NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Delays to the first flights of the day – E-001490/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. According to the rules governing the performance of air navigation service providers, Member States must set out incentives of financial nature for the achievement of binding national performance targets for air traffic control capacity in an effective and proportional manner, both for services to overflights and for services at and around airports.

    Member States also have the obligation to implement penalties for infringements of the regulation by, amongst others, air navigation services providers. National supervisory authorities must enforce necessary corrective measures in the event of non-compliance.

    The Commission does not foresee further regulatory actions beyond those under the scope of Regulation (EU) 2024/2803[1] on the implementation of the Single Sky. The Commission nonetheless underlines that the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C-353/20 Skeyes[2] has recognised a right for airspace users such as airlines to an effective remedy before the national courts against the air traffic services provider for any alleged failures by the latter in fulfilling its obligation to provide services.

    2. The Commission is relaunching the review of the Air Services Regulation[3]. One of the issues being looked at during that review is how to mitigate the impact of disruptions to air traffic control, in particular regarding overflights on air carriers’ freedom to provide services.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2803/oj/eng.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:62020CJ0353.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1008/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Supporting artisans/artists on the Greek islands – E-001701/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    During the period of the economic adjustment programmes (2010-2018), Greece implemented a wide range of fiscal and structural reforms aimed, among others, at improving the efficiency of public finances.

    Among these measures was the gradual elimination of reduced VAT rates for certain economically rich islands in the Cyclades, as part of a broader reform of simplifying the VAT structure, broadening the tax base, and eliminating various exemptions.

    It is noteworthy that the Ionian islands never benefited from reduced VAT rates, while the islands of Leros, Lesvos, Kos, Samos and Chios maintained reduced VAT rates.

    Following Greece’s successful completion of the financial assistance programmes, the country returned to normal economic governance under the European Semester framework.

    As such, decisions on tax policy fall entirely under the competence of the Greek authorities but need to comply with the rules set out in Council Directive (EU) 2022/542.

    The EU continues to provide targeted support to Greek islands through various instruments, including the Cohesion Policy Funds. As announced in the communication on ‘A modernised Cohesion policy:

    The mid-term review’, to support islands in addressing their challenges, the Commission will also launch a consultation on the development of a Strategy for Islands.

    Member States are free to design their tax systems, including how to determine the tax base and tax rates as well as appropriate incentives and tax breaks for taxpayers, as long as they respect primary and secondary EU law.

    Such policies must be designed carefully taking into account effectiveness, fairness, their fiscal impact and with minimal compliance costs.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland, Fletcher, Reintroduce Push To Create Reproductive Health Travel Fund

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), reintroduced the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act to provide grant assistance for those who travel long distances to receive reproductive health care, including abortion care.

    “In 2022, the Supreme Court ripped the promise of equitable access to reproductive medical care away from millions of Americans, and MAGA extremists have spent every day since then trying to enact a national abortion ban,” said Strickland. “Access to safe and legal reproductive health care, including abortion, should be accessible to everyone, but care is too often out of reach for low-income families and women of color across the country. The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act fulfills our responsibility to guarantee reproductive freedom for all women regardless of where they live.”

    “Women and families in Texas and states across our country that have banned abortion are in crisis,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “One way to help people and organizations respond to this crisis is to authorize grants to eligible entities to pay for travel-related expenses and logistical support for women seeking abortion care in states where it is legal. I am glad to partner with Congresswoman Strickland in this effort to ensure that Americans can get the reproductive care they need no matter where they live.”

    The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act will establish a grant program to help community-based organizations and nonprofits provide financial support to those seeking abortion care. Eligible expenses include round-trip travel, lodging, childcare, doula care, and other travel-related expenses.

    Original cosponsors include Adam Smith (WA-09), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Sean Casten (IL-06), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-4), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Emmanuel Cleaver (MO-5) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37). 

    Endorsing organizations include the National Network of Abortion Funds, Northwest Abortion Access Fund, Texas Equal Access, Fund Texas Choice, The Bridge Collective, Reproductive Freedom for All, The National Partnership for Women and Families, Center for Reproductive Rights, Jane’s Due Process, Physicians for Reproductive Health

    Read the full bill text here.

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland, Fletcher, Reintroduce Push To Create Reproductive Health Travel Fund

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), reintroduced the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act to provide grant assistance for those who travel long distances to receive reproductive health care, including abortion care.

    “In 2022, the Supreme Court ripped the promise of equitable access to reproductive medical care away from millions of Americans, and MAGA extremists have spent every day since then trying to enact a national abortion ban,” said Strickland. “Access to safe and legal reproductive health care, including abortion, should be accessible to everyone, but care is too often out of reach for low-income families and women of color across the country. The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act fulfills our responsibility to guarantee reproductive freedom for all women regardless of where they live.”

    “Women and families in Texas and states across our country that have banned abortion are in crisis,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “One way to help people and organizations respond to this crisis is to authorize grants to eligible entities to pay for travel-related expenses and logistical support for women seeking abortion care in states where it is legal. I am glad to partner with Congresswoman Strickland in this effort to ensure that Americans can get the reproductive care they need no matter where they live.”

    The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act will establish a grant program to help community-based organizations and nonprofits provide financial support to those seeking abortion care. Eligible expenses include round-trip travel, lodging, childcare, doula care, and other travel-related expenses.

    Original cosponsors include Adam Smith (WA-09), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Sean Casten (IL-06), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-4), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Emmanuel Cleaver (MO-5) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37). 

    Endorsing organizations include the National Network of Abortion Funds, Northwest Abortion Access Fund, Texas Equal Access, Fund Texas Choice, The Bridge Collective, Reproductive Freedom for All, The National Partnership for Women and Families, Center for Reproductive Rights, Jane’s Due Process, Physicians for Reproductive Health

    Read the full bill text here.

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Wright Renews the National Coal Council to Strengthen Our National and Economic Security

    Source: US Department of Energy

    U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is advancing President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to reinvigorating America’s coal industry by renewing the charter for the National Coal Council (NCC), a Federal Advisory Committee that was terminated during the Biden administration. This follows the President’s April 2025 Executive Order, calling for America to take aggressive action on coal. The coal industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and adds tens of billions to the U.S. economy each year.

    Coal production has long been the backbone of American energy prosperity, ensuring affordable and reliable power. As electricity demand surges, driven by manufacturing growth and the expanding needs of artificial intelligence and data centers, the NCC will provide critical guidance on coal’s role in strengthening the U.S. energy landscape.

    Coal is also an abundant source of the important materials necessary for American industry. Coal is a critical material—necessary to make steel and its combustion byproducts are used to build our roads and homes and fertilize our crops. Importantly, as we seek to counter our industrial dependence on foreign sources of minerals, there is also a growing realization that coal and its byproducts will help secure domestic production of many of the most critical minerals necessary for modern life.   

    Established in 1984, the principal activity of the NCC is to prepare reports for the Secretary of Energy. The NCC activities include providing advice on:

    • Federal policies that directly or indirectly affect the production, marketing, and use of coal;
    • Plans, priorities, and strategies to address more effectively the technological, regulatory, and economic impact of issues relating to coal production and use;
    • The appropriate balance among various elements of Federal coal-related programs;
    • Scientific and engineering aspects of coal technologies, including emerging coal conversion, utilization, or environmental control concepts; and
    • The progress of coal research, development, demonstration, and commercial application. 

    Now that the charter has been published, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will begin the process of selecting and vetting prospective members of the committee. The NCC will be comprised of experts from industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, among others, bringing together a well-balanced representation from communities across the country to provide recommendations to Secretary Wright on the topics of coal policy, technology, and markets. 

    Once the Secretary approves the committee members, DOE will announce and hold an initial meeting, during which a committee chair and vice chair will be elected. 

    For more information, visit the NCC website and read the Federal Register notice here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Reject Sen. Markey Effort to Protect Rural Hospitals from Republican Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Over 300 Rural Hospitals at Disproportionate Risk of Closure, Conversion, or Service Reductions Due to GOP Cuts

    Watch: Senator Markey forces vote on Senate floor

    Washington (June 30, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, today forced a vote on a motion to cut any provision of Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that would make it more likely that rural hospitals close or cut services altogether. Republicans overwhelmingly voted down the amendment from passing. The motion failed by a vote of 49-51.

    Earlier this month, Senator Markey released a list of more than 300 rural hospitals across the United States at disproportionate risk of closure, conversion, or service reductions due to proposed health care cuts in the bill. Republicans are proposing over $1.6 trillion in draconian spending cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, the Affordable Care Act, and SNAP to pay for tax cuts for people with incomes over $500,0000. These cuts include $930 billion to Medicaid, $500 billion to Medicare, and $300 billion to the Affordable Care Act. 

    Below is an excerpt from Senator Markey’s remarks on the Senate floor.

    “A few weeks ago, I released a list of more than 300 rural hospitals across the country at risk of closing or stopping services because of ANY major cuts to Medicaid or Medicare. Today, that’s what Republicans are guaranteeing with the $1 trillion cut to our health care system they would create with this bill.

    “My Republican colleagues know these risks are real, which is why they’ve tried to create a so-called Medicaid Cuts Replacement Fund that is just a fraction of what they’re taking from Americans’ health care to give to billionaires. This Fund is like giving aspirin to a cancer patient. It is pathetically insufficient.

    “No billionaire tax break or Donald Trump pat on the back is worth the risk to people’s lives and livelihoods. Stop these cuts.”

    Previously, Senator Markey, along with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y), Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, released detailed data from the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill concluding that Republican health care cuts in the House Republican-passed bill could place over 300 rural hospitals across the U.S. at disproportionate risk of closure, conversion, or service reductions. This includes 33 hospitals in Louisiana, 35 hospitals in Kentucky, and 21 hospitals in Oklahoma.

    In the face of these Republican cuts, a majority of adults living in rural areas are concerned that health care cuts will “negatively impact hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care providers in [their] community.” Rural hospitals are struggling; in 2023, there were 50 fewer rural hospitals than in 2017, and a lack of health care access in rural America is contributing to worse health outcomes. Faced with additional cuts to their revenue, many rural hospitals may be forced to stop providing certain services, including obstetric, mental health, and emergency room care, convert to clinics or standalone emergency centers, or close altogether. Rural hospitals are often the largest employers in rural communities, and when a rural hospital closes or scales back their services, communities are not only forced to grapple with losing access to health care, but also with job loss and the resulting financial insecurity.

    The 338 rural hospitals at-risk of reducing service lines, converting to a different type of health care facility, or closing include:

    Alaska

    Providence Valdez Medical Center

    Providence Seward Medical & Care Cen

    Prov. Kodiak Island Medical Center

    Cordova Community Medical Center

    Ketchikan Medical Center

    Alabama

    Community Hospital Inc.

    Marion Regional Medical Center

    Lawrence Medical Center

    Bullock County Hospital

    Hill Hospital of Sumter County

    Arkansas

    Wadley Medical Center at Hope

    Arizona

    Page Hospital

    Winslow Memorial Hospital

    Copper Queen Community Hospital

    Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital

    Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center

    California

    Adventist Health St. Helena

    Mad River Community Hospital

    Oroville Hospital

    St. Elizabeth Community Hospital

    Adventist Health Reedley

    Hi – Desert Medical Center

    Barstow Community Hospital

    Adventist Health Ukiah Valley

    Pioneers Mem. Hospital

    Memorial Hospital – Los Banos

    Eastern Plumas Health Care

    Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley

    Southern Inyo Hospital

    John C. Fremont Healthcare District

    Mayers Memorial Hospital

    Jerold Phelps Community Hospital

    Biggs-Gridley Memorial Hospital

    Mountains Community Hospital

    Kern Valley Healthcare District

    Trinity Hospital

    Fairchild Medical Center

    Adventist Health Clearlake

    Sutter Lakeside Hospital

    Modoc Medical Center

    Bear Valley Community Hospital

    Mee Memorial Hospital

    Hazel Hawkins Mem. Hospital

    Coalinga Regional Medical Center

    Colorado

    Delta County Memorial Hospital

    Conejos County Hospital

    Grand River Hospital District

    Prowers Medical Center

    Southwest Memorial Hospital

    Arkansas Valley Regional Med Center

    Connecticut

    Sharon Hospital

    Delaware

    Nanticoke Memorial Hospital

    Florida

    Lakeside Medical Center

    Georgia

    Washington Co Reg Med Center

    Irwin County Hospital

    Fannin Regional Hospital

    Flint River Community Hospital

    Hawaii

    Kau Hospital

    Kohala Hospital

    Molokai General Hospital

    Lanai Community Hospital

    Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital

    Hale Hoola Hamakua

    Iowa

    MercyOne – Newton Medical Center

    Manning Regional Healthcare Center

    Idaho

    Power County Hospital District

    St. Lukes Jerome Ltd

    Cassia Regional Hospital

    Illinois

    Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital

    OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center

    Richland Memorial Hospital

    Harrisburg Medical Center Inc.

    Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital

    Franklin Hospital

    Massac Memorial Hospital

    Hardin County General Hospital

    Crawford Memorial Hospital

    Indiana

    Daviess Community Hospital

    Memorial Hospital Logansport

    Community Hospital of Bremen Inc.

    Ascension St. Vincent Randolph

    Ascension St. Vincent Jennings

    Ascension St. Vincent Clay

    Ascension St Vincent Salem

    IU Health Jay Hospital

    Franciscan Health Rensselaer

    Sullivan County Community Hospital

    Adams Memorial Hospital

    Harrison County Hospital

    Kansas

    Centura Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital

    UKHS Great Bend Campus

    Kiowa County Memorial Hospital

    Rush County Memorial Hospital

    Norton County Hospital

    Great Plains of Smith County, Inc.

    Kentucky

    Whitesburg ARH

    Highlands Regional Medical Center

    UofL Health-Shelbyville

    T.J. Samson Community Hospital

    St. Claire Medical Center

    Middlesboro ARH

    Spring View Hospital

    AdventHealth Manchester

    Bourbon Community Hospital

    Harlan ARH

    Deaconess Henderson Hospital

    Saint Joseph Mount Sterling

    Tug Valley ARH

    Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical

    Baptist Health Corbin

    Clark Regional Medical Center

    Baptist Health Madisonville

    The Medical Center of Albany

    Three Rivers Medical Center

    Kentucky River Medical Center

    TJ Health Columbia

    Pineville Community Health Center

    Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital

    Our Lady of The Way

    Casey County Hospital

    Carroll County Memorial Hosp

    The Medical Center at Caverna

    Fort Logan Hospital

    Mary Breckinridge Hospital

    Jane Todd Crawford Hospital

    Barbourville ARH Hospital

    Saint Joseph Berea

    Russell County Hospital

    McDowell ARH

    Fleming County Hospital

    Louisiana

    Ochsner St. Mary

    Savoy Medical Management Group Inc.

    Iberia Medical Center

    West Carroll Health Systems LLC

    North Louisiana Medical Center

    Winn Parish Medical Center

    Avoyelles Hospital

    Oakdale Community Hospital

    Morehouse General Hospital

    Desoto Regional Health System

    Allen Parish Hospital

    Franklin Medical Center

    Minden Medical Center

    Richland Parish Hospital Service District 1-B

    Byrd Regional Hospital

    Mercy Regional Medical Center

    Citizens Medical Center

    Caldwell Memorial Hospital

    East Carroll Parish Hospital

    Sabine Medical Center

    Our Lady of The Angels Hospital Mc

    Southeast Regional Medical Center

    Acadian Medical Center

    St. Helena Parish Hospital

    Union General Hospital Inc.

    West Feliciana Parish Hospital

    West Ascension Parish Hospital

    Hood Memorial Hospital

    Franklin Foundation Hospital

    Christus Coushatta Health Care Center

    Madison Parish Hospital

    Trinity Medical

    Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center

    Massachusetts

    Baystate Franklin Medical Center

    Maine

    The Aroostook Medical Center

    Maine Coast Memorial Hospital

    Michigan

    Mclaren Central Michigan

    Carson City Hospital

    Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital

    Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital

    Minnesota

    Range Regional Health Services

    Mayo Clinic Health System-Fairmont

    Missouri

    Bothwell Regional Health Center

    Scotland County Memorial Hospital

    Parkland Health Center – Bonne Terre

    Lafayette Regional Health Center

    Mississippi

    Alliance Healthcare System

    Delta Health-Northwest Regional

    Baptist Mem Hospital Booneville

    Greenwood Leflore Hospital

    Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center

    Highland Community Hospital

    Panola Medical Center

    Baptist Medical Center – Yazoo

    Montana

    Northeast Montana Healthcare-Poplar

    Prairie Community Hospital

    Garfield Co. Health Center

    Logan Health Cutbank

    Big Horn Hospital

    Northeast Montana Health Services

    Providence St Joseph Medical Center

    Big Sky Medical Center

    North Carolina

    UNC Rockingham Hospital

    Person Memorial Hospital Inc.

    Chatham Hospital Inc.

    MH Angel Medical Center LLLP

    Blue Ridge Regional Hospital

    North Dakota

    Nelson County Health System-Hospital

    Presentation Medical Center

    Mercy Hospital

    Nebraska

    Avera Creighton Hospital

    Ogallala Community Hospital

    New Hampshire

    Cheshire Medical Center

    New Mexico

    Alta Vista Regional Hospital

    Eastern New Mexico Medical Center

    Espanola Hospital

    Plains Regional Medical Center – Clovis

    Rehoboth Mckinley Christian Hospital

    Carlsbad Medical Center

    Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital

    Roosevelt General Hospital

    Lovelace Regional Hospital-Roswell

    Socorro General Hospital

    Dr. Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital

    Lincoln County Medical Center

    Miner Of Colfax Medical Center

    Mimbres Memorial Hospital

    Holy Cross Hospital

    Nevada

    Battle Mountain General Hospital

    Humboldt General Hospital

    New York

    Wyoming County Community Hospital

    Newark Wayne Community Hospital

    Geneva General Hospital

    Bon Secours Community Hospital

    Westfield Memorial Hospital

    Claxton Hepburn Medical Center

    Massena Memorial Hospital

    Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills

    Clifton-Fine Hospital

    Gouverneur Hospital

    Lewis County General Hospital

    Ohio

    Southern Ohio Medical Center

    Wayne Hospital Company

    East Liverpool City Hospital

    Coshocton Regional Medical Center

    Twin City Hospital

    Harrison Community Hospital

    Bucyrus Community Hospital

    Holzer Medical Center Jackson

    Galion Community Hospital

    Adams County Regional Medical Center

    Fayette County Memorial Hosp

    Oklahoma

    Integris Miami Hospital

    Blackwell Regional Hospital

    McAlester Regional Health Center

    Hillcrest Hospital Cushing

    Choctaw Memorial Hospital

    Sequoyah County City of Sallisaw Hos

    Integris Grove Hospital

    Perry Memorial Hospital

    Wagoner Hospital Authority

    Adair County Health Center

    Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta

    Lindsay Municipal Hospital Authority

    Mercy Hospital Watonga

    Mercy Hospital Tishomingo

    Mercy Health/Love County

    Mercy Hospital Healdton Inc.

    Cleveland Area Hospital

    Carnegie Tri-County Municipal Hospital

    Haskell Regional Hospital

    Harmon Memorial Hospital

    Memorial Hospital of Texas County

    Oregon

    Silverton Hospital

    Providence Seaside Hospital

    St Charles Madras

    Good Shepherd Medical Center

    Pennsylvania

    UPMC Jameson

    UPMC Northwest Hospital

    UPMC Kane

    UPMC Horizon Hospital

    Highlands Hospital

    South Carolina

    Oconee Memorial Hospital

    MUSC Health Chester Medical Center

    MUSC Health Marion Medical Center

    The Regional Medical Center

    Abbeville Area Medical Center

    South Dakota

    Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center

    Bennett County Hospital

    Tennessee

    Unicoi County Hospital

    Wayne Medical Center

    Baptist Mem Hospital Huntingdon

    West Tn Healthcare Volunteer Hospital

    Dyersburg Regional Medical Center

    St Thomas Dekalb Hospital

    Saint Thomas Highland Hospital

    Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital

    Saint Thomas Stones River Hospital

    Texas

    Anson General Hospital

    Ascension Seton Smithville

    Val Verde Regional Medical Center

    Falls Community Hospital and Clinic

    Covenant Hospital Plainview

    Scenic Mountain Medical Center

    El Campo Memorial Hospital

    Covenant Hospital Levelland

    North Runnels Hospital District

    Palacios Community Medical Center

    Haskell Memorial Hospital

    Mitchell County Hospital

    TMC Bonham Hospital

    Mid Coast Medical Center-Central

    Baylor Scott & White – Marble Falls

    Utah

    Fillmore Community Hospital

    Blue Mountain Hospital

    Beaver Valley Hospital

    Virginia

    Southampton Memorial Hospital

    Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center

    Community Memorial Hospital

    Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital

    Rappahannock General Hospital

    Lee County Community Hospital

    Washington:

    Samaritan Hospital

    Toppenish Community Hospital

    Summit Pacific Medical Center

    Odessa Memorial Hospital

    Coulee Medical Center

    Providence St Joseph’s Hospital

    Prosser Memorial Health

    Klickitat Valley Health

    Othello Community Hospital

    Three Rivers Hospital

    Forks Community Hospital

    Mid-Valley Hospital

    Astria Sunnyside Hospital

    Mason General Hospital

    Wisconsin:

    Holy Family Memorial Inc.

    MCHS Oakridge

    Aspirus Stanley Hospital

    West Virginia:

    Logan Regional Medical Center

    Welch Community Hospital

    Broaddus Hospital Association

    Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center

    Grafton City Hospital

    Montgomery General Hospital

    Jackson General Hospital

    Wyoming

    Summit Medical Center LLC

    Platte County Memorial Hospital

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy: Nobody Is Asking for 16 Million People to Lose Their Health Care Just So the Corporations and the Very Rich Can Get a New Tax Cut

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to discuss Senate Republicans’ efforts to ram through a bill that kicks millions of Americans off their health care in the dead of night, the Trump administration’s lawless immigration policies and the Supreme Court’s enabling of his abuse of power, and the lessons Democrats can learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win the New York mayoral primary.

    Murphy highlighted how deeply unpopular the Republican reconciliation bill is: “By almost a two-to-one margin, the American people hate this piece of legislation because it’s going to represent the biggest transfer of wealth and money from the poor and middle class to the rich in the history of the country. It’s not about efficiencies in Medicaid. CBO – which is the Congressional Budget Office, non-partisan – says it’s going to kick between 10 and 15 million people off their health care, and for what? To be able to afford a new $270,000 tax cut for the richest families in the country. New tax cuts for corporations. New tax cuts for billionaires. This bill stinks. It’s a moral abomination. Everybody that learns about it hates it, and so there’s a chance that it won’t pass. That’s in part why we’re forcing them to read it, because every single day that people learn about it, they are flooding their members’ offices with calls to tell them to stop this bill. Nobody is asking for 16 million people to lose their health care just so the corporations and the very rich can get a new tax cut. That’s super unpopular, and we’re going to work this thing until the final vote.”

    Murphy slammed the Trump administration for its blatant disregard for immigration laws: “They are acting in a lawless manner every single day. They are not focusing on dangerous people. They are literally going to Home Depots. They are busting into people’s private homes. They are targeting Latinos all over the country, whether they are undocumented or not. This isn’t about trying to keep the country safer. This is about trying to make this country scared of folks who speak a different language or come from a different place…This is becoming a lawless administration. We are on a road to seeing our democracy atrophy to the point that it will be unrecognizable, and the border is just one example of many ways in which this administration doesn’t care about the law anymore.”

    On the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Murphy said: “Both the Constitution and the law is clear: if you’re born in the United States of America, you’re a US citizen. But now, because there’s no longer going to be a federal policy, it’s going to be different in every state. A child born in Connecticut will be a citizen, but that same child, if they were born in Oklahoma, might not be. That’s chaos. By taking away the power of courts to restrain the President when he is clearly acting in an unlawful manner, as he is when he says that children born in the United States are no longer citizens, you are assisting him in trying to undermine the rule of law and undermine our democracy. So that case is really dangerous because it sets up a patchwork of citizenship laws, but it’s really dangerous because it will incentivize the president to act in a lawless manner. Because now only the Supreme Court, who can only take a handful of cases a year, can ever stop him from violating the laws of the Constitution.”

    Murphy urged the Democratic Party to learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York mayoral primary: “He was laser-like focused on the issue of costs. He was laser-like focused on the issue of transferring power from people who have way too much of it, like the big real estate companies that jack up everybody’s rent in New York, and putting that power in the hands of regular citizens. He was authentic, right? I mean, yeah, he’s got some views that are a little bit out of the conventional mainstream. But you know what? The traditional political pundits have no idea what’s actually mainstream in this country. And when you’re talking about costs, when you’re talking about de-rigging the economy every single day, when you’re presenting big, bold ideas on how to do that, you’re going to do pretty well in elections. And so Democrats should learn from his victory.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy on Meet the Press: Nobody Is Asking for 16 Million People to Lose Their Health Care Just So the Corporations and the Very Rich Can Get a New Tax Cut

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to discuss Senate Republicans’ efforts to ram through a bill that kicks millions of Americans off their health care in the dead of night, the Trump administration’s lawless immigration policies and the Supreme Court’s enabling of his abuse of power, and the lessons Democrats can learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win the New York mayoral primary.

    Murphy highlighted how deeply unpopular the Republican reconciliation bill is: “By almost a two-to-one margin, the American people hate this piece of legislation because it’s going to represent the biggest transfer of wealth and money from the poor and middle class to the rich in the history of the country. It’s not about efficiencies in Medicaid. CBO – which is the Congressional Budget Office, non-partisan – says it’s going to kick between 10 and 15 million people off their health care, and for what? To be able to afford a new $270,000 tax cut for the richest families in the country. New tax cuts for corporations. New tax cuts for billionaires. This bill stinks. It’s a moral abomination. Everybody that learns about it hates it, and so there’s a chance that it won’t pass. That’s in part why we’re forcing them to read it, because every single day that people learn about it, they are flooding their members’ offices with calls to tell them to stop this bill. Nobody is asking for 16 million people to lose their health care just so the corporations and the very rich can get a new tax cut. That’s super unpopular, and we’re going to work this thing until the final vote.”

    Murphy slammed the Trump administration for its blatant disregard for immigration laws: “They are acting in a lawless manner every single day. They are not focusing on dangerous people. They are literally going to Home Depots. They are busting into people’s private homes. They are targeting Latinos all over the country, whether they are undocumented or not. This isn’t about trying to keep the country safer. This is about trying to make this country scared of folks who speak a different language or come from a different place…This is becoming a lawless administration. We are on a road to seeing our democracy atrophy to the point that it will be unrecognizable, and the border is just one example of many ways in which this administration doesn’t care about the law anymore.”

    On the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Murphy said: “Both the Constitution and the law is clear: if you’re born in the United States of America, you’re a US citizen. But now, because there’s no longer going to be a federal policy, it’s going to be different in every state. A child born in Connecticut will be a citizen, but that same child, if they were born in Oklahoma, might not be. That’s chaos. By taking away the power of courts to restrain the President when he is clearly acting in an unlawful manner, as he is when he says that children born in the United States are no longer citizens, you are assisting him in trying to undermine the rule of law and undermine our democracy. So that case is really dangerous because it sets up a patchwork of citizenship laws, but it’s really dangerous because it will incentivize the president to act in a lawless manner. Because now only the Supreme Court, who can only take a handful of cases a year, can ever stop him from violating the laws of the Constitution.”

    Murphy urged the Democratic Party to learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York mayoral primary: “He was laser-like focused on the issue of costs. He was laser-like focused on the issue of transferring power from people who have way too much of it, like the big real estate companies that jack up everybody’s rent in New York, and putting that power in the hands of regular citizens. He was authentic, right? I mean, yeah, he’s got some views that are a little bit out of the conventional mainstream. But you know what? The traditional political pundits have no idea what’s actually mainstream in this country. And when you’re talking about costs, when you’re talking about de-rigging the economy every single day, when you’re presenting big, bold ideas on how to do that, you’re going to do pretty well in elections. And so Democrats should learn from his victory.”

    Click Here to Watch Murphy’s Full Interview

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Anand announces funding to promote Indigenous voices on the world stage

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 30, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Global Affairs Canada will provide $3 million to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to support their work with Indigenous Peoples to promote Indigenous voices internationally.

    This funding will support the Indigenous Fellowship Program and the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples. Through these initiatives, Indigenous leaders will receive training, mentorship, and financial support to help them engage effectively with UN human rights mechanisms and to strengthen their ability to advocate within the UN.

    By promoting Indigenous voices in international decision making, these initiatives strengthen the ability of Indigenous leaders to advocate for Indigenous rights, hold states accountable and influence policies that impact Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Minister Anand announces funding to promote Indigenous voices on the world stage

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Global Affairs Canada will provide $3 million to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the following project.

    Project: Indigenous Fellowship Program and UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples

    Funding amount: $3 million

    This project supports Indigenous representatives in strengthening their advocacy skills and participation in international decision-making processes. Through the Indigenous Fellowship Program and the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous leaders will receive training, mentorship and financial support to engage effectively with UN human rights mechanisms.

    The project includes participation from 90 Indigenous representatives, including women, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTIQ+ individuals, and will enhance their advocacy and leadership skills through training and leadership development. Additionally, at least 160 Indigenous representatives will participate in UN forums, including the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. An Indigenous alumni network will be established to share knowledge and experiences globally and a digital platform will be created to support training, engagement and long-term advocacy efforts.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller-Meeks Joins Army Secretary Driscoll at Rock Island Arsenal

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-02)

    Davenport, IA – Today, U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) joined Secretary of the Army Driscoll for a site visit and mission briefing at the Rock Island Arsenal, one of the nation’s most critical logistics and manufacturing hubs.

    “Rock Island Arsenal has always been a pillar of strength for our national defense and the Quad Cities region,” said Miller-Meeks. “As a 24-year Army veteran, it was an honor to join Secretary Driscoll today and hear directly from the dedicated men and women who keep this installation running. I remain committed to protecting the Arsenal, supporting its workforce, and ensuring it continues to serve our nation for generations to come.”

    During the visit, Miller-Meeks and Secretary Driscoll toured the installation’s manufacturing operations, met with Army personnel and civilian employees, and discussed how provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, like full expensing, can modernize the Arsenal’s equipment production capabilities and drive innovation in defense manufacturing.

    Background:

    This visit follows Miller-Meeks’ April 25, 2025 letter to Secretary Driscoll urging him to protect Rock Island Arsenal amid reports of a potential reduction in force due to a consolidation of Joint Munitions Command (JMC) and Army Sustainment Command (ASC). In the letter, Miller-Meeks emphasized that Rock Island Arsenal is not only essential to America’s military readiness but also a cornerstone of the Quad Cities economy.

    According to the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, Rock Island Arsenal supports more than 15,000 jobs and contributes over $1.2 billion annually to the regional economy. The installation provides command support to the Army Contracting Command, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and plays a unique role in advanced manufacturing, including 3-D printed parts for troops deployed abroad.

    Miller-Meeks, who serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has been a consistent advocate for protecting and strengthening Rock Island Arsenal through the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Nearly half of Arsenal employees live in Iowa, and many are veterans continuing to serve their country in civilian roles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Hydrogen Growth, Water Risk – Can Africa Balance Both?

    Free Live Webinar Hosted by ESI Africa
    Reserve My Seat Now (https://apo-opa.co/45OsWDH)

    As Africa positions itself to lead in the green hydrogen economy, one vital resource sits at the centre of this transformation: water.

    Green hydrogen production via electrolysis requires large quantities of water — a pressing challenge on a continent where water scarcity already threatens communities, agriculture, and industry.

    Join ESI Africa for a live webinar unpacking the complex connection between hydrogen development and water resource management across Africa. This session will explore the opportunities, trade-offs, and innovations shaping the continent’s sustainable hydrogen future.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • The water intensity of green hydrogen — and what it means for Africa
    • Technologies enabling hydrogen production with minimal freshwater use
    • Planning and policy tools to align hydrogen development with water sustainability
    • Africa’s potential to lead a balanced, green hydrogen economy

    Secure your seat now – space is limited (https://apo-opa.co/45OsWDH)

    Why Attend?

    This is a critical conversation for energy planners, water authorities, hydrogen developers, policymakers, and anyone working at the intersection of Africa’s energy and environmental future. Learn how Africa can scale hydrogen without compromising water security.

    Date: 24 July 2025
    Time: 14:00–15:00 (SAST)
    Format: Free Virtual Webinar
    Registration Link: https://apo-opa.co/45OsWDH

    Readers can also read more about the webinar here: https://apo-opa.co/4nsa2J3

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Asks Defense Contractors to Explain Lobbying for Tax Breaks in “Big, Beautiful Bill” at Expense of American Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 30, 2025

    Massively profitable contractors are pushing for retroactive tax break for investments already made as Congressional Republicans slash health care and food assistance for working families

    Text of Letter to Northrop Grumman (PDF) | Text of Letter to Lockheed Martin (PDF)

    Text of Letter to RTX Corporation (PDF) | Text of Letter to General Dynamics (PDF) 

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance and Senate Armed Services Committees, wrote to Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, RTX Corporation, and General Dynamics, pressing them to explain their lobbying for retroactive tax breaks in Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” at the expense of working families—while already raking in huge profits. 

    In President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), Congressional Republicans changed the Research and Experimentation (R&E) deduction so that companies could no longer deduct the full cost of R&E expenses the year they are made. Instead, starting in 2022, companies had to write off these expenses  over five or fifteen years.  

    Now, these wealthy companies are lobbying to bring full expensing back into the tax code, and Congressional Republicans are delivering. Alongside deep cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act that will cause 16 million Americans to lose their health care coverage, the Republican tax bill passed by the House of Representatives last month includes a return to same-year R&E expensing. The Senate’s proposed text of the “Big, Beautiful Bill” goes even further and includes allows R&E expensing all the way back to 2022.

    “These retroactive benefits cannot incentivize investments that have already been made – they are simply a handout to corporations for past investments. This outrageous [handout] is an insult to the millions of Americans facing threats of losing their healthcare coverage to fund tax giveaways to wealthy corporations in the Republican tax bill,” Senator Warren continued. 

    Big corporations claim that the current deduction schedule “significantly limits businesses’ ability” to invest in R&E. However, tax experts have relieved that “[t]here is no evidence that spreading out the cost of (R&E) deductions have any effect on corporations’ decision to invest in research.” 

    In fact, Lockheed Martin’s 2021 assessment of the expiration of R&E expensing determined that the financial impact on the company would “be immaterial by 2027.”

    “[G]iant, wealthy corporations do not need even larger tax breaks, especially if they come at the expense of middle-class families,” wrote Senator Warren. 

    If R&E expensing is restored, these defense contractors are set to be gifted billions in deductions (nearly $1 billion for Northrop Grumman and $500 million for Lockheed Martin) for past years’ R&E investments, all at the expense of Americans’ health care, education, food assistance, and more. 

    Senator Warren asked the companies to provide clarity on how much they would save on their taxes in 2025 if this tax break is approved and how it would affect their outlook for stock buybacks and executive compensation by July 6, 2025. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Microsoft Flight Simulator: City Update 11 spotlights US Northeast states

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft Flight Simulator: City Update 11 spotlights US Northeast states

    Plymouth: The Mayflower Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in 1620, making it one of the most important historical sites in the United States. Called “America’s Hometown,” Plymouth is located 40 miles south of Boston and is the oldest settlement in New England.

    New Jersey

    Northeastern New Jersey: Cities include Newark, Hackensack, and Paterson, all of which are members of the greater New York metropolitan area. Newark, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is renowned for its contribution to the industrial development of the country and as a modern transportation hub. Hackensack is known for its historical importance during the American Revolution where George Washington established a headquarters. Paterson became a key location in the Industrial Revolution due to the energy supplied by the Great Falls of the Passaic River, around which the city was initially constructed.

    Central Jersey: This AOI focuses on cities in the eastern portion of Central Jersey, including Elizabeth, New Brunswick, and Edison. Elizabeth was the first capital of New Jersey and is one of the state’s oldest cities. New Brunswick played an important role in the American Revolution and is an important university center. Edison (originally called Raritan Township) was named after famed American inventor Thomas Edison who established his research laboratory in the area and created several important innovations, including the incandescent light bulb and the phonograph.

    New York

    Brooklyn: Located on the western end of Long Island, Brooklyn is the most populous of the five boroughs of New York City. It lies just south of the borough of Queens and is connected to the borough of Manhattan by one tunnel and three bridges that span the East River. Brooklyn offers some of the most stunning views in all of New York City, notably of the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, and lower Manhattan.

    Manhattan: Manhattan is one of the most renowned urban centers in the world. The smallest borough by area of the five boroughs that compose New York City, Manhattan is often cited as the capital of several global industries, including finance, media, and entertainment. Known for its iconic architecture, Manhattan is home to the tallest building in both the United States and the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade Center (1,776 feet tall), and the second tallest in the Nation and the Western Hemisphere, Central Park Tower (1,550 feet tall).

    Long Island’s East End: One of the most beautiful areas in the northeastern United States, Long Island’s East End is renowned for its pastoral landscapes, historic villages, colonial architecture, and maritime vistas. The update includes Southampton, one of the core towns of the well-known Hamptons resort area, and Montauk, the easternmost point in New York State and home to the spectacular Montauk Point Lighthouse.

    Rhode Island

    The update’s Rhode Island AOI covers all major cities in the state, including Providence, Cranston, and Warwick. Providence, established in 1636, is the capital and most populous city in the state. Providence, along with the cities of Cranston and Warwick to its south, are located along the mouth of the Providence River at the northern extremity of Narragansett Bay, which opens to the Atlantic Ocean.

    City Update 11: Northeastern United States is available FREE to all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Ensure that you have the latest simulator version installed (1.38.2.0 for MSFS2020 / 1.3.23.0 for MSFS2024 / 1.3.25.0 for MSFS2024 on Windows PC – Steam as of 06/27/2025), download City Update 11, and take to the skies above the Northeastern United States!

    Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial on Twitter. 

     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Copilot Vision on mobile now available

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Copilot Vision on mobile now available

    Welcome to Microsoft’s Copilot Release Notes. Here we’ll provide regular updates on what’s happening with Copilot, from new features to firmware updates and more. Copilot Vision on mobile now available for free in the US Copilot Vision is now available to try for free in the US on iOS and Android devices. Vision will also be rolling out to all users worldwide in the coming weeks. With Copilot Vision, you can use

    Welcome to Microsoft’s Copilot Release Notes. Here we’ll provide regular updates on what’s happening with Copilot, from new features to firmware updates and more.

    Copilot Vision on mobile now available for free in the US

    Copilot Vision is now available to try for free in the US on iOS and Android devices. Vision will also be rolling out to all users worldwide in the coming weeks. With Copilot Vision, you can use your phone’s camera to show Copilot what you’re seeing—and get real-time help, guidance, or conversation, just like you would with a friend. 

    Whether you’re: 

    • Exploring a new city 
    • Rearranging your living room decor 
    • Navigating a confusing airport terminal 
    • Trying to identify a strange object 
    • Or just asking, “Does this setup look right?” 

    Please note that you must be signed in to Copilot with a Microsoft account (MSA) to use the Vision features on your Copilot mobile app.  

    Copilot Vision on Windows is here 

    We’re also excited to share that Copilot Vision on Windows is now available in the US and coming to more non-European countries by mid-July. When enabled, Copilot can see what you see on your screen and offer helpful, voice-guided support—whether you’re working across apps, browsing the web, or navigating a tricky task. 

    Need help finding an app? Want tips while editing a photo? Trying to understand a form or complete a task in a new tool? Copilot Vision can follow along, offer insights, and even highlight exactly where to click with Highlights, all while you stay in control. 

    Copilot Vision is fully opt-in and only activates when you choose to turn it on. You can start or stop sharing at any time with a single click.  

    Learn more in the official blog post.

    Deep Research now in the Copilot app on Windows 

    Copilot Pro users can now access Deep Research directly from the Copilot app on Windows, the mobile app, and on Copilot.com. This powerful feature helps you tackle complex, multi-step research tasks by finding, analyzing, and synthesizing information from across the web, potentially saving you hours of work in the process. 

    Copilot Actions expands to more countries 

    Copilot Actions, our new feature that lets Copilot complete web tasks on your behalf (like booking hotels, placing shopping orders, or making dinner reservations), is now available to Copilot Pro users in the US, along with the following additional countries: 

    • Australia  
    • Canada  
    • Great Britain  
    • India  
    • New Zealand  
    • South Africa  

    Copilot Actions is available on Copilot.com on Windows and Mac. To get started, Pro users can open the dropdown menu in the Copilot composer and select Actions. Visit Copilot.com/Labs to learn more. 

    Cryptocurrency Finance Cards are now live 

    We’ve expanded our Copilot Cards collection with a new category: Cryptocurrency. These interactive cards are now fully rolled out across Copilot.com and bring real-time insights to your crypto-related questions. Here’s what’s new: 

    • Interactive Charts: Real-time 24-hour data, just like our current finance cards. 
    • Detailed Dashboards: View performance summaries, related news, and other trending cryptocurrencies. 
    • Expanded Support: Now covers over 100 of the most popular global cryptocurrencies. 
    • Local Currency Support: Ask for prices in your local currency such as “Bitcoin in CAD” or “Solana in INR.” 

    This update builds on the cards we recently introduced for Sports, Videos, Weather, and Stocks, giving you quick, visual answers across a growing range of topics. Crypto cards are available on web, with mobile and Windows support rolling out in the coming weeks. 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First-Ever Master Plan for Aging Final Report Released

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today released the Final Report for New York’s first-ever Master Plan for Aging (MPA). The MPA Final Report contains more than 100 proposals directed towards all levels of government, the social sector and private enterprise, all with the aim of helping individuals age with dignity, independence and the support they need and deserve to thrive.

    “Every New Yorker should be able to age with dignity and independence,” Governor Hochul said. “The Master Plan for Aging builds on our ongoing efforts to empower older adults and advance New York’s status as an age-friendly state. I thank the hundreds of stakeholders, state agency staff and partners who worked to develop these proposals and look forward to reviewing the report.”

    The report’s release was accompanied by a newly unveiled MPA website featuring the complete report and a sortable library of its 100-plus proposals, available in multiple languages at https://planforaging.ny.gov/.

    The MPA advances goals outlined in the Governor’s 2022 State of the State Address and Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Executive Budget. It was formally established by Executive Order No. 23, signed in November 2022.

    The Master Plan for Aging, led by the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the New York State Department of State is the product of a collaborative effort with dozens of stakeholders inside and outside of government.

    New York has the fourth-largest population of older adults in the U.S., with 3.2 million individuals – about 16 percent of the population – over age 65. The state’s population of those over the age of 60 is projected to grow to 5.3 million by 2030, with those over 80 years of age exceeding 1.2 million – growing faster than any other age group in some areas of the state. By 2030, older adults will make up 25 to 30 percent of the population in most New York counties.

    New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The Master Plan for Aging was created by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers, so we can age successfully and independently—on our terms—right here in New York.”

    New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, “The final Master Plan for Aging is a true triumph of collective problem-solving. Under the vision of Governor Hochul, the MPA has brought together hundreds of the brightest and most accomplished minds from diverse fields and sectors – all contributing their talent to create this historic roadmap for an age-friendly New York. The Master Plan for Aging outlines over 100 proposals, each holding the promise to make a real difference in the lives of individuals as they age. Just as importantly, this document assesses the potential challenges, opportunities and pathways for action on each proposal, making it both visionary and practical. I applaud Governor Hochul, our state agency partners, the stakeholders and the public for their contributions to this historic outcome for older adults in New York State.”

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to the lives of older New Yorkers is on full display with this comprehensive Master Plan for Aging, which will guide aging policy in the state well into the future. The way we plan and develop our communities has a tremendous impact on the health, safety and quality of life of older New Yorkers. The Department of State was proud to have played a pivotal role in the development of the Master Plan for Aging, with our partners at Department of Health and State Office for the Aging. We stand ready to support the next phase of plan implementation through our planning and development programs, like the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, NY Forward and Smart Growth, which create livable communities for people of all ages and abilities.”

    Hundreds of stakeholders participated in a process of MPA workgroups to develop the MPA Final Report proposals. Organized into eight subcommittees and over 34 workgroups, the stakeholders coalesced around nine overarching pillars, which were:

    • Affordability of Basic Necessities
    • Informal Caregiver and Workforce Support and Modernization of Community-Based Aging Network Service
    • Modernization and Financial Sustainability of Healthcare, Residential Facilities and Community-Based Aging Network Service Providers
    • Prevention, Wellness Promotion and Access
    • Housing Access and Community Development
    • Access to Services in and Engagement with Historically Underserved Communities
    • Social Engagement of Older Adults
    • Combatting Elder Abuse, Ageism, Ableism and Stigma
    • Technology Access and Development

    The MPA builds upon New York’s status as a nation-leader in aging policy, as evidenced by New York’s designation as the first Age-Friendly State in the nation by AARP. This designation recognizes the State’s commitment to addressing “the environmental, economic and social factors that affect the health and well-being of older adults.”

    The 100-plus proposals presented in the MPA Final Report explore multiple approaches that address the built environment and infrastructure, transportation and transit, financing of care and services, recruitment and retention of the long term care workforce, licensing and training, pilot initiatives that can bring together providers and community services, innovations in care and service delivery, public-private partnerships, and many more.

    The MPA process is already having an impact. The FY 2026 Enacted State Budget includes $45 million in additional funds to expand community-based aging services offered through Area Agencies on Aging — a critical priority identified by the MPA. This funding will help to reduce waiting lists for services such as home-delivered meals, assistance from personal care aides for activities of daily living, transportation assistance, home adaptations, case management to assist with person-centered resources, and other community-based supports. Going forward, the MPA provides a range of strategies for state agencies, the Legislature, stakeholders and partners to consider as New York pursues policies, programs and collaborations that will benefit older adults and their families.

    The MPA Final Report builds on the MPA Preliminary Report issued in August of 2023 and Interim Report issued in October of 2024.

    The MPA Council, which is made up of New York State executive agencies, will continue to engage stakeholders from groups and communities across the State and coordinate efforts across state agencies to ensure that policy and programs supporting New York’s aging population are moving forward.

    The Master Plan for Aging Final Report can be found here.

    New York State Department of Health First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eugene Heslin said, “The Master Plan for Aging Process brought together public and private sector stakeholders to discuss the factors that impact aging in our communities. The result is a compendium of suggested strategies to help focus state agencies, the legislature and private partners supporting New Yorkers as they age.”

    State Senator Cordell Cleare said, “The planning process that gave rise to the MPA was truly a grassroots effort and labor of love by those who have dedicated their professional lives to empowering, protecting and prioritizing Older New Yorkers. I look forward to digging into the granular details–but more importantly, I welcome the opportunity to turn this plan into a comprehensive package of legislative solutions backed by permanent and recurring funding.”

    Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright said, “Governor Hochul’s Final Report for the Master Plan for Aging serves as a critical blueprint for advancing affordability, expanding pathways to aging in place and elevating the system of care and quality of life for older New Yorkers. As Chair of Aging and Assembly Member of the largest cohort of older adults in Manhattan, I’m proud to partner with the Governor, Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, Senate Aging Chair Cleare, legislative colleagues, advocates and stakeholders toward ensuring that aging New Yorkers have the equitable and affordable city and state that they deserve, that they have earned.”

    MPA Coalition co-chairs Nora O’Brien-Suric and Bob Blancato said, “We commend Governor Hochul on the release of an historic and holistic Master Plan for Aging. The MPA Coalition is proud to be the largest stakeholder group advocating for the MPA. We now will shift our focus to helping ensure the priority recommendations in the plan are implemented in a timely manner.”

    AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel said, “The Master Plan for Aging has created a valuable opportunity for stakeholders across New York to assess our current systems and propose policies that better support aging New Yorkers now and in the future. Governor Hochul is already making meaningful progress with the historic investment in aging services in the final state budget this year. The real challenge lies ahead as we work together to implement these proposals and turn this visionary plan into reality.”

    Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY) Executive Director Rebecca Preve said, “As a key MPA stakeholder, the Association on Aging in New York contributed at multiple levels in the development of this pioneering roadmap of proposals to support older adults and create opportunities for successful aging in New York State. This process has already yielded game-changing outcomes, including additional funds in this year’s state budget for Area Agencies on Aging to meet locally determined needs for services. We look forward to supporting the MPA’s progress in partnership with stakeholders across sectors.”

    Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc. President and CEO Ann Marie Cook said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for her Executive Order to create a New York State Master Plan for Aging and for her steadfast support of older New Yorkers. The process involved thousands of people – everyone from older adults, to aging service professionals, to family caregivers. The plan creates a critical roadmap to ensure that aging New Yorkers are able to live and thrive in our state. I am proud to have participated in this process and look forward to doing everything I can to implement this historic plan.”

    ARCHANGELS CEO and Co-founder Alexandra Drane said, “All of us do it, whether we realize it or not: we care. In fact, over 40% of us across our nation are showing up in foundational ways for family, friends, neighbors. The intensity of that care is real – and it manifests in all aspects of our health and productivity. New York’s Master Plan for Aging marks a powerful shift: it recognizes this population as the economic backbone of New York State and elevates this often-invisible work as essential infrastructure. Through public-private partnerships like Any Care Counts-NY and the bold, cross-sector ideas in this truly comprehensive plan, New York is turning good intentions into real-world support and impact for caregivers and the people, businesses, and communities who rely on them. ARCHANGELS is honored to continue our long-term partnership with New York in this transformative work – because supporting caregivers isn’t just good policy, it’s smart economics, and it gets to the very heart of an age-friendly New York.”

    ArchCare CEO Scott La Rue said, “Being a stakeholder in the development of the NYS Master Plan for Aging was a truly positive experience. The process was remarkably inclusive, offering multiple avenues for New Yorkers and their representatives to provide invaluable input. This forward-thinking document will undoubtedly guide the state effectively as its population of older adults continues to grow.”

    VNS Health President and CEO Dan Savitt said, “Governor Hochul’s Master Plan for Aging is an essential step forward for New York, responding with deep clarity and vision to the demographic, economic, and health care realities of our time. As the state’s largest home- and community-based care provider, VNS Health is proud to have contributed to the Governor’s bold plan and will work collaboratively with the Administration to harness technology, strengthen partnerships, and expand access to care so that all older New Yorkers are able to age with the dignity, independence and support they deserve.”

    LeadingAge New York President and CEO Sebrina Barrett said, “As the only statewide organization dedicated to the entire continuum of care for older New Yorkers, LeadingAge New York supports the MPA’s comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of older adults. With a growing population of older adults and a shrinking number of working-age caregivers, we need to act swiftly and decisively to ensure access to appropriate services and the necessary workforce to provide them. We welcome the report’s attention to innovative solutions, such as housing with services, and its proposals to address provider regulations and payment rules that limit access and fragment care. We are excited to continue the productive inter-agency and multi-stakeholder collaboration that has arisen from the MPA process, as we work to promote a high-quality continuum of care for older New Yorkers today and in the future.”

    John A. Hartford Foundation President Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN said, “Every New Yorker deserves to age with the support and care they need to maintain their health and well-being, and this statewide plan for aging moves us in the right direction. We applaud everyone involved in the creation of this robust blueprint for action and look forward to working with partners to prioritize and implement the proposed recommendations so that our state’s health systems and all sectors become age-friendly.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ashton Thomas Private Wealth Recognizes InvestmentNews 2025 DEI Trailblazer of the Year Cary Carbonaro

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ashton Thomas Private Wealth (“Ashton Thomas” or the “Company”), an Arax Investment Partners firm, is proud to celebrate Managing Wealth Advisor and Women & Wealth Ambassador Cary Carbonaro, who was named InvestmentNews’ 2025 DEI Trailblazer of the Year.

    This honor recognizes an outstanding trailblazer in the wealth management and financial planning industry who has shown a meaningful commitment and impact on diversity in financial services. Ms. Carbonaro was honored for dedicating her career to supporting female clients and advisors, both with Ashton Thomas and across the broader industry.

    “We’re very proud of Cary,” said Aaron Brodt, Chief Executive Officer of Ashton Thomas. “This national recognition is a testament to the work she has done at Ashton Thomas to foster financial empowerment, share knowledge and uplift women in the financial services industry. Advisors like Cary make our network strong, helping us to effectively serve a diverse range of clients across the country. We appreciate her contributions and look forward to continuing our work together.”

    The annual InvestmentNews Awards recognize top-performing advisors who demonstrate leadership, innovation and transformative results for clients. Final winners were announced on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the InvestmentNews Awards dinner in New York City. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth was honored as an Excellence Awardee in the RIA Firm of the Year category. Lance Knight, Partner, Senior Director and Head of Business Development at Ashton Thomas was honored as an Excellence Awardee in the Excellence in Philanthropy and Community Service category for his work with St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Nevada.

    About Ashton Thomas Private Wealth
    Ashton Thomas is a diversified financial services firm committed to a culture of excellence, integrity, and respect in every aspect of its business. Through its various entities listed below, Ashton Thomas serves foundations, businesses, and affluent individuals and families by providing a range of services which include fee-based financial planning and investment portfolio management, retirement plan consulting, securities brokerage, life and health insurance, and income tax preparation. The firm also strives to remain at the forefront of technological innovation and thought leadership within the financial services industry.

    Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, LLC, (“ATPW”), founded in 2010, is an SEC-registered investment adviser which provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC, (“ATS”) is a dually registered entity. ATS registered with FINRA as a broker-dealer in 1984 and provides securities brokerage services. ATS became an SEC-registered investment adviser in 2008 and provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Insurance Agency, LLC, (“ATIA”) provides life and health insurance brokerage services. ATIA also provides income tax services through its DBA, Ashton Thomas Tax Advisory. Representatives of the entities listed may only conduct business for which they are licensed, if required, and with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered and/or licensed.

    About Arax Investment Partners
    Arax Investment Partners is a rapidly growing boutique wealth management platform making strategic control investments in leading RIAs and elite advisor teams. Founded and led by CEO Haig Ariyan — a seasoned industry executive with a distinguished track record of building and scaling wealth management businesses — Arax empowers its partners to be entrepreneurial and focus on delivering exceptional client service. Firms benefit from a management team with deep M&A expertise, capital sourcing capabilities, and the backing of RedBird Capital Partners. For more information, visit www.araxpartners.com.

    Media Contact:
    Dan Gagnier
    Gagnier Communications
    Arax@gagnierfc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Joint Press Encounter with the President of Spain [scroll down for all-English and all-Spanish]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Querido Pedro Sánchez, Presidente del Gobierno de España quiero agradecerte y agradecer al Gobierno y al pueblo de España por la magnífica organización de esta Conferencia y por la extraordinaria hospitalidad que estamos recibiendo.
     
    España es un pilar del multilateralismo, un socio firme de las Naciones Unidas y un defensor del desarrollo – como demuestra, una vez más, al acoger esta importante conferencia.
     
    España es también una voz líder mundial por la paz – y comprende los profundos vínculos entre el desarrollo y la paz.
     
    At a time of profound global turmoil, we must keep working for peace, for peace in the Middle East.
     
    For an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access as a first step to achieve the two-State solution.
     
    For the ceasefire between Iran and Israel to hold.
     
    For a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions. 
     
    For an end to the horror and bloodshed in Sudan.
     
    We know that sustainable peace requires sustainable development.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen of the media.
     
    As I said in opening the Conference this morning, development is not just about numbers on a page.
     
    It’s about food, health care and education.
     
    It’s about jobs and social protection.
     
    It’s about infrastructure like water systems, internet access and climate-resilient buildings.
     
    It’s about providing equal opportunity for girls and women which moves all societies ahead.
     
    It’s about easing human suffering, and driving progress across every community, large and small.
     
    Development is about people.
     
    And we have collectively made great strides in development in recent decades.
     
    But progress doesn’t happen on its own. 
     
    It takes support and investment.
     
    As we meet, the world is falling behind in its commitments to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
     
    Achieving them will take an investment of more than $4 trillion a year.
     
    And meanwhile, global growth is slowing, trade barriers are rising, and aid budgets are falling.
     
    Developing countries are drowning in debt service payments, which have skyrocketed to $1.4 trillion every year.
     
    And the great enabler of development — international cooperation — is being chipped away by geopolitical mistrust and division.
     
    Now, this Conference is about rebuilding that trust with concrete commitments.
     
    With the adoption of the Sevilla Commitment document, countries are proving their dedication to getting the engine of development revving again:
     
    Through new domestic and global commitments that can channel public and private finance to the areas of greatest need…
     
    By overhauling the world’s approach to debt to make borrowing work in service of sustainable development…
     
    And by reforming the global financial architecture to reflect today’s realities and the urgent needs of developing countries, that must have a much stronger voice and participation in the institutions of this financial architecture.
     
    The Sevilla Platform of Action being launched later today will help us move from words to action.
     
    It contains dozens of new practical initiatives to accelerate funding for development around the world.
     
    This includes the commitment to establish a borrowers forum for countries to learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management and restructuring.
     
    This is one of 11 immediately actionable proposals to help resolve the debt crisis, backed by my group of experts on debt that will be publishing their report.
     
    I look forward to working closely with Member States — including the G20 — to bring this forum to life.
     
    Por encima de todo, Sevilla va de soluciones.
     
    Y de encontrar esas soluciones en un momento de dificultades y división para la familia humana.
     
    Espero que nuestros esfuerzos colectivos aquí en Sevilla puedan inspirar y motivar a los países del mundo a trabajar unidos para resolver otros desafíos globales.
     
    Y una vez más, quiero agradecer al Presidente del Gobierno y al pueblo español por dar la bienvenida al mundo aquí en Sevilla. 
     
    Muchas gracias.

    ****
    [all-English]

    Prime Minister Sánchez, my thanks to you and the government and people of Spain for your tremendous hospitality.

    Dear Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain, I would like to thank you and the Government and people of Spain for the magnificent organization of this Conference and for the extraordinary hospitality we are receiving.

    Spain is a pillar of multilateralism, a steadfast partner of the United Nations, and a champion of development as we see once again in your hosting of this major conference. 

    Spain is also a leading global voice for peace — and understands the deep linkages between development and peace.

    At a time of profound global turmoil, we must keep working for peace, for peace in the Middle East.

    For an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access as a first step to achieve the two-State solution.

    For the ceasefire between Iran and Israel to hold.

    For a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions. 

    For an end to the horror and bloodshed in Sudan.

    We know that sustainable peace requires sustainable development.

    Ladies and gentlemen of the media.

    As I said in opening the Conference this morning, development is not just about numbers on a page.

    It’s about food, health care and education.

    It’s about jobs and social protection.

    It’s about infrastructure like water systems, internet access and climate-resilient buildings.

    It’s about providing equal opportunity for girls and women which moves all societies ahead.

    It’s about easing human suffering, and driving progress across every community, large and small.

    Development is about people.

    And we have collectively made great strides in development in recent decades.

    But progress doesn’t happen on its own. 

    It takes support and investment.

    As we meet, the world is falling behind in its commitments to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Achieving them will take an investment of more than $4 trillion a year.

    Meanwhile, global growth is slowing, trade barriers are rising, and aid budgets are falling.

    Developing countries are drowning in debt service payments, which have skyrocketed to $1.4 trillion every year.

    And the great enabler of development — international cooperation — is being chipped away by geopolitical mistrust and division.

    This Conference is about rebuilding that trust with concrete commitments.

    With the adoption of the Sevilla Commitment document, countries are proving their dedication to getting the engine of development revving again:

    Through new domestic and global commitments that can channel public and private finance to the areas of greatest need…

    By overhauling the world’s approach to debt to make borrowing work in service of sustainable development…

    And by reforming the global financial architecture to reflect today’s realities and the urgent needs of developing countries, that must have a much stronger voice and participation in the institutions of this financial architecture.

    The Sevilla Platform of Action being launched later today will help us move from words to action.

    It contains dozens of new practical initiatives to accelerate funding for development around the world.

    This includes the commitment to establish a borrowers forum for countries to learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management and restructuring.

    This is one of 11 immediately actionable proposals to help resolve the debt crisis, backed by my group of experts on debt that will be publishing their report.

    I look forward to working closely with Member States — including the G20 — to bring this forum to life.

    Above all, Sevilla is about solutions.

    And finding these solutions at a divided and difficult moment for the human family.

    It is my hope that our collective efforts here in Sevilla can inspire and motivate the countries of the world to work as one to solve other global challenges.

    Once again, I’d like to thank Prime Minister Sánchez and the people of Spain for welcoming the world to Sevilla. 

    Thank you.

    *****
    [all-Spanish]

    Querido Pedro Sánchez, Presidente del Gobierno de España quiero agradecerte y agradecer al Gobierno y al pueblo de España por la magnífica organización de esta Conferencia y por la extraordinaria hospitalidad que estamos recibiendo.

    España es un pilar del multilateralismo, un socio firme de las Naciones Unidas y un defensor del desarrollo – como lo demuestra, una vez más, al acoger esta importante conferencia.

    España es también una voz líder mundial por la paz – y comprende los profundos vínculos entre el desarrollo y la paz.

    En estos momentos de profunda agitación mundial, debemos seguir trabajando por la paz, por la paz en Oriente Medio.

    Por un alto el fuego inmediato en Gaza, la liberación inmediata de todos los rehenes y un acceso humanitario sin trabas – como primer paso para lograr la solución de dos Estados.

    Por el mantenimiento del alto el fuego entre Irán e Israel.

    Por una paz justa y duradera en Ucrania, basada en la Carta de las Naciones Unidas, el derecho internacional y las resoluciones de la ONU. 

    Por el fin del horror y el derramamiento de sangre en Sudán.

    Sabemos que una paz sostenible requiere un desarrollo sostenible.

    Señoras y señores de los medios,

    Como he dicho esta mañana al inaugurar la Conferencia, el desarrollo no es solo números en un papel.

    El desarrollo tiene que ver con la alimentación, la atención sanitaria y la educación.

    Con los empleos y la protección social.

    Con las infraestructuras, como los sistemas de abastecimiento de agua, el acceso a Internet y los edificios resistentes al clima.

    Se trata de ofrecer igualdad de oportunidades a las niñas y las mujeres, que tan a menudo son las primeras a quienes se deja atrás.

    Se trata de aliviar el sufrimiento humano e impulsar el progreso en todas las comunidades, tanto grandes como pequeñas.

    El desarrollo se trata de las personas.

    Y colectivamente hemos hecho grandes progresos en materia de desarrollo en las últimas décadas.

    Pero los progresos no se producen por sí solos. 

    Se necesita apoyo e inversión.

    Mientras nos reunimos, el mundo se está quedando a la zaga en sus compromisos de impulsar los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible.

    Para alcanzarlos, hará falta una inversión de más de 4 billones de dólares al año.

    Y mientras tanto, el crecimiento mundial se ralentiza, las barreras comerciales aumentan, y disminuyen los presupuestos para ayuda.

    Los países en desarrollo están ahogados por los pagos de servicio de la deuda, que se han disparado hasta los 1,4 billones de dólares anuales.

    Y la desconfianza y la división geopolíticas están minando el gran motor del desarrollo, que es la cooperación internacional.

    Esta Conferencia trata de reconstruir esa confianza con compromisos concretos.

    Con la adopción del documento del Compromiso de Sevilla, los países están demostrando que quieren volver a acelerar el motor del desarrollo:

    Con nuevos compromisos nacionales y globales que dirijan la financiación pública y privada a las esferas donde es más necesaria…

    Revisando el enfoque global de la deuda para hacer que el endeudamiento esté al servicio del desarrollo sostenible…

    Y reformando la arquitectura financiera mundial para que refleje las realidades actuales y las necesidades urgentes de los países en desarrollo que deben tener una voz y una participación mucho más fuertes en las instituciones de esta arquitectura financiera.

    La Plataforma de Acción de Sevilla, que se pondrá en marcha hoy, nos ayudará a pasar de las palabras a los hechos.

    Contiene docenas de nuevas iniciativas prácticas para acelerar la financiación del desarrollo en todo el mundo.

    Este incluye el compromiso de establecer un foro de prestatarios para que los países aprendan unos de otros y coordinen sus planteamientos en la gestión de la deuda y la reestructuración.

    Esta es una de las 11 propuestas de acción inmediata para ayudar a resolver la crisis de la deuda, respaldadas por mi grupo de expertos en deuda que publicará su informe.

    Espero trabajar en estrecha colaboración con los Estados miembros -incluido el G20 – para dar vida a este foro.

    Por encima de todo, Sevilla va de soluciones.

    Y de encontrar esas soluciones en un momento de dificultades y división para la familia humana.

    Espero que nuestros esfuerzos colectivos aquí en Sevilla puedan inspirar y motivar a los países del mundo a trabajar unidos para resolver otros desafíos globales.

    Y una vez más, quiero agradecer al Presidente del Gobierno y al pueblo español por dar la bienvenida al mundo aquí en Sevilla. 

    Muchas gracias.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Mobilize Resources, Fix Global Debt System, Increase Developing World’s Role in Global Financial Institutions, Secretary-General Urges as Sevilla Conference Opens

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the opening of the fourth Financing for Development Conference, in Sevilla, Spain, today:

    I thank the Government and people of Spain for welcoming us to Sevilla for this important conference.

    For decades, the mission of sustainable development has united countries large and small, developed and developing. Together, we achieved progress:  reducing global poverty and hunger; saving lives with stronger healthcare systems; getting more children into school; expanding opportunities for women and girls; and strengthening social safety nets.

    But, today, development and its great enabler — international cooperation — are facing massive headwinds. We are living in a world where trust is fraying and multilateralism is strained.  A world with a slowing economy, rising trade tensions and decimated aid budgets.  A world shaken by inequalities, climate chaos and raging conflicts.

    The link between peace and development is clear.  Nine of the 10 countries with the lowest Human Development Indicators are currently in a state of conflict.

    Financing is the engine of development. And right now, this engine is sputtering.  As we meet, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — our global promise to transform our world for a better, fairer future — is in danger.  Two thirds of the Sustainable Development Goals targets are lagging.  Achieving them requires an investment of more than $4 trillion a year.

    But, this is not just a crisis of numbers.  It’s a crisis of people.  Of families going hungry.  Of children going unvaccinated.  Of girls forced to drop out of school.

    We are here in Sevilla to change course; to repair and rev up the engine of development to accelerate investment at the scale and speed required; and to restore a measure of fairness and justice for all.

    The Sevilla Commitment document is a global promise to fix how the world supports countries as they climb the development ladder.  I see three areas of action.

    First — we must get resources flowing.  Fast.  Countries must lead by mobilizing domestic resources and investing in areas of greatest impact:  schools, healthcare, social protection, decent work and renewable energy.

    Unlocking these investments requires strengthening tax systems, and tackling illicit financial flows and tax evasion.  And helping developing countries dedicate a greater share of their tax revenues to the systems people need.

    The Sevilla Commitment’s call on developed countries to double their aid dedicated to domestic resource mobilization to support this.  Multilateral and national development banks must unite to finance major investments.

    This includes tripling the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks — and rechanneling special drawing rights that can unlock lending capacity and help developing countries boost investment.

    We also need innovative funding solutions to unlock private capital.  Solutions that mitigate currency risks; that combine public and private finance more effectively, and ensure the risks and rewards of development projects are shared by both the public and private sectors; And that ensure financial regulations assess risk appropriately and support investments in frontier markets.

    Second — we must fix the global debt system which is unsustainable, unfair and unaffordable.  With annual debt service at $1.4 trillion, countries need — and deserve — a system that lowers borrowing costs, enables fair and timely debt-restructuring, and prevents debt crises in the first place.

    The Sevilla Commitment lays the groundwork, with other aspects, by also creating a single debt registry for transparency, and promoting responsible lending and borrowing; by lowering the cost of capital through debt swaps and debt management support; and through debt-service pauses in times of emergency 

    And third — we must increase the participation of developing countries in the institutions of the global financial architecture.  The present major shareholders have a role to play recognizing the importance of correcting injustices and adapting to a changing world.

    A new borrowers forum will give voice to borrowers for fairer debt resolution and can foster transparency, shared learning and coordinated debt action.  And we need a fairer global tax system shaped by all, not just a few.

    This conference is not about charity. It’s about restoring justice and lives of dignity.  This conference is not about money.  It’s about investing in the future we want to build, together.  Thank you all for being part of this important and ambitious effort.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Growing paycheques for Alberta families

    The new eight per cent tax bracket was announced as part of Budget 2025 and applies to income up to $60,000 – down from the previous rate of 10 per cent. Most taxpayers will start to see the benefit of the tax cut with more money on their paycheques starting this month, when payroll withholdings are adjusted. Now Albertans will have more to spend on what matters most. 

    Individual taxpayers will save up to $750 in 2025, while two-income families will see savings of up to $1,500. Overall, this personal income tax cut is expected to save Albertans $1.2 billion in 2025, with savings rising to $1.4 billion in 2028. This gives Albertans greater freedom to spend, save or invest as they choose – not the government.

    “We know times have been tight, and we’ve been working on ways to ease some of the pressure people are feeling right now. We promised to help with a cut to personal income taxes, and we delivered on that promise in Budget 2025 with a new eight per cent personal income tax bracket. Now Albertans will start to see that reflected in their paycheques as more money can go to the things that individuals and families think are important.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “Albertans work hard and they deserve to keep more of what they earn. This tax cut delivers real relief now, right when families need it most. This tax cut reinforces Alberta’s position as the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    “Helping Albertans keep more of their hard-earned money will have an immediate impact on affordability in this province. With this step, we are empowering Albertans to make the best financial decisions to meet their needs and support their families.”

    Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

    With low personal and corporate income taxes, low fuel tax and no sales tax, Albertans pay considerably less in overall taxes than those in other provinces. In 2025-26, Albertans and Alberta businesses would pay at least $20.1 billion less in taxes than they would if Alberta had the same tax system as any other province.

    “Hard-working Albertans deserve this tax cut and it’s great to see it happen. Keeping promises really matters and it’s great that hard-working taxpayers will be saving money on their paycheques in Alberta.”

    Kris Sims, Alberta director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation

    Lower taxes, less pressure and more freedom – that’s what the eight per cent tax bracket delivers for Alberta families. This tax cut is a clear example of how Alberta leads the nation. Alberta is growing its economy, balancing the books, and putting real money back in the hands of the people who earned it.

    Related information

    • Personal Income Tax in Alberta
    • Budget 2025

    Related news

    • Budget 2025: Snip. Taxes cut for Albertans (Feb. 28, 2025)

    Multimedia

    • Alberta’s personal income tax cut

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Joins Alberta in Challenging Federal Impact Assessment Act

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 30, 2025

    Saskatchewan is intervening in support of Alberta’s legal action to challenge the federal Impact Assessment Act before the Alberta Court of Appeal.

    On October 13, 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in a 5-2 decision that the Impact Assessment Act was a clear example of federal government overreach into provincial jurisdiction. In response to the decision, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau passed amendments to the Impact Assessment Act in June 2024.

    The Constitution Act, 1867 provides the provinces with exclusive jurisdiction over the development of natural resources. Amendments to the Impact Assessment Act made in 2024 do not go far enough to protect Saskatchewan from federal government overreach into provincial jurisdiction.

    “Saskatchewan supports Prime Minister Carney’s goal of Canada becoming an energy superpower, and we will continue to work with the federal government in adopting our Strong Saskatchewan, Strong Canada plan,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C. said. “However, the current Impact Assessment Act is a major roadblock in achieving that goal. We remain committed to standing up for resource development across Canada, particularly in resource-rich western provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta.”

    Recently, our government released the “Strong Saskatchewan, Strong Canada Plan”which outlines 10 key policy changes the federal government can make to start a new, more positive relationship with Saskatchewan. Under the plan, Saskatchewan called for the fundamental reform of the Impact Assessment Act, outlining the need for streamlined processes to avoid duplication and infringement into provincial jurisdiction.

    “Canadians clearly want the federal government to leverage our natural resources to create jobs and strengthen our provincial and national economies,” McLeod said. “Prime Minister Carney has an incredible opportunity to unite Canadians and build the strongest economy in the G7 by amending the Impact Assessment Act to respect provincial jurisdiction.”

    The Alberta Court of Appeal has not yet set a date for the hearing of this challenge. 

    For more information on Saskatchewan’s response to the federal Impact Assessment Act, see:

    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2023/october/13/supreme-court-strikes-down-federal-impact-assessment-act-reference-case.

    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2023/march/20/impact-assessment-reference-case-being-heard-before-supreme-court.

    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2023/march/16/province-passes-saskatchewan-first-act-adds-house-amendments.

    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2022/november/01/province-introduces-the-saskatchewan-first-act.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces New Auto Industry Supplier Will Create 125 Jobs in Rutherford County

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces New Auto Industry Supplier Will Create 125 Jobs in Rutherford County

    Governor Stein Announces New Auto Industry Supplier Will Create 125 Jobs in Rutherford County
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein announced today that TMG & Haartz Solutions LLC, a new joint venture to supply synthetic leather materials for automotive interiors, will create 125 jobs over the next five years in Rutherford County. The company will invest $51 million in Bostic to establish an industrial facility to supply original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Mercedes Benz, Volvo, BMW, GM, Toyota, and Ford.

    “North Carolina’s robust network of suppliers to the automotive industry grows stronger today with TMG Haartz Solutions’ decision to locate in our state,” said Governor Josh Stein.  “Manufacturing companies understand that North Carolina’s workforce training programs can help supply the skilled craftspeople they need.”

    TMG Haartz Solutions is a new joint venture formed by two family-owned companies, each with long histories of serving the automotive industry. The Haartz Corporation, formed in 1907 with headquarters in Acton, Massachusetts, is a world leader in highly engineered and uniquely designed convertible toppings and interior surface materials. TMG Automotive (TMG), a business unit of the TMG Group with headquarters in Portugal, is a world leader in automotive interior surface materials, notably synthetic leathers.

    The new company, TMG Haartz Solutions, will focus on the localized supply of highly engineered synthetic leather materials for automotive interior trim components such as seat covers, instrument panels, door pillars, and shift gear boots. The company’s mission aims to drive the next generation of automotive design by crafting precision materials that reflect the company’s global expertise, commitment to local stewardship, and dedication to a lighter environmental footprint. The company’s project in Rutherford County will establish an industrial manufacturing center in Bostic at a site previously used for the Milliken Golden Valley plant.

    “Our journey began with a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, values passed down through generations of the Gonçalves family,” said Isabel Furtado, Board Member at TMG Group & Board Member and CEO at TMG Automotive. “From our roots in Portugal to this new chapter in the United States, we have always believed in building relationships based on trust, respect, and shared purpose. The relationship between Gonçalves and Haartz families is more than a business alliance—it is a story of mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for the future of mobility.”  

    “Collaboration is one of our core values at Haartz, and our relationship with the Gonçalves family and TMG Automotive is a shining example of how shared values, mutual respect, and family heritage can transcend business,” said Eric Haartz, CEO at The Haartz Corporation.  “What began as a business relationship has grown into a deep bond between our families — one that continues to inspire innovation and lasting impact. We are honored to take this next step together, bringing our combined strengths to an exciting new chapter in the United States.”  

    “North Carolina is the number one manufacturing state in the Southeastern United States, and our leadership has been noticed by companies around the world,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “From our world-class transportation networks to our concentration of workers with manufacturing experience, we can offer companies like TMG Haartz Solutions the right ingredients for success.” 

    Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new positions will be $64,218, compared with an average wage in Rutherford County of $46,673.

    The company’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by more than $352.59 million. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $1,463,000, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation targets.

    The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 125 per cent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost, the state receives $2.25 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company. 

    “I’m pleased to see two family-owned companies with great reputations begin their next phase of growth together right here in North Carolina and Rutherford County,” said Senator Tim Moffitt.  “We are a family-friendly region and our community will rally around and support this company as it begins to put down roots in our area.”  

    “It takes a lot of work behind the scenes by many community and economic development groups to bring a great company like TMG Haartz Solutions to our region,” said Representative Paul Scott. “We welcome these new jobs and this confident investment in the people of Rutherford County.”  

    Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the Commerce Department’s Division of Workforce Solutions, Isothermal Community College, Rutherford County, and Rutherford County Economic Development.

    With this announcement, since January 1st, Governor Stein has announced business expansions or new projects that will make more than $16.3 billion of new capital investment in North Carolina and create more than 18,000 new good-paying jobs. 

    Jun 30, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Highlights Ongoing Efforts to Expand Access to Good Jobs with Good Wages

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Highlights Ongoing Efforts to Expand Access to Good Jobs with Good Wages

    Governor Stein Highlights Ongoing Efforts to Expand Access to Good Jobs with Good Wages
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today at Central Piedmont Community College, Governor Josh Stein’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships announced its first report, outlining its goals to expand access to good jobs with good wages that will support a family. 

    “You shouldn’t have to get a four-year degree to get a good job and support your family,” said Governor Stein. “That’s why I am committed to creating more good-paying jobs and pursuing the goals in this report so that our people have the skills and knowledge they need to build strong careers and bright futures in a changing economy.”

    “The Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships featured the expertise of representatives from everyone in our workforce system, from employers and labor to educators and state officials,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Meeting the goals adopted by the Council will be vital to continuing North Carolina’s economic success, because our talented people give us our competitive edge.”

    “Communities in every corner of the state, whether they are urban or rural, all need workers with the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Senator Eddie Settle. “The Council’s goals identify the top priorities for North Carolina to continue building an exceptional business climate, while allowing all workers to have opportunities for rewarding careers.”

    “Building upon North Carolina’s strong tradition of collaboration in workforce development, the Council has highlighted important ways that we can use education, training, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning partnerships to meet the needs of employers,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the N.C. Community College System. “Our outstanding 58 community colleges look forward to playing a key role in meeting these goals.” 

    The 11 goals approved by the Council and submitted to Governor Stein are:

    1. Ensure 2 million North Carolinians aged 25-44 will have earned an industry-valued credential or degree.

    2. By graduation, ensure that every high school student has completed coursework that results in transferable credit or credentials/certifications in preparation for the postsecondary pathway of their choice. The coursework includes dual enrollment, Career & Technical Education (CTE) concentrator, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate, and work-based learning courses. 

    3. For graduating high school students, increase postsecondary enrollment, employment, or enlistment in the military within 12 months of high school graduation.

    4. Double the number of registered apprentices.

    5. Increase participation in work-based learning:

    • Double the number of work-based learning experiences through the NCWorks system with funding from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I and the Native American Workforce Program.
    • Double the number of high school students participating in work-based learning.
    • Increase by 25% the number of community college students participating in work-based learning courses.
    • Increase by 25% work-based learning experiences including Correction Enterprises roles and work-release at state correctional facilities.
    • Increase by 15% work-based learning experiences for individuals with disabilities through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title IV funds.
    • Double the number of students participating in the state government internship program.

    6. Engage 50,000 employers to partner with the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships on achieving its goals.

    7. Establish and expand coordinated partnerships between education and workforce agencies and employers to increase alignment of resources to better address current and projected employer needs. Partnerships will result, on an annual basis, in the identification of local industry-valued training across the education continuum, shared planning for educational courses to meet these training needs, and increased use of available federal and state funds to support training in these programs.

    8. Create statewide sector-based workforce development strategies for at least 3 key industries, including, but not limited to, advanced manufacturing, education, and health care.

    9. Develop a plan to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills development into sector-based strategies and work-based learning in key industries to build a future-ready workforce.

    10. Reduce state government vacancy rate to 15%.

    11. Launch a coordinated statewide public outreach effort to broaden awareness and participation in workforce development programs by employers, learners, jobseekers, and incumbent workers, with an emphasis on reaching under-tapped talent pools like rural communities, veterans and their families, individuals with disabilities, and justice-involved people.

    Established through Executive Order No. 11 as an advisory body within the NCWorks Commission, the Council is co-chaired by N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, N.C. Senator Eddie Settle, and N.C. Community College System President Dr. Jeff Cox. The Department of Commerce and the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) provide administrative support for the Council’s work. The Council will continue to meet and will develop a second report, due in December 2025, detailing proposed strategies to attain each goal.

    Since January 1st, Governor Stein has announced business expansions or new projects that will make more than $16.3 billion of new capital investment in North Carolina and create more than 18,000 new good-paying jobs.

    Read the Council’s report here. 

    Jun 30, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom urges safety this Fourth of July after 600,000 pounds of illegal explosives seized

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 30, 2025

    What you need to know: Californians are urged to practice common sense and safety when using fireworks to celebrate this Fourth of July. People who resort to using illegal fireworks will be held accountable.

    SACRAMENTO – With Fourth of July celebrations set to go off with a bang across the state this week, Governor Gavin Newsom and state fire officials are reminding all Californians that the state has no tolerance for illegal fireworks. Over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks have already been seized in 2025.

    The sale, transport, or use of fireworks without the “Office of the State Fire Marshal Safe and Sane” seal is illegal, as is possessing or using any fireworks in communities where they are not allowed. Violators face potential fines up to $50,000 as well as a year in jail.

    “We all must do our part to keep Fourth of July fun and safe. I ask all Californians to use common sense and practice safety when lighting fireworks to celebrate. Our message is clear: illegal fireworks won’t be tolerated, and you will be prosecuted. They run the risk of starting dangerous fires in the peak of our fire season.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Over the past several months, CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal’s specialized Arson and Bomb Investigators have been aiding local and federal illegal fireworks enforcement efforts. Last year, officials seized 288,000 pounds of illegal fireworks. The 10 year annual average is about 240,000 pounds seized per year.

    Since 2024, fireworks have caused over $35 million in property damage across California, sparking 1,230 fires. Illegal fireworks include:

    • Skyrockets
    • Bottle rockets
    • Roman candles
    • Aerial shells
    • Firecrackers
    • Sparklers
    • Other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner

    “Already this year our Arson and Bomb Investigators, along with our partners, have successfully seized over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from all over California,” said State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “Our recent enforcement efforts clearly demonstrate our zero tolerance toward the use, transportation, and possession of illegal fireworks. Even ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks are banned in many communities and bring large fines for their illegal use.”

    For a fun and safe Fourth of July, know your local fireworks laws. Some California communities ban all fireworks, while others allow certain “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

    To learn more about fireworks safety and to view a full list of jurisdictions that allow the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks, go to ReadyforWildfire.org.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: WinnerMining has launched a free mining light luxury version APP, which supports anyone to participate using popular currencies such as BTC, XRP, SOL, DOGE, USDC, etc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Los Angeles, California, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As digital financial markets continue to grow and reshape everyday life, people around the world are able to make their own investment choices – including whether to participate in cryptocurrency cloud mining platforms like WinnerMining. While not everyone has to accept it, cryptocurrency enthusiasts who choose to support WinnerMining have made a wise decision. The platform is not just a mining service provider, but a leader in digital payments, providing seamless, secure, and efficient solutions that are changing industries around the world.

    Freedom of Choice: Why WinnerMining Stands Out
    In today’s competitive cryptocurrency market, no investor should be forced to follow a specific path. Everyone should have the freedom to explore and choose projects that fit their financial goals and future vision. WinnerMining provides unique opportunities and a world-class support team for users who want to earn income through cryptocurrency mining. Investors who want to participate in WinnerMining’s cloud mining business to make money, now is a good time to join. WinnerMining’s top management welcomed investors and is very optimistic about their returns.

    What are the advantages of WinnerMining?
    1: Cutting-edge equipment: Using mining equipment provided by top mining machine manufacturers such as Bitmain, Antminer, and Giant Miner to ensure the stable operation and efficient production capacity of Bitcoin miners.
    2: Legitimacy and global audience: The platform was legally established in the UK in 2021, protected and issued by the British government, and has attracted more than 13 million real users around the world with cutting-edge technology.
    3: Intuitive interface: The platform’s user-friendly interface ensures that even crypto novices can easily navigate.
    4: Supports a variety of popular cryptocurrencies: such as DOGE, BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT, BCH, LTC, XRP, SOL, etc. for settlement.
    5: Stable income: The contracts launched by the platform generate income every 24 hours, and the principal is automatically returned after the contract expires.
    6: Professional team: The platform has an experienced IT team and 24/7 real-time customer service team support to ensure that users can solve problems in a timely manner.
    7: Affiliate program: allows you to recommend friends and permanently receive a 3%-4.5% rebate bonus.

    To use WinnerMining for cloud mining, you only need to complete three simple steps:
    Step 1: Create an account at WinnerMining to get a $15 bonus.
    You only need to fill in the registration form on the official website and set your email, login account, login password, etc. to complete the registration.
    Step 2: Choose the contract that suits you. WinnerMining provides you with a variety of contracts with different “computing power” amounts, starting from $100, with a daily yield of up to 4%. You can choose any of them, or you can purchase multiple different contracts or multiple contracts of the same contract according to your needs.
    I – Antminer S17e: Investment amount $100, total profit $100 + $8.
    II – Shenma Miner M30S: Investment amount $1000, total profit $1000 + $130.
    III – Antminer S19J Pro: Investment amount $3000, total profit $3000 + $675.
    IV – AvalonMiner A1346: Investment amount $5000, total profit $5000 + $1600.
    V – Desiwe Miner K10Ultra: Investment amount $30,000, total profit $30,000 + $24300.
    VI – Rack-mounted Filecoin Miner 4300TiB S: Investment amount $100,000, total profit $100,000 + $92,500.
    (For details, please visit the official website: winnermining.com)
    Step 3: Pay the required amount to the contract and you can start cloud mining with WinnerMining.

    Looking Ahead: Innovation and Opportunity
    Blockchain, smart contracts, and digital currencies are revolutionizing the global financial system. WinnerMining is at the forefront of this change. Early adopters are already part of this movement that is redefining the world’s value, income, and opportunities. The future of finance is no longer exclusive to the elite, but is open to everyone willing to embrace innovation.
    Cryptocurrency has unlimited potential, and WinnerMining’s cloud mining is one of the safest and most profitable ways to tap into the potential of cryptocurrency. Instead of waiting for market trends, smart investors can take the initiative to create daily passive income and take control of their financial future.

    WinnerMining is a cloud mining service provider with a clear mission: to make cryptocurrency mining convenient and efficient through remote mining solutions. We work with Bitmain, the world’s leading Bitcoin mining hardware manufacturer, to leverage advanced cloud computing technology and powerful mining infrastructure. From Bitcoin to Dogecoin and beyond, our platform offers a wide range of cloud mining options to meet the needs of our users.
    WinnerMining does not charge any maintenance fees except for the contract fee, and is a truly low-cost, high-yield cloud mining platform.

    To learn more, you can log in to their official website: winnermining.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FIGX Capital Acquisition Corp. Completes $150,650,000 Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tiburon, CA, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FIGX Capital Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) announced today the closing of its initial public offering of 15,065,000 units, which includes 1,965,000 units issued pursuant to the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option in full. The offering was priced at $10.00 per unit, resulting in gross proceeds of $150,650,000.

    The Company’s units began trading on June 27, 2025 on the Nasdaq Global Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbol “FIGXU.” Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share of the Company and one-half of one redeemable warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share of the Company at an exercise price of $11.50 per share. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. Once the securities constituting the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and warrants are expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “FIGX” and “FIGXW,” respectively.

    Of the proceeds received from the consummation of the initial public offering (including the exercise of the over-allotment option) and a simultaneous private placement of units, $150,650,000 (or $10.00 per unit sold in the offering) was placed in trust.

    The Company is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Company currently intends to concentrate its efforts in identifying businesses in the financial industry group (FIG Sector), with an initial focus on  private wealth/asset managers positioned to become integrated multi-asset fund managers with diversified distribution channels and global market presence, however, it may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business or industry or at any stage of its corporate evolution.

    The Company’s management team is led by Lou Gerken, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and Jide James Zeitlin, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”), and Mike Rollins, its Chief Financial Officer. The Board also includes Dr. Russel Read, Real Desrochers and Pierre Sauvagnat.

    Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. acted as sole book-running manager for the offering.

    A registration statement relating to the securities was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 26, 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,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds thereof. No assurance can be given that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. 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 and prospectus for the Company’s offering filed with the SEC. Copies 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.

    Company Contact:

    FIGX Capital Acquisition Corp.
    Louis Gerken
    lou@gerkencapital.com
    (415) 383 -1464

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Plastics Recycling With Enzymes Takes a Leap Forward

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Key Process Improvements Save Energy and Cut Costs for Recycling Polyester With Enzymes

    NREL and collaborators made key improvements at each stage of an enzymatic recycling process—from the breakdown of plastics to the efficient recovery of building blocks for high-value materials—which resulted in an economically viable process for industry. Pictured from NREL (back row left to right): Manar Alherech, John E. McGeehan, Stephen H. Dempsey, Gregg T. Beckham; (front row left to right): Kelsey J. Ramirez, Natasha P. Murphy, Jason S. DesVeaux, Christine A. Singer, Hannah M. Alt, Elizabeth L. Bell. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL

    A successful collaboration involving a trio of research institutions has yielded a road map toward an economically viable process for using enzymes to recycle plastics.

    The researchers, from NREL, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the University of Portsmouth in England, previously partnered on the biological engineering of improved PETase enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET). With its low manufacturing cost and excellent material properties, PET is used extensively in single-use packaging, soda bottles, and textiles.

    The new study combines the previous fundamental research with advanced chemical engineering, process development, and techno-economic analysis to lay the blueprints for enzyme-based PET recycling at industrial scale.

    While current methods exist for recycling PET, they are often incompatible with typical low-quality plastic waste. A potential solution lies with enzymes, which can selectively break down PET, even from contaminated and colored plastic waste streams. The researchers’ new design focuses on improvements at each stage of the process, from plastic deconstruction with enzymes, to efficient recovery of the resulting building blocks, or monomers. These monomers can be used to make new plastic or upcycled to generate higher value materials, saving energy and resources.

    The key to making such a process viable is to reduce the energy and cost requirements, which in turn yields a cheaper product. The team has achieved this by innovations that change the reaction conditions and separations technologies to reduce expensive acid and base additions by more than 99%, reduce annual running costs by 74%, and reduce energy use by 65%.

    “Despite the advantages of enzymatic recycling for complex plastic waste streams, the field has encountered multiple challenges for realistic implementation,” said Gregg Beckham, a senior research fellow at NREL and colead of the study. “Here we have taken a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates multiple innovations to realize an economically viable and scalable process.”

    The modeled cost of the resulting enzyme-recycled PET are now below those of U.S. domestic virgin PET ($1.51/kg vs. $1.87/kg), making this an attractive option for industry investment and scale-up.

    According to a 2022 NREL study, 86% of plastics were landfilled in the United States in 2019—materials with enough embodied energy to supply 5% of the power needs of the U.S. transportation sector. With global plastic production anticipated to increase between two and four times current levels by 2050, recovering and valorizing more postconsumer plastics is an opportunity to recapture that energy for domestic materials manufacturing.

    “We see a significant opportunity to design, test, and optimize new recycling technologies to efficiently valorize postconsumer plastics into feedstock for new materials,” said Natasha Murphy, a biochemist at NREL and co-first author of the new paper.

    The paper, “Process innovations to enable viable enzymatic poly(ethylene terephthalate) recycling,” appears in the journal Nature Chemical Engineering. Other co-authors from NREL are Stephen Dempsey, Jason DesVeaux, Taylor Uekert, Swarnalatha Mailaram, Manar Alherech, Hannah Alt, Kelsey Ramirez, Brenna Norton-Baker, Elizabeth Bell, Christine Singer, and John McGeehan.

    McGeehan, who recently joined NREL from the University of Portsmouth, said, “I am delighted to be part of a team that is dedicated to translate fundamental science toward real-world application and look forward to working closely between NREL and our industry partners to accelerate the design and construction of the first U.S. enzymatic plastic recycling plant.”

    Research funds came from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office and Bioenergy Technologies Office. This work was performed as part of the Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLETM) consortium.

    Explore NREL bioenergy and bioeconomy research, including recyclable-by-design materials research.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clayton Man with Gun Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for COVID-19 Fraud

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

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – Darnell William King, age 42, was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release following his plea in May to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  According to the indictment and information presented in court, King entered into separate conspiracies to commit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud and to use stolen identities to obtain personal lines of credit from various private lenders in and around Wake County.  King was also ordered to pay restitution to the Small Business Administration and the private lenders who were defrauded.

    “This sentence sends a clear message: those who seek to exploit pandemic relief programs and steal individuals’ identities for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “Mr. King’s deliberate and repeated fraud undermined a program designed to help struggling businesses in Eastern North Carolina. Thanks to the diligence of our federal and state partners, justice has been served.”

    “Criminals cause immeasurable hardship to innocent victims and businesses by lying and stealing their identities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard Gaskins, Charlotte Field Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “The defendant knowingly stole personally identifiable information and recruited others to aid in obtaining fraudulent loans using the stolen info. Our special agents will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office, to find, investigate and prosecute those who choose to willfully defraud the American people.”

    “Stealing critical resources aimed at protecting communities and citizens is inexcusable,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Not only did this individual exploit assistance programs aimed at helping those in need, but he did so while illegally possessing a firearm. Prohibited individuals in possession of firearms are dangerous and should be considered serious threats to public safety.”

    King and others recruited “mules” to obtain fraudulent personal loans.  King created fake driver’s licenses and other identity documents using a true photo of the mule and stolen personally identifying information belonging to unknowing victims.   The mules then used the fake identity documents and other forged business records to obtain personal loans based on applications for credit that King or others had previously submitted online.  The mule would then deliver the loan proceeds to King or his co-conspirators and would receive kickbacks anywhere between $100 and $2,000.

    “This extensive investigation, known as Operation Overload, uncovered a sophisticated criminal enterprise that fraudulently utilized thousands of North Carolina licenses, resulting in financial crimes that impacted individuals across multiple states,” said Captain Vaughn of the North Carolina DMV License & Theft Bureau. “Bureau commends its inspectors, intelligence analysts, and all partner agencies for their hard work and collaboration. Their efforts underscore the importance of interagency cooperation in combating complex fraud schemes and safeguarding the identities of North Carolina residents.”

    “This investigation began following several complaints from Wake County residents regarding identity theft and fraud. Over the course of nearly a year, a thorough investigation led to multiple arrests, supported by the NCDMV License and Theft, Clayton Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the IRS Criminal Investigations. The investigators involved demonstrated exceptional diligence in pursuing the suspects and uncovering a vast network of crimes. Their efforts resulted in identifying hundreds of victims, not only in Wake County, but across North Carolina, and uncovering hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud. I would like to commend the investigators for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to serving the residents of our county and state,” Sheriff Willie Rowe said.

    In a second conspiracy, King and other conspirators applied for a PPP loan in King’s name with falsified bank and tax records claiming that King had been working as an Uber driver before the pandemic, resulting in the disbursement of over $15,000 in funds guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.  Finally, during the execution of a search warrant in Clayton seeking evidence related to the identity theft conspiracy, law enforcement discovered King in possession of a firearm with a high-capacity drum magazine, even though King is a previously convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.  King’s co-defendants, Loretta Clarice James and Lakesha Bowles, were previously sentenced to 8 years imprisonment and 30 months imprisonment respectively, for their roles in the conspiracies.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II pronounced the sentence.  Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation led the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations; the Wake County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles License & Theft Bureau.  The Clayton Police Department and other local agencies have also aided over the course of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David G. Beraka and Ashley H. Foxx prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5-24-CR-00156.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Railways announces fare rationalisation for passenger trains from July 1

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Railways on Monday announced rationalisation of basic fares for passenger train services, set to take effect from July 1. The move aims to streamline the fare structure across various categories and strengthen the financial viability of railway operations, while keeping affordability intact for large sections of passengers.

    According to the revised fare structure issued by the Indian Railway Conference Association (IRCA), there will be no change in fares for suburban single journey tickets or season tickets, whether on suburban or non-suburban routes. However, minor fare adjustments have been introduced for non-AC and AC classes on non-suburban trains.

    For ordinary non-AC classes, including second class and sleeper class, fares have been marginally increased by 0.5 paisa per kilometre. In the case of second class, no increase will be applied for travel up to 500 kilometres. For journeys between 501 and 1500 kilometres, fares will increase by ₹5, while for 1501 to 2500 kilometres, the hike will be ₹10. Passengers travelling between 2501 and 3000 kilometres will see a ₹15 increase.

    In Mail and Express trains, non-AC classes such as second class, sleeper class, and first class will witness an increase of one paisa per kilometre. AC classes, including AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier and 3-Economy, AC 2-Tier, and AC First/Executive/Anubhuti Class, will see an increase of two paisa per kilometre.

    The fare revisions are also applicable to premium and special train services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, and trains with AC Vistadome and Anubhuti coaches.

    There will be no change in ancillary charges such as reservation fees, superfast surcharges, or other applicable charges. GST will continue to be levied as per the prevailing rules, and fare rounding-off norms will remain unchanged.

    The revised fares will be applicable to all tickets booked on or after July 1. Tickets purchased before this date will remain valid at the existing fare, and no fare adjustment will be made retroactively. Indian Railways is currently updating its Passenger Reservation System (PRS), Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS), and manual ticketing mechanisms to implement the new fare structure smoothly.

    The Ministry has also directed all Zonal Railways to ensure updated fare charts are displayed prominently at stations and that the fare revision is communicated clearly to the public to ensure hassle-free travel arrangements.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Delivery firms to bolster rider security checks to stop illegal working

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Delivery firms to bolster rider security checks to stop illegal working

    Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat commit to further strengthening security checks on delivery riders to prevent illegal working in the gig economy.

    Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat will strengthen verification checks on delivery riders to clamp down on illegal working, following productive talks with the government.   
     
    The commitment comes after ministers convened the 3 firms for a roundtable at the Home Office today (30 June) to discuss what further urgent action can be taken to prevent immigration offending on their platforms.  
     
    Over the last year, Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat have introduced voluntary ‘right to work’ checks on all account holders and registered substitutes. These measures have helped stop illegal workers abusing the platform, with action taken on thousands of accounts. 
     
    However, Border Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle and Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders raised concerns that, despite these welcome steps, there continues to be abuse in the sector where illicit account sharing leads to illegal working.  
     
    Ministers set out the government’s zero tolerance approach to immigration crime and stressed the importance of tightening checks to crack down on those who flout employment rules.  
     
    As result of productive discussions, the firms agreed to increase the use of facial verification checks and fraud detection technology to ensure only registered account holders can work off their platforms. This will help stop people with no right to work in the UK from using someone’s name to earn money illegally. 
     
    The strengthened industry standard – to be rolled out in the next 90 days – will see Deliveroo and Uber Eats increase the quantity and sophistication of verification checks they already do, with Just Eat upping the same checks from monthly to daily.   
     
    Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said:  

    This government will not turn a blind eye to illegal working. It undercuts honest business, hits people’s wages and plays into the hands of the people smuggling gangs. 

    I welcome Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats’ pledge to increase facial verification checks following today’s roundtable. We will keep a close eye on their progress and continue discussions. 

    Under our Plan for Change, we are taking a zero tolerance approach to illegal working across the board. Arrests nationwide have increased by 51% and we are strengthening legislation via our Borders Bill to end the abuse of flexible working arrangements.

    Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:

    Illegal working opens the door to mistreatment and exploitation, undercutting legal workers in the process by driving down wages and working conditions.  

    We’re already delivering the biggest upgrade to people’s rights at work in a generation as part of our Plan for Change, and we will continue to engage with these companies to ensure these rights are enforced, building a fairer labour market.

    A Deliveroo spokesperson said:

    We take a zero tolerance approach to anyone abusing our platform, and today’s meeting with industry partners and the Home Office represents progress in our collective efforts to combat illegal working. 

    The industry leading measures Deliveroo put in place over the last year have had a positive impact, but criminals continue to seek new ways to abuse the system. Today, we have committed to further strengthening our approach, increasing daily facial recognition checks, and we welcome the industry’s commitment to do the same.

    An Uber Eats spokesperson said:

    We are committed to tackling illegal working and welcome continued collaboration with industry and the Home Office, which is essential in raising standards and ensuring consistency.

    We will continue to invest in industry-leading tools to detect illegal work and remove fraudulent accounts.

    A Just Eat spokesperson said:

    Just Eat fully supports the government’s efforts to tackle illegal working, and we are continuing to invest significant resources to protect the integrity of our network.  

    Today, alongside the government and wider industry, we’re committing to further action to strengthen our systems and safeguards in response to these complex and evolving challenges.  
    Today’s announcement comes just months after the government announced it will change the law to expand illegal working checks.  
     
    Under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, companies hiring gig economy and zero-hours workers in sectors like construction, food delivery and beauty salons will be legally required to carry out checks to confirm that anyone working in their name is eligible to work in the UK. The move will bring them in line with other employers to level the playing field for the majority of companies that do the right thing.   
     
    Ramping up illegal working enforcement activity forms a key part of the Home Office’s drive to restore order to the immigration system under the UK Government’s Plan for Change. 
     
    In many cases, individuals travelling to the UK illegally are sold a lie by smuggling gangs that they will be able to live and work freely in the UK, when in reality they often end up facing squalid living conditions, minimal pay and inhumane working hours, with the threat of arrest and removal if they are caught working illegally.    
     
    Since the election, a major surge in immigration enforcement activity across the UK has led to a 51% increase in the number of illegal working arrests. Since 5 July last year to 31 May, 9,000 visits have resulted in 6,410 arrests, marking a 48% and 51% rise respectively compared to the year before under the previous government (5 July 2023 to 31 May 2024).  
    The intensified activity also comes alongside the return of nearly 30,000 people with no right to be in the UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –