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Category: Farming

  • MIL-Evening Report: Farmers fear dingoes are eating their livestock – but predator poo tells an unexpected story

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Mason, PhD candidate in Conservation Biology, Deakin University

    Kristian Bell/Shutterstock

    Killing carnivores to protect livestock, wildlife and people is an emotive and controversial issue that can cause community conflict. Difficult decisions about managing predators must be supported by strong scientific evidence.

    In Australia, predators such as dingoes and foxes are often shot or poisoned with baits to prevent them from killing sheep and cattle. Feral cats and foxes are also killed to protect native wildlife.

    But research elsewhere suggests public perceptions of how predators affect ecosystems and livestock are not always accurate.

    Our recent study sought to shed light on these controversies. We examined the scat, or poo, left behind by dingoes, foxes and cats. We focused on the mallee region of Victoria and South Australia where there are calls to resume dingo culling to stop them killing livestock.

    A contentious issue

    Our study took place in the Big Desert-Wyperfeld-Ngarkat reserve complex in the semi-arid mallee region of Victoria and South Australia. This continuous ecosystem comprises about 10,000 km² of protected native mallee bushland, and is entirely surrounded by crop and livestock farming areas.

    Fox-baiting is conducted along the boundaries of Victorian-managed reserve areas. Dingo baiting occurs in the South Australian-managed section of the park.

    Since March 2024, the small dingo population has been protected in Victorian-managed areas due to their critically low numbers in the region.

    Prior to the change, Victorian farmers and authorised trappers could control dingoes on private land and within public land up to 3km from farms. Farmers say they have lost livestock since dingoes were protected.

    What are predators eating in the mallee region?

    We collected and analysed 136 dingo, 200 fox and 25 cat scats to determine what each predator in the area was eating and how their diets differed.

    Livestock was not a major part of the diet of dingoes, foxes or cats. Some 7% of fox scats contained sheep or cattle remains. This was more than that of dingoes, at 2% of scats. No feral cat scats contained livestock remains.

    The dingo diet was dominated by kangaroos, wallabies and emus, which comprised more than 70% of their diet volume.

    Cats and foxes consumed more than 15 times the volume of small native mammals compared with dingoes, including threatened species such as fat-tailed dunnarts.

    Our data must be interpreted with caution. Scat analysis cannot differentiate between livestock killed by predators and those that are scavenged. It also can’t tell us about animals that a predator killed but did not eat.

    In 2022–23, when we collected the scats, rainfall in the area was high and prey was abundant. So, while we found livestock were not likely to be a substantial part of these predators’ diets at the time of our research, this can change depending on environmental conditions.

    For example, fire and extended drought may force predators to move further to find food and water. They may move from conservation areas to private land, where they could prey on livestock.

    A taste for certain prey

    A predator’s poo doesn’t tell the full story of how it affects prey populations.

    To understand this further, we used motion-sensing wildlife cameras to assess which prey were available in the ecosystem. We compared it to the frequency they occurred in predator’s diets. This allowed us to determine if dingoes, foxes or cats target specific prey.

    We found foxes and cats both consumed small mammals proportionally more than we expected, given the prey’s availability in the study area. Cats consumed birds at a higher rate than expected, and dingoes consumed echidnas more than expected.

    Further intensive monitoring work is needed to determine how these dietary preferences affect the populations of prey species.

    Embracing the evidence

    The findings build on a substantial previous research suggesting foxes and cats pose a significant threat to native mammals, birds, reptiles and other wildlife, including many threatened species. Our results suggest foxes may cause more harm to sheep than dingoes overall – a finding consistent with research elsewhere in Victoria.

    Dingoes were the only predator species that regularly preyed on kangaroos and wallabies. These species are abundant in the region. They can also compete with livestock for grazing pastures, consume crops and degrade native vegetation.

    Currently, dingoes are killed on, or fenced out of, large parts of Australia due to their perceived threat to livestock.

    Lethal control of invasive species remains important to protect native wildlife and agriculture. But such decisions should be based on evidence, to avoid unforeseen and undesirable results.

    For example, fox control can lead to increased feral cat numbers and harm to native prey. Fewer dingoes may mean more feral goats and kangaroos.

    Non-lethal and effective alternatives exist to indiscriminately killing predators to protect livestock, such as protection dogs and donkeys. These measures are being embraced by farmers and graziers globally, often with high and sustained success.

    In Australia, governments should better embrace and support evidence-based and effective approaches that allow farming, native carnivores and other wildlife to coexist.

    Rachel Mason conducted this research with grant funding from the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. She is a current member of the Australian Mammal Society, the Australasian Wildlife Management Society, and the Ecological Society of Australia.

    Euan Ritchie receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action. Euan is a Councillor within the Biodiversity Council, a member of the Ecological Society of Australia and the Australian Mammal Society, and President of the Australian Mammal Society.

    – ref. Farmers fear dingoes are eating their livestock – but predator poo tells an unexpected story – https://theconversation.com/farmers-fear-dingoes-are-eating-their-livestock-but-predator-poo-tells-an-unexpected-story-254787

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) announced Lucy Rees — a junior from Lago Vista High School — as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’ 10th Congressional District. Lucy titled her artwork “Cowpoke” — a depiction of her grandfather working as a cowboy during the 1970s.

    “Congratulations to this year’s Congressional Art Competition winner, Lucy Rees,” said Rep. McCaul. “Lucy’s illustration of her grandfather beautifully depicts a cowboy with a powerful work ethic and points to family commitment — values at the heart of what it means to be a Texan. I am so inspired by the many young, talented artists in my district — including this year’s runners-up — and I look forward to seeing Lucy’s artwork on display in the Capitol.”

    “Cowpoke” by Lucy Rees

    Background:

    The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent in high school-aged students throughout the country. The winning selection will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol alongside artwork from students across the nation. Additionally, first-place Congressional Art Competition winners and one guest receive round-trip tickets to attend the National Reception in Washington, D.C. in June.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa engages USA on resettlement concerns

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has engaged its United States of America (USA) counterparts on the resettlement of South Africans claiming refugee status in that country.

    This follows reports that the US is preparing to fly at least 50 Afrikaaner South Africans to the US as early as this coming week.

    In a statement, DIRCO revealed that Deputy Minister Alvin Botes on Friday held a cordial discussion and raised concern with US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, in this regard.

    DIRCO noted the internationally recognised definition of refugees, as set out in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.

    “The Convention defines a refugee as someone with a ‘well-founded fear of persecution’ based on race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. 

    “South Africa acknowledges that the determination of refugee status requires a factual assessment in light of the prevailing circumstances, having due regard for both subjective and objective factors,” the statement read.

    The department maintained that “allegations of discrimination are unfounded” in this particular regard.

    “The South African Police Service (SAPS) statistics on farm related crimes do not support allegations of violent crime targeted at farmers generally or any particular race. There are sufficient structures available within South Africa to address concerns of discrimination. 

    “Moreover, even if there are allegations of discrimination, it is our view that these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law,” DIRCO said.

    The department said it was “most regrettable” that it appears that the resettlement, under the guise of being “refugees”, is “entirely politically motivated and designed to question South Africa’s constitutional democracy”.

    “[South Africa is] a country which has in fact suffered true persecution under apartheid rule and has worked tirelessly to prevent such levels of discrimination from ever occurring again, including through the entrenchment of rights in our Constitution, which is enforced vigorously through our judicial system. 

    “In addition, it is not clear how the principle of non-refoulement will be applied in relation to these citizens once they are resettled,” DIRCO said.

    South Africa’s Constitution strictly prohibits any form of discrimination, directly or indirectly, against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.

    “Through progressive judgements from the South African courts, particularly the Constitutional Court, our State has demonstrated a principled commitment to protect minorities and vulnerable groups. This shows the extent to which South Africa is working towards a country in which every citizen is free and protected,” the department said.

    Through diplomatic channels, DIRCO has requested the following information:

    • The status of persons that will be departing, whether as asylum seekers, refugees or ordinary citizens, and
    • Assurances as to whether the persons have been appropriately vetted by competent South African authorities to ensure that they do not have any outstanding criminal cases pending against them, amongst others.

    “Whilst South Africa challenges the United States’ assessments of alleged refugee status, it will not block citizens who seek to depart the country from doing so, as it also observes their right of freedom of movement and freedom of choice, specifically the right to leave the country, as contained in section 21(2) of the Constitution. 

    “However, it is essential that in doing so, South Africa ensures that it is compliant with other domestic laws and prescripts.

    “The Government of South Africa remains dedicated to constructive dialogue with United States of America, anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and a shared commitment to deepening mutually beneficial bilateral partnership,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Restrict animal movement as Foot and Mouth Disease spreads

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Agriculture has urged all farmers to limit or eliminate the movement of animals in the country following the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) to Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

    The disease was first reported in KwaZulu-Natal.

    “Two new cases, outside of KZN, have been confirmed. One farm in Mpumalanga, which was identified as part of trace-forward exercises, from a positive auction in Utrecht, KwaZulu Natal. Although these animals showed no clinical signs of disease, further investigation has confirmed that the virus has spread to adjacent camps on the same farm. There are no indications that other farms have become infected, but veterinary services are continuing with clinical inspection and testing of livestock on farms in the area. 

    “Another farm was reported in Gauteng. Clinical signs suspicious of FMD were noted in a feedlot that received animals from an auction in Heidelberg. Samples were collected and prioritised for testing. Laboratory results for these samples are positive and confirmed that this is the same virus that is circulating in parts of KwaZulu-Natal,” the department said.

    An epidemiological investigation is underway to “trace back and trace forward all other animals that were bought and sold at the same auction”.

    As a result of the outbreak, China has now suspended South African imports of cloven-hoofed animals and related products, including beef.

    Caution to livestock owners and traders

    The department has called on livestock owners to note the incubation period for FMD.

    “This is a period of two to14 days, within which animals can appear clinically healthy, before they start showing clinical signs generally associated with FMD. 

    “This highlights the importance of keeping newly bought animals separated from the resident herd for at least 28 days, even if a health attestation was issued for the animals. The health attestation and 28-day separation have been a legal requirement since October 2022.

    “The department urges all livestock farmers in the whole country to limit animal movement as far as possible. We request auctioneers and livestock owners to be vigilant when buying cloven hoofed animals from provinces where there are active FMD outbreaks. No cloven-hoofed animals should be accepted from areas under restriction for FMD in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga,” the department said.

    Furthermore, it remains the legal obligation of livestock owners to ensure the health of their animals.

    Adverse health symptoms must be reported to the local State Veterinarian immediately.

    “Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act imposes a legal duty on any owner or manager of animals to take all reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected with any disease and to prevent the spread of any disease from their animals or land to other animals or other properties.

    “Essential biosecurity measures include limiting and/or postponing the introduction of new animals if at all possible and, if absolutely necessary, only introducing animals from known clean farms with a health declaration, preventing nose-to-nose contact of farm animals with animals outside the farm, maintaining secure farm boundaries, restricting access for people and vehicles as much as possible,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Corn sowing enters peak period in China’s Inner Mongolia

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

    Corn sowing enters peak period in China’s Inner Mongolia

    Updated: May 11, 2025 17:58 Xinhua
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 10, 2025 shows farmers laying out drip lines in the fields in Kunduhua village in Qianjiadian Town of Horqin District, Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Benefiting from May’s timely rainfalls, Tongliao, a granary of eastern Inner Mongolia, has entered the peak period of corn sowing. It is reported that Tongliao’s corn planting area in 2025 is expected to reach 20 million mu (approximately 1.33 million hectares), an increase of 180,000 mu (12,000 hectares) compared to the previous year. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows farmers operating tractors equipped with Beidou navigation system for plowing in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows farmers operating tractors equipped with Beidou navigation system in the fields in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Farmers operate a tractor equipped with Beidou navigation system for sowing in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on May 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 8, 2025 shows farmers operating a tractor equipped with Beidou navigation system for corn sowing in Fengtian Town of Horqin District, Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a farmer operating a tractor equipped with Beidou navigation system for plowing in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a farmer operating a tractor equipped with Beidou navigation system for plowing in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows farmers operating tractors equipped with Beidou navigation system for plowing in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows farmers operating tractors equipped with Beidou navigation system in the fields in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner of Tongliao City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garbarino, Kiggans, Valadao, Newhouse, Amodei Fight to Secure America’s Energy Future

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) joined Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) to introduced the Certainty for Our Energy Future Act, a bill to strengthen America’s energy independence and national security. Specifically, this legislation would responsibly reform clean energy tax credits by phasing out subsidies for advanced renewable technologies, while bolstering national security by imposing restrictions on foreign adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. This bill would maintain investment certainty during the transition, promote innovation in emerging energy sectors, and support American manufacturers. This bill was introduced alongside Representatives David Valadao (R-CA-22), Mark Amodei (R-NV-02), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04).

    “Certainty for the energy industry is essential to securing American energy dominance, driving innovation, and lowering costs for consumers,” said Rep.Garbarino. “The Certainty for Our Energy Future Act provides the predictability businesses need to invest with confidence while protecting taxpayers from foreign threats. I look forward to working with my colleagues to responsibly deliver on the President’s energy agenda and meet our nation’s growing energy demand with a stronger, more secure energy future.”

    “The Certainty for Our Energy Future Act is a critical step toward aligning our clean energy priorities with today’s economic and national security realities,” said Rep. Kiggans. “By responsibly phasing out subsidies for technologies like wind and solar and ensuring foreign adversaries like China and Russia can’t exploit American tax benefits, we are safeguarding both our energy independence and our taxpayers. Energy security is national security, and the bottom line is that in order to increase American energy dominance, we need to protect as much production and innovation as possible. I am proud to introduce this legislation and help secure America’s energy future!”

    “The Central Valley is leading the way in renewable energy production, and our communities deserve policies that provide stability and certainty for the future,” said Rep.Valadao. “The Certainty for our Energy Future Act preserves the clean energy tax credits farmers and energy producers rely on, while phasing out long-term subsidies for technologies that can now stand on their own. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to expand domestic energy production and keep the door open for new technologies to grow and compete.”

    “America’s path to energy independence must involve an all-of-the-above clean energy approach that puts American manufacturers at the center,” said Rep. Amodei. “By excluding foreign adversaries from tax benefits and prioritizing American innovation, we are one step closer to a more secure and self-reliant energy future.”

    “The United States has the opportunity to lead the world in clean energy production while lowering costs for consumers,” said Rep.Newhouse. “By phasing out tax incentives supporting wind and solar projects, Congress can provide long-term certainty to utilities and investors. This legislation provides critical protections to ensure federal investments are not being utilized by foreign adversaries, including Communist China. I thank Rep. Kiggans for her leadership as we work to ensure American clean energy is safe, reliable, and affordable as new forms of energy emerge.

    “CRES is grateful for the leadership of Reps. Kiggans, Garbarino, Valadao, Newhouse and Amodei on introducing the Certainty for Our Energy Future Act,” said Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. “Right sizing policies in parallel with offering business and investment certainty is both critical and commonsense.  As America seeks to beat China in the global AI race, legislation like this strengthens our nation’s competitive edge while also ensuring American energy remains abundant and affordable.”

    “As electric companies work to meet growing customer demands for electricity and to strengthen our nation’s energy security, we must have policy certainty. We are grateful to Reps. Kiggans, Amodei, Garbarino, Newhouse, and Valadao for their ongoing leadership and for recognizing that clear timelines for tax credits and access to tools like transferability support investment in critical energy infrastructure, while helping to keep costs to customers as low as possible,” said Edison Electric Institute interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “We look forward to continuing to work with Reps. Kiggans, Amodei, Garbarino, Newhouse, Valadao, and other leaders in Congress as they deliberate on tax policy changes that could impact the costs customers pay for electricity.”

    “We commend Rep. Kiggans for introducing the Certainty for our Energy Future Act,” said Frank Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Clean Power Association. “The Act ensures that we protect business certainty for projects currently under planning and development and offers a very constructive starting point for discussions on the clean energy tax credits. With electricity demand projected to increase by up to 50% over the next 15 years, we need an all-of-the-above energy strategy. This legislation helps provide a roadmap to lawmakers as they continue to address this important issue.”

    The full bill text can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn’s Health Profession Programs Brings Interprofessional Education and Collaboration to Northeast Connecticut Communities

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    “Our committee has been engaged in a variety of efforts to collaborate with community partners to help address unmet health needs in communities in northeast Connecticut,” according to Devra Dang, clinical professor of pharmacy practice and a co-chair of CIPEH. Its Northeast CT Initiative was developed in response to a rural health summit hosted by State Comptroller Sean Scanlon.  

    CIPEH faculty at the Northeast CT Family Health and Wellness Day

    The event hosted interactive booths and activities aimed at promoting health and wellness for individuals of all ages. Attendees received free health screenings such as blood pressure and hearing loss tests, learned about lung health and asthma inhaler techniques, prescription medication affordability tips, healthy nutrition, and balance assessment and fall prevention. According to Stephanie Gernant, assistant professor of pharmacy practice and a CIPEH co-chair, “The focus was not just on learning about health conditions that attendees may already have developed, but also on prevention and wellness across the lifespan.” 

    Nicole Gallagher, a clinical professor of speech-language and CIPEH secretary was especially fond of the hands-on experiences the event provided children and their families: “The foundation of good health habits should start early in life. We all loved seeing the kids who attended the health fair be so engaged with our fun, interactive topics.” In addition, children and teens had opportunities to discuss health career options with UConn health profession students and got to visualize themselves as future healthcare professionals at the photo booth.  

    “[It] was excellent. Seeing all the different programs, and hearing from current students, really shows what a wonderful University we have, so close to home. Everyone we encountered was excited to share about their program, and very engaging with my kids!” - Cassie Kiley from Brooklyn, CT who attended with her family

    Community partner organizations were a key component of this collaborative event. The Northeast District Department of Health co-hosted the family health and wellness day and worked with Dang and two Master of Public Health students over a number of weeks to develop activities for this multi-faceted event. In total, nine community organizations brought a variety of health-related topics and resources, including Generations Family Health Center, Day Kimball Hospital, Hartford Healthcare Community Health, and AHEC/ Health Education Center. Participants from UConn’s Master Gardener Program provided science-based tips on gardening topics and distributed free seeds.  

    The event also provided an excellent avenue for UConn health profession students to engage in interprofessional education and collaboration, learning with, from, and about each profession as they teamed up to present health topics. “Brainstorming health fair plans and developing Psychological Sciences’ materials promoting stress management across the lifespan tapped into creative and collaborative skills. We enjoyed the planning process, learning from other UConn faculty and students, and look forward to strengthening future efforts to serve those in Northeast Connecticut,” stated Christine Yantz, assistant clinical professor and assistant director of the Psychological Services Clinic. 

    CIPEH consists of 11 UConn heath profession programs across three campuses (Storrs, Farmington, Hartford): athletic training/kinesiology, audiology, clinical psychology, dietetics, dental medicine, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and social work, and reports to the health profession deans and the Vice Provost for Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Initiatives, Amy Gorin. Established in 2013 with the support of the deans of health profession programs, CIPEH’s primary goal is to advance interprofessional collaboration in education, community outreach and patient care, and research. 

    Brother and sister at the health careers photo booth

    According to Dang, the Northeast Connecticut Family Health and Wellness Day was just one of several community-based events that CIPEH faculty and students have actively participated in at towns in Windham and Tolland County during this academic year. Other recent community outreach events included a health fair for older adults hosted by the town of Thompson, the Coventry Winter Farmers’ Market, and vaccine clinics at senior centers in collaboration with the Eastern Hyland Health District. A number of upcoming health-related outreach activities are being planned, including events during the summer.   

    Christine Haines, clinical professor of audiology noted that, “Interprofessional education within health profession training is crucial so that our students know how to best work together to optimize patient care when they become clinicians.”

    “I look forward to collaborating with students and faculty from across UConn health disciplines in supporting the wellbeing of Connecticut’s residents in future community engagement efforts.” – Christine Haines

    UConn programs and community organizations interested in collaborating with CIPEH on future health-related community outreach events can reach out to Devra Dang at devra.dang@uconn.edu. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Provost pays tribute to Sir Tom Farmer

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    The Lord Provost has paid tribute to Sir Tom Farmer as it is announced he died on Friday.

     The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:

    I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Sir Tom Farmer. Sir Tom was a recipient of the prestigious Edinburgh Award, a generous philanthropist, and a proud Scotsman whose influence touched communities far beyond his own.

    As the founder of Kwik Fit, Sir Tom revolutionised the automotive industry, yet his legacy stretches far beyond business. His love for Edinburgh and its people was perhaps best demonstrated in 1991 when he stepped in to rescue his beloved Hibernian Football Club.

    Sir Tom’s memory will live on in the City Chambers Quadrangle, where his handprints are immortalised alongside those of other Edinburgh Award recipients. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to have known him.

    Published: May 10th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Get Quick Cash Loans Online – Easy No Credit Check Same Day Fast Deposit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    3. Identification: A valid email address and Social Security number are necessary for application processing.
    4. Credit History: While some lenders may perform credit checks, others may offer loans without impacting the borrower’s credit score.

    This makes fast cash loans with guaranteed approval available for everyone online. One gets to choose the best deal online with the lowest interest rates as there are innumerable lenders and other financial institutions over the web.

    Since, the online process involves less paperwork and lengthy procedures, the borrower should make efficient use of this process. At the same time, it saves a lot of time and effort. He should be aware of the fact that the advanced amount should be repaid on time or he may be charged a late fee.

    Click Here To APPLY For Quick And Easy Loan Now >>

    How To Apply For Quick Cash Loans With Bad Credit

    Quick cash loans are very easy to apply and obtain even for borrowers with bad credit. As the name suggests these loans are quick cash help. A borrower has to just fill in an application form and once it is approved, the whole loan application will be completed very quickly. The amount of such loans is never fixed. Mostly it remains around 1000 dollars. The loan period is also not fixed. It may go from a few days to a few weeks.

    Applying for a quick cash loan can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

    Step 1: Research Lenders

    Start by researching various lenders to find the best terms and interest rates. Radiant Cash provides access to the most reputable options available today. Some of them offer a simple, three-step online application process with amounts ranging from $50 to $5,000 and provide emergency quick loans without affecting your credit score.

    Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents

    Prepare the required documentation, which may include:

    • Proof of income (pay stubs or bank statements)
    • Identification (driver’s license or state ID)
    • Social Security number

    Step 3: Complete the Application

    Most lenders offer online applications that are user-friendly. Fill out the application form with accurate information, ensuring all required fields are completed.

    Step 4: Review Loan Terms

    Once approved, carefully review the loan terms, including interest rates, repayment schedules, and any fees associated with the loan. It’s crucial to understand the total cost of borrowing before accepting the no credit check quick loan.

    Step 5: Receive Funds

    After accepting the loan, funds are typically deposited directly into the borrower’s bank account, often within one business day or even the same day, depending on the lender.

    Currently these loans are offered only to the permanent citizens of the USA. A person should be above 18 years of age if he or she wants to go for such fast loans. He or she should also have a valid bank account in the USA. It is this bank account which will be credited by the loan amount once it is approved. Overall these are very helpful quick approval loans.

    Radiant Cash makes the application process even more transparent, fast and simple. All you have to do is provide some basic information about yourself and the loan amount you would like to get. After that one of our direct lenders will review and approve your quick loan request and the money will be deposited to your bank account the same business day.

    Click Here To APPLY For Quick Cash Loan Now >>

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What are quick cash loans?

    Quick cash loans for bad credit are short-term loans designed to provide fast access to funds for urgent expenses. They typically have fast approval processes and may be available within the same day or next business day.

    2. How do fast cash loans work?

    Borrowers apply online or at physical locations, and upon approval, receive funds quickly. These loans often have higher interest rates and must be repaid within weeks or months depending on the lender.

    3. Who qualifies for a quick easy loan?

    Most lenders require borrowers to:

    • Be at least 18 years old.
    • Have proof of income or employment.
    • Possess a valid checking account.
    • Reside in a state where the lender operates.

    4. How fast can I get a quick cash loan?

    Some lenders offer same-day funding, while others deposit funds within 24 to 48 hours. The speed depends on the lender and the method of funding.

    5. What are the interest rates for fast cash loans?

    Interest rates vary widely. Some loans may have APR as high as 100% to 400%, depending on the lender and the borrower’s credit profile.

    6. Can I get a quick cash loan with bad credit?

    Yes, many lenders approve borrowers with low or poor credit. However, expect higher interest rates and stricter repayment terms.

    7. What are the risks of quick cash loans?

    • High interest rates – Can lead to expensive repayments.
    • Short repayment terms – Some loans require full repayment within weeks.
    • Debt cycle – Borrowers may struggle to repay, leading to repeated borrowing.

    8. What are alternatives to quick easy loans?

    • Personal loans – Some lenders offer better terms.
    • Credit unions – Provide lower-cost loan options.
    • Employer paycheck advances – Some workplaces offer emergency payroll advances.

    9. Do quick cash loans help build credit?

    Most lenders do not report payments to credit bureaus, so they generally do not improve credit scores. Some installment loan lenders may report payment history.

    10. How can I find a reputable quick cash lender?

    Look for lenders who:

    • Clearly disclose fees and repayment terms.
    • Have positive reviews and a history of ethical lending.
    • Are licensed to operate legally in your state.

    Conclusion

    Quick cash loans offer immediate help within a very small time during an emergency to meet your urgent or short term need. One of the reasons to get rapid approval is online availability. The Internet gives the facility to apply from anywhere in the USA with no tension. A simple application form is required to fill and approval will not get delayed. So what are you waiting for? Apply with Radiant Cash and get a quick easy loan with a fast cash deposit now!

    Click Here To APPLY For Quick Loan Now >>

    Radiant Cash

    Laura Brown
    laura@radiantcashs.com
    https://www.radiantcashs.com
    9620 Las Vegas Blvd S #Ste 569 | Las Vegas, NV 89123

    Disclaimer: This announcement contains general information about Radiant Cash services and should not be considered financial advice. Radiant Cash services does not guarantee loan approval, and loan terms may vary by applicant and lender requirements. Loans are available to U.S. residents only.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d5a24aa1-e379-4a23-ae90-cbbd19d9a835

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yangtze River Basin Sees Improvement in Aquatic Biodiversity

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    WUHAN, May 10 (Xinhua) — Aquatic biodiversity in China’s Yangtze River basin is recovering after a decade-long fishing ban began several years ago.

    A total of 344 native fish species were identified in the basin between 2021 and 2024, up 36 species from the 2017-2020 period that preceded the fishing ban, according to a meeting held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in central China’s Hubei Province on Friday.

    Notably, Chinese authorities are cracking down on illegal fishing and achieving positive results. In 2024, the number of administrative cases related to fisheries fell by 24.7 percent compared to the previous year, and in the first quarter of 2025, a 3.3 percent year-on-year decline was recorded, said Zhang Zhili, deputy head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

    He stressed the importance of efforts to accelerate conservation of key species, enhance restoration of critical habitats, implement scientific breeding and release programs, strengthen protection of aquatic organisms, and promote integrated ecological restoration of aquatic spaces.

    In an effort to restore biodiversity along the Yangtze River, China imposed a total ban on fishing in 332 protected areas in the river basin in January 2020.

    Moreover, on January 1, 2021, a 10-year ban on fishing in the main channel of the Yangtze River and the waters of its main tributaries came into effect. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Port of LA, Rep. Jimmy Gomez Highlights Real-World Pain of Trump Tariffs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    You can watch Rep. Jimmy Gomez’s reel visiting the Port of LA here.

    LOS ANGELES, CA – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) visited the Port of Los Angeles to hear directly from port staff and highlight the real-world consequences of President Trump’s tariffs on imported goods — including a projected 35% drop in cargo volume next week. Reps. Gomez is fighting to pass legislation to shut down Trump’s global tariffs, prevent him from punishing allies, and put Congress back in charge of trade.

    “I saw the impact of Trump’s tariffs up close today at the Port of LA — and it’s devastating,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34). “Cargo is down, jobs are being cut, store shelves are starting to empty, and small businesses are struggling to keep up. The truth is, Trump hasn’t delivered any real trade wins—just photo ops. His tariffs are self-inflicted wounds on our economy.”

    As the busiest container port in the U.S., the Port of LA is a critical economic engine that supports nearly a million jobs across the greater LA area. With 145% tariffs now in effect, port officials are already seeing cancelled sailings, slower cargo movement, and reduced hours for workers — jeopardizing jobs, raising consumer prices, and hurting small businesses and even California farmers who depend on U.S. exports.

    Rep. Jimmy Gomez — a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees trade — has been holding the administration accountable in committee and led the Congressional Dads Caucus in calling out the harm to working families.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HDOA and County of Hawaii Continue Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Treatments at Kona Airport

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    HDOA and County of Hawaii Continue Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Treatments at Kona Airport

    Posted on May 9, 2025 in Main

    May 9, 2025
    NR25-11

    HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), with the assistance of the County of Hawai‘i Public Works Department (COH-PWD), began another round of treatment of palm trees at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) on Tuesday, May 6,  in an effort to stop the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) from becoming established on Hawai‘i Island. This was a follow-up to treatment conducted last month at the airport.(Link to previous news release:  https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/nr25-08-konacrbtreatments/ )

    “It really is ‘all hands on deck’ in West Hawai‘i and all our partner agencies are dedicating  everything they have to stop the establishment of CRB on Hawai‘i Island,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. “Mahalo, again, to Mayor Kimo Alameda and his public works crew– their resources and assistance have been phenomenal in this coordinated effort.”

    The County of Hawai‘i and HDOA have been working collaboratively since January 2025 after CRB was detected in the Kona area. COH-PWD has been providing the assistance of their boom trucks to treat the tops of palm trees.

    The following is a brief timeline of detections and intense treatments around West Hawai‘i:

    October 2023 A Waikoloa resident found six grubs (larvae) in a decaying palm tree stump. Increased surveillance continued throughout the island and more intensely on the Kona side.
    April 2024 The Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) reported that four adult CRB were found in three traps in the Waikoloa area.
    September 2024 HDOA Plant Pest Control (PPC) personnel found a single CRB in a trap during routine monitoring in Waikoloa.
    January 2025 The County of Hawai‘i offered its resources and assistance to HDOA, including the use of its 75-foot boom truck to treat the crowns of palm trees.
    Jan. 14, 2025 Waikoloa Village – HDOA/COH team treated a total of 38 trees via crown treatments and 24 trees were treated via an injection system which provides systemic protection against CRB.
    March 3, 2025 BIISC reported one adult CRB in a detection trap along the boundary of KOA. A day later, BIISC reported that two more adult CRBs were found in traps at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i (NELHA).
    March 14-19 2025 KOA – HDOA/COH and KOA airport staff used two boom trucks to treat 123 trees on the airport grounds and injected 12 more trees that were inaccessible to the boom trucks.
    April 7 & 8, 2025 NELHA – HDOA/COH crews treated the crowns of 44 trees and injected 14 trees due to the close proximity to water.
    April 15, 16 & 21, 2025 Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor and Marina – HDOA/COH crews treated 313 crowns and treated 50+ trees via injection due to the close proximity to water.
    April 24, 2025 West Hawai‘i Veteran’s Cemetery – 13 crowns treated. BIISC had reported finding one wing of an adult CRB. Although a full specimen was not found, HDOA treated all palms on the site as a precaution.
    May 6, 2025 KOA – HDOA/COH and Kona airport staff treated 86 palms via crown application.
    May 2025 Treatment at the Keāhole Ag Park is being scheduled later this month.
    Ongoing Surveillance for CRB continues around Hawai‘i Island by HDOA, BIISC, University of Hawai‘i, the County of Hawai‘i and the state Department of Health Vector Control Branch.
    March 2025 to present A total of 10 adult CRB have been reported in the areas of Keāhole Ag
    Park, NELHA, O‘oma, Kohanaiki and KOA.

    Staff from HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch and Pesticides Branch applied the treatments, both on the crown of the trees and via injection into the trees when necessary. All palms that were treated were tagged and surrounded with yellow tape to indicate treatment. Coconuts from treated trees should not be consumed. Questions regarding pesticide use may be addressed to HDOA’s Pesticides Branch at 808-973-9402.

    Residents on all islands are asked to be vigilant when purchasing mulch, compost and soil products, and to inspect bags for evidence of entry holes. CRB breed in decomposing plant and animal waste. An adult beetle is about 2-inches long, all black and has a single horn on its head. CRB leave distinctive V-shaped cuts and/or scalloped edges in palm leaves and bore holes may be visible in the trunks.

    Residents may go to the CRB Response website at:  https://www.crbhawaii.org/  to learn more about how to detect the signs of CRB damage and how to identify CRB life stages. Reports of possible CRB infestation may also be made to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).

    # # #

    Link to video by County of Hawai‘i: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sfY1cZxHJkVQeTkQzs2hPCRmzbO_RX54/view?usp=share_link

    Treatment on crowns of palm trees at Kona Airport

    Treatment on crowns of palm trees at Kona Airport

    Treatment on crowns of palm trees at Kona Airport

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Direct payments – 08-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Union provides farmers with income support or ‘direct payments’ to function as a safety net and make farming more profitable, guarantee food security in Europe, assist them in the production of safe, healthy and affordable food and reward farmers for delivering public goods not normally paid for by markets. They are managed jointly by the Commission and the Member States through a number of schemes.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Keeping Pests Out of Your Mother’s Day Flowers | CBP

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agriculture Specialist shake out imported flowers to prevent foreign pests from entering the country. Every day our Agriculture Specialist search through produce, flowers, and more, to make sure things are clean, safe and pest free.

    Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
    Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
    Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
    Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov

    #cbp
    #mothersday
    #pestcontrol
    #lawenforcement

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU-wL2ese10

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Senegal Launches PAVIE II to empower women and youth, drive food security

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    Senegal has officially launched the second phase of the Project for Support and Promotion of Women’s and Youth’s Entrepreneurial Initiatives (PAVIE II) at the Grand Théâtre National in Dakar.

    The initiative, with a budget of €163.449 million, aims to create 92,633 jobs, empower women and youth, and advance Senegal’s food sovereignty under the “Sénégal 2050” national development strategy. The launch took place on Wednesday 8 May in the Senegalese capital.

    The Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal, Ousmane Sanko emphasized the project’s strategic importance: “This initiative is more than a program; it is a vision for a bold Senegal, driven by the creativity of its entrepreneurs and the energy of its youth and women. PAVIE II will be a cornerstone of our National Transformation Agenda, fostering sovereignty in food, industry, and technology.”

    He outlined two main objectives – positioning Senegal as a hub for entrepreneurial development in West Africa and creating quality jobs by empowering wom,en and youth across the country. The Prime Minister highlighted that 58% of the targeted 51,212 entrepreneurial initiatives will be led by women and 56% by youth.

    Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group who led the African Development Bank Group delegation to the event, highlighted the transformative potential of PAVIE II.

    Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and delegates visiting beneficiary exhibition stands at the PAVIE II launch in Dakar.

    “This is a great day for Senegal, to celebrate the success of your vision to transform the country through entrepreneurial empowerment. PAVIE II is a testament to Senegal’s commitment to harnessing the potential of its women and youth,” he said. “By strengthening agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, and fostering innovation, this project will drive economic sovereignty and create opportunities for generations,” Adesina said.

    “The future is very bright for innovative young entrepreneurs in Africa. This project demonstrates Senegal’s leadership in creating the enabling environment for sustainable job creation and economic resilience,” he added.

    Aïda Mbodj, General Delegate of the Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER/FJ), expressed pride in reaching this milestone. “The vision of President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, with his commitment to the empowerment of youth and women and to the development of our territories, forms the foundation of our actions.”

    PAVIE II builds on the success of its first phase, which supported 24,000 entrepreneurial initiatives, created over 93,000 jobs, and mobilized €100.6 million in funding, including €33.5 million from private banks. The new initiative introduces key improvements, including complete digitalization of all business processes, enhanced territorial support through localized mechanisms, and focused economic empowerment in underserved areas.

    The impact of the support provided by the Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship was exemplified by Tahibou Ba, a rice farmer and PAVIE beneficiary, who shared, “Thanks to the financing from DER, I started with one hectare; today, I am at 300 hectares.” His story underscores the program’s role in transforming small-scale initiatives into thriving enterprises that contribute to national food security.

    The project’s €163.449 million budget allocates €91.463 million to job creation and agricultural production and €45.732 million to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises and digital solutions. Funding partners include the African Development Bank, contributing €74.564 million (€73.723 million loan and €0.841 million grant from the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa initiative), €25 million from the French Development Agency, €25.773 million from private banks, and €38.112 million from the Government of Senegal.

    The African Development Bank is a key development partner in entrepreneurship initiatives in Senegal, with significant financial contributions to both phases of the project. The Bank’s investment aligns with its Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033), which focuses on investing in young people, as well as with Senegal’s National Development Strategy (2025-2029).

    The one-day program featured keynote addresses, panel discussions on food sovereignty and digital innovation, testimonials from beneficiaries of the first phase, and an exhibition showcasing agricultural and technological solutions. The project’s strategic partnerships with private banks underscore its commitment to public-private collaboration.

    Combined with its first phase, the PAVIE program is expected to generate a total of 185,633 direct and indirect jobs across Senegal, with 40% allocated to women and 70% to young people.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Judge Blocks Unconstitutional Reorganization of Federal Government

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Case Reflects Largest and Most Significant Challenge to President’s Authority to Remake Government without Congressional Approval

    Washington, D.C. – The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California San Francisco Division today issued a temporary restraining order to block the Trump administration’s unlawful reorganization of the federal government. The coalition bringing the motion includes nationwide labor unions, non-profit organizations, and cities and counties in California, Illinois, Maryland, Texas, and Washington, and is represented by lead co-counsel Democracy Forward and Altshuler Berzon LLP, Protect Democracy, Public Rights Project, and Democracy Defenders Fund.

    AFGE v. Trump argues that the Trump administration’s unlawful reorganization of the federal government, which is already underway without legislative authority, violates the Constitution’s fundamental separation of powers principles.

    The coalition includes the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and four AFGE locals; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and SEIU Local 1000; Alliance for Retired Americans; American Geophysical Union; American Public Health Association; Center for Taxpayer Rights; Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks; Common Defense; Main Street Alliance; NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council); Northeast Organic Farming Association Inc.; VoteVets; Western Watersheds Project; City and County of San Francisco, California; County of Santa Clara, California; City of Chicago, Illinois; City of Baltimore, Maryland; Harris County, Texas; and King County, Washington.

    “The Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to reorganize the federal government has thrown agencies into chaos, disrupting critical services provided across our nation. Each of us represents communities deeply invested in the efficiency of the federal government – laying off federal employees and reorganizing government functions haphazardly does not achieve that. We are gratified by the court’s decision today to pause these harmful actions while our case proceeds.”

    Read the complaint here and the temporary restraining order here.

    “Billionaires and anti-union extremists have launched a hostile takeover of government – unlawfully bypassing Congress to shut down and restructure agencies. These actions threaten the public services that AFSCME members provide at every level of government. We are pleased that the court issued a decision today to pause these devastating attacks and bring relief to public service workers and our communities as our case moves forward,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WEEK 16 WINS: President Trump Advances America’s New Golden Age

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    This week, President Donald J. Trump advanced his America First agenda with remarkable successes that bolster the economy, enhance national security, and promote global stability. From a landmark trade agreement to bold steps to secure our borders and skies, President Trump is delivering results that matter to every American.
    Here is a non-comprehensive list of wins in week 16:
    President Trump announced a “breakthrough” trade deal with the United Kingdom that expands market access, curbs non-tariff barriers, and levels the playing field for American exporters.
    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: “President Trump has delivered a tremendous win for American family farmers and ranchers … Thank you, President Trump, for fighting for American cattle producers.”
    National Corn Growers Association: “This is great news. We applaud President Trump and his administration for brokering this deal.”
    International Dairy Foods Association: “On behalf of America’s dairy processors and producers, IDFA applauds President Trump’s announcement today that the United States and the United Kingdom have reached the terms for a significant trade deal between our two markets that promises to expand access for U.S. agricultural goods, reduce tariffs, and remove barriers to trade.”

    President Donald J. Trump’s relentless pursuit of manufacturing dominance spurred onshoring and additional U.S. investment.
    The Wall Street Journal: Trump’s Tariffs Are Lifting Some U.S. Manufacturers
    The Washington Post: This U.S. manufacturer doesn’t mind Trump’s tariffs at all
    Bristol Myers Squibb announced a $40 billion investment over the next five years in its research, development, technology, and U.S.-based manufacturing operations.
    Gilead Sciences announced an $11 billion boost to its planned U.S.-based manufacturing investment.
    Invenergy announced a $1.7 billion investment in U.S. electric transmission.
    Merck Animal Health announced an $895 million investment to expand their manufacturing operation in Kansas.
    Wistron Corp., a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer and AI server maker, announced $455 million in additional U.S. investment.
    Lego announced a $366 million investment to build a new distribution center in Prince George County, Virginia.
    Hotpack, a Dubai-based maker of food packaging materials and related products, announced a $100 million investment to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Edison, New Jersey.

    The Trump Administration unveiled a plan to completely overhaul the nation’s air traffic control system, building on the unprecedented actions already taken to secure America’s skies and improve air travel.
    American Airlines CEO Robert Isom: “This plan from President Trump and Secretary Duffy is absolutely the best opportunity that we’ve had in decades to do something about our outdated air traffic control infrastructure and build a best-in-class system that our country deserves.”
    Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian: “I want to especially thank Secretary Duffy and the Administration for gathering us all here today and taking such a strong approach to overhauling our air traffic control system in the U.S.”
    United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby: “This really is an historic day — a day I have been looking forward to my entire career when I felt like we have turned the corner and are on the path to give the United States the best-in-class air traffic control system that the citizens of the United States deserve.”
    Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan: “I cannot say enough thanks to Secretary Duffy, to the administration, to President Trump for the stellar leadership to bring everyone together on this problem.”

    President Trump continued to secure our borders, rid our communities of illegal immigrant criminals, and keep Americans safe.
    President Trump announced plans to house America’s most ruthless, violent criminals at Alcatraz prison.
    President Trump established “Project Homecoming” to encourage illegal immigrants to voluntarily depart the U.S.
    The Department of Justice announced the takedown of a massive drug and weapons trafficking organization in New Mexico, operated by the Sinaloa cartel — resulting in the largest fentanyl seizure in our nation’s history and the arrests of six high-level cartel members illegally in the U.S.
    The Department of Justice announced that 115 children were rescued and 205 child sex predators were arrested in just five days as part of Operation Restore Justice.
    The Department of Homeland Security announced it will offer financial assistance and stipends for illegal immigrants voluntarily returning to their home country via the CBP Home App — saving taxpayers as much as $1 million per illegal alien family in long-term costs of welfare and public support.
    Breitbart: Southern Border Migrant Apprehensions Continue Record-Shattering Decline
    Fox News: Daycare in wealthy enclave shutters after housing fugitive child predator arrested by ICE
    The percentage of Americans “who worry a great deal” about crime has fallen by ten points over last year.

    President Trump continued to pursue peace through strength around the world.
    President Trump announced a ceasefire with Houthi terrorists in Yemen, restoring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea for U.S.-flagged ships.
    The Department of the Treasury targeted a third teapot refinery for facilitating the delivery of Iranian oil as part of President Trump’s broad and aggressive maximum pressure campaign.
    The Department of State designated Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
    The Department of State announced all hostages held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, were rescued and brought safely to the U.S.

    A new survey showed 70% of farmers expect the President Trump’s tariffs to strengthen the agricultural economy in the long-term.
    President Trump announced his first wave of judicial nominations.
    President Trump ended federal funding for dangerous gain-of-function research in foreign countries.
    President Trump ended the racist and discriminatory Biden-era “Digital Equity Act,” which provided billions in handouts based on race.
    President Trump announced new tariffs on movies produced in foreign countries in an effort to boost the American film industry.
    President Trump signed an Executive Order to restore a robust domestic manufacturing base for prescription drugs and promote domestic production of critical medicines.
    President Trump eliminated useless water pressure standards that make household appliances less effective and more expensive.
    President Trump signed an Executive Order to provide better care to veterans, improve accountability for such care, and establish a National Center for Warrior Independence for homeless veterans.
    President Trump signed an Executive Order to ease the regulatory burden on Americans and ensure no one is transformed into a criminal for violating a regulation they have no reason to know exists.
    President Trump directed his administration to expeditiously implement the most effective mechanisms, barriers, and other measures to prevent the migration and expansion of invasive carp in the Great Lakes Basin and the surrounding region.
    President Trump directed the Office of the Federal Register to speed up publishing time and decrease costs, enabling agencies to more quickly and effectively restore freedom through President Trump’s deregulatory agenda.
    President Trump officially declared May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II” in commemoration of the unmatched might, strength, and power of the American Armed Forces.
    The Department of Education continued their rigorous oversight of secondary and higher education institutions to ensure compliance with federal law.
    The Department of Education opened an investigation into the Saratoga Springs City School District in New York for Title IX violations relating to male participation in female sports and occupation of female facilities.
    The Department of Education informed Harvard University that the federal government will no longer award new grants to the university amid their failure to uphold federal law.
    The Department of Education opened a formal foreign funding investigation into the University of Pennsylvania after a review of the university’s foreign reports revealed inaccurate and incomplete disclosures.
    The Department of Education initiated a Title IX investigation into Western Carolina University amid allegations the school failed to ensure sex-separated intimate spaces.
    The Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced a review of recent incidents of anti-Semitic violence at the University of Washington and its affiliates.

    The Department of Education resumed collections for student borrowers in default following a five-year pause and reminded institutions of their obligations to support student loan borrowers.
    The Department of Education directed states to maximize parental options for choosing the safest school setting for their children.
    The Department of Justice opened an investigation into a recent policy by Hennepin County, Minnesota, to consider race in plea deals.
    The Department of the Treasury announced a fast-track process to facilitate greater investment in U.S. businesses from ally and partner sources.
    The Department of Energy announced new policies to limit indirect costs of certain grant funding, which is projected to save taxpayers more than $935 million per year.
    The Department of Energy halted the Biden-era ban on fossil fuels in federal buildings, ensuring they’re utilizing the most efficient power available to lower taxpayer costs and curb regulatory overreach.
    The Department of State closed its “Office of Palestinian Affairs,” a Biden-era creation that encouraged Israel not to respond to the October 7 terrorist attacks.
    The Department of Health and Human Services warned medical schools that DEI admissions or employment practices violate federal law and must be eliminated, or the institution risks its federal funding.
    The National Institutes of Health announced all beagle experiments on its campus have been terminated.
    The Department of Agriculture announced the removal of hazardous fuels — such as dead or downed trees — that pose wildfire threats to communities, critical infrastructure, and recreation areas.
    The Department of Agriculture announced enhanced enforcement for making sure states are appropriately and lawfully preserving SNAP benefits for only eligible Americans.
    The Department of Housing and Urban Development, in collaboration with First Lady Melania Trump, announced an investment in a new program to prevent homelessness in Americans aging out of the foster care system.
    The Department of Labor recovered more than $1.4 million in back wages for more than 2,600 employees after finding a California company had failed to pay its employees proper rates.
    The Department of Labor announced additional funding to support disaster-relief jobs and continue employment training for Tennesseans and Floridians affected by last year’s tropical storms.
    The Department of Transportation terminated $54 million in woke, radical grant funding.
    The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released an additional 60,000 documents related to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
    The Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration can enforce its ban on individuals with gender dysphoria serving in the military, boosting efforts to restore a military focused on readiness rather than woke gender ideology.
    President Trump announced Washington, D.C., will host the NFL Draft in 2027.
    The House of Representatives passed a bill to codify President Trump’s “Gulf of America” Executive Order.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Colombian Port Official Sentenced to Over Twelve Years in Prison for Money Laundering

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Former Colombian Port Official Sentenced to Over Twelve Years in Prison for Money Laundering

    A Colombian national was sentenced yesterday to 12 years and seven months in prison for conspiring to launder proceeds of bribes. The defendant was also ordered to forfeit a 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and a 2017 Porsche Cayenne that were involved in the money laundering scheme.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During National Small Business Week, Ranking Member Markey Convenes Field Hearing, Releases Report Detailing Trump Assault on Small Businesses and the Clean Energy Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    REPORT: Pulling the Plug: How Trump’s Attacks on Clean Energy Could Turn out the Lights for Small Business
    Boston (May 9, 2025) – During National Small Business Week, Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today led a field hearing in Boston with Massachusetts clean energy leaders to examine the role that small businesses play in the clean energy economy, the importance of continuing federal investments that support the clean energy transition, and the impacts of tariffs from Trump’s chaotic trade war on small businesses.
    Ranking Member Markey also released a report titled “Pulling the Plug: How Trump’s Attacks on Clean Energy Could Turn out the Lights for Small Business,” which details how federal investments support clean energy small businesses, and how the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back federal clean energy investments, especially those created and expanded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), will devastate small businesses in the clean energy economy.
    “Clean energy is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, and Massachusetts is leading the way,” said Ranking Member Markey. “In our state, the clean energy economy supports more than 100,000 direct jobs. Our clean energy transition isn’t just about mitigating the devastating impacts of the climate crisis—it is about building an economy with accessible, good-paying jobs, and it is about centering justice. I convened today’s field hearing with Massachusetts clean energy leaders and released my report because our path to a just, livable future for all runs through small businesses.”
    Key findings from Ranking Member Markey’s report include:
    Small businesses account for a significant portion of clean energy jobs in the United States, with 75 percent of energy efficiency workers employed by companies with 20 or fewer employees. 
    In Massachusetts, there are more than 100,000 direct clean energy jobs. More than half of the 7,300 clean energy businesses in the Commonwealth are small firms with 10 or fewer employees; more than 80 percent have fewer than 50 employees.
    The Trump administration is undercutting programs critical for small businesses, including freezing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding, and reinstating caps on Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loans which finance improvements that reduce small business energy costs.
    The April 2025 Trump Tariffs limit deployment of clean energy, including solar, driving up costs for small- and mid-sized installers and making it harder for them to compete.
    Thousands of rural businesses completed clean energy projects expecting reimbursement through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program, only to have their funding withheld.
    Firms surveyed in 2024 reported concerns they would lose business or be forced to close as a direct result of an IRA repeal.
    Repealing federal clean energy tax credits and funding could threaten or eliminate thousands of jobs and could cost the U.S. $160 billion in lost GDP.
    The Massachusetts clean energy leaders who joined Ranking Member Markey at today’s field hearing emphasized the importance of investing in small businesses and growing the clean energy economy.
    “With over 115,000 workers driving the growth of our clean energy sector, Massachusetts is proving that clean energy and economic growth go hand-in-hand. Small businesses are at the heart of this transformation—creating jobs, improving lives, and building a cleaner, more secure future,” said Dr. Emily Reichert, CEO of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. “By investing in small businesses and workforce development, we can ensure that Massachusetts remains a leader in climate innovation and continues to offer meaningful opportunities for all of our residents.”
    “We are already witnessing significant solar project delays and cancelations as a result of the uncertainty brought on by talk of tariffs and the possible repeal of tax credits,” said Nick d’Arbeloff, President of the Solar Energy Business Association of New England (SEBANE). “If the [Investment Tax Credit] is, in fact, eliminated and the tariffs move ahead as planned, more than a few of our small business member companies have indicated they will be forced to significantly reduce their workforce or close their doors entirely.”
    “Franklin Cummings Tech prepares graduates for well-paying, in-demand jobs by aligning the skills we teach with the immediate needs of the job market and society. The Center for Energy Efficiency and the Trades (CEET) is a perfect example of this model in action, bringing a focus on sustainability and renewable energy across the college’s technical programs. Our efforts received a tremendous boost when Senator Markey and Senator Warren facilitated the $800,000 grant to Franklin Cummings Tech through the Department of Labor, bringing greater resources and structure to the CEET program,” said Dr. Aisha Francis, President and CEO of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.
    “Small businesses are the backbone of America’s clean energy transformation. For small businesses nationwide, consistent policy support is essential; without it, we risk stalling the remarkable progress we’ve made in building America’s clean energy future. At SparkCharge, we see firsthand how federal initiatives empower innovation, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth. Clear policies and stable federal support ensure that American small businesses can lead the world in clean energy solutions, strengthening both our local communities here in Massachusetts and the broader economy across the United States,” said Josh Aviv, Founder and CEO of SparkCharge.
    During National Small Business Week, Ranking Member Markey, along with members of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and Senate Democrats participated in several media opportunities to highlight the urgency of supporting U.S. small business owners and entrepreneurs in the face of Trump’s reckless tariff policies and continued chaos and cuts at the SBA.
    Yesterday, Ranking Member Markey held a virtual listening session with small business owners in Massachusetts and owners who serve the Commonwealth on the devastating impacts of the Trump Tariffs.
    Earlier this week, Ranking Member Markey, alongside Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Small Business Liberation Act, legislation that would exempt the more than 34 million U.S. small businesses from the reckless Trump Tariffs that are wreaking havoc on their businesses and the U.S. economy.
    Ranking Member Markey recently wrote to Small Business Administrator Loeffler, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, calling on the Trump administration to exempt U.S. small businesses from the reckless Trump Tariffs and afford them the same relief that the administration is giving billion-dollar tech giants such as Apple and Google.
    Previously, Ranking Member Markey, along with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and all Democrats on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee wrote to Administrator Loeffler, urging her to take immediate action to address the impacts of Trump’s reckless tariff policies on small businesses.
    Ranking Member Markey has been speaking out against Trump attacks to federal clean energy and climate funding and programs during Trump’s first 100 days in office. In February 2025, Ranking Member Markey was denied a meeting with EPA Administrator Zeldin and DOGE representatives, where the lawmakers planned to ask why funding to critical EPA programs was unconstitutionally cut off to communities. In March 2025, Ranking Member Markey and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) led a letter to Administrator Lee Zeldin to cease its attempts to claw back nearly $20 billion in congressionally appropriated and legally obligated funding. In April 2025, Ranking Member Markey released a report, “The Trump Tariffs: A Small Business Crisis,” which details the disastrous impacts of Trump’s tariff policies on small businesses across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at reception in celebration of establishment of Consulate-General of Uruguay in Hong Kong (English only) (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the reception in celebration of the establishment of the Consulate-General of Uruguay in Hong Kong today (May 9):

    Your Excellency Minister Mario Lubetkin (Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay), Your Excellency Ambassador Fernando Lugris (Ambassador of Uruguay to China), Consul-General Federico Lage Cabeza (Consul-General of Uruguay to Hong Kong), Commissioner Cui Jianchun (Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

         Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to be here on this important occasion – the establishment and opening, in Hong Kong, of the Consulate-General of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.

         The opening of the Consulate-General is testament to the long-standing, and growing, ties between China and Uruguay, and it is important to note that the two countries have now enjoyed diplomatic relations for 37 years, with their relations elevated to comprehensive strategic partnership status in 2023.

         In March, President Xi Jinping’s special envoy, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mr Han Jun, attended the inauguration ceremony of the President of Uruguay. Minister Han conveyed China’s wish to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and boost bilateral trade in goods and services. 

         Hong Kong and Uruguay also maintain good relations in trade. In 2024, our bilateral merchandise trade rose 8.8 per cent over the previous year, to more than US$120 million. You probably note that the number eight is considered a lucky number for Chinese people. So the double eights here in this 8.8 per cent growth are music of double luckiness to my ears.

         Our increased trade, and the opening, today of the Uruguay’s Consulate-General, underlines the long-term promise of our economic prospects and people-to-people ties.

         Uruguay, after all, is a high-income economy built on free market policies in Latin America, with a large middle class which is strong and growing. It’s also a founding member of Mercosur, or the Southern Common Market, which has a population nearing 300 million. Uruguay, I’m pleased to add, is a participant in our country’s Belt and Road Initiative.

         Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys our country’s strong support, and maintains unparalleled connectivity with the world. I thank Commissioner Cui for telling so much about the ingredients and success factors of Hong Kong under “one country, two systems”. Hong Kong maintains unparalleled connectivity with the world that includes our pivotal roles in such national strategies as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Greater Bay Area is a cluster city that counts Hong Kong, Macao and nine prosperous cities in Southern China. 

         The Greater Bay Area boasts a collective population exceeding 87 million and a combined GDP rivalling the world’s 10th largest economy. It gives Hong Kong a high-end consumer market more than 10 times larger than what our city’s alone can offer.

         We are Asia’s largest financial centre and the world’s third largest, behind only New York and London. Not surprisingly, Hong Kong also ranked fourth and fifth, globally, in foreign direct investment inflows and outflows. 

         As the world’s largest offshore Renminbi service centre, Hong Kong is a critical investment hub linking investment sources and destinations between Mainland China, Southeast Asian markets, and the world. 

         Like Uruguay and our country, Hong Kong is committed to free trade and the multilateral trading system. Goods, capital, people and information flow freely here – and it always will. In spite of challenges posed by emerging protectionism and geopolitical tensions, we strongly believe that free and open trade is key to our pursuit of high-quality development, together with a world of investors and economies.

         Hong Kong’s commitment to the rule of law and a judiciary that exercises its powers independently, to our common law system, and to protecting the rights of our people and businesses, is no less fundamental to our economy, our community and our future. 

         Hong Kong, in brief, is the ideal gateway for Uruguayan companies, and investors, looking to tap into the far-reaching promise of Mainland China and the rest of Asia.

         Beyond business, arts and culture – including the art and culture of eating and drinking well – is as central to life in Hong Kong as I know in Uruguay. Hong Kong, after all, is the rising East-meets-West arts and cultural centre; it is also a hub for international exchange.

         Ladies and gentlemen, the formal establishment and opening, today, of the Consulate-General of Uruguay in Hong Kong marks an auspicious new stage in the growing relations between our two economies, and our two peoples. 

         The Hong Kong SAR Government, and the businesses and people of Hong Kong, welcome you, and look forward to working with you. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Colombian Port Official Sentenced to Over Twelve Years in Prison for Money Laundering

    Source: United States Attorneys General 12

    A Colombian national was sentenced yesterday to 12 years and seven months in prison for conspiring to launder proceeds of bribes. The defendant was also ordered to forfeit a 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and a 2017 Porsche Cayenne that were involved in the money laundering scheme.

    According to court documents, Omar Ambuila, 64, of Cali, Colombia, pleaded guilty on Jan. 28 to a single count of conspiracy to launder money. As part of his plea, Ambuila admitted that while he was a port official in Colombia, he accepted at least $1,000,000 in illegal bribes that he and co-conspirators laundered to the United States from Colombia. As part of the scheme, Ambuila and his co-conspirators laundered the funds for Ambuila’s benefit and used the funds to purchase luxury vehicles and pay rent on waterfront property, among other things.

    “Criminals who exploit our financial system to launder their illegal gains threaten the security of the United States,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “When you try to abuse the financial system hard working Americans rely upon, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “HSI special agents, in close coordination with all their law enforcement partners, will always work diligently to pursue those individuals and those networks of bad actors who exploit the legitimate financial system to support criminal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge John Condon of Homeland Security Investigation Tampa. “This is just another great example of this work.”

    “Let this sentencing serve as a powerful reminder: the United States will not be a sanctuary for those seeking to launder the proceeds of crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Tampa Field Office. “We are relentless in our pursuit of criminals who attempt to exploit our financial systems, and we will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that they face justice. This case underscores our commitment to dismantling transnational criminal operations and holding those responsible accountable, no matter where they try to hide.”

    “This investigation exemplifies the FBI’s commitment to our federal law enforcement partnerships and the unified effort in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting money laundering schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Division.

    The case was investigated by HSI, IRS-CI, and the FBI.

    Trial Attorneys Ariana Lazzaroni and Adrienne Rosen and Deputy Chief Joseph Palazzo of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché’s Office in Bogotá, the HSI Attaché’s Office in Bogotá, and the U.S. Marshals Service provided substantial assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from Colombia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Trade Minister travels to UK & Korea for trade talks

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Trade and Investment, and Agriculture Minister, Todd McClay travels to the United Kingdom today to participate in the first in-person joint NZ UK Ministerial Trade Committee and to mark the two-year anniversary of the entry into force of the New Zealand United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA). 

    “Better access to overseas markets is an important part of the Government’s economic plan to grow the economy and create better paying jobs, Minister McClay says. 

    The NZ-UK FTA has seen a 21 per cent boost in Kiwi exports worth an additional $644.4 million over the two years since the deal came into force. This is delivering real benefits for Kiwi exporters.

    “The results speak for themselves —goods exports to the UK have risen by 20 per cent, and services exports are up over 22 per cent in just two years, Mr McClay says. 

    “And the primary sector is leading the way with big increases in food and fibre exports along with travel and tech.   

    • Meat exports are up 46% to nearly $500 million
    • Dairy exports are up a staggering 139% worth $198 million
    • Fruit and nuts are up 52% worth $54 million
    • Travel service exports are up 22% to nearly $1 billion
    • Tech-related services exports are up 50% to $221 million 

    While in the UK, Minister McClay will meet with his trade and agriculture counterparts, the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, as well as the UK Trade Envoy to New Zealand, Carolyn Harris.

    He will also engage with key partners and stakeholders, including Waitrose and the National Farmers Union, visit local farms, and connect with New Zealand businesses operating in London.

    The UK is New Zealand’s 7th largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth $7.27 billion. In 2024, New Zealand exported $3.69 billion in goods and services to the UK

    Minister McClay will then travel from the UK to Korea on Tuesday of next week to participate in the APEC Trade Ministers meeting where he will hold bilateral meetings with APEC and CPTPP trading partners.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. The first place winner for Virginia’s Fourth is Journi Marlow with her acrylic painting, In Our Hands. Journi is an eleventh grader who attends Henrico High School. Her art has been featured in live interviews and community exhibitions, and she has served as a youth panelist speaking on the power of art for personal and collective change. Her work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol later this year.

    “I’m thrilled to congratulate Journi on her winning acrylic submission to this year’s Congressional Art Competition! Her piece is a beautiful representation of the American justice system, its fragility, and the promise held by the American people to uphold it,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “It is an honor to host this art competition and provide an opportunity for students across the district to showcase their work. Thank you to all the young artists who participated and shared your artistic vision with us. I can’t wait to see what you all do next in pursuing your love of art.”

    Congresswoman McClellan also announced the following finalists:

    • Olivia Price, a tenth grader from Hermitage High School, took second place with her pencil and acrylic drawing, New Form of Life.
    • Chloe Stamper, a tenth grader from Brunswick High School, took third place with her acrylic painting, Journey for Water.

    Below is a full list of submissions for this year and honorable mentions in each category.

    Overall Congressional Art Competition Winners:

    • 1st Place: In Our Hands / Journi Marlow of Henrico High School
    • 2nd Place: New Form of Life / Olivia Price of Hermitage High School
    • 3rd Place: Journey for Water / Chloe Stampher of Brunswick High School

    Digital Art:

    • 1st Place: Like a Moth to a Flame / Lina Lloyd of Petersburg High School
    • 2nd Place: Sandman’s Sheep Prowl the Night / Carra Wynn of Petersburg High School

    Photography:

    • 1st Place: Reality TV / Lily Frantz Laferriere of Clover Hill High School
    • 2nd Place: Place- Spring in Town / Dayanara Gonzalez-Hernandez of Petersburg High School

    Mixed Media:

    • 1st Place: Green and Gentle Waterway / Minhan Zhao of Clover Hill High School
    • 2nd Place: The Fire in My Eyes / Elizabeth Smith-Branzella of Petersburg High School
    • 3rd Place: Maristella / Navaeh Edwards of Petersburg High School

    Drawings:

    • 1st Place: New Form of Life / Olivia Price of Hermitage High School
    • 2nd Place: Dining Dolls / Gabrielle Williams of Thomas Dale High School
    • 3rd Place: A Hap of Laughter: The Memory of Papa Hay / Hazel Grace Bittenbender of Colonial Heights High School
    • 4th Place: Colored Over, Still Me / Grace Miao-Xuan Zheng of Maggie Walker Governor’s School
    • Honorable Mention: Backyard Chase / Jeremiah Adkins of Varina High School
    • Honorable Mention: Under Freedom’s Wing / Cadence Penelope Martin of Colonial Heights High School

    Paintings:

    • 1st Place: In Our Hands / Journi Marlow of Henrico High School
    • 2nd Place: Journey for Water / Chloe Stamper of Brunswick High School
    • 3rd Place: Pride / Lindsey Keatley of Thomas Dale High School
    • Honorable Mention: Wally’s Red Moon / Jeilyn Munoz of Hopewell High School
    • Honorable Mention: Salvation Mountain / Juliet Chanelle Torres of Colonial Heights High School
    • Honorable Mention: Look of Love / Mia Salinas Santiago of Petersburg High School

    The judging panel consisted of the following people: Sara Johnson Ward, S. Ross Browne, Taekia Glass, and Allie Sarinana.

    You can view all of the winning submissions and honorable mentions here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Warren, Banks, in Bipartisan Letter, Push DOJ to Investigate High Egg Prices, Anticompetitive Behavior by Egg Producers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    May 09, 2025
    Warren (D-Mass.) and Banks (R-Ind.) raise concerns about major egg producers jacking up prices, raking in record profits while blaming bird flu
    After previous letter led by Warren, DOJ opened probe into potential anticompetitive behavior by egg producers
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – In a new bipartisan letter, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) applauded the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ongoing investigation into potential anticompetitive practices by major egg producers and urged the agency to continue its thorough investigation as egg prices continue to rise.
    “Large egg producers and trade associations have previously been found liable for price fixing,” wrote the senators. “Given this history, we urge DOJ to thoroughly review whether recent trends in egg prices reflect impermissible coordination among egg producers and trade associations.”
    The average retail price of a dozen eggs has reached unprecedented levels, surpassing $6 in March 2025, tripling since 2021. While egg producers and trade associations continue to point to recent bird flu outbreaks as the reason for increased prices, large egg producers, like Cal-Maine, are reporting record profitability while families feel economic pain.
    The cost of eggs started to drop from record peaks just after the DOJ announced an investigation into egg prices, raising concerns as to whether large egg producers are engaging in anticompetitive behaviors to raise prices or restrict supply. A federal jury previously found that large egg producers and trade groups increased egg prices by conspiring to artificially limit the supply of hens between 2004 and 2008. Another lawsuit alleges that Cal-Maine inflated egg prices after a 2015 bird flu outbreak and during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    The five largest egg producers — CalMaine Foods, Rose Acre Farms, Daybreak Foods, Hillendale Farms, and Versova Holdings — control nearly half of the U.S. egg-laying flock, leaving Americans with limited alternatives to purchase eggs if companies are in fact price-gouging consumers.
    The senators requested that the DOJ address their concerns, including if price increases in the egg market can be reasonably explained by bird flu-related supply chain disruptions; how much the five largest egg producers profited during the first three-quarters of fiscal year 2025; if large egg producers’ purchasing patterns potentially reflect an effort to extend the egg supply shortage and maintain high prices; and whether the decline in egg prices following the DOJ’s announcement reflects potential price-fixing among large egg producers.
    “We support DOJ’s investigation into potential anticompetitive behavior by egg producers and urge the agency to consider whether a ‘precipitous drop’ in egg prices just ‘days’ after reports of the investigation broke suggests that egg producers had conspired to artificially inflate prices,” concluded the senators.
    DOJ announced its probe following a January letter Sen. Warren sent to Donald Trump, pressing him to use tools to lower egg prices, including “encouraging DOJ to prosecute actors in the agricultural and food sectors for price-fixing and other anticompetitive behavior.”
    Senators Warren and Banks recently teamed up to open a bipartisan investigation into the harms of private equity roll-ups of fire truck manufacturers. The lawmakers wrote to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), North America’s largest union of firefighters, seeking information about the adverse impact of private equity consolidation on firefighters and communities in Massachusetts, Indiana, and across the country. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Mother’s Day, Senator Murray, King County Executive Braddock, Moms and Local Parents Slam Trump’s “Baby” Tax, Painful Unnecessary Price Hikes for Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington Post: Trump’s tariffs hit baby industry hard, threatening parents with price hikes, shortages

    Axios: “Baby tax”: Trump tariffs send baby gear prices soaring

    *** B-ROLL AND PHOTOS HERE***

    Seattle, WA — Today, ahead of Mother’s Day, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a press conference at WestSide Baby in Seattle to highlight how President Trump’s chaotic trade war is raising costs on moms and families across the board. Trump’s sweeping tariffs are the highest in decades, and are estimated to cost American families more than $4,000 per year—the largest tax increase since 1968.

    Senator Murray was joined by King County Executive Shannon Braddock, Executive Director of WestSideBaby Allie Lindsay Johnson, Brittney Geleynse owner of Clover Toys, and local moms and parents who all outlined how Trump’s tariffs are already raising the cost of items moms need for their families, purchases that can’t be pushed off—from car seats and strollers, to high chairs, kids clothes, and cribs.

    The press conference comes as new reporting lays out how Trump’s tariffs are making it more expensive to raise kids, driving up prices on children’s products and threatening shortages of critical baby gear at a time when household budgets are already under strain.

    “The last thing any mom wants right now is higher costs for things like diapers, high chairs, and car seats—but that is exactly what Donald Trump is delivering with his nonsense trade war,” said Senator Murray. “His across-the-board tariffs are already raising prices for new moms and families. With all the costs new parents are going to have to pay for these goods, Trump has essentially announced a new ‘baby’ tax. If you are a billionaire, Republicans are getting ready to give you a massive tax break. But babies? Moms? Dads? Trump says you are out of luck. Yes, Trump’s ‘baby’ tax is going to mean fewer toys, smaller birthdays—but it is also going to mean parents struggling to buy high chairs or specialty formula, struggling to buy a safe bassinet, or a stroller, or a car seat.”

    “Well, my message to moms is: I got into politics to fight for moms like me—and I am never going to stop,” continued Senator Murray. “I know what you are going through, all the things you already have to worry about. You should not have to worry about Trump’s new baby tax driving up costs as well. Congress CAN reverse these tariffs—we could do it next week if Republicans chose to. So, I am going to be lifting up your voices, and using mine—to push for Congress to act and demand this administration reverse their incredibly damaging price hikes on families.”

    “Tariffs that drive up the cost of baby essentials like car seats, strollers and diapers aren’t just bad economics—they’re bad values,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “Working families are the ones who pay the price. We need real leadership in Washington, D.C., and I’m grateful Senator Murray is standing with us in this fight.” 

    “Children should not be the casualties of a trade war. Items like car seats, strollers, and cribs aren’t luxuries—they’re critical for a child’s safety and development. At WestSide Baby, we regularly see parents forced to choose between paying rent or buying a car seat. For families facing poverty or sudden financial strain, even small price increases can mean going without or making unsafe compromises,” said Allie Lindsay Johnson, Executive Director of WestSide Baby.

    “As a parent, I want the best possible future for my children. I want to give them the tools and opportunities to get ahead in life, not put limits on what they can do. But Trump’s unnecessary tariffs are increasing prices on my baby’s basic needs like his formula, stroller, and car seat,” said Salia Gartrell, a public school teacher and mother of four from Kent, WA. “My family isn’t the only one feeling the financial squeeze from these bad tariffs. Even though my boys are active in their community, and my husband and I work hard to give them every opportunity, the rising costs of living that are due to bad policies like Trump’s Baby Tax leave me and my husband no other choice but to cut back on what our kids can do.”

    “Tariffs on imported toys present a significant operational challenge for Clover Toys, directly impacting our costs and forcing us to navigate complex pricing and inventory decisions,” said Brittney Geleynse owner of Clover Toys. “We are committed to our customers and the Seattle community, and we’re working hard to manage these pressures while continuing to offer the curated selection they expect from their local toy store.”

    Senator Murray has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s chaotic trade war from the very start and has been lifting up the voices of people in Washington state harmed by this administration’s approach to trade and calling on Republicans to end Trump’s trade war—which Congress has the power to do—and take back Congress’ Constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs. Earlier last month, Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state who highlighted how Trump’s ongoing trade war is already a devastating hit to Washington state’s economy, businesses, and our agriculture sector. Senator Murray also took to the Senate floor to lay out how Trump’s chaotic trade war is seriously threatening our economy, American businesses, families’ retirement savings, and so much else.

    Murray has also been sounding the alarm on Trump’s tariffs across Washington state. Recently, Senator Murray held a roundtable discussion in Tacoma with local businesses and ports, met with farmers in Yakima to discuss the consequences of Trump’s tariffs, and held a roundtable discussion in Vancouver at a local metal fabrication company to highlight how Trump’s trade war is hurting businesses and our economy Washington state. Last month, Senator Murray met with small business owners in Seattle’s University District to hear how Trump’s tariffs and the broader economic uncertainty are affecting them, and later she met with farmers in Skagit County to discuss tariffs, and visited Blaine near the Canadian border to highlight the impacts of Trump’s trade war. Just last week, Senator Murray rallied her West Coast colleagues and ports from Washington state and California to sound the alarm on how Trump’s tariffs will mean bare shelves, higher prices, and painful layoffs.

    From Groundwork Collaborative – Trump’s Tariffs are increasing prices on everything:

    Car seats: UPPAbaby, a major manufacturer of car seats and strollers, announced increased prices across most of its products beginning May 5. Nuna has increased prices by $50, and Evenflo has increased prices by 10-40%.

    • This represents a major challenge for parents, as car seats – which can run over $400 – are required by law in all 50 states and should be bought new due to safety concerns.
    • New parents spend, on average, $1,000 on baby safety gear.

    Strollers: To put it in Trump’s words, prices are rising for “the thing that you carry the babies around in.” UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller just increased from $900 to $1,200. Or, for a cheaper option, Bombi’s flagship stroller now costs $225 instead of $199.

    • Few strollers are made in the U.S. Most are made in China, while others come from Italy, Taiwan, Hungary, and the Netherlands.

    Cribs: Since the average parent spends approximately $2,000 on a new nursery, it is terrible news that three-quarters of all baby furniture is made in China. The Consumer Product Safety Commission does not recommend buying used cribs, as unsafe sleep environments are the main cause of injuries and deaths with nursery products.

    • The popular smart bassinet SNOO is manufactured in China and might soon cost more than its current $1,695 price tag.

    High Chairs & Sippy Cups: The CEO of popular baby accessory brand Munchkin, Steve Dunn, said the company will increase prices on about 90% of products, likely by at least 20%. Their cheapest high chair is currently $170.

    Clothes: Carter’s has already raised prices on many items. Approximately 74% of its products are sourced from Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India, which now face the 10% universal tariff rate.

    Toys: About 80% of all toys imported to the U.S. come from China, according to the Toy Association. Mattel CFO Anthony DiSilvestro has warned of possible price hikes as 40% of Mattel toys come from China.

    Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:

    “As families across the country get ready to celebrate Mother’s Day, the last thing any mom wants right now is higher costs for things like diapers, high chairs, and car seats—but that is exactly what Donald Trump is delivering with his all-out trade war. His across-the-board tariffs are ALREADY raising prices for new moms and families.

    “Because just about every single car seat sold in this country, just about every single stroller, just about every bassinet and changing table—is made somewhere else. And the vast majority of them are made in China—meaning Trump’s tariffs will jack up the cost by 145%. To say nothing of baby clothes made in other countries in the Pacific, or specialty baby formulas imported from Europe, or the materials and machinery we import—even for products made in America—like bamboo fibers in some diapers.

    “With all the costs new parents are going to have to pay for these goods, Trump has essentially announced a new “baby” tax. If you are a billionaire,  Republicans are getting ready to give you a massive tax break. But babies? Moms? Dads? Trump says you are out of luck.

    “Maybe this is hard for a billionaire who calls strollers “the thing that you carry babies around in” to understand—but most babies in America aren’t born with a golden spoon in their mouth. Parents are already struggling, the concern I hear from new parents almost more than anything else—is simply “how do we afford this?” After all, child care can cost more than college tuition and Trump’s trade war is just going to make that—and everything else—worse.

    “This isn’t about having to skimp on Christmas—though Trump has made it all too clear he’s eager to play Grinch, and toys are definitely going to get more expensive. Trump’s new taxes are making sure of that.


    “But every parent understands there is yet a bigger problem here. There are a lot of costs that are not really optional! You can’t just not buy diapers. You can’t just go without high chairs or sippy cups—even though manufactures are already warning about 20 percent price increases.

    “And—as much as they like to wriggle out of them—you can’t just go without baby clothes—even though three-quarters of them are made abroad and are about to get taxed out the wazoo. And those are just everyday necessities—don’t forget the big ticket items. No family should have to choose between cost and safety as they’re making decisions for their children.

    “Some companies have already raised stroller prices by hundreds of dollars. And then there’s cribs. The average parent already spends two thousand dollars on a crib—this is a critical item. And three-quarters of all baby furniture is made in China—meaning Trump wants to slap a 145% tax on it.

    “The same goes for car seats which are virtually all made in China. You absolutely cannot just go without a car seat, and safety experts emphasize you should not buy them used. But with Trump’s 145% tax—parents are wondering how they can even afford them at all. That’s what Trump’s trade war is doing to families! Trump’s baby tax is not just expensive for families and it is not just one more callous and careless policy from a billionaire without a clue—it is also dangerous.

    “Yes, it is going to mean fewer toys, smaller birthdays—but it is also going to mean parents struggling to buy high chairs or specialty formula, struggling to buy a safe bassinet, or a stroller, or a car seat.

    “Well my message to moms: I got into politics to fight for moms like me—and I am never going to stop. I know what you are going through, all the things you already have to worry about. You should not have to worry about Trump’s new baby tax driving up costs as well. Congress CAN reverse these tariffs—we could do it next week if Republicans chose to. So, I am going to be lifting up your voices, and using mine—to push for Congress to act and demand this administration reverse their incredibly damaging price hikes on families.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Estes Applauds UK Trade Deal, Encourages Action on DSTs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

    Rep. Estes Applauds UK Trade Deal, Encourages Action on DSTs

    WASHINGTON – Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) issued a statement today following yesterday’s announcement of a trade agreement with the UK.
     
    “Greater free and fair trade with the UK benefits Kansas farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and workers,” said Rep. Estes. “President Trump’s agreement with our ally across the Atlantic is a positive step forward in leveling the playing field and expanding markets for American producers. The next step is to address the egregious digital services taxes that target American ingenuity and that should be ended immediately.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: NI Holdings, Inc. Reports Results for First Quarter Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FARGO, N.D., May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NODK) announced today results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Summary of First Quarter 2025 Results – Continuing Operations
    (All comparisons vs. continuing operations for the first quarter of 2024, unless noted otherwise)

    • Direct written premiums of $67.7 million compared to $83.0 million. This reduction was driven by Non-Standard Auto (-58.8%) due to strategic decisions to exit Nevada and significantly reduce written premium in the Chicago market to improve profitability, partially offset by Home and Farm (7.1%) driven by higher new business in North Dakota as well as rate and insured value increases.
    • Combined ratio of 94.4% driven by strong performance in Home and Farm and Private Passenger Auto.
    • Net investment income increased 3.0% to $2.8 million, driven by relatively consistent yields on a higher average invested asset base.
    • Basic earnings per share of $0.31 compared to basic earnings per share of $0.33.
      Three Months Ended March 31,
    Dollars in thousands, except per share data
    (unaudited)    		   2025   2024   Change
    Direct written premiums $67,728 $83,041   (18.4%)
    Net earned premiums $67,497 $69,884   (3.4%)
    Loss and LAE ratio   57.1%   57.4%   (0.3 pts)
    Expense ratio   37.3%   36.5%   0.8 pts
    Combined ratio   94.4%   93.9%   0.5 pts
    Net income attributable to NI Holdings $6,460 $6,935   (6.8%)
    Continuing operations $6,460 $6,419   0.6%
    Discontinued operations   –   ($516)   NM
    Return on average equity   10.4%   12.1%   (1.7 pts)
    Basic earnings per share $0.31 $0.31   –
    Continuing operations $0.31 $0.33   (6.1%)
        NM = not meaningful

    Management Commentary

    “We are pleased to start off 2025 with another quarter of underwriting profitability, continuing the positive momentum which began to emerge in the fourth quarter of 2024,” said Seth Daggett, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We achieved solid growth across our core personal line segments, primarily in North Dakota due to increased new business and continued strong retention, while also benefiting from favorable weather conditions and lower large loss frequency in our Home and Farm segment. We implemented numerous expanded underwriting and distribution actions throughout North Dakota and South Dakota, tied directly to our strategy of further targeted organic growth in these markets.  

    While overall top-line direct written premiums decreased year-over-year, the reduction was driven by accelerated execution of aggressive strategic actions focused on returning our Non-Standard Auto segment to profitability. 

    Overall, our results point toward the strength of our underlying core business, including numerous competitive advantages we have in these markets. We’re confident that our renewed focus on this business will support our primary objective of creating lasting value for our shareholders through sustained growth and profitability over time.”

    Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Filings
    The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and latest financial supplement can be found on the Company’s website at www.niholdingsinc.com. The Company’s filings with the SEC can also be found at www.sec.gov.

    About the Company
    NI Holdings, Inc. is an insurance holding company. The Company is a North Dakota business corporation that is the stock holding company of Nodak Insurance Company and became such in connection with the conversion of Nodak Mutual Insurance Company from a mutual to stock form of organization and the creation of a mutual holding company. The conversion was consummated on March 13, 2017. Immediately following the conversion, all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Nodak Insurance Company were issued to Nodak Mutual Group, Inc., which then contributed the shares to NI Holdings in exchange for 55% of the outstanding shares of common stock of NI Holdings. Nodak Insurance Company then became a wholly-owned stock subsidiary of NI Holdings. NI Holdings’ financial statements are the consolidated financial results of NI Holdings; Nodak Insurance, including Nodak’s wholly-owned subsidiaries American West Insurance Company, Primero Insurance Company, and Battle Creek Insurance Company; Direct Auto Insurance Company; and Westminster Insurance Company until the date of sale.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    Some of the statements included in this news release, particularly those anticipating future financial performance, including investment performance and yields, business prospects, growth and operating strategies, the impact of underwriting changes and other strategic actions on operating results, our plans to increase investments in people and technology, enhance distribution management efforts, and focus on expense management initiatives, our ability to generate consistent profitable growth and create lasting value for our shareholders, and similar matters, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially include: our ability to maintain profitable operations, the adequacy of the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, business and economic conditions, the changes in the international trade policies and the potential impact of such changes, interest rates, competition from various insurance and other financial businesses, terrorism, the availability and cost of reinsurance, adverse and catastrophic weather events, including the impacts of climate change, legal and judicial developments, changes in regulatory requirements, our ability to integrate and manage successfully the insurance companies we may acquire from time to time, the impact of inflation on our operating results, and other risks we describe in the periodic reports we file with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to update such statements or to announce publicly the results of any revisions that we may make to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

    For a detailed discussion of the risk factors that could affect our actual results, please refer to the risk factors identified in our SEC reports, including, but not limited to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Matt Maki
    Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
    701-212-5976
    IR@nodakins.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Pennsylvania Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by October Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations in Pennsylvania of the June 9 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought beginning Oct. 1, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland in Pennsylvania as well as Brooke, Hancock, Marshall and Ohio in West Virginia.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

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

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”  

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not 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.

    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 economic injury applications is June 9, 2025.

    ###

    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, or 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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Reintroduces Farmer Act to Strengthen Farm Safety Net, Make Higher Levels of Crop Insurance More Affordable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    05.09.25
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, this week reintroduced his legislation to strengthen crop insurance and make higher levels of coverage more affordable for producers. The legislation is cosponsored by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman and Senators Mitch McConnell, Joni Ernst, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Roger Marshall, Jim Justice, Chuck Grassley, Deb Fischer and Jerry Moran. Specifically, the Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience (FARMER) Act, which Hoeven is working to include in the next farm bill, would:
    Increase premium support for higher levels of crop insurance coverage, which will enhance affordability and reduce the need for future ad-hoc disaster assistance.
    Improve the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) by increasing premium support and expanding the coverage level, providing producers with an additional level of protection.
    Direct the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to conduct a study to improve the effectiveness of SCO in large counties.
    Not require producers to choose between purchasing enhanced crop insurance coverage or participating in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, giving them flexibility to make decisions that work best for their operations.
    “Crop insurance remains the number one risk management tool for our farmers, but it doesn’t provide the kind of affordable coverage options that all producers need. The result has been the repeated need for ad-hoc disaster assistance. Ultimately, producers buying higher levels of coverage will lessen the need for ad-hoc disaster assistance in the future,” said Senator Hoeven. “That means less emergency spending by the federal government, greater certainty for farmers and a more resilient ag economy. Those are wins across the board.”
    Hoeven’s legislation is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, American Sugarbeet Growers Association, Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau, Crop Insurance Professionals Association, Farm Credit Council, Midwest Council on Agriculture, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Sunflower Association, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, U.S. Canola Association, U.S. Durum Growers Association, North Dakota Corn Growers Association, North Dakota Farmers Union, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, Northharvest Bean Growers Association, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Soybean Association, Southwest Council of Agribusiness, and Western Peanut Growers Association. A summary and the full bill text of the legislation can be found here and here, respectively. Statements of support can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Phillips 66 Provides Statement of Critical Facts

    Source: Phillips

    Provides Clarity on Important Topics where Elliott Has Sought to Mislead Investors
    Reiterates Strength of Company’s Transformative Strategy and the Valuable Skills of Phillips 66’s Board and Nominees in Contrast to Elliott’s Risky, Misleading Analysis and Conflicted Nominees
    Phillips 66 Urges Shareholders to Vote “FOR” ONLY Phillips 66’s Nominees on the WHITE Proxy Card

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) today provided investors with important information to make fully informed voting decisions at the Phillips 66 Annual Meeting on May 21, 2025. This overview is intended to ensure investors understand the facts on these critical topics as they assess how to cast their upcoming vote.
    Reliable, Long-Term Value Creation
    Since Mark Lashier became President & CEO, Phillips 66 outperformed against relevant benchmarks,delivering total shareholder returns of 67%(compared to the S&P 500 Energy at 45%, and our Synthetic Proxy Peer Median1 at 42%).2
    In under 3 years, the Companyreturned over$14 billion to shareholdersthrough share repurchases and dividends. We grew our dividend at a 15% CAGR since the spinoff3in 2012, and our annual dividend paidincreased every year.
    While the Board recognizes the reliable returns we have provided for our shareholders,we are never satisfied and continuously review our portfolio with a sharp focus on long-term value creation.
    Investors and analysts recognize the long-term potential inherent in the execution of our transformational strategy, which is in its early innings:
    “PSX remains a Large Cap refining top pick. PSX’s management team is focused on delivering growth at attractive returns, and further diversification and improvements to refining uptime might combine to restore PSX’s premium positioning. We are Overweight rated.” (Wells Fargo (4/25/2025))4
    Effective Board Governance
    Elliott helped to select Bob Pease and he has proven to be a constructive challenger in the boardroom. As Bob has directly stated, he supports the Board because it is actively working to get to the right answer, not protecting any individual’s interests.
    The Phillips 66 Board has demonstrated an ability to consistently refresh the boardroom. To ensure fresh and independent viewpoints, we have added five new independent directors in the past four years and two new nominees stand for election at this year’s Annual Meeting.
    Our directors and nominees have unparallelled experience taking decisive and transformative action when it makes sense, and together they have overseen more than $300 B in breakup or major divestiture transactions.
    “[Mark Lashier] stressed that the board has taken a look at strategic options in the past and continues to do so regularly. As such, questions surrounding the makeup of the portfolio have been asked inside the boardroom. And answered. He also added there are plenty of folks in the boardroom who have been involved in spinoffs elsewhere and they’d be the kind of people who’d be raising their hand if they thought this one made sense. Lastly, he pointed out that “incredible dis-synergies” and “massive tax burdens” would come from midstream monetization. In today’s deck, PSX claims these costs could amount to $28/share.”(Gordon Haskett (4/28/2025))4
    Elliott’s Flawed Thesis to Separate Midstream and Sell CPChem
    The Board has absolutely evaluated a breakup of Midstream and sale of CPChem, and following meaningful consideration, came to the conclusion that neither action is in the best interest of long-term shareholders at this time.
    Simply put, Elliott’s analysis is based on speculative analysis and flawed assumptions:
    Elliott’s $50 billion Midstream analysis ignores or significantly underestimates tax leakage, dis-synergies, buying power of potential buyers, among other factors that would destroy value uplift in a sale and/or spin scenario.
    Elliott’s valuation of CPChem has appreciated by 50% to $15 billion since 2023, while Chemical peers have traded down 19%5during the same time frame.
    We have carefully evaluated and disclosed important details around Elliott’s flawed analysis in our recent investor presentation, which outlines the facts around the costs and risks of a CPChem sale or Midstream spin and the long-term value of the integrated business.

    We know the market recognizes Elliott’s analysis is based on speculative valuations and flawed assumptions:
    “Sale of companies may not work as: 1) buyers for these large assets are limited, 2) tax leakage could be high, 3) standalone Refining multiple may suffer (PSX is trading at a premium to MPC on standalone Refining).” (Citi (3/14/2025))4
    “We believe selling CPChem ahead of two large projects coming online and close to the bottom of the margin cycle may not be the right idea.” (Citi (2/13/2025)) 4
    Refining Performance
    Refining performance has been improving meaningfully, and we remain committed to continuously increasing margins in our Refining business.
    As a result of optimizing our integrated value chain and cost reduction efforts, our R&M EBITDA outperforms our core peer group by $2.80 per barrel6in the Central Corridor and is in-line globally.
    Between 2022 and 2024, Phillips 66 reduced refining adjusted controllable costs by $1.08 per barrel7, a 15% improvement and 44% above our original $0.75 per barrel target. These results surpassed both Marathon and Valero’s respective cost improvements over the same period.7
    By 2027, we aim to further reduce refining adjusted controllable costs from $5.90 to $5.50 per barrel.8We expect that every $0.50 per barrel of cost reduction will improve adjusted EBITDA by roughly $315 million.9
    We know the market sees the progress we are making:
    “[We] recently analyzed PSX refining EBITDA per barrel on a like-for-like basis with peers, adjusting for Marketing, Midstream, and turnaround accounting. We found that PSX performs in-line with peers based on our analysis … This is better than the consensus view that PSX refining earnings lags peers.” (TD Cowen (4/27/2025)) 4
    “Management highlighted the completion of its large turnaround program, which should support improved refining earnings through the remainder of the year. We note the company remains focused on improving operational execution and yields across its refining footprint though accretive capital investments.” (Goldman Sachs (5/1/2025)) 4
    The Risk of Elliott’s Nominees
    Elliott’s nominees, who have histories of value destruction, pose a risk to shareholders’ investments and have redundant experience relative to our more qualified nominees.
    Sigmund Cornelius and Brian Coffman both hold concerning and poorly disclosed ties to Elliott and Gregory Goff (CEO of Amber Energy, an Elliott portfolio company, who is pursuing an acquisition of CITGO, our direct competitor), creating serious questions about their ability to act in the best interests of all Phillips 66 shareholders.
    There are serious questions about Elliott’s expectation of director loyalty. Elliott’s attempt to replace Bob Pease while denying Phillips 66 access to interview and evaluate its nominees is a clear testament to the activist’s expectation of loyalty rather than true independence.
    Phillips 66 Has the Right Nominees
    John Lowe has over 30 years of experience in the energy sector and has created tangible value both in his executive and board positions at publicly traded energy companies.
    Bob Pease, who we appointed with support from Elliott, has extensive refining and commercial experience from his over 39-year career, and his leadership overseeing major corporate transformations has made him a highly effective Director.
    Nigel Hearne has substantial international upstream and downstream operating experience and will provide valuable refining operations and HS&E expertise.
    Howard Ungerleider holds over 30 years of chemicals leadership experience and oversaw the financial complexities of one of the largest and most complex mergers and spin-off transactions in recent history as CFO of DowDuPont.
    Your Vote Matters
    Phillips 66’s Board of Directors urges shareholders to use only the WHITE proxy card to vote:
    “FOR” all four of the candidates proposed by the Company and not Elliott’s four nominees;
    “FOR” management’s proposal to approve the declassification of the Board of Directors; and
    “AGAINST” Elliott’s proposal requiring annual director resignations, which implementing would violate Delaware law and put your Board at significant legal and reputational risk
    The Board strongly recommends that shareholders safeguard their investment in Phillips 66 by casting their vote as soon as possible, regardless of plans to attend the Annual Meeting virtually on May 21, 2025.
    Shareholders may receive materials from Elliott Management that say “gold proxy card” or “gold voting instructions” or similar. Phillips 66 recommends that shareholders DISCARD any Gold voting materials they may receive from Elliott. Shareholders may cancel out any vote made using a Gold proxy card by voting again TODAY using the Company’s WHITE proxy card. Only the latest-dated vote will count.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to Phillips 66’s operations, strategy and performance. Words such as “anticipated,” “committed,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: changes in governmental policies or laws that relate to our operations, including regulations that seek to limit or restrict refining, marketing and midstream operations or regulate profits, pricing, or taxation of our products or feedstocks, or other regulations that restrict feedstock imports or product exports; our ability to timely obtain or maintain permits necessary for projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum, renewable fuels and natural gas prices, and refining, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for renewable fuels; potential liability from pending or future litigation; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under existing or future environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs for constructing, modifying or operating our facilities; our ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that we have announced or may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting our products; the level and success of drilling and production volumes around our midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; lack of, or disruptions in, adequate and reliable transportation for our products; failure to complete construction of capital projects on time or within budget; our ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with laws; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets, which may also impact our ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends; potential disruption of our operations due to accidents, weather events, including as a result of climate change, acts of terrorism or cyberattacks; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including armed hostilities (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), expropriation of assets, and other diplomatic developments; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and property and equipment and/or strategic decisions with respect to our asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of environmental rules and regulations; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates); political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to our business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of equity affiliates we do not control; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Phillips 66’s businesses generally as set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
    Additional Information
    On April 8, 2025, Phillips 66 filed a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Proxy Statement”) and accompanying WHITE proxy card with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”) and its solicitation of proxies for Phillips 66’s director nominees and for other matters to be voted on. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement or any other document that Phillips 66 has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with any solicitation by Phillips 66. PHILLIPS 66 SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (AND ANY AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT SOLICITATION MATERIALS FILED WITH THE SEC AS THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders may obtain copies of the Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement and other documents (including the WHITE proxy card) filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC without charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at Phillips 66’s investor relations website at https://investor.phillips66.com or upon written request sent to Phillips 66, 2331 CityWest Boulevard, Houston, TX 77042, Attention: Investor Relations.
    Certain Information Regarding Participants
    Phillips 66, its directors, its director nominees and certain of its executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in connection with the solicitation of proxies from Phillips 66 shareholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of such persons and their respective interests in Phillips 66, by securities holdings or otherwise, is available in the Proxy Statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 8, 2025, including in the sections captioned “Beneficial Ownership of Phillips 66 Securities” and “Appendix C: Supplemental Information Regarding Participants in the Solicitation.” To the extent that Phillips 66’s directors and executive officers who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation have acquired or disposed of securities holdings since the applicable “as of” date disclosed in the Proxy Statement, such transactions have been or will be reflected on Statements of Changes in Ownership of Securities on Form 4 or Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3 filed with the SEC. These documents are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
    Non-GAAP Measures—This news release includes non-GAAP financial measures, including, “adjusted EBITDA” and “refining adjusted controllable costs.” These are non-GAAP financial measures that are included to help facilitate comparisons of operating performance across periods and to help facilitate comparisons with other companies in our industry. Where applicable, these measures exclude items that do not reflect the core operating results of our businesses in the current period or other adjustments to reflect how management analyzes results. Reconciliations to, or further discussion of, the most comparable GAAP financial measures can be found within or at the end of the news release materials.
    This news release also includes forward-looking non-GAAP financial measure estimates such as, but not limited to “adjusted EBITDA” and “refining adjusted controllable costs” which, as used in certain places herein, are forward looking non-GAAP financial measures. These forward-looking estimates or targets depend on future levels of revenues and/or expenses, including amounts that could be attributable to non-controlling interests or related joint ventures, which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, reconciliations of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest GAAP financial measure cannot be provided without unreasonable effort. Below are definitions of these non-GAAP measures and identification of the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
    EBITDA is defined as estimated net income plus estimated net interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as estimated EBITDA plus the proportional share of selected equity affiliates’ estimated net interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization less the portion of estimated adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests. Net income is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for the consolidated company and income before income taxes is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for operating segments. Refining adjusted controllable cost is the sum of operating and SG&A expenses for our Refining segment, plus our proportional share of operating and SG&A expenses of two refining equity affiliates that are reflected in equity earnings of affiliates. The per barrel amounts are based on total processed inputs, including our proportional share of processed inputs of an equity affiliate, for the respective period.
    References in this news release to shareholder distributions and returns to shareholders refer to the sum of dividends paid to Phillips 66 stockholders and proceeds used by Phillips 66 to repurchase shares of its common stock. References in this news release to “synergies” or “dis-synergies” are supported by management’s estimates and assumptions. These estimates are derived from the Company’s internal projections and other relevant data. However, because these synergies or dis-synergies are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), they cannot be directly reconciled to GAAP measures. The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures provide valuable insight into optimization benefits but cautions that such synergies or dis-synergies may not be realized in full or at all.
    Basis of News release—Effective April 1, 2024, we changed the internal financial information reviewed by our chief executive officer to evaluate performance and allocate resources to our operating segments. This included changes in the composition of our operating segments, as well as measurement changes for certain activities between our operating segments. The primary effects of this realignment included establishment of a Renewable Fuels operating segment, which includes renewable fuels activities and assets historically reported in our Refining, Marketing and Specialties (M&S), and Midstream segments; change in method of allocating results for certain Gulf Coast distillate export activities from our M&S segment to our Refining segment; reclassification of certain crude oil and international clean products trading activities between our M&S segment and our Refining segment; and change in reporting of our investment in NOVONIX from our Midstream segment to Corporate and Other. Accordingly, prior period results have been recast for comparability.
    Calculated as the weighted average of Refining (CVI, DINO, DK, MPC, PBF, VLO), Midstream (OKE, TRGP, WMB), and Chemicals (DOW, LYB, WLK) Performance Proxy Peers’ TSR based on the weighting of consensus NTM EBITDA estimates for PSX’s segments.
    Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) calculated from June 30, 2022 to March 31, 2025.
    Dividend CAGR calculated from initial dividend of $0.20 per share in 3Q 2012 to $1.15 per share in 4Q 2024.
    Permission to use quotations was neither sought nor obtained.
    Calculated as median of % change in price performance of Chemicals peers (DOW, LYB, WLK) between Elliott’s 2023 letter and Elliott’s 2025 letter.
    Last three-year average (2022-2024). “Core Peers” calculated as average of MPC and VLO. “Other Peers” calculated as average of CVI, DINO, DK and PBF. R&M EBITDA calculated as regional net operating margin plus adjustments to reconcile with stated Adjusted Worldwide R&M Adjusted EBITDA. “R&M” includes PSX Refining + PSX Marketing & Specialties segments and is most comparable to MPC and VLO, which report their Refining and Marketing operations as a single segment. A combined Refining and Marketing & Specialties presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is shown for peer comparison only and is not reflective of how the Phillips 66 chief operating decision maker evaluates performance; rather, Refining and Marketing & Specialties are reviewed as two separate operating segments.
    Excludes adjusted turnaround expenses; non-GAAP financial measure. Reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure can be found in slide 78 of the “Investor Presentation”here. PSX and peers exclude turnaround expense to be comparable; however, peer disclosure on other items e.g., corporate allocations and SG&A, varies and is not directly comparable to PSX methodology, which is inclusive of these items. For further details, refer to pages 16 and 17 of the “Investor Presentation” foundhere.
    Excluding adjusted turnaround expense, post-ceasing of operations at Los Angeles Refinery.
    Based on 2024 Adjusted Total Processed Inputs which include our proportional share of processed inputs of equity affiliates adjusted for projected impacts of cessation of operations of Los Angeles Refinery assuming throughput of 139 MBD at 2024 West Coast region utilization (94%) (~630 MMbbls).

    Source: Phillips 66

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