NewzIntel.com

Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huffman Demands Answers from President Trump Over Mishandling of Grand Canyon Wildfire

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    Huffman also calls for independent investigation, accountability over catastrophic wildfire response

    July 21, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Natural Resources Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) wrote to President Trump demanding answers on the catastrophic federal response to the Dragon Bravo Fire, which has torn through the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. 

    The blaze, which ignited on July 4, was allowed to burn under “managed fire” protocols for days despite record-high heat, extreme drought, and volatile conditions — ultimately destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and other irreplaceable park infrastructure. 

    In a letter sent to President Trump today, Huffman made clear that the consequences of this failure fall squarely on the President and his top officials.

    “As you have insisted in many, many other cases, the ultimate responsibility for policy decisions lies with you and your appointees, not with career civil servants,” Huffman wrote. “Yet incredibly, we have not heard anything from you, or from Secretaries Burgum and Rollins about this massive fire and the destruction it has wrought [on] one of America’s most iconic national parks.”

    Huffman pointed to the administration’s top-down proposal to consolidate all federal wildfire response under the Department of the Interior as a cause for alarm.

    He wrote: “While managed fire practices are a necessary tool in many circumstances… it appears they were clearly the wrong approach in this case given the exceptionally hot, dry, and volatile conditions on the ground.”

    In the letter, Huffman calls for detailed documentation and internal communications related to the fire, as well as answers to five key questions about when federal leadership was notified, how frequently they were updated, and whether firefighting resources were requested or withheld.

    “Rebuilding infrastructure at the North Rim will take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. There is a clear need to examine the decision-making process to understand how this was allowed to happen.”

    Huffman also sent a letter to the Office of Inspector General of the Interior and Agriculture Departments urging an independent investigation into the administration’s failure. He raised concerns about political interference and called for a full accounting of who knew what, when — and why the fire was allowed to burn in such a high-risk environment.

    Ranking Member Huffman requested a full response from the administration by Monday, August 4, 2025.

    Read the full letter to the President here.

    Read the full letter to the OIG here.

    ###

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: 1st Security Bank Announces the Promotion of May-Ling Sowell, effective July 1, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash., July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FS Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSBW), the holding company for 1st Security Bank of Washington (“1st Security” or “Bank”) announced the promotion of May-Ling Sowell to the position of Chief Compliance Officer, SVP.

    May-Ling became 1st Security Bank’s Compliance Officer in November 2006 after previously working for the Bank as a private consultant. Her career in banking spans over three decades and in 2012 she obtained her Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager designation.

    Prior to joining the Bank, she held similar positions with several local community banks and spent two years operating her own consulting business. In her new role, May-Ling is responsible for and leads a team of employees who support the Bank’s regulatory compliance system, security, and internal compliance training.

    When not at her desk, you’ll find May-Ling reading a mystery novel or camping with her family. She also enjoys spending lots of time with her grandchildren.

    About 1st Security Bank of Washington
    1st Security Bank, member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender, provides loan and deposit services to customers at its twenty-seven branches across Washington and Oregon, with mortgage services at each branch as well as lending offices in the Pacific Northwest. For more information visit 1st Security Bank’s website at www.fsbwa.com.

    Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which can be identified by words such as “may,” “expected,” “anticipate”, “continue,” or other comparable words. In addition, all statements other than statements of historical facts that address activities that 1st Security expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Readers are encouraged to review the Securities and Exchange Commission reports of FS Bancorp, particularly its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, for meaningful cautionary language discussing why actual results may vary materially from those anticipated by management.

    MEDIA CONTACT
    Camberly Gilmartin
    AVP, Marketing Manager, 1st Security Bank
    camberly.gilmartin@fsbwa.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a10de675-7beb-4756-a99d-b326f5c9398a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: De La Cruz and Miller Deliver Aid to South Texas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

    ICYMI: Washington, DC – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller held a joint press conference in Mission, Texas, to announce the delivery of drought relief funding through the 1944 Water Treaty Agricultural Assistance Program. 

    Watch Congresswoman De La Cruz’s full remarks here.

    “The $280 million in funding is critical for Texas farmers and ranchers after suffering severe losses due to the Government of Mexico’s refusal to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty. I am proud to have secured these funds and deliver solutions for the families, businesses, and communities that rely on Texas agriculture to thrive.” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

    “This $280 million is a lifeline, and I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz to help agriculture producers along the Rio Grande stay in business, pay their bills, and keep putting food on our tables. Congresswoman De La Cruz, her staff, and my agency have worked tirelessly to deliver this much-needed relief, and we are thrilled to announce that it’s finally here.” – Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller

    “The delivery of $280 million in drought assistance to South Texas will provide much-needed relief to farmers and ranchers in the Valley who have suffered from Mexico’s repeated refusal to provide the water it owes under the Water Treaty. I was proud to work alongside Secretary Rollins and lead several of my colleagues from Texas in the mission to secure this funding, and I look forward to continuing to partner with the Trump administration and state leaders to provide every resource necessary for our agriculture community.” – Senator John Cornyn

    Background: 

    The Texas Department of Agriculture’s 1944 Water Treaty Agricultural Assistance Program provides $280 million in essential aid to farmers and ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley affected by Mexico’s continued failure to supply water as mandated by the 1944 Water Treaty.

    The funds are part of a $280 million grant agreement between the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), secured through legislation De La Cruz included in the American Relief Act. This legislation authorized USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to allocate emergency aid to South Texas producers who have suffered severe financial losses due to the Mexican government’s failure to meet water delivery obligations.

    The funds are expected to be delivered this week.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Regrowing Alberta’s Forests

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 21, 2025
    Calgary, Alberta
    Natural Resources Canada

    The Government of Canada, together with Indigenous communities, private and non-profit sector leaders, and provincial partners, is taking action to regenerate Alberta’s forests — protecting clean air and preserving the province’s vast natural landscapes for generations to come.

    Today, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced, in collaboration with Project Forest, The Carbon Farmer and FIND Biomass Inc, a joint investment of over $125 million for four projects that will plant 12 million trees and restore critical habitat for species at risk throughout Alberta, such as caribou.

    Investments will help to create and restore biodiverse forests and wildlife habitat and sequester carbon while creating seasonal and full-time jobs for surrounding communities in Alberta. We are not just planting trees — we are building a stronger, healthier and more-resilient Canada.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Regrowing Alberta’s Forests

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On July 21 2025, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a joint investment of over $125 million for four projects that will plant 12 million trees and restore critical habitats for species at risk throughout Alberta.

    Under Canada’s 2 Billion Trees (2BT) Program, the following projects are receiving funding:

    Project name: Alberta Afforestation
    Recipient: The Carbon Farmer
    Location: Peace Country, Alberta
    Funding amount: $13,797,079
    Description: The Carbon Farmer is spearheading a new initiative — Alberta Afforestation — to plant trees across Alberta’s Peace Country, transforming previously cleared agricultural lands into thriving forests on private properties. Working with local farmers and surrounding forest communities, this project will plant over six million trees, create numerous seasonal and full-time jobs for farmers and local professionals, increase wildlife habitat and sequester carbon.

    Project name: Rewilding Canada: Planting Diverse Forests in Partnership with First Nations, Conservation Groups and Research Institutions
    Recipient: Project Forest
    Location: various sites, Alberta
    Funding amount: $2,933,621
    Description: This project aims to transform former agricultural lands into biodiverse forests. By restoring these landscapes, the initiative will deliver a wide range of benefits to Indigenous communities, including:

    • one million new trees planted on various sites across Alberta, including the Siksika Nation reserve;
    • improved soil health, increased biodiversity and restoration of wildlife habitats, including Elk habitats; 
    • support for Indigenous land stewardship, reclamation of cultural heritage and preservation of Indigenous Knowledge; 
    • 10–15 jobs annually in remote communities; and 
    • training opportunities for youth through a partnership with the University of Alberta.

    Project name: High Yield Afforestation
    Recipient: First Indigenous Biomass Future Inc.
    Location: Cardiff, Alberta
    Funding amount: $558,968
    Description:  First Indigenous Biomass Inc., an Indigenous-owned company, is driving forward its project, which is set to plant over 100,000 trees across 65 hectares near Cardiff, revitalizing the land and contributing to long-term environmental and community resilience. The project will:

    • establish a new forest;
    • create jobs for Indigenous women and youth; and
    •  sequester carbon.

    Project name: Caribou Habitat Recovery Program
    Recipient: Government of Alberta
    Location: various sites, Alberta
    Funding amount: $83,718,501
    Description: Through a new agreement between Canada and Alberta, the province is expanding its Caribou Habitat Recovery Program — taking action to reduce habitat fragmentation and support the long-term recovery of caribou populations across Alberta. This expansion will: 

    • plant nearly five million new trees by 2030; 
    • restore vegetation within the 15 caribou ranges in the province; 
    • increase forest resiliency and wildlife diversity and protect species at risk; 
    • create jobs and training opportunities for rural and Indigenous communities; and 
    • support local cultural and spiritual activities, including food collection.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hours to Change at Disaster Recovery Centers in Tennessee

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Hours to Change at Disaster Recovery Centers in Tennessee

    Hours to Change at Disaster Recovery Centers in Tennessee

    Middle and Western Tennesseans who experienced damage from the April 2-24 severe storms can get in-person assistance at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

    The deadline to apply for assistance is Aug

    19

    Money is available for survivors who need help covering uninsured costs for things like rental expenses, home repairs, vehicle damage, medical expenses, moving and storage, and reimbursement for temporary housing

    Homeowners, renters, students, self-employed, ranchers and farmers in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Hardeman, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion and Wilson counties can apply for FEMA assistance

    Disaster Recovery CenterHours: Beginning Monday, July 21 centers are open:9 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

    Monday – Friday9 a

    m

    to 2 p

    m

    SaturdayClosed SundayLOCATIONS:Dyer County: Bogota Community Center, 78 Sandy Lane, Bogota, TN 38007Hardeman County: Safehaven Storm Shelter, 530 Madison Ave W

    , Grand Junction, TN 38039McNairy County: Latta Theatre, 205 W

    Court Ave

    , Selmer, TN 38375Montgomery County: Montgomery County Library, 350 Pageant Lane, Clarksville, TN 37040Obion County: Obion County Library, 1221 E

    Reelfoot Ave

    , Union City, TN 38261How to Apply for FEMA AssistanceApply online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    In-person help is available at any Disaster Recovery Center for submitting applications, getting updates and asking questions

    Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema

    gov)

    Video: What to Expect Before Applying for FEMA Assistance | ASL | SpanishVideo: Next Steps After Applying for FEMA Assistance  | ASL | Spanish
    kwei

    nwaogu
    Mon, 07/21/2025 – 13:22

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of National Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Pleads Guilty and Admits to Selling Stolen Goods for More Than $600M

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Northern District of Oklahoma to leading a multi-state operation that stole thousands of catalytic converters from private vehicles and sold them on a secondary market for millions of dollars, based on the value of the precious metals that the converters contain. 

    Navin Khanna, 41, of Holmdel, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive, possess, and dispose of stolen goods in interstate commerce and five counts of money laundering regarding his participation in the stolen goods scheme.

    “The defendant made $600 million and financed his ostentatious lifestyle by buying and selling stolen goods,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to taking the profit out of crime. Sophisticated criminal schemes may afford you luxury cars and homes in the short term but will cost you a federal felony conviction in the long term.”

    “Khanna’s theft ring took advantage of hard-working citizens in the Northern District of Oklahoma by stealing catalytic converters, rendering the vehicle unusable,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “I would like to thank the Tulsa Police Department and our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts in bringing this senseless crime to justice.”

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Khanna admitted to being the owner and operator of New Jersey-based D.G. Auto Parts, a criminal enterprise that bought and sold auto parts across the country. From May 2020 through October 2022, Khanna conspired with others to purchase and transport large quantities of stolen catalytic converters from Oklahoma, Texas, and other states to New Jersey. Khanna admitted to receiving more than $600 million by reselling the stolen catalytic converters to a metal refinery that extracted the precious metals.

    In response to a drastic increase in catalytic converter thefts throughout Tulsa in 2020, the Tulsa Police Department initiated an investigation that soon uncovered a national criminal enterprise. During the investigation, search warrants were executed in Oklahoma, Texas, California, New Jersey and New York. Khanna was indicted by federal grand juries in the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of California. Over twenty individuals throughout the country have been charged for their role in the conspiracy. Khanna’s 13 co-defendants in the Northern District of Oklahoma have pleaded guilty for their participation in the criminal scheme and are awaiting sentencing.

    As part of his plea agreement, Khanna agreed to forfeit almost $4 million in cash, 11 luxury vehicles — including a Lamborghini, two Mercedes AMGs, two Ferraris, a McLaren, a Porsche, a Ford F650 Truck, and a BMW M3 — real estate properties, high-end jewelry, gold bars, and over 200 pallets of catalytic converters, all seized by law enforcement during the execution of search warrants at Khanna’s properties. Khanna’s co-defendants have agreed to forfeit more than $3.2 million, including more than $250,000 from multiple bank accounts; two lots of land located in Oklahoma, cars, and stolen catalytic converters seized during the investigation.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma has agreed that Khanna’s sentencing will be transferred to the Eastern District of California, where he awaits further prosecution for related crimes.

    Khanna faces a maximum penalty of 168 to 210 months in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the investigation. IRS-Criminal Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wyandotte Nation Police Department contributed to the investigation.

    Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Reininger and David Nasar for the Northern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría for the Eastern District of California assisted in the prosecution of the case and is prosecuting Khanna and others there.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amtrak Tickets Now Available to the New York State Fair

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul, in conjunction with Amtrak and the New York State Department of Transportation, today announced that tickets are now on sale for direct train service to and from the Great New York State Fair. Daily train service allows State Fair visitors a safe, convenient and environmentally friendly travel option to experience one of New York’s premier summer events. Featuring musical performances from top artists, agricultural exhibits, fun for the whole family and delicious food, the Great New York State Fair is upstate New York’s largest annual event. Throughout the Fair’s 13-day duration, five trains will make daily stops starting Wednesday, August 20 and continuing through Monday, September 1. Tickets are available now at Amtrak.com, via the Amtrak mobile app, at the station ticket counters, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

    “Taking the train to the Great New York State Fair is a convenient, affordable way to enjoy the best that New York State has to offer,” Governor Hochul said. “From delicious food and live music to rides, games and the best agricultural exhibits anywhere in the state, this year’s Fair truly has something for everybody. The Great New York State Fair is one of my favorite annual events, and I can’t wait to join the hundreds of thousands of visitors at this annual summertime spectacular.”

    By taking the train, visitors will save on traffic, parking fees, and gas by arriving steps from the fairgrounds via select Empire Service and Maple Leaf trains, which will make daily stops at the State Fair (in between stops at Rochester and Syracuse stations). Train service to the Fair includes:

    • Maple Leaf Train 63 – Departs Moynihan Train Hall at 7:16 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 1:11 p.m.
    • Maple Leaf Train 64 – Departs Toronto at 8:20 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 2:51 p.m.
    • Empire Service Train 281 – Departs Moynihan Train Hall at 10:21 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 4:21 p.m.
    • Empire Service Train 283 – Departs Moynihan Train Hall at 1:20 p.m. and arrives at the Fair at 7:13 p.m.
    • Empire Service Train 284 – Departs Niagara Falls at 6:27 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 9:31 a.m.

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The Great New York State Fair is not to be missed! It is a joyful annual tradition and traveling to the Fair by train is a game-changer for folks who want a fun and convenient travel option. Our great partnership with Amtrak allows fairgoers the chance to experience New York’s incredible traditions, innovations, and agriculture with ease and convenience – literally dropping fairgoers off at the fairgrounds. See you at The Great New York State Fair!”

    New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Our Great New York State Fair is a celebration of our state’s rich agricultural heritage, providing fairgoers an opportunity to directly connect with New York agriculture. Thanks to our partnership with Amtrak and NYSDOT, more fairgoers from across New York and beyond will be able to experience this incredible event. We’re proud to make it easier for everyone to explore New York agriculture, enjoy the fun, and create lasting memories during this 13-day showcase.”

    New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave said, “Making the Great New York State Fair as welcoming and accessible to everyone is a top priority, and partnering with Amtrak and NYSDOT allows us to provide a comfortable, convenient travel option for fairgoers. We’re excited to invite families, friends, and visitors from across New York and beyond to experience all the fun, food, and festivities that make The Fair a beloved summer tradition. We encourage everyone to consider taking the train for an easy and enjoyable journey to and from this year’s event.”

    Amtrak Vice President, Network Development Nicole Bucich said, “Whether you’re coming from New York City, Niagara Falls, or anywhere in between, traveling on Amtrak will make the experience and journey to the Great State Fair just as enjoyable as the games, food, and fun at the Fair. We appreciate Governor Hochul and NYSDOT’s ongoing partnership in ensuring that New Yorkers can get to the Fair comfortably and conveniently on Amtrak.”

    Direct train service to the Great New York State Fair has been offered by Amtrak since 2002. Customers can save when booking online at least five days in advance of travel with Amtrak’s See NY and Save discount, in addition to everyday discounts for kids, seniors, military members and more. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi with excellent service, spacious Business Class seats, a café car and ample leg room.

    The Great New York State Fair opens Wednesday, August 20 and continues through Labor Day, September 1. Admission is $8 plus fees for adults. Tickets are free for adults ages 65 and over and children ages 12 and under. Tickets include access to all grounds entertainment, agricultural competitions and exhibits, and admission to concerts in Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

    Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the State’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

    The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leader of National Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Pleads Guilty and Admits to Selling Stolen Goods for More Than $600M

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Northern District of Oklahoma to leading a multi-state operation that stole thousands of catalytic converters from private vehicles and sold them on a secondary market for millions of dollars, based on the value of the precious metals that the converters contain. 

    Navin Khanna, 41, of Holmdel, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive, possess, and dispose of stolen goods in interstate commerce and five counts of money laundering regarding his participation in the stolen goods scheme.

    “The defendant made $600 million and financed his ostentatious lifestyle by buying and selling stolen goods,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to taking the profit out of crime. Sophisticated criminal schemes may afford you luxury cars and homes in the short term but will cost you a federal felony conviction in the long term.”

    “Khanna’s theft ring took advantage of hard-working citizens in the Northern District of Oklahoma by stealing catalytic converters, rendering the vehicle unusable,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “I would like to thank the Tulsa Police Department and our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts in bringing this senseless crime to justice.”

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Khanna admitted to being the owner and operator of New Jersey-based D.G. Auto Parts, a criminal enterprise that bought and sold auto parts across the country. From May 2020 through October 2022, Khanna conspired with others to purchase and transport large quantities of stolen catalytic converters from Oklahoma, Texas, and other states to New Jersey. Khanna admitted to receiving more than $600 million by reselling the stolen catalytic converters to a metal refinery that extracted the precious metals.

    In response to a drastic increase in catalytic converter thefts throughout Tulsa in 2020, the Tulsa Police Department initiated an investigation that soon uncovered a national criminal enterprise. During the investigation, search warrants were executed in Oklahoma, Texas, California, New Jersey and New York. Khanna was indicted by federal grand juries in the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of California. Over twenty individuals throughout the country have been charged for their role in the conspiracy. Khanna’s 13 co-defendants in the Northern District of Oklahoma have pleaded guilty for their participation in the criminal scheme and are awaiting sentencing.

    As part of his plea agreement, Khanna agreed to forfeit almost $4 million in cash, 11 luxury vehicles — including a Lamborghini, two Mercedes AMGs, two Ferraris, a McLaren, a Porsche, a Ford F650 Truck, and a BMW M3 — real estate properties, high-end jewelry, gold bars, and over 200 pallets of catalytic converters, all seized by law enforcement during the execution of search warrants at Khanna’s properties. Khanna’s co-defendants have agreed to forfeit more than $3.2 million, including more than $250,000 from multiple bank accounts; two lots of land located in Oklahoma, cars, and stolen catalytic converters seized during the investigation.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma has agreed that Khanna’s sentencing will be transferred to the Eastern District of California, where he awaits further prosecution for related crimes.

    Khanna faces a maximum penalty of 168 to 210 months in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the investigation. IRS-Criminal Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wyandotte Nation Police Department contributed to the investigation.

    Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Reininger and David Nasar for the Northern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría for the Eastern District of California assisted in the prosecution of the case and is prosecuting Khanna and others there.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implications and contingency planning in case of glyphosate withdrawal – E-002862/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002862/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Biljana Borzan (S&D)

    Glyphosate is a world’s most widely used weedkiller. It was previously classified by the World Health Organization as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’. However, there is a consensus among health institutions that it is not harmful and, in 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (EHCA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that there was no justification for a glyphosate ban and extended its approval for 10 years. Now, a new study published on 10 June 2025 shows that long-term exposure to glyphosate caused cancer in rats. The study lacked transparency and is currently being reviewed by the EHCA and the EFSA.

    • 1.What are the next steps for the Commission if the study proves valid and glyphosate approval is withdrawn?
    • 2.What measures will the Commission take to protect human health and the environment during the transition period if glyphosate approval is withdrawn, particularly regarding existing stocks, alternative substances and support for farmers?

    Submitted: 14.7.2025

    Last updated: 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “A Big Difference”: Trump Administration’s Tomato Tariffs Already a Game Changer for American Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    In a decisive move to protect American agriculture and restore fairness, the Trump Administration’s tariffs on fresh Mexican tomato imports are already boosting American farmers, growers, and business owners.
    Here’s what they’re saying:
    Chad Smith, Smith Tomato Farm (Steele, AL): “It’s only been two days now, and we actually have a lot more calls of people having interest in doing business — and the price hasn’t even changed.”
    Matt Rudd, Rudd Family Farm (Browns Summit, NC): “What you see in the grocery store now, instead of all those tomatoes from Mexico and everywhere else, it should be more local and United States-grown — where we can compete with those prices.”
    Rich Troccio, Bloomfield Groceria (Pittsburgh, PA): “It will not bother me if he put a 50% tariff on Mexico. It wouldn’t bother me because I don’t buy from there. It’s just the way I am. As long as it’s something grown here, this is where I want to buy my product.”
    Sam Newell, Fruit Fair (Chicopee, MA): “It’s a win-win for the community and us. Having tariffs on imported goods gives us a more level playing field.”
    Mark Reuben, Gilcrease Orchard (Las Vegas, NV): “We won’t raise our price, so it will stay $1.50/pound, which is what we charge.”
    Logan Duvall, Me and McGee Market (Little Rock, AR): “I can’t see how the tariffs are going to be negative on us at all. Being as tomatoes are a massive part of what we do, and we see the impact when that money goes directly to our farmers in our community versus a multinational conglomerate — it’s a big difference.”
    Steve Longmire, Tennessee Homegrown Tomatoes (Rutledge, TN): “In the fall and wintertime, we have to count on — and, you know, the nation does — tomatoes in the warmer climates, so that’s where it’s going to be a good thing for the farmer. Hopefully more of their tomatoes are going to sell at a little bit better price because of the tariff on the imports.”
    Patty Morgan, Grainger County (TN) Tomato Festival: “It’s a huge industry in our county.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: More Than $52 Million for UMaine System Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $52,350,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the University of Maine (UMaine) System in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) and Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bills. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this month, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

    This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 CJS and Agriculture Appropriations bills—an important step that now allows the bills to be considered by the full Senate.

    “The brilliant faculty and students at Maine’s public universities and at the flagship university are conducting cutting-edge research and making promising discoveries in a wide variety of fields,” said Senator Collins. “This funding to support these exciting projects across the UMaine System would promote workforce development, support marine research, and help to prepare the next generation of leaders. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

    “These investments—made possible through Senator Collins’ advocacy—would expand research opportunities, improve infrastructure, and support collaborative solutions that strengthen Maine’s economy and communities,” said Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for the UMaine System.

    “Located at the heart of our campus, the Reynolds Center is a hub of learning and connection. This investment would expand its role as a space for students to grow academically and socially — strengthening our commitment to the Downeast community,” said Megan Walsh, Dean and Campus Director, UMaine Machias.

    “The spruce budworm is one of the most significant threats to Maine’s forest economy, and proactive research is essential to protecting this vital resource,” said Dr. Adam Daigneault, Associate Professor of Forest Policy and Economics at the University of Maine. “With this support, UMaine can expand its leadership in forest health research, helping landowners, communities, and the forest products industry prepare for and respond to future outbreaks. We are incredibly thankful for Senator Collins’ investment in the resilience of Maine’s forests.” 

    Funding advanced by Senator Collins for the UMaine System in the FY 2026 CJS and Agriculture Appropriations bills is as follows:

    Gulf of Maine Ocean Observation System
    Recipient: University of Maine System
    Project Location: Coastal counties from Washington County to York County, ME
    Amount Requested: $5,000,000
    Project Purpose: To expand the ocean observation system in the Gulf of Maine, which is used by the maritime and fishing industries.

    University of Maine Health Science Complex
    Recipient: University of Maine System
    Project Location: Orono, ME
    Amount Requested: $45,000,000
    Project Purpose: To support the construction of a health and life sciences complex.

    University of Maine Forest Health Lab
    Recipient: University of Maine System
    Project Location: Orono, ME
    Amount Requested: $600,000
    Project Purpose: To support the construction of the University’s Forest Health Lab, which conducts spruce budworm research.

    University of Maine at Machias Early College Student Support Center
    Recipient: University of Maine System
    Project Location: Machias, ME
    Amount Requested: $750,000
    Project Purpose: To renovate a facility on campus to support early college students.

    American Lobster Settlement Index Expansion
    Recipient: University of Maine System
    Project Location: Walpole, ME
    Amount Requested: $1,000,000
    Project Purpose: To expand the Maine Collector Survey for lobster in the Gulf of Maine.

    In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: More Than $52 Million for UMaine System Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $52,350,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the University of Maine (UMaine) System in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) and Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bills. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this month, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

    This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 CJS and Agriculture Appropriations bills—an important step that now allows the bills to be considered by the full Senate.

    “The brilliant faculty and students at Maine’s public universities and at the flagship university are conducting cutting-edge research and making promising discoveries in a wide variety of fields,” said Senator Collins. “This funding to support these exciting projects across the UMaine System would promote workforce development, support marine research, and help to prepare the next generation of leaders. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

    “These investments—made possible through Senator Collins’ advocacy—would expand research opportunities, improve infrastructure, and support collaborative solutions that strengthen Maine’s economy and communities,” said Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for the UMaine System.

    “Located at the heart of our campus, the Reynolds Center is a hub of learning and connection. This investment would expand its role as a space for students to grow academically and socially — strengthening our commitment to the Downeast community,” said Megan Walsh, Dean and Campus Director, UMaine Machias.

    “The spruce budworm is one of the most significant threats to Maine’s forest economy, and proactive research is essential to protecting this vital resource,” said Dr. Adam Daigneault, Associate Professor of Forest Policy and Economics at the University of Maine. “With this support, UMaine can expand its leadership in forest health research, helping landowners, communities, and the forest products industry prepare for and respond to future outbreaks. We are incredibly thankful for Senator Collins’ investment in the resilience of Maine’s forests.” 

    Funding advanced by Senator Collins for the UMaine System in the FY 2026 CJS and Agriculture Appropriations bills is as follows:

    Gulf of Maine Ocean Observation System
    Recipient: University of Maine System
    Project Location: Coastal counties from Washington County to York County, ME
    Amount Requested: $5,000,000
    Project Purpose: To expand the ocean observation system in the Gulf of Maine, which is used by the maritime and fishing industries.

    University of Maine Health Science Complex
    Recipient: University of Maine System
    Project Location: Orono, ME
    Amount Requested: $45,000,000
    Project Purpose: To support the construction of a health and life sciences complex.

    University of Maine Forest Health Lab
    Recipient: University of Maine System
    Project Location: Orono, ME
    Amount Requested: $600,000
    Project Purpose: To support the construction of the University’s Forest Health Lab, which conducts spruce budworm research.

    University of Maine at Machias Early College Student Support Center
    Recipient: University of Maine System
    Project Location: Machias, ME
    Amount Requested: $750,000
    Project Purpose: To renovate a facility on campus to support early college students.

    American Lobster Settlement Index Expansion
    Recipient: University of Maine System
    Project Location: Walpole, ME
    Amount Requested: $1,000,000
    Project Purpose: To expand the Maine Collector Survey for lobster in the Gulf of Maine.

    In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huffman, McCollum, Craig, Morrison, Omar, Pingree Demand Answers on Reverse of Mineral Withdrawal in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    July 18, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), and Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.) sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Rollins and Interior Secretary Burgum demanding answers on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to overturn the 225,504-acre federal mineral withdrawal in the Rainy River Watershed on the Superior National Forest.

    This move would blindside local communities, ignore scientific consensus, and put the profits of mining interests ahead of Minnesota’s clean water and world-renowned wilderness.

    “This withdrawal is crucial for protecting the clean water, unparalleled recreation opportunities, and biodiverse wildlife habitat of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Boundary Waters)—the most visited National Wilderness Area in the nation,” the lawmakers wrote. “As Representatives for the people of the United States and champions for the Boundary Waters – a vast reserve of some of our nation’s purest water and one of our greatest outdoor treasures – we have significant concerns both the substance of this announcement and the manner in which it was communicated.”

    The lawmakers slammed Secretary Rollins for announcing the decision using a vague and misleading social post, claiming to have reviewed the withdrawal and taken into account the extensive public input. Multiple environmental reviews and public letters from the U.S. Forest Service leadership have repeatedly concluded that opening the Superior National Forest to mineral development would pose unacceptable risks to the watershed’s cultural, economic, and natural resource values. Polls show that 70 percent of Minnesotans support permanent protection of the Boundary Waters.

    “The people of Minnesota and Americans nationwide overwhelmingly support permanent protection for the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The use of an inaccurate tweet lacking substantive detail has generated confusion and concern among our constituents, who have already provided extensive public input in support of protecting the Boundary Waters through a mineral withdrawal,” added the lawmakers.

    Unraveling the mineral withdrawal protecting these headwaters threatens pristine ecosystems and a vibrant recreational economy supporting nearly 96,000 jobs in Minnesota and generating $13.5 billion annually. The lawmakers asked Secretary Rollins and Secretary Burgum to address their concerns before any further action is taken on the Rainy River Mineral Withdrawal by either the USDA or the DOI. 

    Read the full letter here.

    ###

    Next Article Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Slams USDA Proposal to Share Sensitive Data of SNAP Participants

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a coalition of 14 attorneys general, slammed the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) demand that states turn over personal and sensitive information about millions of food stamp recipients, as well as its proposal to share that information with other federal agencies for purposes that have nothing to do with ensuring the integrity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is a federally-funded, state-administered program providing billions of dollars in food assistance to tens of millions of low-income families across the country. SNAP applicants provide their private information to the states on the understanding, backed by long-standing state and federal laws, that their information will not be used for unrelated purposes. In a letter, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition argue that USDA’s unprecedented actions are unnecessary, inefficient, and unlawful.

    “The Trump Administration continues to wage war on some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, deploying invasive and unlawful tactics in the process to intimidate them from accessing services to which they are lawfully entitled,” said Attorney General Bonta. “No Californian should be faced with the choice of having enough to eat or protecting their fundamental right to privacy. As California Attorney General, I will continue to use every tool in the toolbox to push back against any attempts by this administration to upend the rights of Californians. I urge the Trump Administration to reverse course and abandon its unprecedented proposal to share SNAP data for purposes far beyond ensuring the integrity of this program.”

    Since President Trump re-entered the White House in January, public reports indicate that federal officials are amassing huge databases of personal information on Americans and using that data for undisclosed purposes, including immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security has already obtained troves of personal information from both the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Health and Human Services Agency, including private medical information and other personal details on Medicaid recipients, which California has already challenged in court. USDA’s attempts to collect data from states about SNAP applicants and recipients appear to be the next step in this campaign.  

    In May 2025, USDA made an unprecedented demand that states turn over massive amounts of personal information on all SNAP applicants and recipients, including social security numbers and home addresses, dating back five years. In June, USDA published a “System of Records Notice” stating that it intends to “leverage data-sharing across Federal and State systems to identify and rectify” improper payments, and to share information across the federal government, as directed by one of President Trump’s executive orders. 

    As the attorneys general explain in their comment letter, USDA’s actions are unprecedented, threaten the privacy of millions of families, and ignore long-standing restrictions on the use and redisclosure of SNAP data. What’s more, the proposed collection and sharing of SNAP data is wholly unnecessary and inefficient; SNAP fraud rates are already low, thanks to robust auditing mechanisms that states and the federal government have cooperated on for years. And those mechanisms do not, and have never, required that states turn over sensitive, personally identifying information about millions of Americans without any meaningful restrictions on how that information is used or shared with other agencies.

    The attorneys general also highlight The Paperwork Reduction Act, which seeks to “minimize the cost to the Federal Government of the creation, collection, maintenance, use, dissemination, and disposition of information.” USDA purports to seek data to re-verify the eligibility of SNAP participants, a function that is already subject to other quality control mechanisms and already completed by the states. Although USDA’s Notice claims the agency may share data with law enforcement, it overlooks key limits set by the federal Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. § 552a). USDA’s own rules further restrict SNAP data use to program-related purposes, like prosecuting fraud. The letter defends SNAP enrollees’ reasonable expectation of privacy, urging USDA “not to lose sight of the fact that SNAP exists to fight hunger.”

    In submitting this comment letter, Attorney General Bonta is joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. 

    A copy of the comment letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: In Mékro, in central Côte d’Ivoire, sustainable agriculture is giving hope to an entire community

    Source: APO

    Day breaks in Mékro, some 300 km from Abidjan, in central Côte d’Ivoire. The first rays of sun announce the start of what promises to be another sweltering day in a region known for its intense heat. Some women return from the backwaters bringing water to supply the family beehives. Others, armed with brooms made from palm leaves, begin sweeping the compounds, clearing away fallen leaves and scraps from the previous day’s meals.

    A little farther off, domestic animals gradually emerge from their pens, joining the morning hustle and bustle that breathes life back into Mékro’s daily routine. In this area of high food crop production, yams, rice and cassava are produced in abundance. Yet despite its agricultural riches, Mékro has long remained in the shadows, unlike other places.

    For years, farmers here relied on age-old techniques passed down through generations—methods that limited yields and left the population in a state of chronic vulnerability.

    That morning, Koffi Kouakou Charles, known as “KKC,” sharpened his machete, the basic tool he uses to clear his field, under the watchful eyes of his seven children. At 30 years old, he mounted his bicycle and headed to Abokouassikro, five km away, where he has cultivated yams for several years.

    In the past, Koffi grew “Kouba” yams, a popular local variety. Reflecting on those days, he recalls how traditional farming techniques learned and passed down from his ancestors, failed to reward his hard work. “Frankly, the work was exhausting. On top of that, we were using old-fashioned techniques. Despite our efforts, the harvests were poor. It was really hard,” sighs Koffi.

    Hope restored

    In the first half of 2024, his plight worsened when an epidemic known as the peste des petits ruminants (PPR) struck the village and wiped out his hens and goats. Hurting from this new financial blow, Koffi turned to the Project to Improve the Livelihoods of Smallholders and Women (PREMOPEF) (https://apo-opa.co/40ujK40) to regain hope.

    Set up by the government of Côte d’Ivoire, the project is funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) (https://apo-opa.co/4lEIa36) and the African Development Fund (https://apo-opa.co/4o1986y), the concessional financing window of the African Development Bank Group. Its objective is to contribute to improving first, food and nutrition security and secondly, resilience to the effects of climate change among smallholder farmers, women and young people in the N’Zi region.

    The project is focused on three agricultural crops: yams, cassava and vegetables, as well as traditional poultry farming, and aims to improve the living conditions of 60,000 vulnerable people, 50 percent of whom are women and 35 percent young people.

    At the “Farmer Training Field,” one of the project’s initiatives, Koffi and his fellow project beneficiaries were introduced to agroecological techniques for yam production and conservation. Thanks to the training, Koffi has turned his back on “Kouba” yams and old production practices in favour of new varieties called “Anader” and “Cameroun” (also known as “R3” and “C15”), which are more climate-resistant and productive. 

    A twofold increase in yield

    From his first harvest in December 2024, Koffi’s yam yield doubled—from two to four tonnes on the same plot of land. Thinking ahead, he reserved three-quarters of the harvest for his family’s consumption and seed stock for the next season. The remaining quarter was sold at the local market in Mékro, earning him 125,000 CFA francs (around USD 250)—a significant windfall in this rural region.

    “Before, I was just focused on surviving,” Koffi says. “Today, thanks to this project, I can think about my children’s future and even expand my farm.” Energized by his progress, Koffi is now determined to scale up and become one of the region’s leading yam producers. The prospect of mechanizing his work excites him. “I’m thinking of buying a ridging machine and a seed drill to make fieldwork easier and increase my yield,” he says confidently.

    “The Project to Improve the Livelihoods of Smallholders and Women is a powerful tool for reducing household vulnerability and strengthening resilience to economic and environmental shocks,” says Ceserd Waba Akpaud, the project coordinator.

    “PREMOPEF reflects our commitment to transforming rural communities through sustainable, farmer-focused solutions. By applying innovative approaches, we’re putting agriculture at the center of inclusive development,” adds Philip Boahen, GAFSP project coordinator at the African Development Bank.

    To further boost his productivity, Koffi also envisions large-scale storage facilities to cut post-harvest losses. He’s planning to diversify his activities too. After losing his livestock to PPR—a disease he attributes to a lack of proper training—he intends to relaunch his poultry business using improved, safer methods. He is now exploring livestock training courses to build the necessary skills.

    “It’s also a chance for me to make up for the schooling I missed,” he says, determined to turn past setbacks into opportunities.

    With the knowledge he’s gained and the positive impact of the project, a new horizon is opening—not just for Koffi, but for the people of Mékro and the broader economy of the N’Zi region.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Announce Changes to 2025 AgriStability Program

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 21, 2025

    Following a virtual meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison announced Saskatchewan producers will see changes to AgriStability for the 2025 program year. 

    “Now is the time for unity, and we are working together to deliver for producers right across the country to make sure our programs work for them,” MacDonald said. “That is why, at our meeting last week, we agreed to make changes to AgriStability so that producers facing trade uncertainty and dry conditions have more protection.”

    “Supporting producers with immediate changes to AgriStability increases the effectiveness of the program,” Harrison said. “Reliable and effective business risk management programs help protect against large declines in producers’ margins and are an important tool for a strong agricultural sector in Saskatchewan.”

    For the 2025 AgriStability program year, the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is immediately implementing program changes to respond to ongoing international trade concerns and strengthen the program’s support for Saskatchewan producers.

    For the 2025 program year only, AgriStability participants will see an increase in the compensation rate from 80 per cent to 90 per cent, meaning producers who access a benefit will now receive 90 cents on every dollar of eligible margin decline, generating larger payments. The margin protection AgriStability can provide is unique to each farm, making it important for producers to understand their historical reference margin. 

    In addition, for the 2025 program year only, the maximum payment cap is doubling, from $3 million to $6 million per operation. This change can provide additional protection for eligible operations. 

    Starting in the 2026 program year, AgriStability will see adjustments to the feed inventory pricing for livestock producers. This permanent change ensures the program appropriately captures the feed inventory valuation method for inventories destined to be used on farm and not sold. This change ensures program calculations properly reflect farm realities, especially in years of dry conditions. 

    In addition, AgriStability allowable expenses are under consideration for the 2026 program year. This includes considering feed expenses from grazing on rented pasture as an eligible expense, which means if a producer rents pasture, AgriStability would capture the value of the feed consumed by livestock and include it as an allowable expense. 

    “The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has been strongly advocating on behalf of agricultural producers and ranchers, and we are pleased to hear there will be changes made to the AgriStability Program for 2025,” SARM President Bill Huber said. “Offering producers further coverage, including permanent adjustments to feed inventory pricing for 2026, are all welcome additions to the program. Saskatchewan producers are currently facing rising costs, harsh weather conditions causing drought and feed uncertainty. These changes are a good first step in providing support for farming operations at a time when they need it most.”

    “The Saskatchewan Cattle Association (SCA) has long advocated for changes to the eligible feed expenses and changes to the feed inventory pricing for AgriStability,” SCA Chair Chad Ross said. “We applaud the changes announced today, including moving forward with the permanent change to the feed inventory pricing for the 2026 program year. This should make the program more responsive for livestock producers. We will continue to advocate for the allowable feed expenses to become permanent as well.” 

    “The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) would like to thank Minister Harrison for his consultations and continued work for the livestock sector,” SSGA President Jeff Yorga said. Including feed inventory cost and rental costs is a positive first step towards making AgriStability relevant to producers. As we deal with the effects of a decade long drought, BRM improvements are key to industry sustainability. We look forward to working for producers and advocating for further change.”

    “Farmers, particularly livestock producers, will be pleased with these improvements in risk management,” Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) President Bill Prybylski said. “The permanent changes in feed accounting and cost adjustments mean the unique hurdles they face are finally being acknowledged. APAS is thrilled to witness these positive developments and advises all farmers to consider what AgriStability has to offer for protecting their businesses.” 

    The AgriStability Program continues to respond. From 2018 to 2023, AgriStability has paid over $645 million in benefits. Payments are trending higher for the 2024 program year, compared to the past 15 years.

    SCIC reminds Saskatchewan producers that the deadline to enrol in AgriStability for the 2025 program year is extended to July 31, 2025. With a deadline extension to the end of July, producers are well positioned to evaluate the real-time impacts to their operation. They can make the best-informed decision to enrol in AgriStability.

    AgriStability protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions. It is one of the Business Risk Management programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

    For more information, producers can call 1-866-270-8450 or visit scic.ca. 

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: ✅ President Trump Has Kept His Promises — and Then Some

    Source: US Whitehouse

    President Donald J. Trump campaigned on a list of “20 core promises to Make America Great Again” — and in just six months, he has unquestionably delivered. From lowering costs to securing the border to enhancing public safety, President Trump has done more to make good on his promises than any president in modern American history, and he’s just getting started.

    The list goes far beyond these promises. President Trump has successfully forced hospitals nationwide to abandon their so-called “gender-affirming care“ and chemical castration programs for kids, defunded biased PBS and NPR, ended woke DEI programming across higher education and corporate America, weeded out nonsense “climate” initiatives, made English our official language, and so much more.

    Promises Made, Promises Kept:

    1. Seal the border and stop the migrant invasion: “We will close the border. We will stop the invasion of illegals into our country.” (10/12/24, Aurora, CO)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: Under President Trump, the number of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border are at historic lows and border wall construction has resumed. Last month, illegal border crossings were the lowest ever recorded, while this fiscal year is on track to see the fewest illegal crossings in five decades. For two straight months, zero illegals were released into the country’s interior.
    2. Carry out the largest deportation operation in American history: “We will begin the largest deportation operation in the history of our country.” (10/21/24, Concord, NC)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: Every single day, the Trump Administration is removing illegal immigrant killers, rapists, gangbangers, drug traffickers, and other violent criminals off our streets — and sending them back.
    3. End inflation, and make America affordable again: “Starting the day I take the oath of office, I will rapidly drive prices down and we will make America affordable again.” (8/17/24, Wilkes-Barre, PA)
    4. Make America the dominant energy producer in the world, by far: “We will stop the Biden-Harris war on American energy … American energy is such a big deal. We will drill, baby, drill.” (8/3/24, Atlanta, GA)
    5. Stop outsourcing, and turn the United States into a manufacturing superpower: “Together, we’re going to … bring thousands of factories back to the USA, right where they belong — and that will be done through tariffs and smart policy. We will build American, we will buy American, and we will hire American.” (1/19/24, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: As President Trump pursues his bold commitment to an America First trade agenda, scores of companies have announced trillions of dollars in new investment as they onshore workers from foreign countries and create tens of thousands of new American jobs — positioning the U.S. as the dominant player for the jobs of the future.
    6. Large tax cuts for workers, and No Tax on Tips: “We’re going to have very large tax cuts for workers and … No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime.” (10/12/2024, Reno, NV)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: The largest tax cut in history for working- and middle-class Americans — including No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and No Tax on Social Security — is now the law of the land, along with unprecedented tax relief for small businesses, farmers, workers, and families.
    7. Defend our constitution, our bill of rights, and our fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms: “We’re going to bust up the censorship regime and bring back free speech again” (1/28/23, Columbia, SC), “I will defend religious liberty.” (1/19/25, Washington, D.C.)
    8. Prevent World War III, restore peace in Europe and in the Middle East, and build a great iron dome missile defense shield over our entire country — all made in America: “We will build a great Iron Dome over our country like Israel has a dome like has never been seen before, a state-of-the-art missile defense shield that will be entirely built in America and create jobs, jobs, jobs.” (6/15/24, Detroit, MI)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump has achieved remarkable success by employing his Peace Through Strength doctrine around the world —preventing war between India and Pakistan, ending the 12 Day War, brokering a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and averting escalation in other areas. Meanwhile, the One Big Beautiful Bill delivers funding for the Golden Dome missile defense system to protect our homeland from 21st Century threats.
    9. End the weaponization of government against the American people: “Biden has worked to persecute political dissidents, including conservatives, Catholics and other Christians, and opponents of his weaponized state … This abuse will be rectified, and it will be rectified very quickly.” (5/25/24, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump has purged corrupt elements from the DOJ and FBI, pardoned pro-life Americans wrongly targeted by the Biden Administration, and launched full-scale investigations into deep state abuses — bringing the era of weaponized government to an end and restoring fairness and trust in American institutions.
    10. Stop the migrant crime epidemic, demolish the foreign drug cartels, crush gang violence, and lock up violent offenders: “The drug cartels are waging war on America — and it’s now time for America to wage war on the cartels” (12/22/23), “We will expel every single illegal alien gang member and migrant criminal operating on American soil and remove the savage gang, Tren de Aragua, from the United States.” (1/19/25, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: The Trump Administration is dismantling human smuggling networks, sanctioning cartels and designating them as foreign terrorist organizations, and deporting gang members in droves — ridding our country of these public safety threats for good and making our streets safer than they’ve ever been.
    11. Rebuild our cities, including Washington, D.C., making them safe, clean, and beautiful again: “We will rebuild our once great cities, including our capital in Washington, DC, making them safe, clean, and beautiful again.” (1/19/25, Washington, D.C.)
    12. Strengthen and modernize our military, making it, without question, the strongest and most powerful in the world: “We will again build the strongest military the world has ever seen.” (1/20/25, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: With the largest military investment in decades, President Trump is modernizing our forces with cutting-edge technology, rebuilding depleted stockpiles, and ensuring our troops are the best-equipped in history — deterring adversaries and keeping America safe without unnecessary conflicts.
    13. Keep the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency: “If I’m elected, the dollar is so secure. Your reserve currency is the strongest it’ll ever be.” (10/15/24, Detroit, MI)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: Through pro-growth policies and tough trade deals, President Trump has fortified the dollar’s dominance, preventing de-dollarization efforts abroad and ensuring it remains the global standard — boosting American economic power worldwide.
    14. Fight for and protect Social Security and Medicare with no cuts, including no changes to the retirement age: “I will not cut one penny from Social Security or Medicare … I will not talk about one day or one year shorter, and I will not raise the retirement age of Social Security by one day, not by one year.”(7/27/24, West Palm Beach, FL)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump hasn’t touched Social Security — and has consistently called for rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse to safeguard the programs’ solvency for future generations, delivering on his ironclad commitment to America’s seniors.
    15. Cancel the electric vehicle mandate and cut costly and burdensome regulations: “We’re going to be ending the electric car mandate quickly.” (1/7/25, Palm Beach, FL)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: On day one, President Trump revoked the burdensome electric vehicle mandate — and fortified that action by signing a congressional resolution into law. The Trump Administration has also slashed job-killing regulations to unleash innovation, lower costs, and put American workers first.
    16. Cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on our children: “I will sign a new executive order to cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory … or political content onto the shoulders of our children.” (8/3/24, Atlanta, GA)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump signed an order to defund schools promoting divisive critical race theory and radical gender ideology.
    17. Keep men out of women’s sports: “We will keep men out of women’s sports.” (5/26/24, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump immediately ended the unfair, demeaning practice of forcing women to compete against men in sports — which resulted in the NCAA changing its rules and drove countless states and high schools to change their policies.
    18. Deport pro-Hamas radicals and make our college campuses safe and patriotic again: “We will deport the foreign Jihad sympathizers and Hamas supporters from our midst. We will get them out of our country.” (9/19/24, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump has cracked down on campus chaos with federal enforcement and visa revocations for pro-Hamas agitators — restoring safety, free speech, and American values to universities across the nation.
    19. Secure our elections, including same day voting, voter identification, paper ballots, and proof of citizenship: “We will secure our elections — and they will be secure once and for all.” (10/13/24, Prescott Valley, AZ)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump implemented nationwide election integrity measures through executive action, banning foreign nationals from election interference, strengthening voter citizenship verification, prosecuting non-citizen voting, requiring voter-verifiable paper ballot records, and ensuring state-by-state compliance with federal law.
    20. Unite our country by bringing it to new and record levels of success: “It’s time to unite … Success is going to bring us together.” (11/6/24, West Palm Beach, FL)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump’s remarkable success is bringing the country together — with more Americans saying the country is on the right track than any point in two decades and support among Republicans for President Trump and his agenda near historic levels.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call for urgent overhaul of disease control framework amid ongoing FMD challenges

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, has called for urgent and proper regionalisation of South Africa’s disease control framework, amid ongoing challenges posed by widespread Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks.

    “Every credible trading nation in the world understands the principle of regionalisation, that an outbreak in one part of a country should not result in blanket trade restrictions for the entire nation,” Steenhuisen said.

    The Minister made the call during the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Indaba, currently underway at the ARC-VIMP Campus in Roodeplaat, northeast of Pretoria.

    The Minister’s call comes as the country is currently experiencing significant and ongoing challenges with widespread outbreaks of Foot and Mouth disease, affecting several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and, most recently, the Free State.

    The resurgence of the disease has resulted in livestock movement restrictions and has also significantly impacted the country’s red meat trade on international markets.

    In response to this escalating crisis, the Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), the University of Pretoria, and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), is hosting a national Foot and Mouth Disease Indaba.

    The two-day event, starting Monday, 21 July 2025, aims to bring together top veterinary scientists, agricultural experts, and key industry stakeholders, to deliberate on and develop long-term solutions to combat FMD.

    In his opening address, Steenhuisen said South Africa is falling behind in establishing, certifying, and maintaining internationally recognised disease control zones.

    He said the failure to regionalise is not due to a lack of veterinary science, but institutional coordination, legal clarity, and capacity.

    “It is unacceptable that South Africa takes years to respond to import health questionnaires, delays that have cost us market access and weakened our negotiating position. This is not a regulatory issue; it is a capacity issue, and we are taking steps to fix it,” the Minister said.

    To address this, the Minister announced the appointment of two senior veterinarians, Dr Emily Mogajane and Dr Nomsa Mnisi, to lead the development of a comprehensive national regionalisation framework.

    Mnisi and Mogajane bring extensive experience in veterinary science, government, and international trade.

    Their work will focus on:
    •    Defining and operationalising regional disease zones for all major livestock sectors, in consultation with industry;
    •    Supporting provinces to assume their responsibilities as prescribed in the Animal Health Act, 2002 (Act No.7 of 2002), aligning disease control with our Constitutional division of powers; and
    •    Strengthening interdepartmental capacity to process export and import applications swiftly and credibly.

    Public-private partnerships to improve vaccine security

    Steenhuisen also called for stronger public-private partnerships to improve vaccine security, particularly for controlled animal diseases.

    He urged the livestock industry, especially red meat, dairy, and game sectors to co-finance vaccine procurement.

    “This does not mean you will manage the vaccines or the cold chains. But it does mean that, like in other agro-industries, we establish structured partnerships that ensure we are not caught unprepared again,” Steenhuisen said.

    The Minister pointed to a recent breakdown in vaccine availability during the FMD outbreak, and that the national vaccine bank was depleted and the production cycle was misaligned with outbreak realities.

    “Most notably, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) currently lacks the infrastructure to produce FMD vaccines at the scale and speed required to respond to outbreaks.

    “As a result, we were compelled to import vaccines from Botswana, to mount even a partial response. This situation is unsustainable for a country with South Africa’s livestock footprint and export ambitions,” the Minister said.

    In response to this, Steenhuisen said government is establishing OBP, but warned that this will take time.

    In the interim, he said efforts are underway to secure vaccine imports and establish forward-looking supply contracts to ensure minimum stock levels of FMD and other priority vaccines, “before the next outbreak, not after.”

    He however warned that the State cannot do this alone and urged the industry to invest.

    “If you want predictability, you must also invest. The time has come to build a nationally managed but jointly funded vaccine bank, not only for FMD, but for lumpy skin disease, brucellosis, Rift Valley Fever, and all other controlled diseases affecting trade and production,” SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Morocco: African Development Bank approves €100 Million to empower women and youth entrepreneurs in building inclusive and sustainable agriculture

    Source: APO

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a €100 million loan to support Morocco’s inclusive solidarity-based agriculture program, focused on empowering women and young people.

    The project aims to generate sustainable economic opportunities for women and youth, boost food security, and strengthen the resilience of small-scale farming against climate change. It will stimulate entrepreneurship through tailored financing and incentive mechanisms and by bolstering technical and financial support systems.

    The program will also facilitate the deployment of new agricultural production and service infrastructure, helping to anchor women in local value chains, strengthen their skills, and boost their productivity. These actions will encourage the emergence of women entrepreneurs across agriculture, agro-processing and digital technologies. It will support the new roadmap for employment by promoting rural entrepreneurship.

    “Women who have the ambition to undertake and succeed in agriculture are our priority,” said Achraf Tarsim, head of the African Development Bank country office in Morocco. “Through this new operation, we will support them step by step to build a modern, inclusive and resilient agriculture, capable of revealing the full potential of those who aspire to innovate and create value and employment in their territories.”

    Aligned with Morocco’s priorities, the program will support the implementation of the Green Generation 2020-2030 Strategy, Morocco’s plan for transforming agriculture into a more inclusive, sustainable and efficient sector; the National Solidarity Agriculture Program, and the National Youth Entrepreneurship Program.

    For more than 50 years, the African Development Bank Group has supported the Kingdom in a partnership based on a shared and integrated vision of development. Over the period, the Bank invested nearly €15 billion in more than 150 high-impact projects in strategic sectors such as transport, water, energy, agriculture, social protection, governance and finance.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact:
    Fahd Belbachir
    Principal Communication and External Relations Officer
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Integrating youth in agrifood systems transformation in Zimbabwe

    Source: APO


    .

    The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe launched a technical cooperation programme to enhance national capacity to support meaningful youth engagement in agrifood systems through policy support, leadership development and institutional strengthening.

    FAO provides technical support to the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure that youth are meaningfully integrated into agrifood systems as key actors in productivity, innovation, and food security. This project builds upon the experiences of the FAO in Zimbabwe including the Green Jobs for Rural Youth Employment. It represents a crucial step in addressing the youth-related knowledge and skills and policy gaps identified in previous initiatives.

    FAO highlights the urgency of creating 10–12 million new jobs annually in Africa and positions agrifood systems especially given their rapid growth and high potential for value addition as key to unlocking youth employment. Drawing on FAO Investment Guidelines for Youth in Agrifood Systems, the approach emphasizes integrating youth perspectives throughout the project cycle. The approach encourages recognizing youth as a diverse group with varied needs, capacities, and aspirations, and calls for collaboration among public, private, and civil society actors to create enabling environments.

    “This project is set to inform and shape future priorities for collaboration between the Government of Zimbabwe and FAO on youth-related matters. By fostering this collaboration, the project aims to create an enabling environment that supports more effective interventions for youth engagement in agrifood systems, ultimately empowering young people to take a leading role in transforming these systems for the better,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe.

    This milestone comes at an opportune time when the country is starting to operationalize the second phase of the Agriculture and Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS 2.0) with a particular focus on mainstreaming and integrating youth in agrifood systems.

    “Mainstreaming youth is not an optional add-on; it is the fundamental strategy for achieving resilient, productive, and transformed agrifood systems and rural communities. The Government of Zimbabwe will provide visionary leadership, enact enabling policies, prioritize budget allocation for youth mainstreaming initiatives within Strategy 2.0, and ensure coordination across ministries,” said Mr. Jairos Mandizadza, Director – Gender Mainstreaming, Inclusivity and Wellness in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in his keynote address.

    As part of its commitment to enhancing youth participation in Zimbabwe’s agrifood systems, the FAO-led project will initiate a consultative and participatory process to support the development of a comprehensive national strategy that integrate youth issues. The approach is designed to engage a wide spectrum of stakeholders, from primary producers to tertiary institutions and development partners while ensuring that the strategy is grounded in local realities and informed by diverse perspectives.

    As the project gains momentum, young people across Zimbabwe are expressing optimism and a renewed sense of purpose.

    “With this project we are energised, motivated, by being heard, valued, seen and more importantly included, we are no longer participants but change makers and this proves that there is nothing for us which can be done without us,” said Getrude Chambati, Secretary for the World Food Forum Zimbabwe Chapter.

    The process of project implementation will include a combination of face-to-face stakeholder consultations, strategic planning meetings, and a desk review of existing work by other partners in the sector. This blended methodology will ensure that the strategy builds on past efforts while introducing fresh, youth-centred insights. The project ultimately aims to support Zimbabwe in formulating a National Youth Investment Plan and a Youth-inclusive Agrifood Systems Strategy, laying the groundwork for sustainable and inclusive agricultural transformation.

    The inception meeting provided the platform to key stakeholders, including youths to review and provide input on how the draft AFSRTS 2 can integrate more youths issues. This was achieved through breakout sessions where participants were put into groups to review and update pillars of the AFSRTS 2. During the launch key stakeholders had the opportunity to appreciate the current youth in agrifood systems frameworks and policies at national, regional and international levels.

    Going forward, the project is poised to play a transformative role in shaping Zimbabwe’s agrifood landscape by supporting the development of a robust national strategy and targeted investment plans for youth. By enhancing the capacity and skills of both young people and agriculture ministry personnel, FAO is committed to strengthening governance and leadership frameworks that support youth inclusion. This marks a pivotal step toward building a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready agrifood system, driven by the energy, innovation, and potential of Zimbabwe’s youth.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft held a corporate festival “Energy of Talents” in Moscow

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The final of Rosneft’s corporate creative festival “Energy of Talents” was held in Moscow at the Mosproducer conference center, in which employees of 44 of the Company’s enterprises from all over the country took part.

    Rosneft has been holding annual creative festivals for its employees since 2011. In 2025, more than 7,000 people from 59 Group Companies applied to participate in the Energy of Talents selection round, which was held online. The jury members viewed hundreds of creative numbers in various nominations.

    Participants who qualified for the final competed over two days in dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, original genre, fine art and photography. Winners in six nominations were selected by a professional jury, with voting in two nominations taking place online.

    Between performances, participants and spectators had the opportunity to take master classes under the guidance of professional teachers in choreography, vocals, acting, public speaking and instrumental genres.

    The company supports significant projects in Russian cultural life that are aimed at reviving and preserving spiritual and national values. With the support of the Company, the State Hermitage Museum has been holding various exhibitions and expositions since 2018. Thus, in 2024, the museum opened an updated permanent exhibition “Culture and Art of China”.

    With the Company’s support, the Mariinsky Theatre artists under the direction of Valery Gergiev performed in Qatar with the production of “A Thousand and One Nights”; a concert dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Alexandra Pakhmutova was held in Volgograd; a number of exhibitions were organized at the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center in Moscow. In 2023-2024, Tatyana Navka’s ice shows “Evenings on a Farm” and “The Nutcracker” were held in Moscow, and the show “The Love Story of Scheherazade” toured in the Indian city of Ahmedabad.

    Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 21, 2025

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Rouge National Urban Park Celebrates 10 Years

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Milestone anniversary for Canada’s first national urban park

    July 21, 2025                                  Markham, Ontario                                       Parks Canada

    Rouge National Urban Park, Canada’s first national urban park and one of the largest protected urban parks in the world, offers easy access to residents of Canada’s largest urban centre to explore a rich assembly of forests, creeks, farms and trails as well as marshland, a beach on Lake Ontario and human history spanning 10,000 years.

    Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, celebrated this important milestone at an event honouring Indigenous partners, volunteers, farmers, advocates, and local stakeholders who have helped shape the vision of the park. The ceremony highlighted key achievements from the past decade, including major land assembly and legislation, the completion of the park’s first management plan, the development of a multi-species action plan, the completion of 137 restoration projects with partners and collaborators, the addition of 23 km of new trails and a $21 million investment in the future visitor, learning and community centre.

    Since its establishment in 2015, Rouge National Urban Park has become a globally recognized model for conservation in an urban setting. Spanning over 79 square kilometres, an area 1.3 times larger than the city of Manhattan, the park protects a remarkable diversity of natural, cultural, and agricultural landscapes and continues to evolve through Indigenous leadership, community stewardship, restoration efforts, and collaboration across all levels of government.

    Parks Canada will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Rouge National Urban Park throughout 2025. Weekly features on the park’s Facebook page will highlight key moments of its history, while on-site anniversary programming will offer visitors opportunities to reflect on the park’s past, share their own stories, and contribute to a collective vision for the future of Canada’s first national urban park. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Farmers across China busy with agricultural production in farming season around Dashu

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

    Farmers across China busy with agricultural production in farming season around Dashu

    Updated: July 21, 2025 20:58 Xinhua
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 21, 2025 shows villagers driving transplanters to plant rice seedlings in Yuyao, east China’s Zhejiang Province. Farmers across the country are busy with agricultural production in the farming season around Dashu, or the Great Heat, the 12th of traditional Chinese 24 solar terms falling on July 22 this year. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Farmers harvest marigold flowers in Tengchong, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, July 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Farmers transplant rice seedlings in Loudi, central China’s Hunan Province, July 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 21, 2025 shows a farmer carrying rice seedlings in Loudi, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo taken on July 21, 2025 shows villagers transplanting rice seedlings in Hengyang, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 21, 2025 shows villagers transplanting rice seedlings in Hengyang, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SIU probe into NW Development Corporation expanded

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The Special Investigating Unit’s probe into the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) has been expanded to include contracts awarded to Tokiso Security Services CC.

    The original proclamation – which is now expanded – was signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and directed the corruption busting unit to probe maladministration related to the establishment of Tokiso Security Services as a subsidiary of the NWDC.

    The company was contracted to provide security services to the NWDC and other provincial government entities.

    “The new amendment extends this mandate to examine all contracts where Tokiso Security Services CC was appointed to render security services to the NWDC, provincial departments, public entities and government business enterprises in the North West Province.

    “The expansion of the investigation scope will allow the SIU to determine whether the security service contracts were awarded appropriately and if any irregularities, maladministration, or financial losses to the state occurred during the procurement process. 

    “The SIU will investigate whether proper procedures were followed in appointing Tokiso Security Services CC and whether any officials, employees, or service providers acted improperly,” the SIU said.

    Additionally, the period under investigation will include conduct up to the date of the amended proclamation’s publication on Friday.

    “The original proclamation…also authorised the SIU to investigate irregularities in contracts associated with the NWDC, including the Youth Enterprise Combo implemented by MVEST Trust, security services provided by Naphtronics (Pty) Ltd, and the purchase of the Christiana Hotel and Game Farm.

    “Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses.

    “In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: From Sideline to Lifeline: Advancing Emergency Skills in Athletic Training Education

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Athletic trainers play a key role in keeping athletes safe by providing care, including injury and illness prevention, rehabilitation, and emergency care in cases of catastrophic injury.

    Last year, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) updated guidance on writing and adopting an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), a document indicating the preparations for and response to any type of catastrophic injury. An EAP is used to help ensure a comprehensive approach to athlete care in any serious illness or injury situation for health care team members and other stakeholders in a prehospital setting. It also accounts for the care of others involved with sports – from coaches and referees to spectators at events.

    To help athletic trainers discuss acute emergency injuries and revise their emergency action plans according to the latest evidence-based science, the UConn Institute for Sports Medicine (ISM) held a day-long workshop in Hartford at UConn’s space in the PeoplesBank Arena, formerly the XL Center, for Connecticut athletic trainers.

    Associate professor-in-Residence and director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program Eleni Diakogeorgiou at the event. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
    Athletics trainers from around the state came to PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford for the workshop. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
    UConn ISM is a collaboration between the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and UConn Health. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)

    “UConn ISM is committed to the health, performance, and longevity of athletes,” says Laurie Devaney, head of the Department of Kinesiology and co-director of UConn ISM. “We do that by applying our research and medical knowledge to protect athletes of any age and skill level from injury and illness. This includes life-threatening emergencies as they may occur at any time and place.”

    Faculty from UConn Health and the UConn Department of Kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) spoke on a variety of topics during morning sessions related to athlete safety, including care for concussions and loss of consciousness, orthopedics, and airway management considerations.

    “The goal of our workshop was to include a variety of emergency topics relevant to Athletic Trainers, which was complemented by engaging hands-on activities,” says Lauren Sheldon, assistant professor in residence and director of clinical outreach, community engagement, and injury prevention for the UConn Institute for Sports Medicine.

    The afternoon sessions featured rotating workshops that included hands-on demonstrations and a simulation of a medical emergency, giving athletic trainers practical advice and an opportunity to enhance their skills. It concluded with preceptor training to enhance mentoring and teaching skills to the next generation of athletic trainers.

    One athletic trainer who attended the training commented that the workshop “Exceeded my expectations. I love the new location.” Another noted the workshop was “really a blessing for a local AT.”

    “Connecting athletic trainers and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders on their individualized EAPs will improve overall response and decrease errors during an emergency when quick and comprehensive response is crucial,” says Devaney. “We’re proud to be able to offer workshops like these to improve the health and safety of athletes around the state.”

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Royal Welsh Show: ‘After countless U-turns, Labour must now also reverse its tax raid on Welsh farms’ – Plaid Cymru

    Source: Party of Wales

    Ann Davies MP and Llyr Gruffydd MS say UK Government should introduce a wealth tax instead of ‘targeting those who sustain our rural communities’

    On the first day of the Royal Welsh Show, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Agriculture Spokesperson Ann Davies MP has today called on the UK Government to reverse its planned changes to Agricultural Property Relief, warning that the policy will do “lasting harm” to Welsh family farms.

     

    Speaking from Llanelwedd, Ms Davies said that after repeated policy reversals, it is time for Labour to “add this damaging farm tax to the list.”

     

    Plaid Cymru’s Agriculture spokesperson in the Senedd, Llyr Gruffydd MS, said that most Welsh farmers are “cash poor” and that “many live a hand-to-mouth existence”.

     

    The UK Government plans to introduce a cap on Agricultural and Business Property Relief from April 2026, meaning family farms valued above that threshold could face inheritance tax for the first time in 40 years. Despite claims that only 500 farms per year will be affected, Welsh farming unions warn that the vast majority of productive family farms in Wales could fall into scope due to rising land, machinery and asset values.

     

    From the financial implications of restrictions and testing requirements to limit the spread of the Bluetongue virus, to the effects of prolonged dry and warm weather on crops and pasture, the new inheritance tax rules will be introduced amidst mounting financial pressures on farmers.

     

    Plaid Cymru is calling for:

     

    • A Wales-specific impact assessment that includes tenant and generational family farms

     

    • Protection for active food-producing family farms from inheritance tax

     

    • The introduction of a tax on extreme wealth – targeting assets worth over £10 million

     

    Ann Davies MP said:

    “After countless U-turns, Labour must now add its damaging farm tax to the list. Changes to Agricultural Property Relief represent a deeply unfair policy that targets the people who feed us, care for our land, and sustain our rural communities. It will do lasting harm to Welsh family farms.

    “It is a policy based on the assumption that farmers are rich – that is fundamentally wrong in Wales, where our upland farmers are guardians of the land and make very little profit. The UK Government admits it has done no Wales-specific assessment. That’s unacceptable, and it must change immediately.

    “Plaid Cymru believes that those with the broadest shoulders should pay their fair share. But the UK Government’s policy is too broad brush and targets the wrong people. Instead, the introduction of a tax on extreme wealth – a 2% tax on assets worth over £10 million – could raise over £20 billion a year. That is the fair and progressive way to fund public services and address inequality.

    “The Royal Welsh Show is a chance to celebrate everything our farmers contribute. But because of this policy, they’re anxious about their ability to continue producing food into the future. With Bluetongue requirements and intense drought intensifying already significant financial pressures on farmers, Labour must reverse course – and they must do it now.”

     

    Llyr Gruffydd added:

    “Most of our family farms are cash poor and many live a hand-to-mouth existence. They don’t have the capital to shoulder this huge tax burden.

    “Whilst it’s right to target those who buy land for tax avoidance purposes, our working family farms must not be caught in the crossfire. We have urged the Government to look at alternative approaches such as a clawback system that’s used successfully in other countries. This would only tax land if it’s subsequently sold within a specific number of years after inheritance.

    “Sadly, the Chancellor’s policy will force already struggling businesses to sell off their land, making them less sustainable in the future. Plaid Cymru will fight the family farm tax all the way.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Relief funds available to farmers

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Local farmers who suffered serious losses caused by the recent Typhoon Wipha can register for assistance from an emergency relief fund from July 22 to 30.

    The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department made this announcement today and explained that its preliminary investigation had revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories were affected by Typhoon Wipha.

    An appropriate amount of the relief fund will be released to affected farmers according to established criteria, it added.

    Affected farmers who need to apply for the fund can register in person at the department’s Agricultural Extension Office at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, or submit their applications online.

    Enquiries can be made by calling 2476 2424 during office hours.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Emergency relief fund for farmers affected by Typhoon Wipha

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Emergency relief fund for farmers affected by Typhoon Wipha 
         An AFCD spokesman said today (July 21) that an appropriate amount of the relief funding would be released to affected farmers according to established criteria.
     
         The department’s preliminary investigation has revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories were affected by Typhoon Wipha.
     
         “After each typhoon or natural disaster, AFCD staff will inspect farmland areas in the New Territories to assess the resultant damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, the department may launch an operation to provide some relief to affected farmers,” the spokesman said.
     
         Affected farmers who need to apply for the fund can submit their applications in person at the Agricultural Extension Office of the AFCD at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, or submit their applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/agr_loan/agr_loan_erf/agr_loan_erf.htmlIssued at HKT 18:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: BlackRock® Canada Announces July Cash Distributions for the iShares® ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the July 2025 cash distributions for the iShares ETFs listed on the TSX or Cboe Canada which pay on a monthly basis. Unitholders of record of the applicable iShares ETF on July 28, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable in respect of that iShares ETF on July 31, 2025.

    Details regarding the “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    Fund Name Fund Ticker Cash Distribution
    Per Unit
    iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF CBH $0.051
    iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF CBO $0.051
    iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF CDZ $0.117
    iShares Equal Weight Banc & Lifeco ETF CEW $0.063
    iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF CLF $0.033
    iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF CLG $0.037
    iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Preferred Share Index ETF CPD $0.055
    iShares US Dividend Growers Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) CUD $0.087
    iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF CVD $0.071
    iShares Global Monthly Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) CYH $0.077
    iShares Canadian Financial Monthly Income ETF FIE $0.040
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF XAGG $0.111
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF(1) XAGG.U $0.068
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XAGH $0.096
    iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF XBB $0.080
    iShares Core Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XCB $0.069
    iShares ESG Advanced Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XCBG $0.121
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF XCBU $0.134
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF(1) XCBU.U $0.112
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF XDG $0.073
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF(1) XDG.U $0.047
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XDGH $0.063
    iShares Core MSCI Canadian Quality Dividend Index ETF XDIV $0.117
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF XDU $0.064
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF(1) XDU.U $0.047
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XDUH $0.058
    iShares Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF XDV $0.126
    iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XEB $0.064
    iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF XEI $0.112
    iShares Core Canadian 15+ Year Federal Bond Index ETF XFLB $0.113
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF XFLI $0.189
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF(1) XFLI.U $0.138
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF (CAD-Hedged) XFLX $0.185
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Financials Index ETF XFN $0.167
    iShares Floating Rate Index ETF XFR $0.050
    iShares Core Canadian Government Bond Index ETF XGB $0.050
    iShares Global Government Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XGGB $0.041
    iShares Canadian HYBrid Corporate Bond Index ETF XHB $0.075
    iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XHD $0.072
    iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF XHU $0.081
    iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XHY $0.084
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XIG $0.071
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XIGS $0.122
    iShares Core Canadian Long Term Bond Index ETF XLB $0.062
    iShares S&P/TSX North American Preferred Stock Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XPF $0.067
    iShares High Quality Canadian Bond Index ETF XQB $0.054
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index ETF XRE $0.062
    iShares ESG Aware Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF XSAB $0.049
    iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF XSB $0.070
    iShares Conservative Short Term Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSC $0.054
    iShares Conservative Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSE $0.046
    iShares Core Canadian Short Term Corporate Bond Index ETF XSH $0.061
    iShares ESG Advanced 1-5 Year Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XSHG $0.119
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF XSHU $0.149
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF(1) XSHU.U $0.110
    iShares Short Term Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSI $0.056
    iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF XSMB $0.101
    iShares ESG Aware Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF XSTB $0.048
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XSTH $0.142
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF XSTP $0.162
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF(1) XSTP.U $0.118
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XTLH $0.111
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF XTLT $0.127
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF(1) XTLT.U $0.093
    iShares Diversified Monthly Income ETF XTR $0.040
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index ETF XUT $0.100

    (1) Distribution per unit amounts are in U.S. dollars for XAGG.U, XCBU.U, XDG.U, XDU.U, XFLI.U, XSHU.U, XSTP.U, XTLT.U.

    Estimated July Cash Distributions for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF

    The July cash distributions per unit for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF are estimated to be as follows:

    Fund Name Fund Ticker Estimated Cash
    Distribution Per Unit
    iShares Premium Money Market ETF CMR $0.121
     

    BlackRock Canada expects to issue a press release on or about July 25, 2025, which will provide the final amounts for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF.

    Further information on the iShares Funds can be found at http://www.blackrock.com/ca.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @BlackRockCA

    About iShares ETFs

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1600+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.7 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Canada. 

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). TSX is a registered trademark of TSX Inc. (“TSX”). All of the foregoing trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and sublicensed for certain purposes to BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), which in turn has sub-licensed these marks to its affiliate, BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), on behalf of the applicable fund(s). The index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, and has been licensed for use by BFA and by extension, BlackRock Canada and the applicable fund(s). The funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively known as “S&P Dow Jones Indices”) or TSX, or any of their respective affiliates. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor TSX make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in such funds.

    MSCI is a trademark of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”). The ETF is permitted to use the MSCI mark pursuant to a license agreement between MSCI and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., relating to, among other things, the license granted to BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. to use the Index. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. has sublicensed the use of this trademark to BlackRock. The ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI and MSCI makes no representation, condition or warranty regarding the advisability of investing in the ETF.

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email:Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

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