Category: Economy

MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Kicks Off ‘YouTube in Session’ Series with Wide-Ranging Conversation Alongside UnHerd’s Emily Jashinsky

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) was featured as the inaugural guest in YouTube’s new series, ‘YouTube in Session,’ which brings together members of Congress and YouTube content creators to foster conversation and civic engagement. Grassley sat down with Emily Jashinsky, host of UnHerd’s “Undercurrents” podcast, to reflect on his time in public service and discuss the latest on Iran, government oversight, the One Big Beautiful Bill and more.

Watch the full video HERE and below. Excerpts of Grassley’s remarks follow.

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On President Trump’s efforts to broker peace between Israel and Iran:

“I don’t think Iowans are different than Americans [on this issue]. They prefer peace to war, they prefer diplomacy to war… I think it’s not a war against Iran, it’s [a] war against Iran’s nuclear capability. I haven’t had the briefing on it that we’re going to get Thursday, but we assume that what’s been reported so far that…it’s decimated the Iranian nuclear program.

“I think it proves that the President says he’s a peacemaker. Look it – he had 60 days. He wanted to negotiate. At the end of 60 days, he put on another two weeks that really turned out to be two days. I think he worked very closely with the Israelis, and I think he had plans for the Israelis to accomplish a heck of a lot before we put our efforts in jeopardy. And I think now that this…ceasefire, if it holds – you don’t know what the Ayatollah’s thinking right now – but maybe it’ll bring about peace for another decade or two, or maybe longer than that.”

On what motivates Grassley’s public service:

“…I think [it’s] the responsibilities that we have to leave a better nation than we receive… I think since the pilgrims came here, this is about nine generations. Each generation’s left the country better than the previous generation. That’s a little bit in question now, but it’s my responsibility to continue that as best we can.

“And…being number one in the United States Senate, as far as seniority is concerned, puts me in a position for my number one interest – the state of Iowa, to represent that. But it goes way beyond the state of Iowa… I think it’s just the problems the country confronts, and your ability to help solve those problems.”

On the media’s developing role in political discourse:

“[Podcasts are] something we’ve found out in the 2024 election made a big impact, particularly on people under 50 years of age, or maybe under 40 years of age.

“I was maybe one of the first ones [in the Senate] to get a fax machine, and I did satellite back to Iowa once a month, on a TV interview that I did. But whether it’s that or radio programs I do – there’s three that I do every week, but there’s others I do once a month, maybe 10 or 12… [J]ournalism is a policeman, policing the political system we have. It’s to keep government constitutional, to keep those of us in government abiding by the law [and] being ethical… You expect the freedom of the press, the First Amendment and the people that practice journalism to take that seriously and keep government functioning, and reduce the cynicism that people have towards government or towards politicians. All of that is to build respect – because we may have the best Constitution in the world and the longest living Constitution in the world, but that very good piece of paper is useless if people don’t have respect for it. [Respect] for the institutions of government and for those of us that serve in government.”

On the importance of representative government:

“Whether it’s Twitter, or whether it’s the fax machine, or whether it’s radio programs, or whether it’s on podcasts…representative government is a dialogue with our constituents…

“I try to explain at my town meetings that I’m one-half of the process of representative government. You, my constituents, [are] the other one-half, and this face-to-face meeting we’re having is the best way to do it. But I only see a few thousand people face-to-face as I visit each one of the 99 counties every year for a Q&A. So, I have to depend upon email and postal mail and telephones and any way people want to communicate with me. Because I only see a few thousand people, but I’ve got three and one-tenths million constituents…You’re the other half of representative government, and you’ve got to have dialogue. I’ve got to know what’s on your mind.”

On FBI oversight and whistleblowers:

“There is great respect, maybe in both political parties, for the FBI. But then…what journalists exposed, as well as Chuck Grassley and other people… You find out that [the FBI] can’t be trusted, and that the word ‘political weaponization’ is entirely legitimate. I think I proved that with what I exposed about Special Agent Thibault and lot of other people that aren’t as famous as him. But I mean, they actually [said] within their job in the FBI that ‘we’re going to see how we can get Trump.’

“This all goes back to a pretty basic principle of government. What you learn in eighth grade civics: checks and balances of government. We not only appropriate money, we not only pass laws, and that’s not the end of it – you’ve got a responsibility to make sure that the executive branch faithfully executes those laws. That’s what it’s all about.

“And then these big departments – or even a small department – the people, the head of it, they can’t know what’s going on underneath. They ought to be listening to their whistleblowers… I think I have a reputation for taking most whistleblowing very seriously and some of this stuff has been exposed, and then you find out they’re retaliated against. Now, we’ve got a friendly administration in, and we’re getting some of these whistleblowers back into their job or we’re getting them back their reputation…but you shouldn’t treat whistleblowers that way. And if people like Christopher Wray and, before him, Comey – if they had listened to whistleblowers, this stuff would’ve never happened. Unless they wanted it to happen. And I can’t say they wanted it to happen, but you can’t know what’s going on below. And just patriotic people that I call whistleblowers – they just want the government to do what the government’s supposed to do and spend money the way Congress [and the people of this country] want it spent.

“So it’s just important that Congress do its oversight work, and it’s important that the executive branch listens to whistleblowers. There’s no reason for a whistleblower to come to me if the people that are in management in that department – from low to high – start listening to them.

“Everything that has been covered up in the first Trump administration, without Trump knowing it, and in the Biden administration – we’re getting the cooperation that I need to bring transparency to government, to show what was wrong and to get protection for the whistleblowers, getting them back their job. We’re getting full cooperation on that [from this administration], and we never got it out of Wray.”

On Congress delegating away too much of its authority:

“Just think, the recent trade policies of this administration [are] just a little bit more severe than previous administrations under both Republicans and Democrats. But that’s all because Congress in 1962 and 1974 delegated one of its 18 powers to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the president. Now, you can take that back, but you can imagine – if you don’t have two-thirds vote to take it back, the president isn’t going to give it up.

“You‘ve got to write legislation [that’s] more specific. And it’s really easy to say, ‘Well, we don’t really know whether we should use this word or that sentence. Let’s just say, let’s give a broad authority and then let the regulators figure it out.’ That’s what the Supreme Court is now turning a corner on… In other words, anything over $100 million I think [in] economic impact – you better show us in the law exactly where Congress gave you the authority to do it. Now, this is going to put a big burden on Congress to write this legislation more specifically. That’s what we should be doing all the time anyway.”

On bipartisanship:

“Let me start with saying something I’m very sincere about saying: I don’t think a single senator dislikes me, and there’s no senator I dislike. And if anybody dislikes me, I don’t want to know who they are.

“And then another thing I think is pretty important is the fact that I try to work in a bipartisan way. So don’t take my word for it – go to the Georgetown University website. Click on Senator Lugar Center, and they do an index every year. And I’m always in the top 12, sometimes in the top five – nobody can beat Senator Collins; it’d be useless to try. But then also remember the Senate, as an institution, drives bipartisanship because [of] the 60-vote requirement to shut off debate to get to finality on a bill.

On Washington then vs. now:

“The biggest way [the Senate’s] changed in the 45 years I’ve been in the Senate is the first 25 or 30 years, we used to start at 10 a.m. on Monday and go to 4 p.m. on Friday. And now… we start the first vote at 5:30 on Monday, we work a full day Tuesday, a full day Wednesday, and usually by two in the afternoon, Thursday, it’s shut down.

“Now I want to make very clear – for an individual senator, there’s enough work between Iowa and here. You can work seven days a week if you want to… There’s plenty of work to do, more than just when the Senate’s in session. But if you’re going to solve this country’s problems, you’ve got to spend more than two and a half days a week doing it.

“…[W]e’ve got to do things more efficiently than we’re doing it. We’re basically nothing but a confirmation body, confirming nominations all the time.

“This Senate, under [Majority Leader] Thune, has passed more legislation than [former Majority Leader] Schumer did in the last two years, but there’s still a lot more we’ve got to do. I keep bringing up [that] we haven’t passed a new five-year Farm Bill. It’s supposed to be done in [20]23 and it hasn’t been done. I think it’ll be done this year. And then there’s 65 or 70 of us [senators] who want to get prescription drug prices down by bringing Pharmaceutical Benefit Managers under control – PBMs, nobody knows what they do, and if we knew what they do, we’d be find[ing] out some way of reducing prescription drug prices. How are you going to get those things [done] if you’re just working two and a half days a week?”

On the One Big Beautiful Bill:

“The [Senate Majority] Leader – and I’m proud of him for saying this – [said] we’re going to stay in session till we get this [bill] done… It’s got to be done.

“If you don’t get this bill passed, you’re going to have the largest tax increase in the history of the country – four and seven-tenths trillion dollars, over a 10-year period of time. It’s going to really hurt the middle class if we don’t do it.

“The Democrats are saying this bill is nothing but [to] cut taxes for billionaires. But there isn’t a rate change from [the] 2017 [tax cuts], so that’s intellectually dishonest to say that. And [the bill] does a lot for working men and women, like through the not taxing tips. And it helps senior citizens with a special credit for them, and it helps overtime pay and the economic benefits that comes from that.

“We’ve got to get this bill passed, because the economy is going to be disrupted very much if we have that big tax increase. And if we do pass it, it’s going to really help the economy grow.”

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Presses U.S. Postal Service to Improve Service, Address Long-Term Viability Concerns Following Outreach from Iowans

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wrote to the United States Postal Service (USPS) about concerns the institution is not fulfilling its service mission and sustaining financial self-sufficiency through its policies. Iowans from across the state have contacted Grassley’s office this year to share their challenges with the mail, prompting Grassley to take action. New Postmaster General David Steiner is anticipated to formally join USPS in July.

“I often hear from postal customers that they are facing issues with sending and receiving their mail in a timely and reliable manner. In addition, businesses that utilize the postal service for the delivery of market dominant products are facing postage rate price hikes that are impacting business operations and causing companies to decrease mailing volume,” Grassley wrote.

Specifically, Iowans have reported issues with bills and checks not being delivered on time, missing mail and increased delays in mail pickup. Businesses reported challenges maintaining mail volumes given dramatic rate increases of more than 50% and poor handling of packages.

“Delivering to every corner of the United States is no small feat, and I applaud the dedicated postal workers that serve their communities daily and USPS for the successes of decreasing its projected losses. That said, USPS must not let the quality of its service decline as reforms to achieve stronger financial footing are considered and implemented,” Grassley continued.

Grassley noted that, in addition to quality service, USPS must focus on long-term viability to continue serving the American people for another 250 years and beyond. He is encouraging the agency to take an innovative approach to rightsize the institution, as well as support flexibility when reforms are not working.

Background:

Unlike regular federal agencies, USPS does not receive congressionally appropriated funding. Instead, it’s self-financed with revenue from postage, packages and shipping. For many years, USPS has faced a significant decline in first-class mail volume and has operated with revenue losses.

Previous administrations, lawmakers and government watchdogs have recommended reforms to strengthen the Postal Service’s ability to modernize its operations, uphold commitments to its workforce and maintain its fundamental mission of universal service.

Text of the letter can be found HERE and below.

June 26, 2025

Ms. Amber F. McReynolds
Chair, Board of Governors
United States Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, DC 20260

Dear Ms. McReynolds and members of the Board of Governors,

As the United States Postal Service (USPS) approaches 250 years of its establishment as an institution that serves the American people, I write to you with skepticism that the institution is delivering on its mission. I often hear from postal customers that they are facing issues with sending and receiving their mail in a timely and reliable manner. In addition, businesses that utilize the postal service for the delivery of market dominant products are facing postage rate price hikes that are impacting business operations and causing companies to decrease mailing volume.

I have been a partner of the USPS to ensure that it remains self-sufficient and, as advised by USPS, direct Iowans to the proper channels to seek remedies for the problems they face. Though, the persistence of issues with USPS’s services remains. For example, so far in 2025, no fewer than two dozen Iowans have contacted me outlining the challenges they are having with bills and checks being delivered on time, mail missing, and increased duration of mail pickup and delivery times. These issues are not location specific and span across every congressional district in Iowa. Additionally, I have heard from businesses about difficulties in maintaining mail volumes given the dramatic rate increases of more than 50% on USPS market dominant products, or that there is poor handling of packages and improper planning to satisfy shipping demand. Further, changes to rural delivery are impacting postal workers and customers alike.

In Congress, we often hear from USPS leaders that the legislative branch tends to hinder USPS’s ability to adapt to address the challenges it faces because members and the American people do not want any change to how USPS operates. While there may be some truth to that as change is often met with resistance, the initial years of the implementation of USPS’ self-help “Delivering for America Plan,” has not demonstrated that USPS is striking a needed balance of financial self-sufficiency and quality service. Delivering to every corner of the United States is no small feat, and I applaud the dedicated postal workers that serve their communities daily and USPS for the successes of decreasing its projected losses. That said, USPS must not let the quality of its service decline as reforms to achieve stronger financial footing are considered and implemented.

I recognize the challenges USPS faces and understand that given the advent of the internet and competition with other entities, there has been a considerable decrease in mail volume which has impacted the Postal Service’s operations and bottom line. The need for innovation is apparent. It appears that efforts, such as recovering market dominant revenue, are in practice facilitating counterproductive outcomes. The long-term viability of USPS ought to be the focus, so the institution remains to serve the American people for another 250 plus years.

As the USPS awaits to formally welcome Mr. David Steiner as the new Postmaster General; I strongly encourage you and Mr. Steiner to be innovative in the approaches to right size the institution as well as flexible when reforms are not working to ensure that it fulfills its mission successfully. Americans depend on it.

Sincerely,

Chuck Grassley

United States Senator

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on June 26, 2025

Source: Reserve Bank of India


(Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)

	Volume (One Leg)	Weighted Average Rate	Range
A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV)	6,07,651.46	5.16	0.01-6.30
I. Call Money	18,327.98	5.27	4.75-5.35
II. Triparty Repo	4,00,730.45	5.24	5.00-5.26
III. Market Repo	1,86,894.48	4.97	0.01-5.75
IV. Repo in Corporate Bond	1,698.55	5.46	5.40-6.30
B. Term Segment
I. Notice Money**	565.85	5.26	5.00-5.30
II. Term Money^@@	548.00	–	5.40-6.80
III. Triparty Repo	2,750.00	5.41	5.20-5.50
IV. Market Repo	446.63	4.02	2.00-5.65
V. Repo in Corporate Bond	0.00	–	–

	Auction Date	Tenor (Days)	Maturity Date	Amount	Current Rate / Cut off Rate
C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
I. Today’s Operations
1. Fixed Rate
2. Variable Rate^&
(I) Main Operation
(a) Repo
(b) Reverse Repo
(II) Fine Tuning Operations
(a) Repo
(b) Reverse Repo
3. MSF^#	Thu, 26/06/2025	1	Fri, 27/06/2025	1,826.00	5.75
4. SDF^Δ#	Thu, 26/06/2025	1	Fri, 27/06/2025	2,79,877.00	5.25
5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*				-2,78,051.00
II. Outstanding Operations
1. Fixed Rate
2. Variable Rate^&
(I) Main Operation
(a) Repo
(b) Reverse Repo
(II) Fine Tuning Operations
(a) Repo
(b) Reverse Repo
3. MSF^#
4. SDF^Δ#
D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI^$				7,010.46
E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*				7,010.46
F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*				-2,71,040.54
G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
(i) Cash balances with RBI as on		June 26, 2025		9,35,809.33
(ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending		June 27, 2025		9,54,173.00
H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on^¥		June 26, 2025		0.00
I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on		May 30, 2025		5,84,684.00
^@ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
– Not Applicable / No Transaction.
** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
^@@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
^$ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
^& As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
^Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
* Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
^¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
^# As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
Ajit Prasad Deputy General Manager (Communications)
Press Release: 2025-2026/601

MIL OSI Economics –

June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Delegation Announces $900K Investment for NH Manufacturing Sector

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)—a top member and former chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies that funds the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced with U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) that the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NH MEP) will receive $924,376 in funding from NIST to help New Hampshire’s small and medium-sized manufacturers fully participate in the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network National Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network.

“Investing in American manufacturing is critical in order to grow our economy, advance American national security and out build competitors, like China,” said Senator Shaheen. “New Hampshire is a small business state, and this funding will help ensure that Granite State manufacturers have the support they need to drive that progress. MEPs are proven winners that bolster our economy, generate growth and support good-paying jobs in Granite State communities. I’ll continue working to secure investment in them.”

“When Granite Staters are given a fair shot and the freedom to compete and thrive, there’s no limit to what they can do, and the NH Manufacturing Extension Partnership provides vital technical support and assistance that help manufacturers succeed,” said Senator Hassan. “Thanks to the advocacy of the leaders of New Hampshire MEP, we overcame attempts by the Trump Administration to dismantle the Manufacturing Extension Partnership in New Hampshire and across the country and got this funding restored. I look forward to continuing to get New Hampshire’s small businesses the support that they need.”

“Smart investments in American manufacturing can grow our economy, create jobs, increase our global competitiveness, and bolster national security. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network is one effective way we do this,” said Congressman Pappas. “This funding will support their work to help small and medium-sized New Hampshire manufacturers make more products and create more good-paying jobs in our state. I’ll always support investing in American innovation and manufacturing.”

“Today is a good day for the future of manufacturing in New Hampshire,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “The federal funding we are announcing today for New Hampshire manufacturers is going to strengthen the economic and national security of hardworking people across our state. I’ve been on the frontlines of the fight to protect and strengthen the Manufacturing Extension Partnership because in the midst of lawless and costly trade wars that threaten to put small businesses out of business, these investments will actually bring good paying manufacturing jobs back to New Hampshire.”

The CHIPS and Science Act, which Shaheen, Hassan and Pappas supported, created the National Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network, a supply chain and manufacturing resiliency initiative designed to assist small and medium-sized manufacturers build resilient, local supply chains and strengthen manufacturing capabilities. The MEP National Network helps manufacturers to meet critical needs, ranging from process improvement and workforce development to specialized business practices, including supply chain integration, innovation, and technology transfer.

Since 1988, MEP has worked with over 150,000 manufacturers, leading to nearly $150 billion in sales, creating or retaining more than 1.6 million jobs, and saving firms nearly $31.6 billion. In the past year alone, firms assisted by MEP served as critical parts of our defense industrial base supply chain, made innovations in hazardous waste removal for the industries that power American energy production and invested in workforce development programming and certifications.

During an Appropriations Committee hearing earlier this month, Shaheen raised concerns over U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s plans to eliminate the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, noting that in Fiscal Year 2023, every dollar of federal investment in the program generated $24.60 in new sales growth and $27.50 in new client investment.

Goodlander and Pappas have been advocating to protect NH MEP funding in the House since potential cuts were first announced in April of this year. Goodlander and Pappas sent a letter to the Trump Administration urging support for domestic manufacturers in New Hampshire and across the country in the wake of the Trump Administration’s move to end contracts for 10 Manufacturing Extension Partnership programs. They also urged Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Meng to support NH MEP funding in the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK joins ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime for the first time
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

World news story

UK joins ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime for the first time

This was done in partnership with Vietnam to propose joint action against human trafficking and scam centres, reinforcing commitment to regional security and law enforcement cooperation.
The United Kingdom has participated for the first time in the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) open consultation, marking a significant milestone in its growing partnership with Southeast Asia on regional security and law enforcement cooperation. The UK was represented by the Home Office Director of International Strategy, Engagement and Devolution.

During this event, the UK and Vietnam presented a joint proposal for future regional activity on the critical areas of trafficking in persons and scam centres, which was warmly welcomed by the group. These issues cause immense harm across the world and continue to devastate lives and undermine security.

This engagement builds on the UK’s existing collaboration with ASEAN, including through the UK’s National Crime Agency’s formal partnership with ASEANAPOL and the UK’s active role in supporting the establishment of an ASEAN Money Laundering Working Group, in collaboration with Malaysia and UNODC.

SOMTC Viet Nam said:

As Country Coordinator for ASEAN-UK Dialogue Relations for the 2024–2027 period, Viet Nam is pleased to support the strengthening of this important partnership, grounded in mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional peace and stability. The ASEAN-UK Open Consultation at SOMTC represents a timely and meaningful step forward in our collective efforts to address transnational crime, particularly in areas of growing concern such as trafficking in persons and scam centres.

The joint proposal led by SOMTC – Viet Nam and the United Kingdom reflects our common resolve to foster practical, forward-looking cooperation. We welcome the UK’s continued engagement with ASEAN and remain committed to working closely with all partners to promote a rules-based regional order, reinforce law enforcement collaboration, and protect the safety and well-being of our communities.

Malaysia, as 2025 ASEAN Chair said:

Malaysia together with ASEAN welcomes the United Kingdom’s inaugural participation in the SOMTC Open Consultation, which reflects ASEAN’s shared commitment in tackling the evolving threats of transnational crime.

Malaysia looks forward in deepening collaboration with the UK and ASEAN partners, particularly in strengthening financial integrity, addressing online scams, and dismantling criminal networks that exploit regional vulnerabilities.

The UK’s participation in SOMTC reflects its broader commitment as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner to support ASEAN centrality, regional stability, uphold international norms, and promote a safe and secure Indo-Pacific. Through continued collaboration, the UK and ASEAN aim to build more resilient institutions, strengthen law enforcement cooperation, and protect the rights and safety of people across the region.

UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, said:

Transnational crime knows no borders, and neither should our cooperation. The UK is proud to stand alongside ASEAN in tackling the serious threats posed by trafficking, fraud and illicit finance (including money laundering). These crimes not only harm individuals and communities—they also erode trust, fuel corruption, weaken governance and threaten the rule of law. Our shared commitment to addressing these challenges is stronger than ever.

The UK is pleased to work jointly with ASEAN to tackle fraud and the flow of dirty money that fuels organised crime, corruption, and instability across the region.

The UK has committed to supporting the UNODC-INTERPOL Global Fraud Summit, taking place in March 2026, and will be hosting an Illicit Finance Summit, both of which will convene a diverse coalition of countries to accelerate the implementation of global standards and enhance long-term cooperation between governments, law enforcement and the private sector.

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Published 27 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: HANK and the Transmission of Shocks to Demand and Supply

Source: Airservices Australia

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MIL OSI News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Car Loans For Bad Credit Guaranteed Approval Online 2025 By Viva Payday Loans
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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The MIL Network –
June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Case Note 322794 [2025] NZ Priv Cmr 1 – Individual complains that government agency sent their health information to an incorrect address

Source: Privacy Commissioner

16 Jun 2025, 09:00

Background

In 2021, a government agency mailed a client’s health information to the wrong address. The agency had the correct street but had misidentified the house number.

The agency had the incorrect address in its systems as the verified address for the client, because a staff member had misheard the street number they said and verified the incorrect address in the agency’s systems. The agency said it had taken steps to verify the address, and so it did not consider it had made a mistake.

The client was not satisfied with this response and complained to the agency. Further enquiries showed that the agency had the client’s correct address details at the time the information was sent to the wrong address but had not updated their file.

The client asked for compensation, but the agency said it did not consider the breach had caused significant emotional harm, because the information that had been sent was “relatively generic.”

However, the client said that their previous experiences meant that the harm of the information being sent to the wrong address was greater for them than it might have been for someone else. The client lodged an application for review of the agency’s decision. The agency was directed by the reviewer to obtain an external opinion on the emotional harm suffered by the client. This independent opinion said the breach had caused significant emotional harm and had exacerbated the client’s pre-existing conditions. Following this, the agency made a compensation offer to the client, however it miscommunicated how long the client had to consider and accept the offer. The client had lost trust in the agency by this point and was not willing to negotiate with the agency directly.

The client asked our Office to assist, advising that they would like to meet with the agency to discuss how the privacy breach had impacted them and to further attempt to resolve the complaint.

The Rules Applying to this case

This complaint raised issues under rules 5 and 8 of the Health Information Privacy Code 2020 (the Code).

Rule 5 requires agencies that hold health information to ensure that the information is protected by reasonable safeguards to protect against loss, misuse or unauthorised disclosure.

Rule 8 requires agencies to take reasonable steps to ensure that information is accurate, up to date, complete, relevant and not misleading before using or disclosing that information.

OPC’s approach

This was a case where the agency accepted it had breached its client’s privacy, but it didn’t fully understand the harm the breach had caused the client. Further, the relationship between the agency and its client had broken down, such that they weren’t able to resolve the matter between them directly.

We focus on resolving complaints where possible, and instead of investigating we decided to explore a settlement under section 77 of the Privacy Act.

Section 77 provides for the Commissioner to use best endeavours to settle the complaint without an investigation. An investigation may or may not follow if the Commissioner is unable to secure a settlement.

We facilitated a conciliation meeting between the agency, the client and the client’s psychologist, who attended as the client’s support person, and was able to help the client articulate the harm the privacy breach had caused them. It was clear that the breach had exacerbated pre-existing mental health conditions and caused a significant impact on the emotional state and the life of the client.

At the meeting, the agency did a good job of hearing the complainant’s concerns. Its representatives provided the client with a heartfelt apology. The client thanked the representatives and said it was the first time that they felt the agency had listened and understood how they felt. The conciliation meeting ended with both parties agreeing to settle the matter.

As part of this resolution, the agency agreed to pay financial compensation, which was more than twice the amount offered previously. The agency also agreed to pay for ongoing psychological treatment to help the client to recover from the interference with their privacy.

The matter was settled, and we closed our file.

Commentary

When agencies are considering whether harm has been suffered by a complainant, it is essential that it seeks to understand the actual impact on the client, not what they think the impact should be without having lived that individual’s life experiences. What might not affect one person, can have a significant impact on another.

Additionally, it is critical that agencies take responsibility for errors from the outset and put things right early. In this instance, the complaint could have been resolved far earlier if the agency had accepted what had gone wrong earlier, and if it had considered the information it already had, in the form of the independent opinion about the harm the client had experienced.

Instead, the agency’s management of the breach and the subsequent complaint led to a further breakdown in the relationship between the parties, and this meant the matter wasn’t able to be resolved without our Office’s assistance. However, when the parties came to the conciliation with a genuine desire to hear the other and with an intention to resolve the matter and move forward, we were able to facilitate a conversation that allowed that to happen, and both sides to get closure.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Caledonian delegates to learn about NZ economy

Source: New Zealand Government

A New Caledonian delegation will tour New Zealand next week to learn about aspects of our economic development, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.
“As New Caledonia seeks to recover economically from a challenging period in its history, New Zealand is pleased to be sharing our own lessons and experiences.
“When visiting New Caledonia twice in the past year, we heard from businesses, including Kanak entrepreneurs, significant interest in New Zealand’s economic development – including the Māori economy.
“We are therefore delighted to welcome this high-level delegation, which will be introduced to all aspects of our economic development – including the Māori economy and how Māori operate in key sectors like youth training, economic development, and technology.
“This study tour is an important element of New Zealand’s commitment to New Caledonia’s development through ongoing and constructive exchanges.”
The programme includes a meeting with Māori policymakers and engagement with a range of iwi on areas such as youth, tourism, services and private sector partnerships.
The study tour follows Mr Peters’ visits over the last six months to Paris, Nice and Nouméa, where he has met France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Overseas Territories Minister Manuel Valls, as well as the new President of the Government of New Caledonia, Alcide Ponga.
The 20-person study tour includes visits to Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Auckland.
“We have a shared interest in promoting economic development, good governance and regional security,” Mr Peters says.
The delegation arrives in New Zealand on Sunday 29 June, will meet Mr Peters on Friday 4 July, before returning to Nouméa the following day.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 27, 2025

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 27, 2025.

Travelling with food allergies? These 8 tips can help you stay safer in the skies
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Koplin, Evidence and Translation Lead, National Allergy Centre of Excellence; Chief Investigator, Centre of Food Allergy Research; Associate Professor and Group Leader, Childhood Allergy & Epidemiology Group, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland Anchiy/Getty Images With the school holidays approaching, many families will be

Cats at 40: a dazzling cast – stuck in an outdated show
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karen Cummings, Lecturer in Singing, University of Sydney The star of the 40th anniversary production of Cats – which premiered at the Theatre Royal Sydney last week – is the performing ensemble. Some ensemble scenes, such as The Jellicle Ball, offered the same joy and exhilaration as

Earth is trapping much more heat than climate models forecast – and the rate has doubled in 20 years
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Sherwood, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Climate Change Research Centre, UNSW Sydney NASA, CC BY-NC-ND How do you measure climate change? One way is by recording temperatures in different places over a long period of time. While this works well, natural variation can make it harder to

The NDIA is changing how it pays for disability supports. What does that mean for rural communities?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Johnson, Lecturer in Social Entrepreneurship and Co-Founder of Umbo, University of Sydney Shutterstock Each year, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) reviews its pricing rules to ensure services funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) remain sustainable. This year’s annual pricing review outlines changes that

1 in 5 community footy umpires have been assaulted, while others cop death threats: new research
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alyson Crozier, Senior Lecturer, Exercise and Sport Psychology, University of South Australia Scott Barbour/Getty Images Umpires’ decisions often upset sports fans, especially during a close contest. At most games, spectators boo loudly, coaches throw their hands up in frustration and players can yell or even physically intimidate

NATO’s 5% of GDP defence target ramps up pressure on Australia to spend vastly more
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Parker, Adjunct Fellow, Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra, and Expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University After lobbying by US President Donald Trump, NATO leaders have promised to boost annual defence spending to 5% of their countries’ gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. A NATO

Beyond playgrounds: how less structured city spaces can nurture children’s creativity and independence
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jose Antonio Lara-Hernandez, Senior Researcher in Architecture, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Children’s play is essential for their cognitive, physical and social development. But in cities, spaces to play are usually separated, often literally fenced off, from the rest of urban life. In our new study,

Lung cancer screening is about to start. What you need to know if you smoke or have quit
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Olver, Adjunct Professsor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide Magic mine/Shutterstock From July, eligible Australians will be screened for lung cancer as part of the nation’s first new cancer screening program for almost 20 years. The program aims to detect

The drought in southern Australia is not over – it just looks that way
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew B. Watkins, Associate research scientist, School of Earth, Atmopshere & Environment, Monash University Andrew Watkins How often do you mow your lawn in winter? That may seem like an odd way to start a conversation about drought. But the answer helps explain why our current drought

One bad rainstorm away from disaster: why proposed changes to forestry rules won’t solve the ‘slash’ problem
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Bloomberg, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Te Kura Ngahere-New Zealand School of Forestry, University of Canterbury Murry Cave/Gisborne District Council, CC BY-SA The biggest environmental problems for commercial plantation forestry in New Zealand’s steep hill country are discharges of slash (woody debris left behind after logging) and sediment

Whatever happened to the Albanese government’s wellbeing agenda?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Sollis, Research Fellow, University of Tasmania DavideAngelini/Shutterstock The Albanese government devoted time and energy in its first term to developing a wellbeing agenda for the economy and society. It was a passion project of Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who wanted better ways to measure national welfare beyond

What do the Bible, the Quran and the Torah say about the justification for war?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn J. Whitaker, Associate Professor, New Testament, & Director of The Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy, University of Divinity Wars are often waged in the name of religion. So what do key texts from Christianity, Islam and Judaism say about the justification for war?

Brands want us to trust them. But as the SPF debacle shows, they need to earn it
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Harrison, Director, Master of Business Administration Program (MBA); Co-Director, Better Consumption Lab, Deakin University It’s quite unsettling to discover something so central to our cultural rituals – the “slop” in the Aussie mantra of “Slip! Slop! Slap!” – can no longer be trusted. We’ve never really

Streaming giants have helped bring Korean dramas to the world – but much is lost in translation
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sung-Ae Lee, Lecturer, Macquarie University In less than a decade, Korean TV dramas (K-dramas) have transmuted from a regional industry to a global phenomenon – partly a consequence of the rise of streaming giants. But foreign audiences may not realise the K-dramas they’ve seen on Netflix don’t

‘Don’t surrender’ to Indonesian pressure over West Papua, Bomanak warns MSG
Asia Pacific Report A West Papuan independence movement leader has warned the Melanesian Spearhead Group after its 23rd leaders summit in Suva, Fiji, to not give in to a “neocolonial trade in betrayal and abandonment” over West Papua. While endorsing and acknowledging the “unconditional support” of Melanesian people to the West Papuan cause for decolonisation,

Grattan on Friday: Jim Chalmers juggles expectations and ambition in pursuing tax reform
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Next week will be the 40th anniversary of the Hawke government’s tax summit. Dominated by then treasurer Paul Keating’s unsuccessful bid to win support for a consumption tax, it was the public centrepiece of an extraordinary political and policy story.

There’s gold trapped in your iPhone – and chemists have found a safe new way to extract it
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justin M. Chalker, Professor of Chemistry, Flinders University A sample of refined gold recovered from mining and e-waste recycling trials. Justin Chalker In 2022, humans produced an estimated 62 million tonnes of electronic waste – enough to fill more than 1.5 million garbage trucks. This was up

Politics with Michelle Grattan: Ken Henry on changing the tax system to give struggling workers a fairer go
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In August, the Albanese government will hold an economic “roundtable” that will discuss productivity, budget sustainability and resilience. Australia’s tax system will be one of the central issues, and stakeholders are gearing up with their varying arguments for changes. Ken

As one of Shakespeare’s least performed plays, Coriolanus is startlingly relevant under Trump 2.0
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirk Dodd, Lecturer in English and Writing, University of Sydney Brett Boardman/Bell Shakespeare Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare’s least performed plays; perhaps because the hero is so pugnacious and classist, impressive in his strident vehemence, but lacking the vulnerability of a Macbeth or Othello. Set in the

Magpies may not be a pesky Australian import – new research finds their ancestors thrived in NZ a long time ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanesa De Pietri, Senior Research Fellow in Palaeontology, University of Canterbury Shutterstock/Russ Jenkins For many New Zealanders, the Australian magpie is a familiar, if sometimes vexing, sight. Introduced from Australia in the 1860s, magpies are known for their territorial dive-bombing during nesting season, which has cemented their

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM holds talks with Armenian counterpart

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

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan in Beijing, capital of China, June 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan in Beijing on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and Armenia have always respected and trusted each other, and that China is willing to work with Armenia to carry forward their friendship, consolidate mutual trust, deepen cooperation, contribute to the development and rejuvenation of the two countries, and create more benefits for their peoples.

Wang said China is willing to work with all countries, including Armenia, to practice true multilateralism and safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, as well as the international order based on international law. China is also ready to promote the implementation of the three major global initiatives, and jointly build a community with a shared future for all.

China will, as always, support Armenia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and independence, and in forging a path that is supported by its people and in line with its national conditions, he said, adding that China appreciates Armenia’s adherence to the one-China principle and its firm support for China’s position on issues concerning its core interests.

Mirzoyan said that Armenia will continue to follow the one-China policy and support China in safeguarding its core interests, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in such fields as connectivity, economy and trade. Armenia is also ready to strengthen coordination with China on international and regional affairs, and to establish a more stable, friendly and strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two sides also exchanged views on deepening cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and on issues related to the Israel-Iran conflict.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China, Britain deepen green finance cooperation with new work stream

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

Financial professionals and experts from China and Britain on Thursday formally launched a joint work stream in London, in a bid to strengthen bilateral cooperation on sustainable finance and biodiversity protection.

The UK-China Nature and Biodiversity Finance Work Stream, initiated by the China-UK Green Finance Taskforce and co-led by Bank of China and Standard Chartered, will focus on cross-border collaboration and innovation in areas such as natural capital valuation, biodiversity-related disclosure tools and nature-focused investment mechanisms.

The launch coincided with a high-level forum hosted by Bank of China’s London branch, titled “From Policy to Impact: A Global Perspective on the Current State of Sustainable Development.” The forum, part of the official program of this year’s London Climate Action Week, brought together over 100 participants from financial institutions, government agencies, regulators, think tanks and academia across China, Britain and Europe.

“Green finance and sustainable development have become central to global high-quality growth and the transformation of financial systems,” said Fang Wenjian, CEO of Bank of China (UK) Limited, during the forum’s opening remarks.

Charles Bowman, co-chair of the China-UK Green Finance Taskforce, said the initiative came at a critical time. “We must accelerate global capital flows to tackle the climate crisis,” he said. “China and the UK are co-leading this effort through their net-zero commitments and renewable energy investments.”

London Climate Action Week, founded in 2019 by climate think tank E3G and the Mayor of London’s office, serves as a global platform for policymakers, business leaders, investors and academics to advance climate action and sustainable development.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s driverless tech finds new traction on global roads

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

Driverless sedans glide smoothly to the curb, autonomous shuttles whisk travelers through airport terminals, and robotic sweepers hum along busy streets. These once-futuristic scenes are fast entering everyday life across the globe, and many of them are powered by Chinese technology.

From San Jose of California to Paris and Riyadh, China’s swiftly advancing autonomous driving industry is gaining ground, exporting cutting-edge solutions that are quietly transforming how people move and how cities function.

“Chinese autonomous driving firms are accelerating their global expansion, fueled by mature technologies, swift deployment cycles and rising international demand,” said Liu Jinshan, a professor at Jinan University in south China’s Guangzhou.

This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows a WeRide Robobus (front) operating at an airport in Zurich, Switzerland. [Photo/Xinhua]

Going global

In late May, Chinese autonomous driving firm WeRide made headlines as its self-driving vehicles began rolling through the streets of the capital Riyadh and the historic city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia.

Almost simultaneously, another major player, Guangzhou-based Pony.ai, also shifted its global ambitions into higher gear, announcing a strategic partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch autonomous transport services.

These moves are among the latest examples of a broader trend — a larger push by Chinese autonomous vehicle (AV) developers to expand their global presence.

Chinese-developed autonomous driving technologies have made inroads into a growing number of global markets — including the United States, France, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Chinese tech giant Baidu serves as a prime example of this momentum. In the first quarter of 2025, its autonomous ride-hailing arm, Apollo Go, completed over 1.4 million rides, up 75 percent year on year, bringing its global total to over 11 million rides by May.

Much of this success can be attributed to China’s innovation-friendly environment. By the end of 2024, the country had established 17 national-level intelligent connected vehicle testing zones, with more than 32,000 kilometers of open test roads and over 120 million kilometers of cumulative test mileage, according to official figures.

As Chinese AV firms gain global traction, collaboration with global players is deepening. Uber, for instance, has teamed up with WeRide and Pony.ai to integrate Chinese-developed AVs into its ride-hailing platform, starting with pilot operations in the Middle East.

“It’s clear that the future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric and autonomous,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. “We look forward to working with Chinese leading AV companies to help bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities around the world.”

This photo taken on March 11, 2025 shows an interior view of a WeRide Robobus operating in downtown Barcelona, Spain. [Photo/Xinhua]

Mutual benefits

The rise of China’s autonomous driving industry is creating ripple effects across global markets, offering development opportunities far beyond transportation.

Peng Jun, co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, said the company’s overseas expansion has sparked deep collaboration across the broader mobility value chain — spanning auto manufacturing, R&D, logistics and smart mobility services.

“Deploying autonomous vehicles attracts global component suppliers to invest in local facilities, which helps form industrial clusters and boosts the competitiveness of local manufacturing,” Peng noted.

The benefits go beyond factories. According to Zhang Yuxue, WeRide’s director of PR and marketing, local partnerships have also led to job creation in areas such as safety operations, fleet management and technical support.

Notably, as Chinese AV companies venture into regions with varied road conditions, climates and regulatory environments, their technologies are evolving in step.

“Expanding globally helps us sharpen our algorithms to adapt to complex, real-world scenarios, ranging from the narrow urban roads of Europe to the extreme heat of the Middle East,” said Zhang.

Wu Qiong, an autonomous driving expert at Baidu, said Apollo Go is building a “full-spectrum technical validation chain” as it expands overseas. “For example, we’re testing in Switzerland, a right-hand-drive country with some of the world’s most stringent traffic laws, which offers one of the toughest proving grounds for autonomous vehicles,” Wu said.

This photo taken on May 25, 2025 shows a WeRide Robobus operating in the historic city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia. [Photo/Xinhua]

Challenges on road ahead

Despite impressive strides, industry insiders note that autonomous driving remains in the early stages of commercialization and global expansion.

China’s autonomous driving industry still faces significant headwinds on its path to global growth, said Wu Zhanchi, a professor at Jinan University. “Challenges range from adapting to overseas regulatory frameworks and overcoming high technical localization barriers, to ensuring compliance with cross-border data regulations and fierce competition from international giants,” Wu added.

“The sector also faces significant challenges in technological innovation and the development of sustainable business models,” said Zhu Xichan, professor at Tongji University in Shanghai.

Zhu emphasized that achieving scale is crucial for the long-term viability of the AV industry. “Global expansion not only broadens the range of real-world application scenarios but also boosts deployment volumes, both of which are vital for refining technologies and developing commercially viable models,” he said.

Yet, several companies have begun to tackle these hurdles head-on. Peng Jun of Pony.ai said the company has overcome key challenges — such as cost reduction and front-end mass production. “Our products have reached a level of maturity, and we have achieved positive unit economics,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Peng said Pony.ai will continue to expand in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, leveraging existing partnerships to accelerate the growth of its global footprint.

Zhang Yuxue echoed this sentiment, saying that WeRide is committed to broadening its international reach by promoting a diverse fleet of autonomous solutions, ranging from robotaxis and minibuses to freight trucks, sanitation vehicles and advanced self-driving systems.

General Manager of Apollo Go for Europe and the Middle East Zhang Liang said Baidu aims to build the largest driverless fleet in Abu Dhabi by partnering with local stakeholders to jointly foster a robust autonomous driving ecosystem.

In addition, Baidu is exploring cooperation with local new energy firms to develop innovative services, including battery swapping, which Zhang said will help improve operational efficiency.

“Given their growing track record in both domestic and international markets, there is good reason to believe that Chinese AV firms will secure a strong foothold in this global mobility market, ultimately becoming a hallmark of ‘Made-in-China’ innovation,” Wu noted.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: There’s gold trapped in your iPhone – and chemists have found a safe new way to extract it

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Justin M. Chalker, Professor of Chemistry, Flinders University

A sample of refined gold recovered from mining and e-waste recycling trials. Justin Chalker

In 2022, humans produced an estimated 62 million tonnes of electronic waste – enough to fill more than 1.5 million garbage trucks. This was up 82% from 2010 and is expected to rise to 82 million tonnes in 2030.

This e-waste includes old laptops and phones, which contain precious materials such as gold. Less than one quarter of it is properly collected and recycled. But a new technique colleagues and I have developed to safely and sustainably extract gold from e-waste could help change that.

Our new gold-extraction technique, which we describe in a new paper published today in Nature Sustainability, could also make small-scale gold mining less poisonous for people – and the planet.

Soaring global demand

Gold has long played a crucial role in human life. It has been a form of currency and a medium for art and fashion for centuries. Gold is also essential in modern industries including the electronics, chemical manufacture and aerospace sectors.

But while global demand for this precious metal is soaring, mining it is harmful to the environment.

Deforestation and use of toxic chemicals are two such problems. In formal, large-scale mining, highly toxic cyanide is widely used to extract gold from ore. While cyanide can be degraded, its use can cause harm to wildlife, and tailings dams which store the toxic byproducts of mining operations pose a risk to the wider environment.

In small-scale and artisanal mining, mercury is used extensively to extract gold. In this practice, the gold reacts with mercury to form a dense amalgam that can be easily isolated. The gold is then recovered by heating the amalgam to vaporise the mercury.

Small-scale and artisanal mining is the largest source of mercury pollution on Earth, and the mercury emissions are dangerous to the miners and pollute the environment. New methods are required to reduce the impacts of gold mining.

In 2022, humans produced an estimated 62 million tonnes of electronic waste.
DAMRONG RATTANAPONG/Shutterstock

A safer alternative

Our interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers has developed a new technique to extract gold from ore and e-waste. The aim was to provide a safer alternative to mercury and cyanide and reduce the health and environmental impacts of gold mining.

Many techniques have previously been reported for extracting gold from ore or e-waste, including mercury- and cyanide-free methods. However, many of these methods are limited in rate, yield, scale and cost. Often these methods also consider only one step in the entire gold recovery process, and recycling and waste management is often neglected.

In contrast, our approach considered sustainability throughout the whole process of gold extraction, recovery and refining. Our new leaching technology uses a chemical commonly used in water sanitation and pool chlorination: trichloroisocyanuric acid.

When this widely available and low-cost chemical is activated with salt water, it can react with gold and convert it into a water-soluble form.

To recover the gold from the solution, we invented a sulphur-rich polymer sorbent. Polymer sorbents isolate a certain substance from a liquid or gas, and ours is made by joining a key building block (a monomer) together through a chain reaction.

Our polymer sorbent is interesting because it is derived from elemental sulphur: a low-cost and highly abundant feedstock. The petroleum sector generates more sulphur than it can use or sell, so our polymer synthesis is a new use for this underused resource.

Our polymer could selectively bind and remove gold from the solution, even when many other types of metals were present in the mixture.

The simple leaching and recovery methods were demonstrated on ore, circuit boards from obsolete computers and scientific waste. Importantly, we also developed methods to regenerate and recycle both the leaching chemical and the polymer sorbent. We also established methods to purify and recycle the water used in the process.

In developing the recyclable polymer sorbent, we invented some exciting new chemistry to make the polymer using light, and then “un-make” the sorbent after it bound gold. This recycling method converted the polymer back to its original monomer building block and separated it from the gold.

The recovered monomer could then be re-made into the gold-binding polymer: an important demonstration of how the process is aligned with a circular economy.

A long and complex road ahead

In future work, we plan to collaborate with industry, government and not-for-profit groups to test our method in small-scale mining operations. Our long-term aim is to provide a robust and safe method for extracting gold, eliminating the need for highly toxic chemicals such as cyanide and mercury.

There will be many challenges to overcome including scaling up the production of the polymer sorbent and the chemical recycling processes. For uptake, we also need to ensure that the rate, yield and cost are competitive with more traditional methods of gold mining. Our preliminary results are encouraging. But there is still a long and complex road ahead before our new techniques replace cyanide and mercury.

Our broader motivation is to support the livelihood of the millions of artisanal and small-scale miners that rely on mercury to recover gold.

They typically operate in remote and rural regions with few other economic opportunities. Our goal is to support these miners economically while offering safer alternatives to mercury. Likewise, the rise of “urban mining” and e-waste recycling would benefit from safer and operationally simple methods for precious metal recovery.

Success in recovering gold from e-waste will also reduce the need for primary mining and therefore lessen its environmental impact.

Justin M. Chalker is an inventor on patents associated with the gold leaching and recovery technology. Both patents are wholly owned by Flinders University. This research was supported financially by the Australian Research Council and Flinders University. He has an ongoing collaboration with Mercury Free Mining and Adelaide Control Engineering: organisations that supported the developments and trials reported in this study.

– ref. There’s gold trapped in your iPhone – and chemists have found a safe new way to extract it – https://theconversation.com/theres-gold-trapped-in-your-iphone-and-chemists-have-found-a-safe-new-way-to-extract-it-259817

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Streaming giants have helped bring Korean dramas to the world – but much is lost in translation

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Sung-Ae Lee, Lecturer, Macquarie University

In less than a decade, Korean TV dramas (K-dramas) have transmuted from a regional industry to a global phenomenon – partly a consequence of the rise of streaming giants.

But foreign audiences may not realise the K-dramas they’ve seen on Netflix don’t accurately represent the broader Korean TV landscape, which is much wider and richer than these select offerings.

At the same time, there are many challenges in bringing this wide array of content to the rest of the world.

The rise of hallyu

Korean media was transformed during the 1990s. The end of military dictatorship led to the gradual relaxation of censorship.

Satellite media also allowed the export of K-dramas and films to the rest of East Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia. Some of the first K-dramas to become popular overseas included What Is Love (1991–92) and Star in My Heart (1997). They initiated what would later become known as the Korean wave, or hallyu.

The hallyu expansion continued with Winter Sonata (2003), which attracted viewers in Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia. Dae Jang Geum/Jewel in the Palace (2005) resonated strongly in Chinese-speaking regions, and was ultimately exported to more than 80 countries.

A breakthrough occurred in 2016. Netflix entered South Korea and began investing in Korean productions, beginning with Kingdom (2019–21) and Love Alarm (2019–21).

In 2021, the global hit Squid Game was released simultaneously in 190 countries.

But Netflix only scratches the surface

Last year, only 20% of new K-drama releases were available on Western streaming platforms. This means global discussions about K-dramas are based on a limited subgroup of content promoted to viewers outside South Korea.

Moreover, foreign viewers will generally evaluate this content based on Western conceptions of culture and narrative. They may, for instance, have Western preferences for genre and themes, or may disregard locally-specific contexts.

This is partly why Korean and foreign audiences can end up with very different ideas of what “Korean” television is.

Genres

When a K-drama is classified as a sageuk (historical drama) but also incorporates elements of fantasy, mythology, romance, melodrama, crime fiction and/or comedy, foreign audiences may dismiss it as “genre-confused”. Or, they may praise it for its “genre-blending”.

But the drama may not have been created with much attention to genre at all. The highly inventive world-building of pre-Netflix dramas such as Arang and the Magistrate (2012) and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016) prominently feature all the aforementioned genres.

While foreign viewers may think visual media begins with readily identifiable genres, many K-dramas aren’t produced on this premise.

Themes

Western viewers (and other viewers watching through a Western lens) might assume “liberal” themes such as systemic injustice, women’s rights and collusion in politics entered K-dramas as a result of Western influence. But this is a misconception.

The emergence of such themes can be attributed to various changes in Korean society, including the easing of censorship, rapid modernisation, and the imposition of neoliberal economics by the International Monetary Fund in 1997.

Although gender disparities still exist in South Korea, economic uncertainty and modernisation have prompted a deconstruction of patriarchal value systems. Female-centred K-dramas have been around since at least the mid-2000s, with women’s independence as a recurring theme in more recent dramas.

Local contexts

A major barrier to exporting K-dramas is the cultural specificity of certain elements, such as Confucian values, hierarchical family dynamics, gender codes, and Korean speech codes.

The global success of a K-drama comes down to how well its culturally-specific elements can be adapted for different contexts and audiences.

In some cases, these elements may be minimised, or entirely missed, by foreign viewers.

For example, in Squid Game, the words spoken by the killer doll in the first game are subtitled as “green light, red light”. What the doll actually says is “mugunghwa-kkochi pieot-seumnida”, which is also what the game is called in Korean.

This translates to “the mugunghwa (Rose of Saron) has bloomed”, with mugunghwa being South Korea’s national flower.

These words, in this context, are meant to ironically redefine South Korea as a site of hopelessness and death. But the subtitles erase this double meaning.

It’s also difficult for subtitles to reflect nuanced Korean honorific systems of address. As such, foreign viewers remain largely oblivious to the subtle power dynamics at play between characters.

All of this leads to a kind of cultural “flattening”, shifting foreign viewers’ focus to so-called universal themes.

A case study for global success

Nevertheless, foreign viewers can still engage with many culturally-specific elements in K-dramas, which can also serve as cultural literacy.

The hugely successful series Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022) explores the personal and professional challenges faced by an autistic lawyer.

Director Yoo In-sik described the series as distinctly Korean in both its humour and the legal system it portrays, and said he didn’t anticipate its widespread popularity.

Following success in South Korea, the series was acquired by Netflix and quickly entered the top 10 most popular non-English language shows.

The global appeal can be attributed to its sensitive portrayal of the protagonist, the problem-solving theme across episodes, and what Yoo describes as a kind and considerate tone. Viewers who resonate with these qualities may not even need to engage with the Korean elements.

Many K-dramas that achieve global success also feature elements typically considered “Western”, such as zombies.

While the overall number of zombie-themed productions is low, series and films such as Kingdom (2019–21), All of Us Are Dead (2022), Alive (2020) and Train to Busan (2016) have helped put Korean content on the map.

One potential effect of the zombie popularity may be the displacement of Korean mythological characters, such as fox spirits, or gumiho, which have traditionally held significant narrative space.

Shin Min-ah and Lee Seung-gi star in the acclaimed romantic comedy series My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010).
IMDB

Local production under threat

The influence of streaming giants such as Netflix is impacting South Korea’s local production systems.

One consequence has been a substantial increase in production costs, which local companies can’t compete with.

The early vision of low-cost, high-return projects such as Squid Game is rapidly diminishing.

Meanwhile, Netflix is exploring other locations, such as Japan, where dramas can be produced for about half the price of those in Korea. If this continues, the rise of Korean content may slow down.

Sung-Ae Lee does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Streaming giants have helped bring Korean dramas to the world – but much is lost in translation – https://theconversation.com/streaming-giants-have-helped-bring-korean-dramas-to-the-world-but-much-is-lost-in-translation-257547

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reed Encouraged by Bipartisan Skepticism of Trump’s Rescissions Package

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

WASHINGTON, DC — During a contentious hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, White House budget chief Russell T. Vought was challenged on a bipartisan basis regarding the Trump Administration’s efforts to cancel billions of dollars in spending for humanitarian aid, public health, National Public Radio (NPR), and the Public Broadcasting System (PBS).

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) a leading Democratic member of the Appropriations Committee, and other senators questioned Mr. Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), about a host of issues. Reed took Vought to task for failing to produce any cost-benefit analysis and instead attempting to impose ideological preferences on the American people in a harmful and unproductive manner.

The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives has already voted to claw back $9.4 billion as requested by the Trump Administration. Now, the U.S. Senate is considering the proposed package ahead of a July 18 deadline for legislative action, which only requires a simple majority vote in the U.S. Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority.

During the hearing, senators from both parties raised questions about several types of public interest programs that the Trump Administration has proposed to slash and the consequences of clawing back this funding.

Senator Reed came away from the hearing cautiously optimistic that enough Republicans could join Democrats in voting against the reckless rescission package, but the outcome of the vote is far from a foregone conclusion and Republicans have shown a propensity this Congress to vote the way Trump wants.

“I sensed real skepticism from many of my colleagues during the hearing, both Democrats and Republicans. They raised valid concerns about the harms this rescission package would do and Mr. Vought failed to provide a compelling rationale for ending lifesaving nutrition assistance and public broadcasting support,” said Senator Reed, who took Mr. Vought to task for trying to run a “backroom empire.”

Reed noted that former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) sounded alarmed by such a reckless claw back and noted the importance of the U.S. maintaining “soft power” overseas: “Reforming the way we invest in peace and stability is certainly worthwhile,” McConnell told Vought before going on to note: “But the Administration’s attempt to root it out has been unnecessarily chaotic. In critical corners of the globe, instead of creating efficiencies, you’ve created vacuums for adversaries like China to fill.”

During the hearing, the Chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee Susan Collins (R-ME) told Mr. Vought: “I am puzzled why you would be cutting funds that the president signed in March as part of the continuing resolution,” referring to the appropriations funding Trump signed to keep the federal government operating through the end of the fiscal year in September.

Regarding the $1 billion in cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CBP), which provides some funding to NPR and PBS, several senators raised the importance of supporting public broadcasting and the negative impacts the proposed cuts would have for local stations in the next fiscal year. The proposed cuts to PBS and NPR would undermine efforts to ensure that all Americans have access to unbiased news, educational programs, and diverse broadcasts that are not available through commercial media.

Senator Collins stated: “The vast majority of this funding, more than 70 percent, actually flows to local television and radio stations. In Maine this funding supports everything from emergency communications in rural areas to coverage of high school basketball championships and a locally produced high school quiz show. Nationally produced television programs such as ‘Antiques Roadshow,’ ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,’ are also enjoyed by many throughout our country.”

Republican senators from Alaska, Nebraska, and South Dakota also highlighted the importance of public broadcasting to their constituents in rural communities.

Speaking about public broadcasting in South Dakota, Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) noted: “They get their funding through NPR – 90 some percent of what they use. They will not continue to exist if we don’t find a way to take care of their needs. It’s not a large amount of money, but would you be willing to work with us to try and find a way for these places where, literally, they’re not political in nature? These are the folks that put out the emergency notifications. They talk about community events and so forth. But they’re in very, very rural areas where there simply isn’t an economy to support buying advertising on these stations.”

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting received $525 million in federal funding in 2024 and $535 million in 2025. If the Trump rescissions package is passed into law, CBP would see its federal budget completely eliminated for 2026 and 2027.

During his first term, President Trump attempted a similar maneuver to rescind federal funds but was unsuccessful, even though Republicans controlled a majority of both the House and Senate at the time.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Bill Seeks to Give State, Municipalities a Tool to Help Tackle National Debt

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

June 26, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) have introduced the Pay Down the Debt Act, legislation that would allow state and municipal governments to return federal grant money they receive directly toward lowering the federal deficit.
“Three years have passed since I first proposed this legislation, during which time our national debt has ballooned from $28 trillion to nearly $37 trillion,” said Lummis. “This explosive growth is unacceptable, fiscally irresponsible, and fundamentally contrary to American values. Our state and local governments currently lack any mechanism to meaningfully address the debt crisis. This bill would empower them to return surplus or unnecessary federal funds they’ve received back to the Treasury, specifically for debt reduction. We must change course immediately to avoid financial catastrophe – every dollar returned makes a difference in this fight.”
Background:
If a state or local government does not accept a grant from the federal government, an equal amount to be awarded to the state or local government is rescinded from the applicable appropriation account. Amounts rescinded are deposited in the general fund of the Treasury for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.
Read the entire bill here.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Unsafe products in online marketplaces among ACCC product safety priorities

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Unsafe products in online marketplaces will be a major focus of the ACCC’s product safety priorities during 2025-26, ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb announced today.

Addressing the National Consumer Congress in Melbourne, Ms Cass-Gottlieb outlined the importance of the ACCC’s role in protecting consumers from unsafe products and announced five priority areas.

Among the priorities is addressing unsafe products in the digital economy.

“Reducing the prevalence of high-risk unsafe consumer products online will be key. We will focus on systemic and high-risk product safety issues for consumers. And we will use a combination of regulation, education for consumers and for businesses, compliance and enforcement tools, where appropriate,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“The risks in the digital economy are layered, they include not only physical harm from unsafe or non-compliant goods, but also the associated economic harm and decline in consumer trust in markets.”

“Addressing these harms is essential to maintaining trust in digital markets and ensuring those markets are competitive and safe,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

The other four priorities are consumer and product safety issues impacting young children, lithium-ion battery safety, updating mandatory standards and improving product safety data to identify safety risks. Aligned with these priorities, the ACCC will maintain strong relationships across the regulator network, including information sharing and responding to harm.

“The ACCC will continue to prioritise product safety affecting young children, who can be at greater risk of injury or death from consumer products,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“We will focus on compliance with button battery standards and continue to raise awareness about new infant sleep and toppling furniture standards.”

“The dangers of button batteries, unstable furniture, and unsafe infant sleep products impact families every day and we want to ensure the standards don’t just exist, but are understood, implemented and enforced so children are kept safe,” Ms Lowe said.

The ACCC will continue to support the safe use of lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from smartphones to e-bikes, and are used in home solar systems. As the use of lithium ion batteries grows, the ACCC continues to focus on the safety of these products.

“Raising consumer awareness about the safe purchase, storage, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries, and monitoring recalls of unsafe lithium-ion battery products, will be another major focus this year,” Ms Lowe said.

The ACCC will begin a series of expedited reviews of existing mandatory standards from July 2025, following recent amendments to the Australian Consumer Law. These reviews will consider which voluntary overseas and international standards should be added as compliance options for mandatory standards. This will help ensure that mandatory standards are up to date, and can lower compliance costs for businesses.

The ACCC will also work to continue to improve product safety data to help us identify risks and protect consumers. This will include strategies to increase reporting of product safety incidents to the ACCC, working with other regulators and stakeholders to increase data sharing and undertaking new consultation and research to understand the key risks affecting Australian consumers.

“The priorities I have outlined today reflect the environment we’re operating in – one defined by digital acceleration and rising complexity,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“These priorities are designed to respond to known harms, and to anticipate the emerging risks that could shape the future of consumer safety. They reflect our commitment to protect Australian consumers and build and maintain their trust in markets in an era of change and uncertainty.”

More information including the full list of the ACCC’s product safety priorities is available at Product safety priorities 2025-26.

A transcript of Ms Cass-Gottlieb’s National Consumer Congress address is available on our website.

Background

Each year the ACCC announces its compliance and enforcement priorities and product safety priorities for the financial year ahead.

These priorities help guide the product safety work of the agency and ensure it focuses its work on the most important and impactful issues.

The Australian Product Safety Pledge helps the ACCC remove unsafe products from those online marketplaces that are signatories.

We are looking to expand the pledge and strengthen its commitments and reporting requirements to address the unsafe products available for sale on online marketplaces.

MIL OSI News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: 2022-23 Taxation statistics released
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released its annual Taxation Statistics report for the 2022–23 year. The report contains data extracted from tax returns and related schedules, as well as other information provided to the ATO.

Taxation Statistics provides detailed and valuable insights into the income tax position of individuals, companies, trusts, super funds and partnerships in Australia for the 2022-23 income year. The data generally follows trends from previous years, with the average taxable income and average superannuation account balance rising, reflecting a return to conditions from before COVID-19.

This report also includes information relating to the 2023–24 financial or fringe benefits tax year, including for goods and services tax (GST), excise and fuel schemes and fringe benefits tax (FBT).

What’s new in the 2022-23 data

This year there are three new data sets:
- A new table splitting company data by entity size and taxable income or loss range.
- Additional data for GST, including monthly GST, wine equalisation tax (WET), and luxury car tax (LCT) data.
- Additional data for excise, showing detailed historical excise collection figures from the Department of Home Affairs.
Points of interest from the 2022-23 data
- The total tax revenue collected by the ATO for 2022–23 was $577.4 billion:
  
  51.6% came from individual income tax ($298 billion)
  
  24.2% came from companies ($140 billion)
  
  14.2% came from GST ($81.7 billion)
  
  4.4% came from excise ($25.4 billion)
  
  4.2% came from super funds ($24 billion)
  
  0.7% came from PRRT, LCT and WET ($4.2 billion)
  
  0.7% came from FBT ($4.1 billion).
- Work related expenses accounted for 50% of total deductions claimed by individuals, with 10.3 million individuals claiming a total of $28.3 billion in work-related expenses – an average of $2,739 per person.
- The average superannuation account balance increased from $164,000 in 2021–22 to $173,000 in 2022–23.
- The postcode with the highest average taxable income ($279,712) was 2027 in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, NSW.
- Since reporting started in 2010–11, surgeons have remained the highest paid occupation with the 4,247 individuals reporting an average taxable income of $472,475 in 2022–23.
- Net tax from companies for the 2022–23 income year increased by 9.2% to $140 billion (compared to $128 billion in 2021–22).
- The biggest company tax liability came from the mining industry (39% of company net tax) with the industry’s net tax growing from $42.3 billion to $54.4 billion.
- Luxury car tax increased by 17.9% to $1,153 million while wine equalisation tax continued to remain stable.
For the full breakdown of the 2022–23 statistics, visit ato.gov.au/taxstats.

ATO file footage is available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.
MIL OSI News –
June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Oregon Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by March Storms and Flooding

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Oregon small businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides occurring March 13-20. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Tina Kotek on June 23.

The declaration covers the Oregon counties of Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lane.

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

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

Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.62% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”

Beginning Friday, June 27 SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

The DLOC hours of operation are as follows:

DOUGLAS COUNTY
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)
Third Floor Conference Room
738 W. Harvard Ave.
Roseburg, OR 97471

Opens at 12:00 p.m., Friday, June 27

Mondays – Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Closed Friday, July 4 for Independence Day

Permanently closes at 4:30 p.m., Monday, July 21

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

The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 25, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 24, 2026.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 2025 Eurasia commodity expo highlights global trade ties

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

URUMQI, June 26 — The 2025 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo opened Thursday in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, drawing over 2,800 enterprises and delegates from 50 countries and regions to deepen cooperation across Eurasia, organizers said.

This year’s expo is the largest edition to date. Among the attendees are government officials, diplomats, and business associations from Central Asia, the African Union (AU), ASEAN, and beyond. Notably, AU members Ethiopia, Zambia, the Comoros, and Senegal joined for the first time, highlighting expanded global engagement.

Spanning 140,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor space, the expo features key sectors like new energy, advanced manufacturing, textiles, and food processing. Heavy machinery dominates outdoor displays, while indoor halls spotlight innovations in AI and the low-altitude economy.

Fu Yunyan, director of Xinjiang international expo affairs bureau, noted “multiple highlights,” including dedicated zones for cutting-edge technologies and over 20 product launches. The five-day event will host over 60 trade and investment sessions focused on industrial matchmaking and project promotion.

As a pillar of the China-Eurasia Expo framework, the event, now in its fifth iteration, aims to accelerate Xinjiang’s opening-up and development.

People visit the Trade in Services and Cross-border E-commerce sector during the 2025 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 26, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday, drawing over 2,800 enterprises and delegates from 50 countries and regions to deepen cooperation across Eurasia, organizers said. The five-day event will host over 60 trade and investment sessions focused on industrial matchmaking and project promotion. [Photo/Xinhua]

This photo taken on June 26, 2025 shows the venue of the 2025 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: US GDP shrinks first time in three years

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

U.S. economy shrank for the first time in three years in the first quarter of this year, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Commerce Department.

U.S. gross domestic product dropped 0.5 percent in the January-March period from a year ago, the Commerce Department reported Thursday in its final report.

Growth in the first quarter was stifled by rising imports as U.S. firms scrambled to purchase foreign goods before sweeping tariffs took effect.

This occured as U.S. President Donald Trump implemented sweeping tariffs against most trading partners that could roil the global economy.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Legislation to build One Canadian Economy receives Royal Assent
Source: Government of Canada News (2)

Ottawa, Ontario, (June 26, 2025) – Today, Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, received Royal Assent. This legislation is key to building a stronger, more united Canada by supercharging productivity, economic growth, and competitiveness.

Once implemented, the One Canadian Economy Act will:
1. Expedite nation-building projects (the Building Canada Act): Streamlining federal review and approval processes to increase regulatory certainty, helping attract capital, strengthening our industries, and moving towards greater sovereignty and resilience while protecting the environmental and respecting Indigenous rights.
2. Remove federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility (the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act): Accepting comparable provincial or territorial regulations, where they exist, as meeting federal requirements for the movement of goods, services, and labour within Canada. This will allow more goods, services, workers and business to move freely across provinces and territories.
With the Building Canada Act coming into force today, the federal government will immediately move forward on consultations with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples and private sector proponents to identify nation building projects and implement measures to streamline processes for other projects. This includes working with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to adopt a ‘one project, one review’ approach to reduce duplication.

This work will be led by the Federal Major Projects Office, a new entity that will be launched in the coming weeks. The Office will include support from an Indigenous Advisory Council with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis representatives.

Indigenous partnership is a vital part of this legislation, and meaningful consultation will be key to the success of future projects. The federal government is committed to respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Over the coming weeks, the Prime Minister will meet with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis rights holders, with the first meeting happening on July 17 with First Nations.

The Government of Canada is fulfilling its promise to build one Canadian economy out of 13 while upholding Indigenous rights and protecting the environment as well as the health and safety of Canadians.

MIL OSI Canada News –
June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Maine Delegation Presses Labor Secretary to Reopen Job Corps Centers

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Maine’s Congressional delegation opposed the agency’s attempt to bypass Congress and close Job Corps centers nationwide. The move, which DOL calls a “phased pause in operations,” comes just months after officials froze enrollment at the Loring and Penobscot Job Corps Centers — exacerbating rural workforce shortages in central and northern Maine.

“By calling this plan a pause, the DOL is closing Job Corps centers without Congressional approval…” the lawmakers wrote. “The agency’s decision, which has been temporarily paused by the courts, to dismantle a widely popular, successful program has put hundreds of low-income Mainers at risk.”

The lawmakers also wrote that as Job Corps staff in Maine have tried to meet the DOL’s timeline to close the Penobscot and Loring facilities, “complications are impacting students and staff alike. Some students at both Job Corps Centers in Maine are not able to return home and are facing a risk of homelessness, and while organizations around these communities are helping, their resources are limited.”

Maine’s Job Corps is among the agency’s most successful and productive programs, with the Penobscot Center ranking fourth in the most recent national Job Corps Report Card. This report measures how efficiently students at each center attain trade credentials and improve other skills like math and reading.

Loring’s Job Corps Center currently has 129 staff members and is one of the largest employers in rural northern Maine. It currently enrolls 228 students and opened in 1997 — just a few years after the closure of the Loring Air Force Base devastated the region.

The Penobscot Job Corps has 223 students enrolled, and 65 students have graduated since July 2024. Of those graduates, 58 students have been verified as placements into employment, the military, or higher education, and five have transferred to other centers for advanced training opportunities. Penobscot is home to the only Advanced Marine Pipefitting training program in Job Corps, which is a feeder program for future BIW and PNSY employees.

Yesterday, a federal judge temporarily extended a block on the administration’s Job Corps plan while a lawsuit over the move remains ongoing.

A copy of the delegation’s letter can be found here, and is included in full below:

+++

June 26, 2025

The Honorable Lori Chavez-DeRemer

Secretary

Department of Labor

200 Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20210

Dear Secretary Chavez-DeRemer,

We write to express our strong opposition to the sudden announcement by the Department of Labor (DOL) to begin a phased pause in operations at Job Corps Centers nationwide. This follows an earlier decision to halt enrollments at centers in Maine with which we also disagree. Given the immediate and significant impact these decisions will have on hundreds of young Mainers currently enrolled at or interested in the Loring Job Corps Center and the Penobscot Job Corps Center, as well as the economic repercussions to the surrounding communities that need a skilled workforce, we urge you to retract this announcement.

Since its inception in 1964, Job Corps has been a vital program for countless young Americans across the country. In Maine, we have seen firsthand the benefits that the Job Corps has both on young students and their communities. The program has provided countless opportunities for low-income students to tap into their true potential and secure good-paying jobs. The job placement rate for the Maine centers is well above the national average, placing students in local healthcare settings, masonry, welding and beyond. Students from the Maine centers have gone on to work within Maine’s storied shipbuilding industry, join the Armed Forces, and work at Maine’s Community Colleges. Employers across the State that hire Job Corps graduates have developed long-standing relationships with the centers, finding that the students have been well-prepared to join the workforce.

By calling this plan a pause, the DOL is closing Job Corps centers without Congressional approval. Since the DOL’s announcement, we have heard from students, parents, local employers, and community officials about the devastating consequences that closing the Maine centers will have on some of our most disadvantaged young people. It bears emphasizing that as small and rural communities in Maine and across the country struggle with labor shortages, Job Corps provides businesses with a reliable source of workers armed with the necessary skills to productively contribute to our local economy.

The agency’s decision, which has been paused by the courts, to dismantle a widely popular, successful program has put hundreds of low-income Mainers at risk. Additionally, the Maine centers provide stable employment for residents of its closest communities. The Loring Job Corps Center is one of the largest employers in Aroostook County, employing nearly 130 Mainers. The DOL’s plan would prevent around 260 highly skilled employees from sharing their knowledge and expertise with Maine’s next generation of students living in small and rural communities.

In Maine, while dedicated Job Corps staff at Loring Job Corps Center and the Penobscot Job Corps Center are working around the clock to comply with DOL’s decision and expedited timeline, complications are impacting students and staff alike. Some students at both Job Corps Centers in Maine are not able to return home and are facing a risk of homelessness, and while organizations around these communities are helping, their resources are limited. There are additional hurdles in securing transportation for students in these rural communities and ensuring that every student’s documents are in order.

We urge the Department of Labor to reopen Job Corps centers in Maine and across the country, and work with Congress to seek a path that can build on the successes of the program. We appreciate your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Condemn Trump Administration for Rescinding Approval of High-Speed Internet Funding for Nevada

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

Senators Will Delay Department of Commerce Nominees Until States Receive Funding.

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and 12 Democratic Senators in a letter condemning the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to rescind approval for states to receive their share of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The BEAD program was created to connect families in the hardest-to-serve communities to high-speed internet and close the digital divide for students, families, and small businesses.

“We write to express our deep concern with the recent guidance the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued regarding the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This guidance will add needless delay to connecting millions of Americans to high-speed internet, while going against Congressional intent and betraying unconnected Americans in the process,” wrote the Senators. “Until states receive the entire amount of BEAD funds they are owed, including nondeployment funds, we will not consent to expedited consideration of any related Commerce Department nominees on the Senate floor.”

The Trump Administration’s new guidance rescinded the final approval of three states, including Nevada and Delaware, and forces all states to redo burdensome steps in theirprocesses, hindering states’ ability to connect communities to high-speed internet. In their letter to the Secretary of Commerce, the Senators committed to blocking all related Department of Commerce nominees until states receive their full BEAD allocation.

“With three states fully approved and ready to put shovels in the ground and 42 other states having completed or started the process of receiving project bids and selecting BEAD subgrantees, NTIA’s new guidance upends years of work and threatens to delay the program at a critical point… Simply claiming states will be able to comply with NTIA’s new requirements within 90 days does not make it true,” the Senators’ letter continued. “With this in mind, we implore you to provide states with the maximum flexibility possible and ensure states receive the full amount of funding they are owed. Should you fail to do so, we will continue to block the expeditious advancement of all Commerce Department nominees overseeing broadband policy, along with any related nominees.”

Read the full letter here.

As part of her Innovation State Initiative, Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts to improve broadband access and strengthen Nevada’s economy. She successfully called for increased accountability for federal broadband programs through efforts like the FCC broadband map which helped deliver the State of Nevada additional BEAD funding through more accurate broadband accessibility data. The Senator has also pushed for greater transparency and tracking of federal broadband dollars through her bipartisan mapping tool she created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and passed her bipartisan ACCESS Broadband Act to establish a broadband oversight office in the Commerce Department, which administers the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law BEAD funding, provides technical assistance to communities, and tracks taxpayer dollars.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Collins, Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Development of Sustainable Wood Products and Support Forest Products Industry

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) are reintroducing the Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act, bipartisan legislation that would make it easier to develop sustainable wood products and energy from biomass made from small-diameter timber left over from forest thinning projects, including projects that reduce the risk of wildfire. Repurposing wood waste is key to supporting innovation in the forest industry and creating new jobs while also helping businesses that repurpose the wood save money on energy costs and reduce emissions.
“The forest products industry is crucial to the stewardship of the Granite State’s forests and fuels economic opportunity in our state’s rural communities,” said Senator Shaheen. “By strengthening the vital Community Wood Energy Innovations Grant program, our bipartisan legislation would both promote innovation in the forest products industry and help spur energy efficiency upgrades that help businesses save money.”
“Throughout Maine’s history, the forest products industry has helped drive local economies and sustain rural communities. As our economy changes, this vital industry is evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would make improvements to the Forest Service’s Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovations Grant Program, which helps to promote innovative uses for wood products.”
“Thinning Arizona’s overgrown forests is key to preventing wildfires but too often, leftover wood is just burned in piles, polluting our air, endangering our foresters, and risking new fires. By backing facilities that turn this waste into energy or sustainable products, we can cut emissions, create jobs, and build stronger rural economies—while making our forests healthier and safer,” said Senator Kelly.
The Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act would revise the U.S. Forest Service’s Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovations Grant Program by:
Allowing grants to be used for the construction of new facilities, in addition to making improvements to existing facilities;
Increasing the authorization from $25 million to $50 million;
Increasing the maximum grant per facilities from $1 million to $5 million;
Increasing the federal cost-share from 35 percent to 50 percent;
Increasing maximum size for community wood energy systems eligible for grant funding from 5 megawatts to 15 megawatts;
Change the program name to the Community Wood Facilities Grant Program to avoid confusion with the similarly named Wood Innovations Grant Program.
The bill would revise the U.S. Forest Service’s Wood Innovations Grant Program by:
Allowing grants to be used for the construction of new facilities, in addition to making improvements to existing facilities;
Reduce the minimum non-federal cost-share from 50 percent to 33 percent.
A companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in March by Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04).
Senator Shaheen has long advocated for America’s forests and initiatives that would survey and repurpose biomass for clean energy initiatives. The Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act builds on Shaheen and Collins’ Community Wood Energy Innovation Act which was signed into law in the 2018 Farm Bill and expanded the Community Wood Energy Program to better incentivize investments in energy-efficient wood energy systems and facilities that repurpose low-grade, low-value wood that would otherwise be sent to landfills.
Shaheen recently visited DCI Furniture in Lisbon, a family-owned furniture manufacturing company that is using Community Wood Grant program funding to install a new combined heat and power system that uses wood waste for fuel.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Treasury Corporation Announces the Resumption of Trading of Its Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange, Closing of Common Share Offering and Initial Bitcoin Acquisition

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Trading to Commence Under Symbol “BTCT”

Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.

TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Treasury Corporation (TSXV: BTCT) (“Bitcoin Treasury” or the “Corporation”), further to its press releases dated June 17, 2025, and June 24, 2025, is pleased to announce that the Corporation’s common shares (the “Bitcoin Treasury Shares”) have been listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) with an immediate trading halt and, pursuant to a bulletin issued by the TSXV on June 26, 2025, the Bitcoin Treasury Shares will resume trading freely on June 30, 2025 under the symbol BTCT, CUSIP Number: 09175U103. There are 10,075,080 Bitcoin Treasury Shares issued and outstanding.

Bitcoin Treasury Share Offering

The Corporation also wishes to announce that, as of today, it has completed its brokered offering (the “Offering”) of 426,650 Bitcoin Treasury Shares at a price of $10.00 per Bitcoin Treasury Share (the “Offered Shares”). The Offering, combined with the Concurrent Financing (as defined in the Corporation’s press release dated June 23, 2025), resulted in aggregate gross proceeds to the Corporation of $125,000,000. The Offered Shares are eligible for investment in RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, RDSPs, TFSAs, FHSAs and DPSPs, but are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from today, June 26, 2025, being the date the Offered Shares were issued, in accordance with Applicable Canadian Securities Laws. As announced in a press release of the Corporation dated June 24, 2025, the TSXV issued a bulletin on June 24, 2025, providing that the Corporation had met all final listing requirements assuming completion of the Offering.

Canaccord Genuity and Stifel acted as co-lead agents, together with National Bank Financial Markets, BMO Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets, Wellington-Altus, Greenhill, a Mizuho affiliate, Research Capital, Haywood Securities, ATB Capital Markets, Independent Trading Group, Richardson Wealth and Ventum Capital Markets (collectively, the “Agents”) in connection with the Offering. As consideration for their services, the Corporation paid to the Agents cash fees of $178,950.

Bitcoin Acquisition

On June 26, 2025, following the closing of its concurrent financing, the Corporation acquired 292.80 Bitcoin for a total purchase price of CAD $43,127,353. The Corporation now holds 292.80 Bitcoin on its balance sheet. This acquisition marks the official launch of BTCT’s Bitcoin accumulation plan. The Corporation will disclose its initial Bitcoin per Share (BPS) once this phase of the program is complete.

BTCT intends to leverage its Bitcoin holdings to offer institutional lending solutions that provide liquidity to counterparties, while prioritizing financial security and disciplined risk management. The Corporation views Bitcoin not only as a long-term reserve asset, but also as a core component of its operating model and revenue generation strategy.

About Bitcoin Treasury

Bitcoin Treasury Corporation is a Canadian-based company focused on institutional-grade Bitcoin services, initially offering Bitcoin-denominated loans., including lending, liquidity, and collateral solutions. Bitcoin Treasury’s core strategy is to build shareholder value through the strategic accumulation and active deployment of Bitcoin. Recognizing Bitcoin’s finite supply and long-term potential, the Corporation intends to maintain a robust treasury position while supporting the development of its service offerings.

For further information, please contact:

Bitcoin Treasury Corporation
Elliot Johnson, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 416-619-3403
Email: ejohnson@btctcorp.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expect”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, or variations of such words and phrases) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: business integration risks; the Corporation’s operating results will experience significant fluctuations due to the highly volatile nature of Bitcoin; the Corporation operates in a heavily regulated environment and any material changes or actions could lead to negative adverse effects to the business model, operational results, and financial condition of the Corporation; evolving cryptocurrency regulatory requirements and the impact on the Corporation’s business plan; Bitcoin value risk; reliance on key personnel; implementation of the Corporation’s business plan; lack of operating history; competitive conditions; de banking and financial services risk; anti money laundering and corrupt business practices; additional capital; financing risks; global financial conditions; insurance and uninsured risks; cybersecurity risks; changes to bank fees or practices, or payment card networks; audit of tax filings; market for the Bitcoin Treasury Shares; market price of the Bitcoin Treasury Shares; conflicts of interest; internal controls; tariffs and the imposition of other restrictions on trade could adversely affect the Corporation’s business; risk of litigation; pandemics or other health crisis; acquisitions and integration; risk of dilution of Bitcoin Treasury securities; dividend policy; Bitcoin price volatility; custodial risks; technological vulnerabilities; Bitcoin transactions are irreversible and may result in significant losses; short history risk; limited history of the Bitcoin market; potential decrease in the global demand for Bitcoin; economic and political factors; top Bitcoin holders control a significant percentage of the outstanding Bitcoin; availability of exchange traded products liquidity; security breaches; the requirements that accompany being a publicly traded company may put a strain on the Corporation’s resources, divert attention from management, and adversely affect its ability to maintain and attract management and qualified board members; liquidity risk; leverage risk; and share price fluctuations.

Although management of the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward -looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, change in management’s estimates or opinions, future circumstances or events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.

The TSXV has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

The MIL Network –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Treasury Corporation Announces the Resumption of Trading of Its Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange, Closing of Common Share Offering and Initial Bitcoin Acquisition

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Trading to Commence Under Symbol “BTCT”

Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.

TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Treasury Corporation (TSXV: BTCT) (“Bitcoin Treasury” or the “Corporation”), further to its press releases dated June 17, 2025, and June 24, 2025, is pleased to announce that the Corporation’s common shares (the “Bitcoin Treasury Shares”) have been listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) with an immediate trading halt and, pursuant to a bulletin issued by the TSXV on June 26, 2025, the Bitcoin Treasury Shares will resume trading freely on June 30, 2025 under the symbol BTCT, CUSIP Number: 09175U103. There are 10,075,080 Bitcoin Treasury Shares issued and outstanding.

Bitcoin Treasury Share Offering

The Corporation also wishes to announce that, as of today, it has completed its brokered offering (the “Offering”) of 426,650 Bitcoin Treasury Shares at a price of $10.00 per Bitcoin Treasury Share (the “Offered Shares”). The Offering, combined with the Concurrent Financing (as defined in the Corporation’s press release dated June 23, 2025), resulted in aggregate gross proceeds to the Corporation of $125,000,000. The Offered Shares are eligible for investment in RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, RDSPs, TFSAs, FHSAs and DPSPs, but are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from today, June 26, 2025, being the date the Offered Shares were issued, in accordance with Applicable Canadian Securities Laws. As announced in a press release of the Corporation dated June 24, 2025, the TSXV issued a bulletin on June 24, 2025, providing that the Corporation had met all final listing requirements assuming completion of the Offering.

Canaccord Genuity and Stifel acted as co-lead agents, together with National Bank Financial Markets, BMO Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets, Wellington-Altus, Greenhill, a Mizuho affiliate, Research Capital, Haywood Securities, ATB Capital Markets, Independent Trading Group, Richardson Wealth and Ventum Capital Markets (collectively, the “Agents”) in connection with the Offering. As consideration for their services, the Corporation paid to the Agents cash fees of $178,950.

Bitcoin Acquisition

On June 26, 2025, following the closing of its concurrent financing, the Corporation acquired 292.80 Bitcoin for a total purchase price of CAD $43,127,353. The Corporation now holds 292.80 Bitcoin on its balance sheet. This acquisition marks the official launch of BTCT’s Bitcoin accumulation plan. The Corporation will disclose its initial Bitcoin per Share (BPS) once this phase of the program is complete.

BTCT intends to leverage its Bitcoin holdings to offer institutional lending solutions that provide liquidity to counterparties, while prioritizing financial security and disciplined risk management. The Corporation views Bitcoin not only as a long-term reserve asset, but also as a core component of its operating model and revenue generation strategy.

About Bitcoin Treasury

Bitcoin Treasury Corporation is a Canadian-based company focused on institutional-grade Bitcoin services, initially offering Bitcoin-denominated loans., including lending, liquidity, and collateral solutions. Bitcoin Treasury’s core strategy is to build shareholder value through the strategic accumulation and active deployment of Bitcoin. Recognizing Bitcoin’s finite supply and long-term potential, the Corporation intends to maintain a robust treasury position while supporting the development of its service offerings.

For further information, please contact:

Bitcoin Treasury Corporation
Elliot Johnson, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 416-619-3403
Email: ejohnson@btctcorp.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expect”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, or variations of such words and phrases) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: business integration risks; the Corporation’s operating results will experience significant fluctuations due to the highly volatile nature of Bitcoin; the Corporation operates in a heavily regulated environment and any material changes or actions could lead to negative adverse effects to the business model, operational results, and financial condition of the Corporation; evolving cryptocurrency regulatory requirements and the impact on the Corporation’s business plan; Bitcoin value risk; reliance on key personnel; implementation of the Corporation’s business plan; lack of operating history; competitive conditions; de banking and financial services risk; anti money laundering and corrupt business practices; additional capital; financing risks; global financial conditions; insurance and uninsured risks; cybersecurity risks; changes to bank fees or practices, or payment card networks; audit of tax filings; market for the Bitcoin Treasury Shares; market price of the Bitcoin Treasury Shares; conflicts of interest; internal controls; tariffs and the imposition of other restrictions on trade could adversely affect the Corporation’s business; risk of litigation; pandemics or other health crisis; acquisitions and integration; risk of dilution of Bitcoin Treasury securities; dividend policy; Bitcoin price volatility; custodial risks; technological vulnerabilities; Bitcoin transactions are irreversible and may result in significant losses; short history risk; limited history of the Bitcoin market; potential decrease in the global demand for Bitcoin; economic and political factors; top Bitcoin holders control a significant percentage of the outstanding Bitcoin; availability of exchange traded products liquidity; security breaches; the requirements that accompany being a publicly traded company may put a strain on the Corporation’s resources, divert attention from management, and adversely affect its ability to maintain and attract management and qualified board members; liquidity risk; leverage risk; and share price fluctuations.

Although management of the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward -looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, change in management’s estimates or opinions, future circumstances or events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.

The TSXV has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

The MIL Network –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Dingell, Luján Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Home and Community-Based Services and Workforce
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) reintroduced the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act, a bill that would provide much-needed support to state programs that fund home and community-based care services. Currently, staffing shortages of direct care providers have led to a reduction in HCBS availability and growing waitlists for eligible individuals. The HCBS Relief Act would provide dedicated Medicaid funds to states for two years to stabilize their HCBS service delivery networks, recruit and retain HCBS direct care workers, and meet the long-term service and support needs of people eligible for Medicaid home and community-based services. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced a companion bill.

“We know that the majority of individuals who require long-term care would prefer to receive it in their own homes and communities. No one should have to wait years to get the care they deserve, and no care worker should have to live below the poverty line to give this care,” said Representative Dingell. “Medicaid is the single largest payer of long-term care in our country. At a time when Medicaid is facing unprecedented, historic cuts, it’s more important than ever that we prioritize home and community-based services. This legislation will provide much-needed investment in our care workforce, making it easier for those who need care to get it, and supporting the caregivers doing this crucial work.”

“Right now, millions rely on HCBS for basic everyday needs – help getting dressed, taking medications, preparing meals, and so much more,” said Senator Luján. “To support Americans who depend on home and community-based care, I’m proud to introduce my HCBS Relief Act. My bill would address chronic underfunding that has pushed families into crisis and forced many into institutions simply because they can’t access support at home.”

The HCBS Relief Act would provide dedicated Medicaid funds to states for two years to stabilize their HCBS service delivery networks, recruit and retain HCBS direct care workers, and meet the long-term service and support needs of people eligible for Medicaid home and community-based services. States would receive a 10-point increase in the federal match (FMAP) for Medicaid for two fiscal years to enhance HCBS. These funds can be used to improve states’ HCBS infrastructure and workforce in several ways, including:
- Increasing direct care worker pay,
- Providing benefits such as paid family leave or sick leave to workers,
- Covering transportation expenses to and from the homes of care recipients,
- Facilitating the recruitment and training of additional direct care workers,
- Implementing assistive technologies to support person-centered care,
- Providing care to eligible individuals who are currently on waiting lists,
Dingell has long been a leader in Congress on expanding access to HCBS. She leads the Better Care Better Jobs Act and HCBS Access Act to enhance Medicaid funding for home care, strengthen the caregiving workforce, improve quality of life for families, and boost the economy by creating good-paying jobs to make it possible for families and workers alike to thrive.

MIL OSI USA News –
June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier stresses importance of agricultural, rural development

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

FUZHOU, June 26 — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has urged efforts to accomplish all tasks related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers, with the aim of sustaining the sound recovery of China’s economy.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an investigation and research tour of east China’s Fujian Province that began on Wednesday and ended on Thursday.

During his tour, Liu learned about issues related to farm-produce processing and sales, local efforts to boost farming incomes, the employment of migrant workers, and progress in developing high-standard farmlands.

Calling for efforts to develop industries tailored to local conditions, such as the agricultural-product deep processing sector, Liu emphasized the need to integrate the primary, secondary and tertiary industries deeply in rural areas.

Regarding rural employment, he urged efforts to help migrant workers secure jobs in nearby areas, and help farmers explore more approaches to boost their incomes.

Work should also be done to boost farmland productivity and efficiency, aiming to ensure stable, high yields of grain and key agricultural products, Liu said.

As China enters its main flood season, Liu also urged relevant departments to enhance the accuracy of agricultural weather forecasts, utilize water conservancy projects fully, and optimize emergency response measures for agricultural disasters.

MIL OSI China News –

June 27, 2025

Category: Economy

UK joins ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime for the first time

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