to the job site. I’ll continue working across the aisle on policies like the Warehouse Worker Protection Act to ensure our economy works for both employers and the hardworking Americans who keep it running.”

    “Workers deserve to clock in knowing they will return home safe and healthy at the end of their shift. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act would protect the basic health and dignity of workers from corporate bosses who time and again have prioritized unfettered greed and profit over their own people,” said Senator Markey. “I am proudly in solidarity with nearly two million warehouse workers nationwide in the fight to ensure that their rights, safety, and dignity are protected.”

    “Amazon and other abusive warehouse employers are squeezing their workers for every penny of profit, leaving behind tired and broken bodies,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “These corporate criminals are destroying good jobs in an industry that once supported a strong middle class. But one thing stands in their way—that’s the Teamsters Union, along with a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who understand what’s at stake. It’s time to pass the Warehouse Worker Protection Act and put workers’ safety over corporate profits.”

    The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General audit found that injury and illness rates in warehouses are consistently high. The report found that in 2021, the injury and illness rate was 5.5 per 100 employees for warehouses, which is more than double the rate across all industries. A recent study also found that more than half of employees at Amazon and Walmart, two of America’s largest private companies, report that their production rate makes it hard for them to use the bathroom at least some of the time.

    The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the National Employment Law Project, the Athena Coalition, and Oxfam.

    Bill text of the Warehouse Worker Protection Act can be found here. More information on the legislation can be found below:

    Enforcement

    The bill will establish a Fairness and Transparency Board within the Department of Labor to share resources and responsibilities through OSHA and Wage and Hour. It will be comprised of union and employer representatives, health experts, civil rights experts, workplace technology experts, and worker protection experts and will be charged with enforcing the guidance and rules laid out within the legislation.

    Requirements with Respect to Warehouse Quotas

    All workers hired will be given a written description of the following:

    • Each quota the worker is subject to, any disciplinary action that could result from failure to meet each quota, how performance targets for each quota are calculated, the existence of any incentive or bonus program associated with each quota and how the quota is monitored. 
    • Each employer will have to provide updates to these quota systems to each worker no later than 2 days after any change is made.
    • Require workers be notified when employers take an adverse action against them for failing to meet any quota.
    • Employers will have to provide a training and written description for how workers can file a complaint when quota rules are violated.
    • An employer would not be able to take adverse action against a worker for violating any of the prohibited quotas listed above or for the completion of work based solely on the ranking and comparison with other workers. 
    • Employers will be required to maintain work speed records for all workers, written description of all quotas and make them available to workers and the DOL upon request. Workers may request certain pieces of work data up to 3 years after employment has been ended.

    Prohibited Quotas

    Employers will not be able to establish quotas that would:

    • Prevent a worker from complying with any meal or rest period.
    • Prevent a worker from complying with any health or safety provision required by law.
    • Prevent a worker from the use of bathroom facilities, including responsible time to travel to and from said facility. 
    • Set a performance target that measures the output for a worker that is shorter than one workday.
    • Include time for paid or unpaid breaks.
    • Prevent a worker from exercising any right already guaranteed by a collectively bargained agreement.

    First Aid Standard

    • OSHA will be charged with establishing a proposed rule requiring all employers have trained individuals on site ready to administer first aid to workers to reduce delays in medical treatment for workers following injuries.

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: CLEAR Joins White House and CMS Effort to Power an Interoperable, Secure Digital Health Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CLEAR (NYSE: YOU), the secure identity platform, is participating in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Health Tech Ecosystem initiative, a nationwide effort to deliver a more connected, patient-centered healthcare system.

    CLEAR was proud to stand alongside government, healthcare, and technology leaders at the White House this week to support the launch of this national collaboration, and to reinforce its role as the trusted, full service Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2)/Authenticator Assurance Level 2 (AAL2) identity layer underpinning partner ecosystems across healthcare.

    “CLEAR applauds the Administration’s commitment to accelerating the digital transformation of healthcare and is proud to be a trusted partner in this nationwide effort,” said Caryn Seidman Becker, CEO of CLEAR. “By serving as an IAL2 identity layer in healthcare ecosystems, CLEAR is helping to kill the clipboard, eliminate friction, and give patients control of their medical information in a secure, seamless way. We believe identity is the key to unlocking personalized, efficient, and patient-centered care.”

    At the heart of this CMS-led effort is a push to make health data more accessible, interoperable, and actionable, empowering patients, reducing provider burden, and improving outcomes. CLEAR’s reusable identity platform for healthcare organizations and businesses, CLEAR1, is already enabling this transformation across leading platforms and health systems, including Epic, Surescripts, Wellstar, Community Health Network, University of Miami Health and b.well.

    These partners are leveraging CLEAR1 for use cases such as streamlining patient onboarding and check-in, enhancing workforce security, simplifying access to medical records, and strengthening data protection. Together, these efforts demonstrate how secure, interoperable identity can reduce friction, lower costs, and enable a more connected healthcare experience.

    CLEAR1 is a NIST IAL2/AAL2-compliant identity solution that gives patients and providers a reusable, privacy-centric credential to unlock services across the care journey, whether creating a MyChart account, verifying coverage, or accessing claims data.

    Over 60 companies have signed on to the CMS Health Tech Ecosystem pledge, committing to advance tools that:

    • Help patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity
    • Use AI assistants to navigate symptoms and schedule care
    • “Kill the clipboard” by digitizing check-in and intake
    • Securely share data across trusted networks using modern identity credentials

    “We are excited that identity services – like CLEAR – are making it possible for patients and providers to use verified, secure identity as part of CMS’s Health Tech Ecosystem,” said Amy Gleason, Acting Administrator for the U.S. DOGE Service and Strategic Advisor to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. “Checking in at the doctor’s office should be the same as boarding a flight. Patients should be able to scan a QR code to instantly and safely share their identity, insurance and medical history”.

    “Our work with CLEAR has meaningfully improved the speed and reliability of provider identity verification across our network,” said Frank Harvey, CEO of Surescripts. “It’s a powerful example of how focused collaboration can drive real progress. This pledge builds on that momentum—demonstrating how innovators across healthcare are advancing interoperability to reduce administrative burden and refocus clinicians’ time where it matters most: patient care.”

    “Identity is foundational to creating the connected, consumer-first healthcare experience that people expect, and it’s what b.well was built to deliver,” said Kristen Valdes, CEO and Founder of b.well. “Our partnership with CLEAR brings a trusted, IAL2-compliant identity layer into that experience, giving patients and caregivers a seamless, unified way to access and share their health information across providers and platforms.”

    “As part of our pledge to become a CMS Aligned Network, our relationship and planned integration with CLEAR will give us a unique opportunity to bring IAL2 identity verification to providers who are newer to the interoperability space,” said Therasa Bell, President and Founder of Kno2. “That includes nurses, physical therapists, behavioral health providers, dentists, and paramedics, and it will enable them to securely communicate and share patient records across the broader healthcare ecosystem.”

    “Modern identity is the key to enabling safe, secure, and trusted data exchange across healthcare,” said Aneesh Chopra, former Chief Technology Officer of the United States. “CLEAR’s work to deliver IAL2-compliant digital identity helps unlock the promise of interoperability—giving patients and providers the confidence to share information seamlessly and securely.”

    CLEAR1 is already powering many of these functions across CLEAR’s health, financial services, and workforce partners—and stands ready to support the rollout of CMS-Aligned Networks in 2026 and beyond.

    About CLEAR
    CLEAR’s mission is to strengthen security and create frictionless experiences. With over 31 million Members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR’s secure identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you – making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell Member data. For more information, visit clearme.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes, without limitation, statements relating to CLEAR’s participation in the CMS Health Tech Ecosystem initiative. Investors are cautioned that any and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including risks associated with the initiative and CLEAR’s participation therein, and those described in the Company’s filings within the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10- K. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

    CLEAR
    media@clearme.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: Keep the Wins Coming

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax to Discuss Trump Trade Deals and the MAHA Movement
    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Newsmax to discuss President Trump’s trade deal winning streak, where the Canada trade deal stands following their recent stance on Gaza, and American companies joining the MAHA movement.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    On Trump trade deals:
    “Great to be with you. Are you tired of winning yet? Another big deal in South Korea. We had a $60 billion trade deficit with them last year, so this is going to help close that gap. With 15% tariff coming in on South Korean products. Guess what this tariff is for U.S. products going in there? Well, it’s zero. But more importantly, what they’re going to remove is their non-tariff barriers and allow us to sell more energy in there. Beyond that, as you all mentioned, is that they’re going to invest in America $350 billion. I think part of this will be used on a ship fund. Right now, very few ships are made in America. I have a feeling President Trump is rallying some finances to start building ships in America again.
    On how Canada’s stance on the Israel and Gaza conflict affects a potential trade deal:
    “Look, I think Americans are tired of the killing in Gaza, that Israel needs to end this war one way or another. We need to stop this famine. I would just ask, and Canada is making this really complicated. They’re hamstringing President Trump. And I would ask our friends in Canada, what type of statehood are they talking about? If you look at Palestinians’ past, they’ve been a failed government. They paid no attention to water, to sewers, to schools, to the economics of their country. I’ve been over there, and it’s a disaster right now. Instead, they focused on chaos, on terrorism, so I don’t think that’s a viable solution right now. Again, I think President Trump, if anyone can solve this, I think it’s going to be President Trump. And what Canada is doing there is not very helpful for the cause.”
    On American companies joining the MAHA movement:
    “Yeah, I think they’re more interested in marketing than they are on making America healthy. And my favorite thing to do is to go into a Starbucks and order an iced latte with almond juice in it. I won’t buy Starbucks, it’s too expensive. But for my wife; she deserves it. When I ask them for the almond juice, they say, well, we don’t have any, and I’ll say, ‘look behind the counter,’ there it is. Oh, the almond [milk]. No, it’s almond juice. Look, I think there’s nothing healthier out there than whole milk, as far as strong nutrients as well. I’m not sure what they’re up to here. I appreciate them hopping on the bandwagon. I’m absolutely committed to making America healthy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins the Sean Spicer Show Live
    Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Sean Spicer on The Sean Spicer Show to discuss the tenure of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, the MAHA movement, and whether the Senate will stay or go for the August recess.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    On the economic growth so far in 2025:
    “What did the first thing I go to is our interest rate, and Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell, he’s got to be eating a little bit more crow here, in my humble opinion. You know, maybe he should have decreased the interest rate a quarter point a month ago, a quarter point today, and maybe a half point next month. So I think he’s eating a lot of crow.
    “We’re seeing unemployment stay low. We’re seeing inflation down, grocery, [and] gas prices are stabilized… good GDP, and why? You know, this isn’t just happenstance. I’ve never seen an economy and a country’s attitude turnaround in six months like it has. I think a lot of this goes back to rolling back the regulations and really just a re-establishment of law and order and people having faith in this country once again.”
    On whether Jerome Powell should resign or be fired:
    “So I think they’re going to grow louder, but my advice to the President, if he asked for it, is not to fire Jerome Powell. This guy reminds me of a lame duck coach that’s having three losing seasons. I mean, they’re having a horrible season right now, and he should resign.”
    “[If he fires Jerome Powell tomorrow] I will, absolutely, I’ll support the President’s decision. And I think it’s making the play call, right? Someone has to make the play call, and I’d be okay with that. But if Jerome Powell was a man, he should resign. And again, we just have no confidence in him. The economy has no confidence in him. He served his country, in my opinion, not very well. He’s added to the debt. He continues to have an upside-down balance of economic situation there at the Feds as well. I can’t believe that he’s losing money like he has. What they’ve done with quantitative easing is absolutely criminal. It goes back to 2008.”
    On whether the President has the authority to fire Jerome Powell:
    “You’re the political analyst here. I think we have to think about the political side of this as well. I mean, we can get all the lawyers in and all the king’s men in and give us an opinion, but there’s a huge political risk to this. And that’s if I was his advisor, that’s what I’d be talking to him more about. I think it’s one more reason you would go to Jerome Powell, have my chief go to Jerome Powell, and say, here’s the cause. Why don’t you help us all out here and resign and let the country get down the road? Look at just a new chapter, it’s a new day, this is the dawn of a new golden economic era and safety for this country. And it’s best for him to move along and enjoy his retirement.”
    On the trade deficits with the EU:
    “We haven’t sold a cheeseburger in Europe in maybe forever, certainly in this century, right? And we make the best beef in the world. No one can argue that. No one can replicate it. The cattle industry is what’s keeping our ag sector together right now. We’re struggling with our commodities like wheat and sorghum soybeans. So cattle is driving the agriculture industry right now in the state of Kansas. So selling them cheeseburgers is really important.
    “The other issue is ethanol. 40, 50% of our corn crop goes to making ethanol. We have capacity to do more. So selling it to them is a huge, huge opportunity. And remember, if you put the EU together, they’re the number one trade deficit that we have. It kind of caught me off guard, but China’s, I think, is closer to $300 billion and and the EU’s collectively is about $250 billion. So, between these two countries, between the EU and China, is half of our trade deficit.
    “So I think that agriculture is a great opportunity for us to grow back and to shrink that deficit. And want to emphasize all these deals, it’s not necessarily the tariffs that are important to farmers and ranchers. It’s the non-tariff barriers that the EU uses to keep us from selling American beef into that country.”
    On advocating for both farmers and ranchers and the MAHA movement:
    “Yeah, well, Sean, I feel like my whole life, God has prepared me for this moment. To be a fifth-generation ag kid, and spent 25 years in healthcare, managing a diabetic clinic for pregnant women was a big part of my practice. So, I think I’ve been prepared for this particular moment. And being able to have a great relationship with Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Rollins, with the Secretary of Agriculture, and at the same time know what Kansas farmers and ranchers are doing. And we’re doing so many great things already, and sharing that with the MAHA people and helping them to understand that we’re trying to get there.
    “Look, a Kansas farmer doesn’t want to have to use any more fertilizer or pesticide than they have to. They’re very, very expensive. So we’re developing modern regenerative agriculture practices, where we’re decreasing by 90% the drift of those chemicals leaving the field, and we’re using 60% less, again, through precision agriculture, through modern-day technology. So we’re getting there.
    “And I think just what can we do then on the Ag Committee, to help accentuate the positive, to help these early adapters, to spread that love, so to speak, as well. So I’m spending a lot of time educating MAHA on what we’re doing in agriculture, and kind of focusing on soil health. That healthy soil leads to healthy food, leads to healthy people, so motivating farmers to grow that healthy soil.”
    On processed foods and healthier nutrition in America:
    “I think we have a long way to go on what America chooses to eat, and that would be the ultra-processed food. I think that the boogeyman here is the ultra-processed food. I don’t think it. In my humble opinion, I’ve looked at the studies on plant-based seed oil versus fat from animals, and I don’t think that’s the issue. I know that my MAHA people disagree with me. I think it’s that they’re they happen to be using that seed-based oil in ultra-processed food. I think it’s the salt and the sugar that are in the ultra-processed food that’s the actual problem.
    “I think we’ve made huge strides when it comes to these potential toxins. Right now, we only put down most of these pesticides before we plant the seed. So by the time the seeds coming up… there’s minimal around to actually be left in a residue, which is what they call it. And we’re becoming more and more strict on what we’re doing to measure that residue, whether you’re at the a co-op elevator or whether you’re at the milling plant.
    “My sorghum growers especially have adapted these modern practices where they’re using just minimal, minimal, they’re measuring it, they’re proving that indeed, it’s healthy. And you’re concerned about our waters again – 90% less fertilizer is ever leaving the field by modern-day agriculture. So we’re getting there, Sean, but I’m not nearly satisfied…And remember, we’re we’re dads and grandfathers and mothers and grandmothers first. We happen to be farmers, but we want our children to be healthy as well. We certainly you don’t want to go out and misuse these pesticides. You don’t want to be dipping your fingers in it. You don’t want to be breathing it. You need to be using it with the very strictest of techniques.”
    On the FDA approval process of vaccines and doctor-patient relationships:
    “Yeah, Sean, so I don’t have a single answer. Number one is, this is why I think the relationship between the doctor and the patient is sacred. And each person’s an individual. The advice I gave my parents on the COVID-19 shot was different than the advice I gave my children and for their children as well on the COVID shot. Completely, two different risk factor profiles there as well.
    “My big concern here is when vaccines are made, not in the United States. China does knockoffs, and they don’t have the highest safety standards that we do. You know, just recently, I’m going to give you an example, the GLP one drugs. China has been making a knockoff drug, and then they’re sending it to compounders in the United States. And they may not know it’s a knockoff drug, but 14 people have died from using that compounded GLP one this in the past year. Zero people have died from using US-based FDA-approved drugs. So it’s the impurity that scares the death out of me. On the vaccine, the interaction amongst them scares the death out of me.
    “I’ll give you one example. Secretary Kennedy and myself have both said MMR is the best way to prevent measles, but it’s not given until you’re a year of age. It’s been around forever. It’s proven to be safe, and… Measles can actually kill, especially young kids. So my advice is to get the MMR vaccine at age one.
    “On the other hand, the hepatitis vaccine for a two-day-old or one-day-old… who are the risk of people with hepatitis, right? It would be homosexuals and prostitutes, that type of thing… drug abusers, right? That’s who’s at risk for hepatitis. So I don’t see what is there to gain from giving my two-day-old granddaughter the hepatitis vaccine, let their immune system develop a little bit. So the science is not settled. Sean, it’s never settled. And it’s my job as your doctor to keep try to keep up with that and give you the very best advice I can. Sorry, that’s a long answer.”
    On the August recess and President Trump’s nominees:
    “We were elected to do the work of the people. President Trump, 78 million people voted for him, for him to fulfill his mission and his agenda, we need more of these people approved. Look, Chuck Schumer is jamming us right now. He’s doing things that we never did, people that should be easily confirmed by unanimous consent, not take any time up. So if we stay here this August, it’ll be Chuck Schumer’s fault, just like if we end up in some type of financial shutdown in September. This is Chuck Schumer overreacting to AOC and just the psychotic nature right now of the Democrat Party, if that makes sense.
    “So I’m willing to stay. I want to stay, whatever it takes to get these people confirmed; the Senate needs to do its job. Yes, I want to go home, see family, go out and do our town halls, all those types of things I want to do, but my number one mission right now – got The Big Beautiful Bill done – my number one mission right now is to get these people confirmed.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Risch introduce bill to protect small firearm businesses from discrimination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) joined Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and 16 colleagues in introducing the Equal Shot Act, which would prohibit the Small Business Administration (SBA) from discriminating against lawful firearm-related businesses.

    “Big Government officials in Washington should never be able to punish small business owners just because they support the Second Amendment. The Equal Shot Act would protect Louisiana’s firearm businesses from out-of-control bureaucrats trying to pick winners and losers based on politics,” said Kennedy.

    “The Equal Shot Act defends the Second Amendment rights of Idaho’s small business firearm industry and ensures these law-abiding Americans have fair access to resources that will help them thrive,” said Risch.

    The Equal Shot Act ensures that firearm-related businesses are treated the same as any other eligible small business when applying for SBA programs without political or ideological bias. 

    • The bill responds to reports that the SBA, under the Biden administration, used internal policies to deny financial support to lawful firearm-related businesses that help Americans exercise their Second Amendment rights.
    • The bill reinforces that federal agencies must remain neutral and may not withhold access to assistance programs from law-abiding businesses based on their industry.

    Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas), chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    “The Equal Shot Act ensures every eligible small business is treated fairly and without political bias. Under the Biden Administration, firearm-related businesses were targeted and singled out by federal agencies and financial institutions simply because of what they represent. These law-abiding job creators should not be punished for supporting the Second Amendment. I want to thank Senator Risch for his support on this important legislation. Every business on Main Street deserves the same opportunity to succeed,” said Williams.

    Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) also cosponsored the bill.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British steelmakers regain access to EU market

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    British steelmakers regain access to EU market

    British steelmakers regain access to EU market

    • UK steel producers to regain tariff-free access to the EU market for key steel products from today [1 August].
    • Cuts costs and gives UK steel producers more certainty when exporting to the EU — one of our largest trading partners.
    • Delivers on a UK-EU Summit commitment and reinforces the Government’s Plan for Change to rebuild Britain’s industrial strength.

    British steelmakers stand to make millions extra a year as the EU gets rid of its steel tariffs today [Friday 1 August] – a direct win from the Prime Minister’s EU deal signed back in May.

    This means UK steelmakers will be able to export more steel used for large building projects – like support beams – to the EU tariff-free, supporting the UK’s wider economic growth ambitions and helping deliver on the Plan for Change.

    This follows the decision to take control of British Steel following years of mismanagement – a decision which saved thousands of jobs and secured Britain’s place as a steelmaker. This builds on the significant support that this pro-steel Government has already delivered — from our £500 million investment in Tata’s green steel transition and our deal with the US to reduce tariffs on UK steel.

    The UK steel sector supports around 40,000 jobs across 1,145 firms, with a further 61,000 jobs in related industries that supply materials and services to steel producers. These changes will enable UK steelmakers to once again export goods worth several millions of pounds annually to the EU, strengthening vital revenue streams for UK businesses.

    Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This is yet another positive step forward for the UK steel sector and a clear example of our Plan for Change in action — removing barriers, supporting jobs, and backing British industry.

    Restoring our steel quota helps give producers the certainty they need to compete, grow, and maintain vital export relationships.

    This builds on the significant support that this pro-steel Government has already delivered — from our £500 million investment in Tata’s green steel transition, to action to safeguard jobs at British Steel in Scunthorpe, and our deal with the US to reduce tariffs on UK steel.

    The restored quota will re-establish historic trade flows between the UK and the EU, easing the administrative and financial burdens that have affected steel exporters. It will also provide much-needed certainty for UK steel operating in an increasingly volatile global market. Crucially, this change will help safeguard skilled jobs across the country and preserve long-standing supply chains with EU customers.

    The country-specific quota allows the UK to export a certain amount of steel to the EU without paying an extra tariff, helping maintain fair trade and avoid sudden surges in imports. We can now export up to 27,000 tonnes of steel to the EU each quarter — that’s roughly a football stadium’s worth of steel every year.

    This follows complex negotiations and demonstrates the UK Government’s ability to secure practical wins for domestic industry. It builds on a series of recent measures delivered under the Plan for Change, including a £500 million investment in greener steelmaking at Port Talbot, targeted action to reduce electricity costs and strengthen procurement rules. These steps have been complemented by enhanced trade defences designed to protect jobs and support long-term competitiveness in the sector.

    EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said:

    We have worked constructively with the EU to deliver in our national interest and achieved a bespoke agreement to help secure jobs in steel across Britain.

    Today’s news that the EU is slashing tariffs on British Steel shows our approach is working and is another win for UK PLC.

    Gareth Stace UK Steel said:

    The restoration of the country specific quota is excellent news for UK steel companies which have been plagued by problems shipping category 17 products into the European Union.

    The quota will restore historic trade flows and is good news for both UK steelmakers and their EU customers.

    British Steel Chief Commercial Officer (interim) Lisa Coulson said:

    The removal of EU tariffs on British-made steel is a significant boost to our business.

    The EU is an important market to us, particularly for the products our highly skilled colleagues manufacture in Scunthorpe, Teesside, and Skinningrove.

    We are delighted we will be able to provide the high-quality products our loyal and supportive EU customers require tariff-free and thank the UK Government for delivering this agreement.

    We now look to the future with even greater optimism as we focus on building stronger futures for our customers.

    This announcement reinforces the Government’s commitment to fair, open, and stable trade in key sectors — with steel being a clear example of strengthened UK-EU cooperation delivering results for British industry.

    Notes to editors:

    • The European Commission’s decision restores the UK’s Country Specific Quota (CSQ) for Category 17 steel products from 1 August 2025.
    • The UK steel industry employs thousands of people in key manufacturing regions and supports critical supply chains in construction, automotive, and defence.
    • The UK Government will publish a comprehensive Steel Strategy later this year to support long-term competitiveness and sustainability in the sector.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 August 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates

    Source: US Whitehouse

    class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby determine and order:

    Section 1.  Background.  In Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025 (Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff To Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits), I found that conditions reflected in large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States that has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States.  I declared a national emergency with respect to that threat, and to deal with that threat, I imposed additional ad valorem duties that I deemed necessary and appropriate.  

    I have received additional information and recommendations from various senior officials on, among other things, the continued lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships and the impact of foreign trading partners’ disparate tariff rates and non-tariff barriers on U.S. exports, the domestic manufacturing base, critical supply chains, and the defense industrial base.  I also have received additional information and recommendations on foreign relations, economic, and national security matters, including the status of trade negotiations, efforts to retaliate against the United States for its actions to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257, and efforts to align with the United States on economic and national security matters.

    For example, some trading partners have agreed to, or are on the verge of agreeing to, meaningful trade and security commitments with the United States, thus signaling their sincere intentions to permanently remedy the trade barriers that have contributed to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14257, and to align with the United States on economic and national security matters.  Other trading partners, despite having engaged in negotiations, have offered terms that, in my judgment, do not sufficiently address imbalances in our trading relationship or have failed to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national-security matters.  There are also some trading partners that have failed to engage in negotiations with the United States or to take adequate steps to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national security matters.

    After considering the information and recommendations that I have recently received, among other things, I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 by imposing additional ad valorem duties on goods of certain trading partners at the rates set forth in Annex I to this order, subject to all applicable exceptions set forth in Executive Order 14257, as amended, in lieu of the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed on goods of such trading partners in Executive Order 14257, as amended.

    Sec. 2.  Tariff Modifications.  (a)  The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) shall be modified as provided in Annex II to this order.  These modifications shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of this order, except that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of this order, and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on October 5, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty and shall instead remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed in Executive Order 14257, as amended.

    (b)  Certain foreign trading partners identified in Annex I to this order have agreed to, or are on the verge of concluding, meaningful trade and security agreements with the United States.  Goods of those trading partners will remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties provided in Annex I to this order until such time as those agreements are concluded, and I issue subsequent orders memorializing the terms of those agreements.

    (c)  As provided in Annex I to this order, the additional ad valorem rate of duty applicable to any good of the European Union is determined by the good’s current ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 (General) of the HTSUS (“Column 1 Duty Rate”).  For a good of the European Union with a Column 1 Duty Rate that is less than 15 percent, the sum of its Column 1 Duty Rate and the additional ad valorem rate of duty pursuant to this order shall be 15 percent.  For a good of the European Union with a Column 1 Duty Rate that is at least 15 percent, the additional ad valorem rate of duty pursuant to this order shall be zero.

    (d)  Goods of any foreign trading partner that is not listed in Annex I to this order will be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 10 percent pursuant to the terms of Executive Order 14257, as amended, unless otherwise expressly provided.  This rate shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of this order.

    (e)  The HTSUS shall also be modified by continuing to suspend headings 9903.01.43 through 9903.01.62 and 9903.01.64 through 9903.01.76, and subdivisions (v)(xiii)(1)–(9) and (11)‑(57) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS, until the effective date of the modifications provided in Annex II to this order.  Upon the effective date of the modifications provided in Annex II to this order, to facilitate implementation of the rates of duty provided in Annex I to this order, headings 9903.01.43 through 9903.01.62 and 9903.01.64 through 9903.01.76, which are organized by rate of duty, and subdivisions (v)(xiii) (1)-(9) and (11)-(57) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS shall be terminated as to future entries and replaced by the new trading partner-specific headings provided in Annex II to this order.

    (f)  Excluding the changes set forth in subsections (a) through (d) of this section, the terms of Executive Order 14257, as amended, shall continue to apply.

    (g)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to alter or otherwise affect Executive Order 14298 of May 12, 2025 (Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates To Reflect Discussions With the People’s Republic of China).

    (h)  The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Chair of the United States International Trade Commission, shall determine whether any additional modifications to the HTSUS are necessary to effectuate this order and may make such modifications through notice in the Federal Register.

    Sec. 3.  Transshipment.  (a)  An article determined by CBP to have been transshipped to evade applicable duties under section 2 of this order shall be subject to (i) an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 40 percent, in lieu of the additional ad valorem rate of duty applicable under section 2 of this order to goods of the country of origin, (ii) any other applicable or appropriate fine or penalty, including those assessed under 19 U.S.C. 1592, and (iii) any other United States duties, fees, taxes, exactions, or charges applicable to goods of the country of origin.  CBP shall not allow, consistent with applicable law, for mitigation or remission of the penalties assessed on imports found to be transshipped to evade applicable duties.

    (b)  The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of CBP, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, shall publish every 6 months a list of countries and specific facilities used in circumvention schemes, to inform public procurement, national security reviews, and commercial due diligence.

    Sec. 4.  Implementation.  The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, as applicable, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Assistant to the President and Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Chair of the International Trade Commission, are directed and authorized to take all necessary actions to implement and effectuate this order, consistent with applicable law, including through temporary suspension or amendment of regulations or notices in the Federal Register and by adopting rules, regulations, or guidance, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA, as may be necessary to implement this order.  Each executive department and agency shall take all appropriate measures within its authority to implement this order.

    Sec. 5.  Monitoring and Recommendations.  (a)  The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative shall monitor the circumstances involving the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 and shall regularly consult on such circumstances with any senior official they deem appropriate.  The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative shall inform me of any circumstance that, in their opinion, might indicate the need for further action by the President.  The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative shall also inform me of any circumstance that, in their opinion, might indicate that a foreign trading partner has taken adequate steps to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257.

    (b)  The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with any senior official they deem appropriate, shall recommend to me any necessary additional action if this action is not effective in resolving the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257.

    (c)  The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in coordination with the appropriate senior officials, shall recommend additional action, if necessary, should a foreign trading partner fail to take adequate steps to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 or should a foreign trading partner retaliate against the United States in response to the actions taken to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 or any subsequent order issued to address that emergency.

    Sec. 6.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision of this order to any individual or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other individuals or circumstances shall not be affected.

    Sec. 7.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    (d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

                                 DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        July 31, 2025.

    ANNEX I

    Countries and Territories Reciprocal Tariff, Adjusted
    Afghanistan 15%
    Algeria 30%
    Angola 15%
    Bangladesh 20%
    Bolivia 15%
    Bosnia and Herzegovina 30%
    Botswana 15%
    Brazil 10%
    Brunei 25%
    Cambodia 19%
    Cameroon 15%
    Chad 15%
    Costa Rica 15%
    Côte d`Ivoire 15%
    Democratic Republic of the Congo 15%
    Ecuador 15%
    Equatorial Guinea 15%
    European Union: Goods with Column 1 Duty Rate[1] > 15% 0%
    European Union: Goods with Column 1 Duty Rate < 15% 15% minus Column 1 Duty Rate
    Falkland Islands 10%
    Fiji 15%
    Ghana 15%
    Guyana 15%
    Iceland 15%
    India 25%
    Indonesia 19%
    Iraq 35%
    Israel 15%
    Japan 15%
    Jordan 15%
    Kazakhstan 25%
    Laos 40%
    Lesotho 15%
    Libya 30%
    Liechtenstein 15%
    Madagascar 15%
    Malawi 15%
    Malaysia 19%
    Mauritius 15%
    Moldova 25%
    Mozambique 15%
    Myanmar (Burma) 40%
    Namibia 15%
    Nauru 15%
    New Zealand 15%
    Nicaragua 18%
    Nigeria 15%
    North Macedonia 15%
    Norway 15%
    Pakistan 19%
    Papua New Guinea 15%
    Philippines 19%
    Serbia 35%
    South Africa 30%
    South Korea 15%
    Sri Lanka 20%
    Switzerland 39%
    Syria 41%
    Taiwan 20%
    Thailand 19%
    Trinidad and Tobago 15%
    Tunisia 25%
    Turkey 15%
    Uganda 15%
    United Kingdom 10%
    Vanuatu 15%
    Venezuela 15%
    Vietnam 20%
    Zambia 15%
    Zimbabwe 15%

    [1] For purposes of this Executive Order and its Annexes, “Column 1 Duty Rate” means the ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1-General of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).

    ANNEX II

    1. Effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of the executive order, excluding the day the executive order is signed, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is modified as follows:
      • Heading 9903.01.25 of the HTSUS shall be amended by deleting the article description and by inserting “Articles the product of any country, except for products described in headings 9903.01.26–9903.01.33, 9903.02.02–9903.02.71, and 9903.96.01, and except as provided for in headings 9903.01.34 and 9903.02.01, as provided for in subdivision (v) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter . . . . . . .” in lieu thereof; and
      • Headings 9903.01.43–9903.01.62 and 9903.01.64–9903.01.76 and corresponding subdivisions (v)(xiii)(1)–(9) and (11)–(57) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS are hereby terminated as to any future entries.
      • Subdivision (v) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS shall be amended by:
        • Deleting “and 9903.01.43–9903.01.76” each place that it appears and inserting “9903.01.63, and 9903.02.01–9903.02.71” in lieu thereof;
        • Inserting the following new subdivision in numerical sequence at the end of subdivision (v) of U.S. note 2:

    “As provided in headings 9903.02.19 and 9903.02.20, for any good of the European Union subject to a specific or compound rate of duty under column 1-General, the ad valorem equivalent rate of duty of such good shall be determined by dividing the amount of duty payable under column 1-General by the customs value of the good.  For example, if a good were subject to a specific duty of 50 cents per kilogram, and one kilogram of the good were entered with a customs value of $10, then the ad valorem equivalent rate of duty would be obtained by dividing 50 cents by $10, yielding 5 percent.”

    • The following new headings shall be inserted in numerical sequence, with the material in the new heading inserted in the columns of the HTSUS labeled “Heading/Subheading”, “Article Description”, “Rates of Duty 1-General”, “Rates of Duty 1-Special”, and “Rates of Duty 2”, respectively:

    Click here to view Annex II

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to work with all member states to complete preparations in final phase for SCO Tianjin summit: spokesperson

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

    China to work with all member states to complete preparations in final phase for SCO Tianjin summit: spokesperson

    BEIJING, July 31 — China will work with all the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states to complete the preparations in the final phase for the SCO Tianjin summit, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said here on Thursday.

    Guo made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to introduce the work China has done as SCO rotating chair and the preparations that have been made for the SCO Tianjin summit.

    Guo said since China took over the SCO rotating chairmanship in July last year, China has acted on the slogan “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move,” and made solid progress in work as the SCO chair.

    He summarized the positive progress and outcomes China achieved from three aspects.

    First, cooperation in all sectors has been deepened. China has hosted over 100 events as the SCO chair, and nearly half are institutional events, covering multiple areas such as politics, security, military, economy and trade, investment, energy, education, connectivity, technological innovation, green industry, digital economy and people-to-people exchanges. These events helped SCO countries increase solidarity and mutual trust, enhanced mutual learning and achieved mutually beneficial and win-win results.

    Second, the mechanisms of the organization have been improved. China has worked with all member states to advance reform and innovation in various aspects such as the deliberation mechanism, cooperation pattern and permanent bodies, to ensure smoother and more efficient operation of the organization. Parties are accelerating the consultations regarding the establishment of a comprehensive center for dealing with security threats and challenges, an information security center, a center for fighting transnational organized crime and a counternarcotics center, to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement and security and to build a new paradigm for regional security cooperation.

    Third, stronger commitment was made to the “Shanghai Spirit.” The SCO has spoken up to uphold justice on major international and regional issues, firmly upheld the multilateral trading system and strongly condemned the abuse of armed force, sending a strong message of the SCO for safeguarding peace and justice. China, together with SCO member states, has actively carried out exchanges and dialogues among political parties, media and think tanks, giving people a better understanding of the “Shanghai Spirit” and bringing the big family of the SCO closer.

    Guo said that one month later, the SCO summit will be held in China’s Tianjin, adding that leaders of over 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations will gather together for the summit.

    “This will be the largest summit since the establishment of the SCO, and the culmination of China’s work as the SCO chair,” the spokesperson said.

    Noting that the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held not long ago has made full political preparations for this summit, Guo said China will work with all member states to complete the preparations in the final phase, accumulate positive outcomes in areas such as security, development, livelihood and mechanisms, to hold a friendly and united summit with fruitful results.

    Guo said the Tianjin summit will guide the SCO to enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring more solidarity, coordination, vitality and contribution, and build a closer SCO community with a shared future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump’s unlawful CalGuard power grab results in 57% decrease in fentanyl pounds seized

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 31, 2025

    What you need to know: While National Guard soldiers were unlawfully federalized by the President to await mission orders in the Los Angeles area, between May and June, there was a 57% drop in fentanyl pounds seized from those same soldiers who were pulled from their vital public safety assignments.

    Los Angeles, California – While President Trump comes to the realization that his unlawful deployment of the military in Los Angeles has been unnecessary and deeply unpopular, there has been a significant drop in the reported fentanyl seizures by California National Guard members.

    Between May and June, there was a 57% decrease in reported pounds of fentanyl seized at ports of entry along the border by CalGuard’s Counterdrug Task Force. In June, only 260 pounds of fentanyl powder were seized.

    Donald Trump and Stephen Miller took the National Guard off of essential public safety assignments to fulfill a sick power grab within California communities. The federal government has created chaos in our economy and society with its twisted authoritarian tactics. The time for each and every single soldier to come home — and go back to work — now.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Typically, under the Governor’s command, nearly 450 servicemembers are deployed statewide, including at ports of entry, to combat transnational criminal organizations and seize illegal narcotics. CalGuard’s servicemembers dedicated to the state’s Counterdrug Task Force have been reassigned by President Trump to militarize Los Angeles – leaving their highly specialized positions unfilled. The consequences are dire – CalGuard’s efforts help ensure the public safety of communities statewide.

    Guardsmembers are demobilizing 

    Nearly two months after the unlawful federalization of units of the California National Guard, and deployment of almost 5,000 soldiers in the Los Angeles area, all but 300 National Guard members are expected to go home soon. So far, 4,700 soldiers have demobilized or begun demobilizing. The President should allow the remaining soldiers to go back to their families, communities, and civilian professions as doctors, law enforcement and teachers. Earlier this month, 2,000 federalized National Guard members and 700 Marines were called off their mission in Los Angeles.

    Police off the streets, teachers out of classrooms

    Of the 4,000 National Guard members sent to Los Angeles under Trump’s order, their servicemembers have been pulled from essential civilian duties such as medical and first responders, service workers, building trades contractors, law enforcement personnel, corrections officers, civil service and government workers, technology specialists, educators and teachers, and agriculture workers.

    Economic impact of this political theater 

    After the federal government deployed the military unlawfully and began ramping up immigration raids statewide, the number of people reporting to work in the private sector in California decreased by 3.1% — a downturn only recently matched by the period when people stayed home from work during the COVID-19 lockdown.

    Governor Newsom recently met with local restaurant owners in the City of Bell and faith leaders in Downey to discuss the economic impact these indiscriminate immigration actions have had on their small business.

    Trump’s actions have a ripple effect – the state’s economy is likely to contract later this year due to fallout from global tariffs and immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities that have rattled key sectors, including construction, hospitality, and agriculture, according to a UCLA Anderson forecast. 

    Mass arrests, detentions and deportations in California could slash $275 billion from the state’s economy and eliminate $23 billion in annual tax revenue. The loss of immigrant workers, undocumented and those losing lawful status under the Trump administration, would delay projects (including rebuilding Los Angeles after the wildfires), reduce food supply, and drive up costs. Undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022 — a number that would rise to $10.3 billion if these taxpayers could apply to work lawfully.

    End the power grab now

    Community leaders, public officials, veterans and others agree – the federal government’s actions in California not only have a chilling effect on the state’s society and economy, but also continue to undermine the valuable contributions from members of the military while in and out of uniform. 

    Republican and Democratic former governors agree—Trump’s federalization violates the critical balance between state and federal government. Recently, a bipartisan group of 25 former governors filed a brief in support of Newsom v. Trump, urging the court to enforce state sovereignty and block the unprecedented federalization of the National Guard. 

    Retired four-star admirals and generals and former secretaries of the Army and Navy filed another amicus brief outlining the grave risks of Trump’s illegal takeover of the CalGuard. Several veterans and veteran rights’ groups came together to decry Trump’s militarization of California.

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    Jul 31, 2025

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    News What you need to know: With nearly all National Guard soldiers demobilizing, Governor Gavin Newsom is calling on the President to allow the 300 remaining National Guard soldiers to go home now.  Los Angeles, California – Nearly two months after the unlawful…

    Jul 30, 2025

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    Jul 31, 2025

    What you need to know: While National Guard soldiers were unlawfully federalized by the President to await mission orders in the Los Angeles area, between May and June, there was a 57% drop in fentanyl pounds seized from those same soldiers who were pulled from their vital public safety assignments.

    Los Angeles, California – While President Trump comes to the realization that his unlawful deployment of the military in Los Angeles has been unnecessary and deeply unpopular, there has been a significant drop in the reported fentanyl seizures by California National Guard members.

    Between May and June, there was a 57% decrease in reported pounds of fentanyl seized at ports of entry along the border by CalGuard’s Counterdrug Task Force. In June, only 260 pounds of fentanyl powder were seized.

    Donald Trump and Stephen Miller took the National Guard off of essential public safety assignments to fulfill a sick power grab within California communities. The federal government has created chaos in our economy and society with its twisted authoritarian tactics. The time for each and every single soldier to come home — and go back to work — now.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Typically, under the Governor’s command, nearly 450 servicemembers are deployed statewide, including at ports of entry, to combat transnational criminal organizations and seize illegal narcotics. CalGuard’s servicemembers dedicated to the state’s Counterdrug Task Force have been reassigned by President Trump to militarize Los Angeles – leaving their highly specialized positions unfilled. The consequences are dire – CalGuard’s efforts help ensure the public safety of communities statewide.

    Guardsmembers are demobilizing 

    Nearly two months after the unlawful federalization of units of the California National Guard, and deployment of almost 5,000 soldiers in the Los Angeles area, all but 300 National Guard members are expected to go home soon. So far, 4,700 soldiers have demobilized or begun demobilizing. The President should allow the remaining soldiers to go back to their families, communities, and civilian professions as doctors, law enforcement and teachers. Earlier this month, 2,000 federalized National Guard members and 700 Marines were called off their mission in Los Angeles.

    Police off the streets, teachers out of classrooms

    Of the 4,000 National Guard members sent to Los Angeles under Trump’s order, their servicemembers have been pulled from essential civilian duties such as medical and first responders, service workers, building trades contractors, law enforcement personnel, corrections officers, civil service and government workers, technology specialists, educators and teachers, and agriculture workers.

    Economic impact of this political theater 

    After the federal government deployed the military unlawfully and began ramping up immigration raids statewide, the number of people reporting to work in the private sector in California decreased by 3.1% — a downturn only recently matched by the period when people stayed home from work during the COVID-19 lockdown.

    Governor Newsom recently met with local restaurant owners in the City of Bell and faith leaders in Downey to discuss the economic impact these indiscriminate immigration actions have had on their small business.

    Trump’s actions have a ripple effect – the state’s economy is likely to contract later this year due to fallout from global tariffs and immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities that have rattled key sectors, including construction, hospitality, and agriculture, according to a UCLA Anderson forecast. 

    Mass arrests, detentions and deportations in California could slash $275 billion from the state’s economy and eliminate $23 billion in annual tax revenue. The loss of immigrant workers, undocumented and those losing lawful status under the Trump administration, would delay projects (including rebuilding Los Angeles after the wildfires), reduce food supply, and drive up costs. Undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022 — a number that would rise to $10.3 billion if these taxpayers could apply to work lawfully.

    End the power grab now

    Community leaders, public officials, veterans and others agree – the federal government’s actions in California not only have a chilling effect on the state’s society and economy, but also continue to undermine the valuable contributions from members of the military while in and out of uniform. 

    Republican and Democratic former governors agree—Trump’s federalization violates the critical balance between state and federal government. Recently, a bipartisan group of 25 former governors filed a brief in support of Newsom v. Trump, urging the court to enforce state sovereignty and block the unprecedented federalization of the National Guard. 

    Retired four-star admirals and generals and former secretaries of the Army and Navy filed another amicus brief outlining the grave risks of Trump’s illegal takeover of the CalGuard. Several veterans and veteran rights’ groups came together to decry Trump’s militarization of California.

    Recent news

    Jul 31, 2025

    News What you need to know: California has completed a multi-year effort to modernize its aerial firefighting fleet, with the final delivery of two state-of-the-art Fire Hawk helicopters arriving in Sacramento – bringing CAL FIRE’s Fire Hawk fleet to a total of 16…

    Jul 31, 2025

    News What you need to know: With nearly all National Guard soldiers demobilizing, Governor Gavin Newsom is calling on the President to allow the 300 remaining National Guard soldiers to go home now.  Los Angeles, California – Nearly two months after the unlawful…

    Jul 30, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Mountain America Credit Union Announces $40,000 Show Up for Teachers Grant Winners

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANDY, Utah, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mountain America Credit Union, in partnership with Utah First Lady Abby Cox’s Show Up for Teachers initiative, announced the 40 recipients of the inaugural Show Up for Teachers Grants. Each educator has been awarded a $1,000 grant through the Mountain America Foundation to promote creativity in the classroom and foster engaging learning environments.

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

    Recipients were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants across the state and selected for their innovation, commitment to education, and impact on their students and communities. Grant proposals included initiatives such as STEM enrichment tools, inclusive reading materials, and technology upgrades to better meet student needs.

    “Connecting with these educators at the Show Up for Teachers Conference was a powerful reminder of the passion and innovation they bring to their classrooms,” said Sharlene Wells, senior vice president of public relations and organizational communications at Mountain America. “It was a privilege to honor 40 extraordinary teachers whose grant submissions reflected thoughtful strategy and genuine commitment. We’re proud to champion their efforts to enrich student learning and make a lasting impact across Utah.”

    The grant recipients were celebrated at the Show Up for Teachers Conference on July 10, 2025, at the Mountain America Expo Center. During a special presentation, First Lady Abby Cox joined Mountain America CEO and president Sterling Nielsen honoring the winners for their dedication and passion.

    In addition to the $1,000 grant, each educator also received a blanket generously donated by Minky Couture as a token of appreciation for their tireless work and lasting impact in the classroom.

    The Show Up for Teachers Conference welcomed more than 2,000 educators from across Utah for a day of professional development, networking, and support. Mountain America representatives engaged with teachers through interactive activities and promotional resources.

    To view a full list of grant recipients, visit macu.com/showup.

    To learn more about Mountain America’s community involvement, visit macu.com/newsroom.

    About Mountain America Credit Union
    With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multiple states, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economics – US tariffs prompt GlobalData to revise India economic growth forecast down to 6.5% in July 2025

    Source: GlobalData

    Following the news that the US will impose 25% tariffs on all Indian imports starting from 1 August 2025.

    Ramnivas Mundada, Director of Economic Research and Companies at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

    “These significant tariffs, coupled with penalties linked to India’s dealings with Russian energy and military supplies, pose serious challenges for key export sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and textiles. Compounding these issues, six Indian companies have recently been sanctioned by the US Department of State for engaging in petroleum trade with Iran. Against this backdrop, GlobalData has revised its 2025 economic growth forecast for India from 6.6% in March 2025 to 6.5% in July 2025.

    “The Indian stock market initially reacted sharply to the trade tariff announcement, with the Nifty50 falling below 24,700—down 189 points—and the BSE Sensex dropping 600 points in early trading on July 31, 2025. The MSCI India Index also recorded its weakest monthly performance since February, reflecting heightened investor concerns around trade tensions and export sector exposure. However, market sentiment has since steadied, suggesting that investors have largely absorbed the initial shock and are now recalibrating expectations considering the evolving trade landscape.

    “The rupee also weakened significantly in response to the tariff announcement, experiencing its largest one-day decline since May 2025 and falling past the 87 level against the US dollar on 30 July 2025.

    “According to ITC Trade Map data, exports of electrical machinery and equipment, gems and jewelry, pharmaceuticals, machinery and mechanical appliances, and mineral fuels collectively represented over 51% of India’s exports to the US in 2024. Additionally, the possibility of manufacturing operations relocating to other Asian countries with lower tariffs poses a significant threat to India’s standing as a manufacturing hub.

    “In conclusion, the ongoing stalemate in trade negotiations between the US and India underscores the complexities of their relationship. With the US justifying tariffs due to India’s high trade barriers and procurement of Russian goods, both nations face significant challenges ahead. As a US delegation prepares to visit India on 25 August 2025, for the sixth round of talks, achieving a mutually beneficial agreement is crucial for fostering stronger ties and ensuring the resilience of the Indian economy in an evolving global landscape.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – BADEA Approves USD120 million to support Shelter Afrique Development Bank Capitalization Program

    Source: Media Fast

    Nairobi, Kenya – [31 July 2025] – Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) has announced the signing of a strategic agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to support its transformative capital increase initiative.

    Effectively, BADEA has approved a landmark USD 120 million to support the capitalization program of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, the leading Pan-African institution focused on affordable housing and urban development. The concessional financing facility will help eligible member states settle and increase their capital subscriptions to ShafDB.

    This initiative, developed in partnership with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), introduces an innovative financing mechanism through which eligible member states can access on-lending at competitive terms. The BADEA-supported facility, totaling USD 120 million, will be used to settle and boost member states’ capital subscriptions to Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB).

    “This agreement with BADEA marks a critical step in strengthening our capital base and advancing our mission of financing affordable housing and sustainable urban infrastructure across Africa,” said Thierno Habib-Hann, Managing Director of Shelter Afrique Development Bank. “We are grateful to BADEA for its strong partnership and unwavering support in this pivotal phase of our institutional evolution.”

    The new capital increase program includes an initial equal allocation to all member states, followed by a phased reallocation, first on a pro-rata basis, and then on a first-come, first-served basis. This approach aims to encourage active participation by member states and to strengthen ShafDB’s capital adequacy in a balanced and transparent manner.

    Commenting on the program, the president of BADEA H.E. Abdullah KH ALMUSAIBEEH, “We see this capital program as a strategic milestone in Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s evolution. BADEA is proud to back this initiative and we remain committed to our shared mission of enabling access to decent housing and inclusive urban development across Africa.”

    The need to enhance equity capital has become critical following the institution’s transformation into a Development Bank, a milestone formally approved by Shelter Afrique’s shareholders during the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held in Algiers, Algeria, in October 2023.

    Building on this transformation, a significant achievement was realized during the Annual General Meeting in June 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, where shareholders demonstrated strong leadership by endorsing a transformative capital increase program, and the board approved in December 2024 a capital increase of over a USD 200 million.

    “Expanding capital base will enable the Bank to scale up financing along the housing value chain, access more competitive funding from international and African capital markets, and reinforce its role in addressing the housing deficit and driving inclusive urban development across its 44 member states,” Mr. Hann said.

    Increased leverage

    The capital increase program has been designed to significantly strengthen ShafDB’s balance sheet over the medium-term, expand its shareholder capital base, and to significantly mobilize debts.  The capital raised will also support the Bank’s plans to attain investment-grade credit ratings, attract new institutional investors, and expand its lending and technical assistance programs in member countries.

    About Shelter Afrique Development Bank:

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

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

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

    About the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA):

    The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) is a multilateral financial institution established in 1974 by the Arab League. BADEA aims to strengthen economic, financial, and technical cooperation between Arab and African regions by financing development projects and supporting capacity building. https://www.badea.org/

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Aviation – Lufthansa Group increases Adjusted EBIT by 27 percent in the second quarter and confirms full-year forecast

    Source: Lufthansa Group
    • Adjusted EBIT improves to EUR 871 million, net profit more than doubles to over 1 billion euros
    • Low oil prices have a positive impact on results
    • Demand from the US remains strong despite weakness of the US dollar, further growth on the North Atlantic
    • Lufthansa Cargo doubles quarterly result compared with previous year
    • Lufthansa Technik posts record result in first half of year
    • Unit cost increase reflects ongoing high cost inflation and higher location costs in home markets
    • Full-year forecast reaffirmed despite uncertainties.

    Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG: “The Lufthansa Group remains on course. Although the second quarter was again marked by geopolitical crises and economic uncertainties, we are today confirming our positive outlook for the full year. However, 2025 will remain a year of transformation for us, as delays in aircraft deliveries, certifications, and engine overhauls continue. The disproportionate burden on European airlines due to unilateral EU regulations also continues to put us at a disadvantage in global competition.

    In this challenging environment, we were able to increase our operating result by almost a third in the second quarter and double the Lufthansa Group result. The basis for this economic success is and remains the regained operational stability of our airlines. Thanks to the tremendous commitment of our employees on board and on the ground, we are now able to report positive operating results for the first six months of the year. Our core brand achieved its best stability and punctuality figures since 2016. This not only significantly improved customer satisfaction but also had a noticeable impact on earnings due to lower compensation payments.

    Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa Technik once again demonstrated their global leading performance in the first half of 2025. It is also encouraging that our investment in ITA Airways is already contributing to the Group’s financial success.

    We are continuing our necessary efforts to increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability, particularly in the turnaround of our core brand, in order to expand our position as the world’s largest airline group outside the US.”

    Results

    In the second quarter of 2025, the Lufthansa Group increased its revenue by three percent year-on-year to 10.3 billion euros (previous year: 10.0 billion euros). The Lufthansa Group generated an operating profit (Adjusted EBIT) of 871 million euros (previous year: 686 million euros). The improvement in earnings was mainly due to the four percent expansion of the flight program in the passenger business, a positive result from the investment in ITA Airways of 91 million euros, partly due to currency effects, and the doubling of the operating result of the logistics business segment compared to the previous year. As a result, the operating margin increased by 1.5 percentage points year-on-year in the second quarter. The Group net result was 1.01 billion euros, more than double the previous year’s figure (469 million euros). This disproportionate increase was due to extraordinary tax effects and currency effects.

    Passenger numbers and traffic development

    In the first half of the year, more than 61 million passengers flew with the airlines of the Lufthansa Group, an increase of two percent compared with 2024. In the second quarter alone, the airlines welcomed around 37 million passengers (previous year: 35.9 million) on board. Despite a four percent increase in seat capacity, the load factor remained stable compared with the previous year at 82 percent.

    The passenger airlines’ revenue per available seat kilometer (RASK) declined slightly by 0.9 percent in the second quarter compared with 2024 after adjusting for currency effects. This was primarily due to lower average prices in the European business as a result of intensifying competition. In contrast, average revenues from intercontinental traffic remained stable despite a market-wide expansion of capacity. Unit costs (CASK) excluding fuel and emissions expenses rose by 4.1 percent compared with the same quarter last year due to ongoing cost inflation, driven in particular by personnel and location costs.

    Overall, revenue from passenger airlines rose by three percent to 8.2 billion euros in the second quarter (previous year: 8.0 billion euros). Adjusted EBIT increased to 690 million euros (previous year: 581 million euros). All airlines generated a positive result in the second quarter.

    In the first half year, revenue for the passenger airlines totaled 14.1 billion euros, representing growth of around four percent compared with the previous year. Adjusted EBIT improved to -244 million euros (first half of 2024: -337 million euros). The positive development is mainly attributable to lower fuel costs, higher income from investments, and the absence of financial strike-related expenses in the previous year. In contrast to the first half of 2024, network stability also improved significantly, resulting in a 106 million euros reduction in financial expenses due to flight irregularities.

    The integration of ITA Airways, in which the Lufthansa Group holds a 41 percent stake in the first phase, is continuing to progress. The benefits for customers are already clearly noticeable. Since the beginning of July, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways have harmonized the benefits for their respective status customers, such as mutual lounge access, priority boarding, and conditions for additional baggage.

    Also since July, flights from Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines can be combined with long-haul flights from ITA Airways in a single booking. This has been possible for short- and medium-haul flights since March.

    Starting in September, ITA Airways guests will be able to store their travel profile electronically in the Lufthansa Group Travel ID and benefit from the associated digital customer services of the Lufthansa Group.

    Lufthansa Airlines continues to implement Turnaround program

    Lufthansa Airlines’ Turnaround program remains on track. Increasing operational stability forms the foundation for the success of this program. Significant progress has already been made in this regard: punctuality and reliability achieved their best figures in ten years in the first six months. At the same time, revenues increased. Revenue from flight-related ancillary services rose by more than 25 percent in the first half of the year. In addition, structural measures have been initiated with the announced closure of the customer service center in Peterborough (Canada) and the associated reduction in personnel, which will make Lufthansa Airlines more efficient in the long term. The Turnaround measures are expected to have a gross earnings effect of 1.5 billion euros in 2026 and 2.5 billion euros in 2028.

    Lufthansa Technik at record levels in the first half of the year, Lufthansa Cargo doubles its second quarter result compared with the previous year

    The sustained high demand for air travel is leading to a further increase in demand for maintenance and repair services. Lufthansa Technik’s revenue rose by eight percent to 2.0 billion euros in the second quarter (same quarter last year: 1.8 billion euros). Ongoing material shortages, the US dollar exchange rate and increased US tariffs led to a ten percent increase in expenses compared with the same quarter last year. Nevertheless, Lufthansa Technik achieved an Adjusted EBIT of 310 million euros in the first half of 2025, once again setting a new record.

    Lufthansa Cargo continued the positive trend of the first three months of the year in the second quarter. With an Adjusted EBIT of 73 million euros, the operating result in the second quarter doubled compared with the previous year (second quarter of 2024: 36 million euros). High demand for Asian e-commerce shipments and capacity bottlenecks in sea freight traffic led to an increase in demand and thus a higher load factor for Lufthansa Cargo. Since June 2025, Lufthansa Cargo has been marketing the freight capacity of ITA Airways’ South American routes to Rome. Lufthansa Cargo plans to gradually expand the marketing of belly capacity to all continental and intercontinental routes of the Italian airline. This will further consolidate Lufthansa Cargo’s route network.

    Balance sheet strengthened, debt reduced

    The Lufthansa Group’s operating cashflow amounted to around 2.8 billion euros in the first half of the year (previous year: 2.7 billion euros). Net investments remained at the previous year’s level at 1.6 billion euros. Overall, the Lufthansa Group generated an Adjusted Free Cashflow of 1.04 billion euros (previous year: 878 million euros).

    Net debt decreased slightly to 5.5 billion euros compared with the end of 2024 (December 31, 2024: 5.7 billion euros). Net pension obligations fell by 400 million euros to 2.2 billion euros due to the higher discount rate. The Lufthansa Group’s available liquidity increased by 100 million euros compared with the beginning of the year to 11.1 billion euros.

    Till Streichert, Chief Financial Officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG: “We continue to operate in a volatile environment with high uncertainty and high cost pressure. I am therefore pleased to be able to present another quarterly result that is significantly above the previous year and to report progress in our Turnaround program. In our assessment, opportunities and risks are balanced. We therefore continue to expect a full year 2025 result significantly above the previous year and Adjusted Free Cashflow at approximately the previous year’s level. We thereby confirm our guidance. At the same time, we are closely monitoring macroeconomic developments and can respond flexibly to changes in the business environment.”

    Outlook

    Global demand for air travel remains strong. However, geopolitical crises and macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly commodity price and exchange rate volatility, are affecting the accuracy of forecasts for the rest of the year. In addition, the tendency of many travelers to book at shorter notice is limiting visibility for the second half of the year.

    Despite ongoing global uncertainties, the Lufthansa Group is reaffirming its forecast for the full year and expects operating profit (Adjusted EBIT) to be significantly higher than last year (previous year: 1.6 billion euros) with capacity growth of around four percent.

    The company continues to expect Adjusted Free Cashflow to remain at the previous year’s level (previous year: 840 million euros). This includes net investments of 2.7 to 3.3 billion euros, primarily for the ongoing fleet renewal.

    Among other things, this will finance the remaining payments for the first Boeing 787-9 long-haul aircraft at the group’s largest hub in Frankfurt. By the end of the year, up to ten of these ‘Dreamliner’ with the new Allegris seat generation are expected to be added to the group’s fleet. In summer 2026, Lufthansa Airlines plans to operate a total of 15 Boeing 787-9 s from Frankfurt, more than doubling the number of aircraft offering the Lufthansa Allegris premium product to customers.

    Further information

    Further information on the results of individual business segments will be published in the report for the second quarter of 2025. This will be published simultaneously with this press release on July 31 at 7:00 a.m. CEST at https://investor-relations.lufthansagroup.com/en/financial-reports-publications/financial-reports.html.

    Traffic figures for the second quarter of 2025 will also be published at 7:00 a.m. CEST at https://investor-relations.lufthansagroup.com/en/financial-reports-publications/traffic-figures.html.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI: HCM III Acquisition Corp. Announces Pricing of $220 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STAMFORD, CT, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HCM III Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”), a blank check company whose business purpose is to effect a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses, announced today that it has priced its initial public offering of 22,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-third of one redeemable warrant. The units will be listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) and will begin trading tomorrow, August, 1, 2025, under the ticker symbol “HCMAU.” Each whole warrant is exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share of the Company at a price of $11.50 per share. Only whole warrants are exercisable and will trade. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and warrants are expected to be listed on the Nasdaq under the symbols “HCMA” and “HCMAW,” respectively.

    Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. is acting as sole bookrunner for the offering. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,300,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

    The Company intends to focus on identifying businesses which provide disruptive technology or innovations within the financial services industry. The Company’s efforts will be focused on acquiring established businesses that it believes are fundamentally sound, but in need of assistance to maximize their potential value. The Company is led by Shawn Matthews, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; and Steve Bischoff, Chief Financial Officer.

    The public offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. When available, copies of the prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from: Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Attention Capital Markets, 499 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, or by e-mail at prospectus@cantor.com.

    A registration statement relating to the securities was filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on July 31, 2025. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s registration statement filed with the SEC and the preliminary prospectus included therein. Copies of these documents are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    About HCM III Acquisition Corp.

    HCM III Acquisition Corp. is a newly organized blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Company intends to focus on identifying businesses which provide disruptive technology or innovations within the financial services industry. The Company’s efforts will be focused on acquiring established businesses that it believes are fundamentally sound, but in need of assistance to maximize their potential value.

    Media Contact:
    Steve Bischoff
    sbischoff@hondiuscapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The Ether Machine Marks Ethereum’s 10th Birthday with Major ETH Treasury Purchase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ether Machine, the ether generation company, announced yesterday that The Ether Reserve LLC has purchased nearly 15,000 ETH at $3,809.97 USD for a total of $56,900,000.01 USD as part of The Ether Machine’s long-term accumulation strategy. This brings total ETH purchased and committed to 334,757 with up to $407,000,000 of USD remaining for additional ETH purchases.

    Timed to coincide with Ethereum’s 10-year anniversary, the purchase marks the beginning of The Ether Machine’s treasury deployment, and reflects a deep conviction in ETH as the most important asset of the decentralized internet and its mission to build a long-term, institutional-grade ETH treasury.

    “We couldn’t imagine a better way to commemorate Ethereum’s 10th birthday than by deepening our commitment to ether,” said Andrew Keys, Chairman and Co-Founder of The Ether Machine. “We are just getting started. Our mandate is to accumulate, compound, and support ETH for the long term – not just as a financial asset, but as the backbone of a new internet economy.”

    The purchase was made by The Ether Reserve LLC from part of the $97 million in cash proceeds from its previously announced private placement. The Ether Reserve LLC will purchase additional ether from the remaining proceeds in the coming days, which will be announced separately.

    In parallel with the accumulation announcement, Keys also made a personal donation of $100,000 to the Protocol Guild, a community-led funding initiative supporting Ethereum’s core protocol contributors. The Protocol Guild is widely recognized as one of the most effective models for open-source sustainability in Web3, having distributed millions of dollars to over 150 long-term researchers, developers, and maintainers responsible for Ethereum’s base layer.

    “Ethereum would not exist without the tireless work of its core developers,” said Keys. “This donation is a token of thanks to the stewards of the protocol, and a celebration of everything Ethereum has made possible over the past decade. Happy 10th birthday, Ethereum.”

    ——————

    About The Ether Machine

    Formed through a business combination (to be completed) between The Ether Reserve LLC and Dynamix Corporation, a NASDAQ-listed special purpose acquisition company (the “Business Combination”), pursuant to a definitive business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”), The Ether Machine is an Ethereum yield and infrastructure company purpose-built for institutional management and scale. Expected to be anchored by one of the largest on-chain ETH positions of any public entity, The Ether Machine will actively generate and optimize ETH-denominated returns through staking, restaking, and secure, professionally risk-managed DeFi participation. The Ether Machine also expects to provide turnkey infrastructure solutions for enterprises, DAOs, and Ethereum-native builders seeking access to Ethereum’s consensus and blockspace economy. To learn more, please visit www.ethermachine.com.

    About Protocol Guild

    Protocol Guild is a community-led funding mechanism that supports the long-term contributors maintaining Ethereum’s core protocol. Through an eligibility framework, member registry, and onchain contracts, the Guild allocates funding transparently and over time to those advancing Ethereum’s layer 1. It operates independently of governance decisions and helps ensure the protocol’s most critical work is sustainably supported as a public good. To learn, please visit www.protocolguild.org.

    About Dynamix Corporation

    Dynamix Corporation (“DYNX”) is a special purpose acquisition company incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. DYNX is led by the following seasoned investors and industry executives: Andrea “Andrejka” Bernatova, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Nader Daylami, Chief Financial Officer, Philip Rajan, Vice President of M&A and Strategy and board members, Lynn A. Peterson, Diaco Aviki and Tyler Crabtree. Additionally, Ralph Alexander, Joe Gatto, Peter Gross, Jimmy Henderson, Tommy Stone, and Steve Webster served as Advisors to DYNX. DYNX maintains a corporate website at https://dynamix-corp.com.

    Media Contact:
    press@ethermachine.com

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    DYNX and The Ether Machine, Inc. (“Pubco”) intend to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”), which will include a preliminary proxy statement of DYNX and a prospectus of Pubco (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) in connection with the Business Combination and the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement and/or described in this communication (together with the Business Combination and the private placement investments, the “Proposed Transactions”). The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents will be mailed to shareholders of DYNX as of a record date to be established for voting on the Business Combination and other matters as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. DYNX and/or Pubco will also file other documents regarding the Proposed Transactions with the SEC. This communication does not contain all of the information that should be considered concerning the Proposed Transactions and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the Proposed Transactions. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, SHAREHOLDERS OF DYNX AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH DYNX’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER MATTERS AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DYNX, THE COMPANY, PUBCO AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS. Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by DYNX and Pubco, without charge, once available, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Dynamix Corp, 1980 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 100, PMB 6373, Houston, TX 77056; e-mail: info@regen.io, or to: The Ether Machine, Inc., 2093 Philadelphia Pike #2640, Claymont, DE 19703, e-mail: dm@etherreserve.com.

    NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE BUSINESS COMBINATION OR ANY RELATED TRANSACTIONS OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS COMMUNICATION. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY CONSTITUTES A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

    The Pubco Class A Stock to be issued by Pubco and the class A units issued and to be issued by The Ether Reserve LLC (the “Company”), in each case, in connection with the Proposed Transactions, have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    DYNX, Pubco, the Company and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from DYNX’s shareholders in connection with the Business Combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers, and information regarding their interests in the Business Combination and their ownership of DYNX’s securities are, or will be, contained in DYNX’s filings with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of DYNX’s shareholders in connection with the Business Combination, including the names and interests of the Company and Pubco’s directors and executive officers, will be set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is expected to be filed by DYNX and Pubco with the SEC. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents as described above.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Proposed Transactions and shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange the securities of DYNX, the Company or Pubco, or any commodity or instrument or related derivative, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. Investors should consult with their counsel as to the applicable requirements for a purchaser to avail itself of any exemption under the Securities Act.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws with respect to the Proposed Transactions and the parties thereto, including expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, plans, prospects, results or strategies regarding Pubco, the Company, DYNX and the Proposed Transactions and statements regarding the anticipated benefits and timing of completion of the Proposed Transactions, business plans and investment strategies of Pubco, the Company and DYNX, expected use of the cash proceeds of the Proposed Transactions, the Company’s ability to stake and leverage capital markets and other staking operations and participation in restaking, the amount of capital expected to be received in the Proposed Transactions, the assets held by Pubco, Ether’s position as the most productive digital asset, plans to increase yield to investors, any expected growth or opportunities associated with Ether, Pubco’s listing on an applicable securities exchange and the timing of such listing, expectations of Ether to perform as a superior treasury asset, the upside potential and opportunity for investors resulting from any Proposed Transactions, any proposed transaction structures and offering terms and the Company’s and Pubco’s plans for Ether adoption, value creation, investor benefits and strategic advantages. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “potential,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions.

    These are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including regulatory review, Ethereum protocol developments, market dynamics, the risk that the Proposed Transactions may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, failure for any condition to closing of the Business Combination to be met, the risk that the Business Combination may not be completed by DYNX’s business combination deadline, the failure by the parties to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Business Combination, including the approval of DYNX’s shareholders, or the private placement investments, costs related to the Proposed Transactions and as a result of becoming a public company, failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transactions, the level of redemptions of DYNX’s public shareholders which may reduce the public float of, reduce the liquidity of the trading market of, and/or maintain the quotation, listing, or trading of the Class A shares of DYNX or the shares of Pubco Class A Stock, the lack of a third-party fairness opinion in determining whether or not to pursue the Business Combination, the failure of Pubco to obtain or maintain the listing of its securities any stock exchange on which Pubco Class A Stock will be listed after closing of the Business Combination, changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions, risks relating to Pubco’s anticipated operations and business, including the highly volatile nature of the price of Ether, the risk that Pubco’s stock price will be highly correlated to the price of Ether and the price of Ether may decrease between the signing of the definitive documents for the Proposed Transactions and the closing of the Proposed Transactions or at any time after the closing of the Proposed Transactions, risks related to increased competition in the industries in which Pubco will operate, risks relating to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty regarding Ether, risks relating to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes, challenges in implementing its business plan including Ether-related financial and advisory services, due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation, being considered to be a “shell company” by any stock exchange on which the Pubco Class A Stock will be listed or by the SEC, which may impact the ability to list Pubco’s Class A Stock and restrict reliance on certain rules or forms in connection with the offering, sale or resale of securities, the outcome of any potential legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company, DYNX, Pubco or others following announcement of the Business Combination and those risk factors discussed in documents of the Company, Pubco, or DYNX filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the final prospectus of DYNX dated as of November 20, 2024 and filed by DYNX with the SEC on November 21, 2024, DYNX’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, DYNX’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 20, 2025 and the registration statement on Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus that will be filed by Pubco and DYNX, and other documents filed by DYNX and Pubco from time to time with the SEC, as well as the list of risk factors included herein. These filings do or will identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known or that are currently deemed immaterial may also cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward- looking statements, and none of the parties or any of their representatives assumes any obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, each of which are made only as of the date of this communication.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tax time 2025 update – 29 July

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Welcome and governance

    The ATO Co-chair welcomed members and ATO attendees to the Tax Practitioner Stewardship Group (TPSG) Tax Time 2025 meeting.

    ATO Updates

    Frontline Services

    It’s been a busy start to the week and so far this tax time we’ve received 3.6 million individual lodgments. Overall, this is a 3% decrease compared to last year. Lodgment numbers for self-preparers have decreased 2%, whilst agent lodged returns are down 6%.

    We’ve received on average around 22,000 calls from agents each week, totalling 89,000. This is 11% down from this time last year.

    Around 21.2 million (or 95%) of Single Touch Payroll (STP) records have been finalised. This is similar to the same time last year.

    Member comments

    A member queried why so many tax agents are calling when they have access to the Online services for agents (OSFA) portal. We advised there could be several drivers for the calls. The key calls we are receiving from agents are primarily regarding payment negotiations and GST. Overall agent calls are on the decline, and this may be attributed to the reduction in calls regarding compromised accounts.

    A member advised the refund requests and Pay As You Go (PAYG) registrations functionality in OSFA has disappeared, which may also be a reason that agents are calling. We agreed to investigate this further.

    IT system updates & maintenance

    Overall, we’ve had good stability, and performance across systems throughout tax time, with a maintenance release successfully deployed over the weekend.

    It was however noted, that at around 8:30am AEST on 29 July 2025, we saw degradation across all online services that required authentication to access. Other services not requiring authentication remained stable. The issue was resolved around 11am AEST.

    Member comments

    A member advised access manager was still having problems and there were also some linking issues. We confirmed both access manager and ABR were having some intermittent issues and our teams were monitoring and addressing the degradation.

    ATO Digital services

    We noted that digital services are operating as intended and there is nothing to report.

    ATO Communications

    We released a statement in the media centre addressing the Four Corners report that aired on 28 July.

    The bill before Parliament to cut student debt by 20% this is not yet law (as at 29 July 2025). We advised that no action is required and there will be communications in the next couple of weeks encouraging agents to lodge as normal. We advised if the law passes, the reduction will be backdated to the student debt balance the individual had on 1 June 2025.

    Assistant Commissioner Sarah Vawser is presenting a Tax Time 2025 segment at next Tuesday’s TPB ‘tax time tips’External Link webinar.

    We’ve issued a taxpayer alert on GST Fraud, with a particular focus on some property and construction industries making false claims. Tax professionals can assist by reporting of any instances they become aware of to the ATO.

    Member comments

    A member queried if there were concerns that the Four Corners story will be seen as a ‘how to’ guide and whether we are expecting an increase in fraudulent claims as a result. We advised there have been a number of changes to strengthen the system since Operation Protego and we’re closely monitoring the situation.

    A member queried whether the communications to agents regarding the bill before Parliament to cut student debt, will be shared with the Content and Communications Working Group first. We advised until the legislation passes, no action can be taken, as this bill belongs to the Department of Education – however we will consider this suggestion.

    Member Insights and Experience

    Member comments

    A member advised that from a tax clinics point of view, they’re receiving a large amount of contact from individuals and small businesses experiencing financial difficulty. The tax clinics are analysing their data from the past 7 years regarding contact received, and what was required to assist. With over 10,000 applications during this time, they believe the data may assist the ATO to provide future educational pieces for vulnerable taxpayers. We advised we would be interested in the findings from their analysis.

    A member raised concerns around a communication issuing through myGov for first time PAYG Instalment receivers. Taxpayers receiving this message do not know what it means, the content seems to be missing the mark, and there is no call to action. We advised we will take the review of this communication as an action item.

    A member noted the Tax Ombudsman has released a report on letters issued by the ATO and agreed with the report, that too often the ATO is writing from a revenue authority focus without providing content the audience can clearly understand. We agreed with and will be implementing the Tax Ombudsman’s recommendations.

    Members agreed to shift the meetings to fortnightly. The next meeting will be Tuesday 12 August.

    Useful links

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01.08.2025 JSC “KAVKAZ.RF” will hold a deposit auction.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    .

    CategoriesEconomics, Mil-SOSI, Moscow, Russia, Russian Economy, Russian Federal, Russian Language, Moscow Exchange, University life /

    Post Navigation

    Archives

    Parameters
    Date of the deposit auction 01.08.2025
    Placement currency Rub
    Maximum amount of funds placed (in placement currency) 600,000,000
    Placement period, days 122
    Date of deposit 08.08.2025
    Refund date 04.12.2025
    Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 16.5
    Conditions of imprisonment, urgent or special Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in placement currency) 600,000,000
    Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1
    Auction form, open or closed Open
    Basis of the Treaty General Agreement
    Schedule (Moscow time)
    Preliminary applications from 10:30 to 10:40
    Applications in competition mode from 10:40 to 10:45
    Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid until 10:55
    Additional terms

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Export – ABB named ExportNZ ASB Exporter of the Year 2025 at ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards – Business Central

    Source: Business Central

    ABB has been named as Exporter of the Year at the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards
    The supreme winner was crowned in Hawke’s Bay at the Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Event Centre at a sold-out gala dinner.
    MC Matt Chisholm opened the event – followed by a virtual address from Trade and Investment Minister Hon Todd McClay, in front of a sold-out crowd.
    The longstanding and highly successful awards are presented by ExportNZ in partnership with ASB to reward and recognise the region’s outstanding exporters.
    ASB Head of International Trade Mike Atkins, who presented the Exporter of the Year award, said the quality of entries this year underscored the spirit and purpose of the awards.
    “We uncovered a rock star in ABB while both Starboard Bio and Ovenden Seeds have potential to make a meaningful difference in the world.
    “At ASB, we are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up, be it through working capital funding or other advisory initiatives across clean tech, food & fibre, productivity, and sustainability.
    “Our partnership with ExportNZ in celebrating these awards continues our commitment to the region’s exporters.”
    ASB Exporter of the Year ABB Napier is a largely autonomous company specialising in power systems design in production, says the judges.
    “Originally VecTek in Onekawa, they have retained their engineering skills, and through a strong focus on innovation and quality produced a unique world leading UPS product. All these products are designed, built and tested to exceptional quality right here in Hawke’s Bay.
    “All the winners and finalists are truly exceptional, and we as judges felt spoilt for choice – congratulations to all involved”
    Winners and nominees alike across all categories were celebrated by judges and the audience.
    ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay Regional Manager Amanda Liddle said “It is outstanding to see another cohort of such amazing finalists and winners.
    “Going global is a tough business – more so than ever, but tonight’s exporters show the best of what our region has to offer.
    “Congratulations to ASB Exporter of the Year ABB, who also picked up the Ziwi Excellence in Innovation award, your products and clarity of vision were awe inspiring and the win is well deserved.
    “All of us at ExportNZ would also like to give our special congratulations to Stephen Jacobi, this year’s NZME Service to Export Award winner. Stephen’s tireless advocacy has unlocked many opportunities for New Zealand exporters and businesses the world over, and his tenure on the ExportNZ Advisory Board has been invaluable to the organisation.”
    Winners of each category will now go on to the final stage of the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) International Business Awards, held in Auckland on November 27 th for a night of national celebration and international recognition.
    The full list of winners:
    • 2025  ASB Exporter of the Year: ABB – ABB Napier designs and manufactures innovative solutions to make AI-driven data centres more affordable and energy efficient, addressing AI’s high-power demands. Operating in New Zealand for over 90 years, ABB has invested around $34 million in Napier since 2020 and employs 145 people locally, with plans to expand by up to 50 more as production grows.
    • T&G  Global Best Established Business Award: Starboard Bio – Starboard Bio produces and exports animal-derived pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food ingredients, supplying frozen raw materials and powdered ingredients for encapsulation to the EU and US markets. The company operates with a team passionate about their products, the New Zealand brand, and enhancing value within the NZ red meat industry.
    • ContainerCo  Best Emerging Business: Ovenden Seeds – Ovenden Seeds is a specialist seed multiplication company growing, processing, and exporting herb and vegetable seeds, particularly smaller, hard-to-handle varieties. Seeds are dried, cleaned, and packed at a custom facility near Waipawa. With farms in Hawke’s Bay and grower partners in Canterbury, Ovenden focuses on growth and exports to the UK, EU, and US
    • Judges’  Choice Award: Haumako – Haumako is the Tātau Tātau Trust’s commercial entity and develops and grows horticultural products for the export market. Tātau invests directly in horticulture to further diversify their economy, foster sustainable regional growth, and create valuable local jobs. By expanding the horticulture industry in Wairoa, Tātau encourages better use of Māori-owned land by sharing opportunities, learning, knowledge gained in their own orchards.
    • Ziwi  Excellence in Innovation Award: ABB
    • NZME  Service to Export Award: Stephen Jacobi
    • Napier  Port Unsung Heroes Award: Tamsyn Illston, Natural Pet Foods & Nick Elliot, ABB.
    Notes:
    ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay is overseen by Business Central, which represents around 3,500 organisations across the lower North Island. Business Central offers advice, learning, advocacy, and support to a wide range of organisations across Central New Zealand. Business Central is part of the BusinessNZ Network.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –