NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province strengthens local evacuation routes, public notification planning

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The public notification and evacuation route planning funding stream of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) supports projects that develop or update evacuation route plans and/or public notification plans. This funding is provided by the Province and is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).

    Local governments and First Nations throughout B.C. will receive nearly $2 million from the public notification and evacuation route planning (PNERP) funding stream as follows:

    Alert Bay – Review hazard and vulnerability assessment, develop evacuation route plan and develop a public information process.
    Amount: $46,844
    Sub-applicant: ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation

    Capital Regional District – Review and update evacuation planning guides and develop evacuation maps for Salt Spring Island, Southern Gulf Islands, Pacheedaht First Nation and Juan de Fuca.
    Amount: $40,000

    Central Coast Regional District – Develop a comprehensive emergency and disaster communications plan, conduct a gap analysis, identify multi-channel notification tools and provide staff training to enhance public alerting and responder co-ordination.
    Amount: $40,000

    Coldstream – Develop evacuation route and public notification plans for people, livestock and movement of property to a safe location.
    Amount: $40,000

    Columbia Shuswap Regional District – Update the Salmon Arm evacuation route plan within the Shuswap Emergency Program and enhance evacuation guidance for high-risk communities.
    Amount: $39,816
    Sub-applicant: Salmon Arm

    Cook’s Ferry Indian Band – Develop evacuation route and notification plans, identifying routes and transport modes and outlining emergency alert strategies.
    Amount: $40,000

    Cowichan Valley Regional District – Develop evacuation route plans to address high-risk communities.
    Amount: $160,000
    Sub-applicants: Duncan; North Cowichan; Ladysmith

    Delta – Create a public notification strategy, establish multi-channel alerts, partner with neighbouring First Nations and run a readiness exercise.
    Amount: $40,000

    Dzawada’enuxw First Nation – Create comprehensive evacuation route and public notification plans for Kingcome Inlet, including route mapping, multi-modal evacuation strategies, stakeholder co-ordination and community education.
    Amount: $40,000

    Fort St. James – Update the evacuation route plan, assess routes for alternative highway access and develop a multi-channel public notification plan integrated with an emergency alert system.
    Amount: $40,000

    Fraser Valley Regional District – New evacuation route plan for Boston Bar Electoral Area A.
    Amount: $40,000

    Gitxaala Nation – Ladm gyina sguuyu Gyinasguu sumsxsit Leave Something Good Behind: Update evacuation route and public notification plans using technologies and cultural knowledge, including identifying a new route to higher ground and planning for air and water evacuations.
    Amount: $40,000

    Granisle – Update evacuation route and public notification plans by mapping routes and transport options, integrating early warning tools, engaging the community and testing the plan with a tabletop exercise.
    Amount: $40,000

    Huu-ay-aht First Nations – Develop a clear evacuation route plan including identifying, mapping and capacity of available routes for residents and visitors.
    Amount: $36,193

    Kimberley – Develop an evacuation route plan, outlining route capacity, timelines, control points and best practices.
    Amount: $40,000

    Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation – Develop new evacuation route and public notification plans.
    Amount: $40,000

    Kootenay-Boundary Regional District – Develop water-based evacuation route plans for boat-only residents on Christina Lake using best practices from the 2023 North Shuswap evacuations.
    Amount: $40,000

    Lake Country – Align the municipal evacuation route and notification plan with the regional plan by collaborating with neighbours and Indigenous partners and adding geographic information system (GIS) mapping support.
    Amount: $40,000

    Langley Township – Update evacuation route plan, integrating BC Alerting technology, and update the public notification plan and tabletop exercises.
    Amount: $40,000

    Lheidli-T’enneh First Nation – Develop and implement a new evacuation route plan, including community consultations.
    Amount: $29,320

    Lions Bay – Develop a comprehensive new evacuation route plan, targeted public notification plan, community education, and evacuation drills.
    Amount: $40,000

    McLeod Lake Indian Band – Update evacuation route plan and evacuation communications strategy.
    Amount: $35,000

    Merritt – Develop new evacuation route and public notification plans based on lived experiences of residents.
    Amount: $40,000

    Metchosin – Develop a public notification plan that integrates the Earthquake Early Warning system, multi-channel alerts, stakeholder co-ordination and exercise testing.
    Amount: $40,000

    Nelson – Update evacuation route and public notification plans, including GIS mapping enhancements and a multi-agency tabletop exercise.
    Amount: $40,000

    North Okanagan Regional District – Update the evacuation route plan and the public notification plan for Electoral Areas B and C to reflect growth and integrate Indigenous and neighbouring communities with consistent messaging.
    Amount: $40,000

    Northern Rockies Regional Municipality – Develop a crisis communication plan with staff training resources, mapping and communications.
    Amount: $31,900

    Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen – Update evacuation route and public notification plans with improved GIS mapping, updated hazard data and stakeholder engagement to ensure plans meet community evacuation needs.
    Amount: $160,000
    Sub-applicants: Osoyoos; Keremeos; Summerland

    Peace River Regional District – Develop new evacuation route plan and update the public notification plan.
    Amount: $40,000

    Pemberton – Update the Pemberton Valley evacuation route plan with current census data and expand its scope to include social and broader emergency management factors.
    Amount: $41,000
    Sub-applicant: Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

    Penticton – Create a public notification and communications plan with workshops and a tabletop exercise, and update the evacuation route plan with mapping, traffic data and alternative transport options.
    Amount: $40,000

    Port McNeill – Create new evacuation route and public notification plans for low-lying, sea-level-rise and tsunami-vulnerable areas, including detailed route mapping, regional connectivity and stakeholder engagement.
    Amount: $38,400

    Pouce Coupe – Develop new evacuation route and public notification plans, mapping safe corridors and co-ordinating alert strategies with community partners.
    Amount: $39,750

    qathet Regional District – Updating evacuation route plans and the community’s public notification plan.
    Amount: $40,000

    shíshálh Nation – Update the evacuation route plan, including running a tabletop exercise with Chief, council and administration.
    Amount: $40,000

    Sts’ailes – Develop a new evacuation route master plan.
    Amount: $40,000

    Tla’amin Nation – Update the evacuation route plan, which includes identification and capacity of available routes, collaboration, modes of transportation and methods of evacuation.
    Amount: $36,000

    Tsawwassen First Nation – Develop new evacuation route and public notification plans, collaborating with neighbouring jurisdictions and revising relevant local plans and policies.
    Amount: $40,000

    Tseshaht First Nation – Develop a new public notification and evacuation route plan tailored to Tseshaht First Nation’s evacuation needs, cultural context, infrastructure and communication preferences.
    Amount: $40,000

    Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) – Develop a new evacuation route plan with mapping, workshops and resources, engaging with community knowledge keeper and across TWN departments.
    Amount: $40,000

    West Kelowna – Developing a new evacuation route plan by evaluating the evacuation capacity of the Glenrosa area, includes reviewing alternate roads and exit routes to ensure residents can leave quickly and safely.
    Amount: $39,620

    Witset First Nation – Update the evacuation route and public notification plans to ensure timely evacuations and clear information sharing during emergencies.
    Amount: $40,000

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Frankel Opening Remarks at Full Committee Markup of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m going to start by recognizing the collegiality of our Chairman Mr. Diaz-Balart and the thoughtful members on both sides of the aisle. And of course, I want to thank our hardworking staff for their tireless efforts. But most of all, I want to recognize the brave and committed Americans—our diplomats, USAID workers, humanitarian teams, and public health experts and our partners around the world—who bring our country’s values to the world’s toughest places. They’re the ones who delivered vaccines to remote villages in Congo, who help girls in Ethiopia escape forced marriage and find education and safety. 

    I’ve seen their work up close–I know many of us have—and the impact of the programs we funded. Children who escaped the brutality of Assad’s Syria thriving in classrooms in Jordan. Mothers in Malawi learning skills to support their families. Pregnant women in Kenya staying healthy with support from HIV clinics. To all of these workers —past and present: You are the patriots. You represent the best of America. And those who are still serving deserve more than our thanks. They deserve the tools to get the job done.

    Mr. Chairman, I wish we had a bipartisan bill in front of us that I could support that honored that service and reflected America’s leadership. If we had a responsible allocation and a White House that understood diplomacy, development, and humanitarian aid, we could have gotten there. But instead, here we are, questioning whether any of this matters when the President just ignores the will of Congress and the laws we pass.

    So today, I strongly oppose the FY 2026 Republican bill. It’s not just a funding cut—it’s a reckless blueprint for American retreat. Our President seems to think relying on threats and bullying alone is a smart strategy. But chaotic tariffs, cruel immigration crackdowns, and this tepid foreign aid plan before us today is not going to make us more safe, secure, or more prosperous. And attention: we are ceding the world to China. And let me be clear: This bill does not lower costs for hard working families and retirees on day one as promised by President Trump—instead it puts hard earned finances at risk by hurting global stability.

    And tax breaks for billionaires is not a trade-off for millions of starving children and let me just say that this bill does not make one bit of difference in making up the $4 trillion addition to our debt when the Republicans pass what they call their Big Bill their Big Beautiful Bill I call it the Big Ugly Bill   And this bill is just adds to the list of  troubling actions by the Administration.

    Here’s what’s happened leading up: Foreign aid has been held up illegally, then justified by an inane clawback known as recission; USAID—an agency backed by Congress that fights poverty and prevents conflict—gutted; Over 10,000 development and humanitarian professionals dismissed by Elon Musk; 5,000 life-saving aid programs abruptly terminated; 1,300 State Department staff laid off; Offices shuttered. Decades of progress wiped out. How disgusting , the richest man in the world was allowed to pull the plug on programs that save the world’s poorest children.

    The infrastructure and staffing is no longer present to carry out the few programs that remain. Let me say this again with emphasis: The infrastructure and staffing is no longer present to carry out the few programs that remain.

    All while the world faces crisis after crisis: Wars and armed conflict, Extreme weather, Hunger and famine, Disease outbreaks, Mass migration, and Rising authoritarian regimes

    These aren’t distant problems. They land right at our door: Fragile states collapse and migration surges; Trade stops and U.S. farmers and businesses lose buyers ;Climate disasters destroy crops and homes; Broken health systems allow deadly viruses to spread; And when we step back, China and Russia step in—not to help, but to expand their grip.

    We’re leaving behind a gap they fill with money, weapons, and propaganda taking over the airwaves – reaching listeners who used to rely on Voice of America and our international broadcasting. They want to remake the world to fit their playbook.

    Meanwhile, sadly our allies are also slashing foreign aid —pushed to spend more on weapons by Mr. Trump. As global needs explode, democracy’s soft power is vanishing. This bill fails to meet this moment.

    Here’s what it really does:

    Cuts 22% from the international affairs budget – that’s $13 billion, diminishing funding for development and economic assistance:

    • Kids kicked out of the classroom and cut off from clean water
    • Farmers losing seeds and tools to make a living
    • Violence prevention programs vanishing
    • Local nonprofits shut down

    The bill slashes humanitarian aid by 42%:

    • In Nigeria, malnourished infants are dying without food
    • In Myanmar, hospitals are going dark
    • In The Gambia, support for survivors of female genital mutilation has ended—as the country debates making it legal again
    • In Ukraine, wounded soldiers go without care
    • In Ecuador, women entrepreneurs are losing lifelines and heading for our border

    This is a blow to our credibility, our moral standing, and our global influence. Soft power – interestingly enough – development and diplomacy – have been secret weapons abroad. Without them, we’re losing Americans on the ground who know the terrain, see trouble coming, and keep us one step ahead.

    And as always, my, my, my. Here we go again–Republicans couldn’t resist one more swipe at women: Slashing family planning programs that save hundreds of thousands of lives each year and prevent millions of unplanned pregnancies, Reinstating the Global Gag Rule—which blocks funding to foreign groups that even talk about abortion; you can’t even say the word “abortion”, not do abortion, say the word “abortion”– you lose your funding, Gutting the UNFPA—which provides basic reproductive and maternal care in over 150 countries

    And while this bill guts humanitarian programs and walks away from the world’s most vulnerable, the administration is also on the road to destroying one of the smartest, most effective tools of U.S. foreign policy: the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. WPS is not some fringe idea. It’s the law, signed by guess who, Donald Trump. It passed with strong bipartisan support. And here’s why: Women experience conflict differently than men—often bearing the brunt of sexual violence, displacement, and the burden of caring for families amid chaos—yet they are too often excluded from life changing decisions. The WPS agenda has helped train diplomats, strengthen alliances, and put more women at the center of peace and security.

    When women are at the table for peace talks, recovery, and crisis response, the results are better. Period. Peace lasts longer. Communities recover faster. And Missions succeed. And yet, this administration shut down the State Department’s office that leads that work—right when we need women’s leadership the most. That’s not just shortsighted. It makes the world less safe and works directly against our own interests.

    The bill also abandons multilateral institutions and organizations—UNICEF, the UN Development Program, the African and Asian Development Banks, the World Bank, the World Health Organization—undermining our ability to shape the global agenda and ceding ground to autocrats. Guess who? Attention: China is going to take over this world.

    So why should Americans care that these cuts are going to cost more than they save? Because these cuts hurt American families, too.  When we walk away from the world: Chaos spreads; Troops are put in harm’s way; Our adversaries gain ground; And we pay the price—in dollars, and in lives.

    And look, I say this not just as a lawmaker, but as a mother. My son served in the Marines. He was sent to two wars–Iraq and Afghanistan– I know what it means when diplomacy fails. The cost isn’t hypothetical—it hits our soldiers and their families the hardest.

    Let me remind you: the international affairs budget was already less than 1% of our federal spending. But it delivered huge returns: Markets for American goods; Stability abroad; Protection from pandemics; Fewer troops sent into harm’s way.

    Last week, we passed an $832 billion defense bill—that’s hard power. But even our top generals warn: without soft power alongside it, that number will only keep rising. So, Mr. Chairman, This bill is a lost opportunity. It’s a failure to lead. It hurts American families because when health systems collapse, people get sick.  When trade stalls, jobs vanish. When diplomacy fails, our loved ones go to war.  So let me close with this: Democrats aren’t giving up. We’re ready to work together with Republicans to reach a bill that reflects our values, keeps our promises, and protects American lives. Because we can’t bomb and drone our way to peace and prosperity.  A strong America doesn’t hide. And it doesn’t bully. A strong America leads—with vision, with courage, and compassion. And That’s the bill we should be fighting for. Thank you. I yield back.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Introduces Bill to Restore Integrity in Agriculture Immigrant Workforce System

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) introduced a bill to establish a legal process for undocumented agricultural workers to transition to legal employment status. The Agriculture Reform Act of 2025 will allow certain agricultural workers who are currently inadmissible or removable under immigration law to voluntarily deport, pay a fine, and reenter the U.S. as a temporary agricultural worker after specific requirements are satisfied.

    The Agriculture Reform Act of 2025 is not a pathway to citizenship or amnesty. Rather, the bill creates a structured and enforceable opportunity for undocumented agricultural workers to secure legal employment through voluntary departure and lawful reentry.

    “This bill is a real solution to addressing the mass influx of illegal aliens created by the Biden administration’s open border policies, while also addressing the critical workforce needs of our agricultural industry,” said Rep. Van Orden. “For those willing to follow the law and return to the U.S. the right way, it offers a legal pathway to a legal job. Our farmers cannot function without a stable workforce, and my bill will help stabilize the agricultural workforce without granting amnesty or citizenship.”

    The process for outlined in Rep. Van Orden’s bill is as follows:

    1. Self-Report

    A “covered alien”—an individual who previously worked in agricultural labor in the U.S. since January 1, 2020—must voluntarily depart from the United States or have already been removed prior to the bill’s enactment.

    2. Worker Pays Fine

    To participate in the program, the worker must pay a fee of an amount determined appropriate by the Secretary of Labor.

    3. Employer Pays Fine

    The employer petitioning on behalf of the alien must also pay a fee as set by regulation.

    4. Employer May Stagger Self-Deportation

    The bill contemplates employer flexibility in staggering the departure of undocumented workers to prevent labor shortages.

    5. Worker Must Remain in Home Country for 30 Days

    After self-deportation or removal, the worker must remain outside the U.S. for at least 30 days before returning to the United States.

    6. Worker Can Return as a temporary agricultural worker

    Following the 30-day waiting period, the worker may re-enter the U.S. legally as a temporary agricultural worker, provided:

    • The individual has not unlawfully received public benefits.
    • The proper fees are paid.
    • They meet eligibility as a “covered alien.”

    Additional Provisions

    • Immunity from Prosecution:
      • Employers are protected from legal liability under INA §274A for employing covered aliens.
      • Covered aliens are immune from prosecution under INA §§275 and 276 for prior unlawful entry/removal actions.
    • Waiver of Inadmissibility/Removability:
      • Grounds under INA §§212(a)(6), (7), and (9), and §237(a)(1)(A–C) and (3) are waived during the “covered period.”

    Read the full bill text here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree, Massie Introduce Bipartisan PRIME Act to Empower Local Livestock Farmers, Meet Consumer Demand

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) reintroduced the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, bipartisan legislation to make it easier for small farms and ranches to serve consumers. The PRIME Act (H.R. 4700) would give individual states freedom to permit intrastate distribution of custom-slaughtered meat such as beef, pork, or lamb to consumers, restaurants, hotels, boarding houses, and grocery stores. 

    “Consumers at the grocery store increasingly want quality, locally-grown food, but existing regulations and supply chain vulnerabilities don’t make it easy for them to access. In rural states like Maine, farmers often have to drive hundreds of miles just to get their livestock processed. We can and must do more to bolster our local food systems,” said Pingree, a longtime farmer and member of the House Agriculture Committee. “The PRIME Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that strengthens infrastructure for local meat processing, supports family farms, and gives consumers easier access to locally raised food—along with greater transparency about where that food comes from.”

    “Consumers want to know where their food comes from, what it contains, and how it’s processed. Yet federal inspection requirements make it difficult to purchase food from trusted, local farmers,” said Massie. “It is time to open our markets to give producers the freedom to succeed and consumers the freedom to choose.”

    Current law exempts custom slaughter of animals from federal inspection regulations, but only if the meat is slaughtered for personal, household, guest, and employee use (21 U.S.C. § 623(a)). This means that in order to sell individual cuts of locally raised meats to consumers, farmers and ranchers must first send their animals to one of a limited number of USDA-inspected slaughterhouses. These USDA-inspected slaughterhouses are sometimes hundreds of miles away from farms and ranches, adding substantial transportation costs and increasing the chances of locally raised meat co-mingling with industrially produced meat. The PRIME Act would expand the current custom exemption and allow small farms, ranches, and slaughterhouses to thrive.

    Original co-sponsors of the PRIME Act include: Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), Rep. John Carter (R-Texas), Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.), Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas), Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wisc.), Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Rep. Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah), Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas), Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.), Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wisc.), Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), and Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.). 

    Companion legislation, S.2409, has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

    Massie raises cattle on his off-the-grid farm in northeast Kentucky. Pingree raises grass-fed beef and chickens on her island farm in North Haven, Maine.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Push to Protect Drinking Water as Communities Face Rising Contamination Threats

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    As drinking water contamination from toxic “forever chemicals,” also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), increasingly threatens communities in Maine and across the country, U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and David Rouzer (R-N.C.) have reintroduced the bipartisan Healthy Drinking Water Affordability Act, or the Healthy H2O Act. The legislation, introduced in the Senate by Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), provides grants for water testing and treatment technology directly to individuals and nonprofits in rural communities. Systems that improve water quality—whether installed at the faucet or within a building—can provide immediate and ongoing protections from known and emerging water contaminants, including PFAS, lead, and nitrates. 

    “The Healthy H2O Act will help make water testing and treatment technology more accessible here in Maine, and in rural communities across the country, especially for families on private wells who are too often left to navigate contamination risks on their own,” said Pingree. “As national protections face delays and uncertainty, local communities can’t afford to wait. This bipartisan bill gives them the tools to identify and address harmful chemicals like PFAS and lead at the tap—so they can be confident the water they’re drinking is safe.”

    “The Healthy H2O Act helps rural residents in the Cape Fear Valley gain access to safe, clean drinking water—free from harmful contaminants like GenX, PFAS, and PFOS,” said Rouzer. “As city and county water systems continue upgrading to address these pollutants, this legislation ensures rural communities aren’t left behind by supporting testing and the installation of effective filtration systems to remove these ‘forever chemicals.’”

    “All Wisconsin families, businesses, and communities should trust that the water coming out of their faucets is safe to drink, but across our state, rural communities are struggling to identify and treat chemicals like PFAs that endanger our health, especially for children,” said Senator Baldwin. “My bipartisan legislation ensures our small and rural communities aren’t left behind and makes sure they have what they need to find and get rid of dangerous chemicals and keep our families healthy.”

    “Maintaining and upgrading water and wastewater systems is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of our communities,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation will help reduce health-based contaminants like PFAS in drinking water, increase consumer confidence, and protect public health.”

    The Healthy H2O Act would provide funding for point-of-use water treatment systems, such as under-sink filters, that can deliver immediate protections. Nearly 43 million U.S. households— primarily in rural areas—depend on private wells that are not regularly monitored under federal or state drinking water programs, leaving many communities vulnerable to contamination.

    The Healthy H2O Act is supported by:

    • Water Quality Association 
    • American Supply Association 
    • Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) 
    • Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) 
    • National Groundwater Association (NGWA) 
    • High Performance Building Coalition 
    • NSF International 
    • Water Systems Council 
    • Water Well Trust 
    • The Groundwater Foundation 
    • International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) 
    • International Code Council (ICC) 
    • DigDeep 
    • California Ground Water Association 
    • Eastern Water Quality Association (EWQA) 
    • Florida Groundwater Association 
    • Florida Water Quality Association (FWQA) 
    • Illinois Association of Groundwater Professionals 
    • Iowa Water Quality Association 
    • Kentucky Groundwater Association 
    • Michigan Ground Water Association 
    • Minnesota WQA (MWQA) 
    • Minnesota Water Well Association 
    • Montana Water Well Drillers Association 
    • Nebraska On-Site Wastewater Association 
    • Nebraska State Irrigation Association 
    • Nebraska Water Leaders Academy 
    • Nebraska Well Drillers Association 
    • Ohio Water Quality Association (OWQA) 
    • Ohio Water Well Association 
    • Pacific Water Quality Association (PWQA) 
    • Pennsylvania Groundwater Association 
    • Texas Water Quality Association (TWQA) 
    • Virginia Water Well Association 
    • Water Council of Milwaukee 
    • Water Quality Association of Wisconsin 
    • Well Drillers Association of Wisconsin

    “We applaud Representatives Pingree and Rouzer for introducing the Healthy H2O Act that will increase access to safer drinking water in rural communities,” said Pauli Undesser, Executive Director of the Water Quality Association. “This grant program will help Americans who are most vulnerable to contaminants in their water supply – children, the elderly, and households that rely on private wells. By increasing access to testing and water filtration products, we can support the health and safety of these communities.”

    “Too often, rural communities across the country face barriers to accessing clean, safe drinking water,” said National Ground Water Association President Eric Macias. “The Healthy H2O Act is a real step forward, delivering resources to help families test and treat their water. This legislation reflects the kind of commonsense investment that can truly improve lives, and we commend Congresswoman Pingree for her leadership on this important issue.”

    Pingree, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, has long championed PFAS clean-up and clean drinking water legislation. She proudly supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included a $55 billion investment to replace lead service lines, $10 billion to address PFAS chemicals, and investments in water infrastructure across America, including in Tribal Nations and underserved communities that need it most.

    As Chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the EPA, in the 117th Congress and as Ranking Member in the 118th and 119th Congresses, Pingree has championed funding to clean up PFAS contamination. In the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bill signed by President Biden, Pingree secured $8 million for the EPA to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to further research on PFAS contamination in agriculture, as well as $5 million to assist farmers whose land has been contaminated by PFAS.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Massie and Pingree Introduce Bipartisan PRIME Act to Empower Local Livestock Farmers, Meet Consumer Demand

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)

    For Immediate Release

    Contact:

    John Kennedy, 202-225-3465 (Massie)
    Gabrielle Mannino, 207-509-5904 (Pingree)


    Washington, D.C    .- Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announce the re-introduction of the PRIME (Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption) Act to make it easier for small farms and ranches to serve consumers. The PRIME Act (H.R. 4700) would give individual states freedom to permit intrastate distribution of custom-slaughtered meat such as beef, pork, or lamb to consumers, restaurants, hotels, boarding houses, and grocery stores. 

    “Consumers want to know where their food comes from, what it contains, and how it’s processed. Yet federal inspection requirements make it difficult to purchase food from trusted, local farmers,” said Rep. Thomas Massie. “It is time to open our markets to give producers the freedom to succeed and consumers the freedom to choose.”

     “Consumers at the grocery store increasingly want quality, locally-grown food, but existing regulations and supply chain vulnerabilities don’t make it easy for them to access. In rural states like Maine, farmers often have to drive hundreds of miles just to get their livestock processed. We can and must do more to bolster our local food systems,” said Rep. Chellie Pingree. “The PRIME Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that strengthens infrastructure for local meat processing, supports family farms, and gives consumers easier access to locally raised food—along with greater transparency about where that food comes from.”

    Current law exempts custom slaughter of animals from federal inspection regulations, but only if the meat is slaughtered for personal, household, guest, and employee use (21 U.S.C. § 623(a)). This means that in order to sell individual cuts of locally raised meats to consumers, farmers and ranchers must first send their animals to one of a limited number of USDA-inspected slaughterhouses. These USDA-inspected slaughterhouses are sometimes hundreds of miles away from farms and ranches, adding substantial transportation costs and increasing the chances of locally raised meat co-mingling with industrially produced meat. The PRIME Act would expand the current custom exemption and allow small farms, ranches, and slaughterhouses to thrive.

    Original co-sponsors of the PRIME Act include: Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), Rep. John Carter (R-TX), Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX), Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA), Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL), Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL), Rep. Keith Self (R-TX), Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Rep. David Valadao (R-CA). 

    Companion legislation, S.2409, has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Rand Paul (R-KY).

    Massie raises cattle on his off-the-grid farm in northeast Kentucky. Pingree raises grass-fed beef and chickens on her island farm in North Haven, Maine.

    The text of the PRIME Act is available at this link. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Massie and Pingree Introduce Bipartisan PRIME Act to Empower Local Livestock Farmers, Meet Consumer Demand

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)

    For Immediate Release

    Contact:

    John Kennedy, 202-225-3465 (Massie)
    Gabrielle Mannino, 207-509-5904 (Pingree)


    Washington, D.C    .- Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announce the re-introduction of the PRIME (Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption) Act to make it easier for small farms and ranches to serve consumers. The PRIME Act (H.R. 4700) would give individual states freedom to permit intrastate distribution of custom-slaughtered meat such as beef, pork, or lamb to consumers, restaurants, hotels, boarding houses, and grocery stores. 

    “Consumers want to know where their food comes from, what it contains, and how it’s processed. Yet federal inspection requirements make it difficult to purchase food from trusted, local farmers,” said Rep. Thomas Massie. “It is time to open our markets to give producers the freedom to succeed and consumers the freedom to choose.”

     “Consumers at the grocery store increasingly want quality, locally-grown food, but existing regulations and supply chain vulnerabilities don’t make it easy for them to access. In rural states like Maine, farmers often have to drive hundreds of miles just to get their livestock processed. We can and must do more to bolster our local food systems,” said Rep. Chellie Pingree. “The PRIME Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that strengthens infrastructure for local meat processing, supports family farms, and gives consumers easier access to locally raised food—along with greater transparency about where that food comes from.”

    Current law exempts custom slaughter of animals from federal inspection regulations, but only if the meat is slaughtered for personal, household, guest, and employee use (21 U.S.C. § 623(a)). This means that in order to sell individual cuts of locally raised meats to consumers, farmers and ranchers must first send their animals to one of a limited number of USDA-inspected slaughterhouses. These USDA-inspected slaughterhouses are sometimes hundreds of miles away from farms and ranches, adding substantial transportation costs and increasing the chances of locally raised meat co-mingling with industrially produced meat. The PRIME Act would expand the current custom exemption and allow small farms, ranches, and slaughterhouses to thrive.

    Original co-sponsors of the PRIME Act include: Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), Rep. John Carter (R-TX), Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX), Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA), Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL), Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL), Rep. Keith Self (R-TX), Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Rep. David Valadao (R-CA). 

    Companion legislation, S.2409, has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Rand Paul (R-KY).

    Massie raises cattle on his off-the-grid farm in northeast Kentucky. Pingree raises grass-fed beef and chickens on her island farm in North Haven, Maine.

    The text of the PRIME Act is available at this link. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Exempt Small Businesses from Trump Tariffs on Canada 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, led Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in introducing the Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act, legislation that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada.  
    “Small businesses are the beating heart of Vermont’s economy, and they operate on the thinnest of margins. There’s no way small businesses can be expected to absorb the costs of President Trump’s tariffs. That’s especially true for smaller businesses across our state that rely on strong partnerships with Canada,” said Senator Welch. “This commonsense bill protects America’s Main Street businesses from Trump’s reckless trade war with Canada, and in turn helps Main Street customers.  
    “Instead of lowering costs for families, Trump’s destructive tariffs are raising prices and hurting American small businesses, from small manufacturers to Main Street shops, hotels, and restaurants that sustain thousands of local jobs. Trump’s chaotic trade war is burning bridges and ruining relationships with our closest ally and key trade partner, Canada, while driving away tourists and costing local economies billions. This bill would help restore our cherished relationship with our next-door neighbor and major economic partner, and bring relief to our communities and small businesses,” said Leader Schumer.  
    “President Trump’s tariffs are increasing prices on everyday goods and making it harder for businesses and working families to get by,” said Senator Shaheen. “Canada is New Hampshire’s northern neighbor and largest trading partner, meaning Granite State small businesses are especially hard hit by these blanket tariffs. By shielding small businesses from rising costs incurred by the President’s trade war, our legislation would give Main Street some much-needed relief and certainty to plan for the future and keep their businesses afloat.” 
    “I’ve heard loud and clear from small businesses in Alaska: tariffs are forcing prices to rise and making it difficult to plan long-term,” said Senator Murkowski. “We’re not just neighbors with Canada, we’re partners in everything from trade, tourism, defense, and fishing. I’m hopeful this legislation sends a clear message to the administration that we want to continue this strong partnership by alleviating the effects of these tariffs on our small businesses.” 
    “President Trump’s broad-based tariffs are causing economic chaos, uncertainty, and higher costs for families and businesses,” said Senator Kaine. “I’ve heard from small businesses across Virginia about how Trump’s trade wars have forced them to make tough decisions about how they’ll continue to operate. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleagues to exempt small businesses from Trump’s tariffs on Canada, one of our closest allies and top trading partners.” 
    “Imposing tariffs on Canada, Maine’s closest trading partner, threatens jobs, drives up costs, and hurts small businesses that have long relied on cross-border cooperation and exchange,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would shield small businesses throughout the country from unnecessary economic harm while preserving the vital trade ties that support so many Maine communities.” 
    “Donald Trump is hell-bent on turning Main Street into Pain Street for America’s small businesses. Trump’s tariffs threaten to supercharge costs in New England and Massachusetts, a region and a state that relies on trade with Canada to meet the bottom line,” said Senator Markey. “Blanket tariffs will only lead to layoffs, closures, and economic pain. That’s not putting America first. I’m proud to join my colleagues to protect small businesses in the Bay State and all of New England from this disastrous trade war.”  
    “Trump’s Canada tariffs don’t make sense for ANYONE, but especially not for American small businesses. Taxes on products from Canada means small businesses in America will pay more for the inputs they use to make things here in the United States – meaning prices will go up, jobs will be lost and small companies will shut down. This is a commonsense bill to exempt small businesses from Trump trade taxes and cushion some of the blow of his senseless trade war with Canada,” said Senator Wyden. 
    President Trump has changed or modified his tariff proposals and policies 28 times in his second term. These tariffs have been difficult to navigate for small businesses across the United States—especially in Vermont, where Canada is the state’s largest trading partner. Tariffs lead to supply chain disruptions, increased costs of goods and materials, smaller profits and higher costs for consumers.  
    The CANADA Act is supported by Main Street Alliance and Small Business Majority. 
    “The relationship between Canada and the United States is a critical one for farmers, small business owners, and Main Streets across the US, but especially in the border states. It is essential for this relationship that US trade policy is predictable, purposeful, and designed to benefit both countries. The erratic, fact-devoid tariff emergencies put into effect by President Trump are making it harder for US businesses to start and operate while not even achieving the goals they claim to have in the first place. The Senate passing the CANADA Act by Sen. Peter Welch is a step in the right direction, with more to do to restore US global leadership and rebuild trust that’s been unfortunately damaged over the past 7 months,” said Shawn Phetteplace, National Campaigns Director, Main Street Alliance. 
    “The constantly shifting tariff policy landscape has left small businesses struggling to plan ahead. Any amount of clarity lawmakers can offer right now, including an exemption for small businesses importing goods from a specific country, would help by giving entrepreneurs some degree of certainty in a chaotic time. If nothing is done soon to help protect small businesses from tariffs, we expect inflation, uncertainty and chaos will crush many small firms, damage America’s economy and cause the loss of countless jobs,” said John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO, Small Business Majority. 
    In 2024 alone, trade with Canada accounted for 35% of Vermont’s exports, 67% of its imports, and 56% of its total trade. One in four businesses in Vermont relies on trade with Canada. Vermont buys more goods from Canada than the next nine largest foreign markets combined. In 2023, Vermont exported $150 million just in food and agricultural products to Canada.  
    Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state, and employ over 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. Small businesses in Vermont also employ a diverse workforce, with 43.8% of small businesses in the state owned by women and 6% owned by veterans. 
    Senator Welch has blasted Trump’s tariffs and trade war and shared stories from Vermonters about how President Trump’s economic policies have impacted their businesses, farms, and communities. In May, Senator Welch joined a bipartisan delegation and traveled to Ottawa to meet with Canadian dignitaries, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, to discuss bipartisan support for a U.S.-Canada partnership and their commitment to a strong trading relationship between the United States and Canada. The Senator has hosted roundtables in Stowe, Newport, St. Albans, Manchester, and virtually to hear concerns and first-hand stories from Vermont and Canadian leaders impacted by the trade war. 
    Read and download the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Chicken Road Game India – Play and Win Real Money By Chicken Road

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Gurugram, Haryana, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Chicken Road Game Introduced to Indian Market

    The Chicken Road Game, a mobile-based casual title, has officially entered the Indian gaming space. The game, designed around a simple premise of navigating a chicken across busy roads and obstacle-filled environments, is now accessible through select digital platforms catering to mobile-first audiences.

    >>> Learn More About Chicken Road Game >>>

    The release comes as India continues to experience rapid growth in mobile and casual gaming, with millions of new players engaging in quick-session titles that require minimal setup or technical expertise.

    >>> Learn More About Chicken Road Game >>>

    Contextualising the Launch Chicken Road Game

    The launch of Chicken Road Game in India coincides with a broader shift toward hyper-casual mobile games that cater to diverse user groups — from urban commuters to players in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. With smartphone penetration surpassing 750 million users and data costs remaining among the lowest globally, the Indian market is increasingly attractive for lightweight, instantly accessible gaming formats.

    >>> Learn More About Chicken Road Game >>>

    The game’s structure, based on a universally understandable “cross-the-road” mechanic, reflects the demand for entertainment that is simple to learn, playable in short intervals, and broadly accessible across demographics.

    Format and Accessibility

    Chicken Road Game has been released with a mobile-first approach, optimised for Android devices commonly used across India. The game’s technical requirements remain minimal, allowing smooth operation even on entry-level smartphones and in areas with limited bandwidth.

    Features include:

    • A tap-based control system designed for short bursts of gameplay.
    • Randomised obstacle patterns to ensure varied playthroughs.
    • Lightweight installation size for users with limited device storage.

    The game is accessible for free on supported platforms, with optional ad-supported modes and cosmetic enhancements offered through in-app systems.

    Alignment with Casual Gaming Trends

    India’s gaming landscape has shifted dramatically toward hyper-casual experiences over the last five years. Titles that can be played without prior experience or extended learning curves now represent a significant share of downloads across app marketplaces.

    Chicken Road Game joins this category, offering entertainment that appeals to a broad spectrum of players — including those who may not identify as traditional gamers but engage with digital content during commutes, work breaks, or leisure time.

    Industry analysts note that these formats also help introduce new players to interactive entertainment ecosystems, often serving as an entry point into mobile gaming.

    Regulatory and Market Considerations

    The Chicken Road Game is delivered through established digital platforms that operate within India’s existing guidelines for mobile applications. As a casual, non-real-money title, it falls outside the regulatory frameworks governing online betting and wagering, making it widely accessible across states.

    Platforms distributing the game have incorporated standard user protection measures, including parental control features, to ensure suitability for varied age groups.

    Industry Observations

    The introduction of Chicken Road Game in India highlights the continued growth of quick-session, low-complexity mobile titles. Industry experts view these releases as a key driver for audience engagement, particularly as the country’s gaming audience expands beyond metro hubs to semi-urban and rural markets.

    Developers and publishers are increasingly focused on titles that leverage simple mechanics, low data usage, and universal appeal to build sustainable player bases across diverse regions.

    Conclusion

    The arrival of Chicken Road Game in the Indian market reflects the ongoing evolution of digital entertainment consumption. By combining a straightforward concept with a mobile-first design, the game underscores the role of hyper-casual formats in attracting and retaining players in one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets.

    As casual gaming continues to gain momentum, titles like Chicken Road Game represent the type of accessible entertainment that resonates with India’s mobile-first audience.

    Company Name: Chicken Road

    Address: 673, JMD Building, Gurugram, Haryana

    Website: https://chicken-roadd.com

    Email: sumit@chicken-roadd.com

    Phone: +91-2049157035

    Media Contact: Sumit

    Attachment

    • Chicken Road

    The MIL Network –

    July 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Middlefield Global Dividend Growers ETF Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Middlefield Global Dividend Growers ETF (TSX: MDIV) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for the third quarter of 2025 will be payable to unitholders of Middlefield Global Dividend Growers ETF as follows:

    Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per
    Trust Unit
    July 31, 2025 August 15, 2025 $0.06
    August 31, 2025 September 15, 2025 $0.06
    September 30, 2025 October 15, 2025 $0.06
         

    The trust units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MDIV.

    The Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for unitholders which provides unitholders with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions, commission free, and realize the benefits of compound growth. Unitholders can enroll in the DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor.

    Middlefield

    Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund; and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

    July 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Yellowstone has been a ‘sacred wonderland’ of spiritual power and religious activity for centuries – and for different faith groups

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Thomas S. Bremer, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, Rhodes College

    Beehive Geyser, in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. Thomas S. Bremer

    Nearly 5 million travelers come to Wyoming to visit Yellowstone National Park each year, most in the summer months. They come for the geysers, wildlife, scenery and recreational activities such as hiking, fishing and photography.

    However, few realize that religion has been part of Yellowstone’s appeal throughout the park’s history. My 2025 book “Sacred Wonderland” documents how people have long found holiness in Yellowstone: how a landscape once sacred to Native Americans later inspired Christians and New Age communities alike.

    Native reverence – and removal

    Long before European Americans “discovered” the Yellowstone region in the 19th century, numerous Indigenous peoples were aware of its unique landscape – particularly geysers, hot springs and other hydrothermal wonders. Several tribal groups engaged in devotional practices long before it became a park. These included the Tukudika, or Sheep Eaters, a band of mountain Shoshone. They lived year-round within the boundaries of what would become the national park.

    Anthropologists know relatively little about the specific beliefs that Native Americans held about Yellowstone during this era. However, it’s clear most of the Indigenous groups who frequented Yellowstone considered it, as historian Paul Schullery concludes, “a place of spiritual power, of communion with natural forces, a place that inspired reverence.”

    Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park.
    Thomas S. Bremer

    After the Civil War, more Euro-Americans entered the region. In 1872, the U.S. government created Yellowstone as the first national park, setting a precedent for others in the United States and around the world.

    Yellowstone and other U.S. national parks established in the 19th century were products of manifest destiny: the Christian idea that Americans had a divinely ordained right to expand their country across the continent. The nation’s westward expansion included turning supposedly wild, “uncivilized” areas into parks.

    The park system’s creation, though, came at the cost of Indigenous communities. In Yellowstone, the Tukudika were forcibly removed in the 1870s to two reservations in Idaho and Wyoming, as anthropologists Peter Nabokov and Lawrence Loendorf discuss in their book “Restoring a Presence.”

    Christian ministry

    In addition to the concept of manifest destiny, Christians brought their own religious practices to Yellowstone National Park.

    The U.S. Army was responsible for protecting and managing the park from 1886 to 1918. It operated from Fort Yellowstone at Mammoth Hot Springs in the northern part of the park. The last building it erected at the fort was a chapel, which has been in continuous use as a worship space – mostly for Christian groups – since its completion in 1913.

    The Yellowstone National Park Chapel at Mammoth Hot Springs, finished in 1913, was the last building constructed by the U.S. Army at Fort Yellowstone.
    Thomas S. Bremer

    One group that has used the chapel consistently since the 1950s is ACMNP, A Christian Ministry in the National Parks, an evangelical Protestant parachurch ministry founded in Yellowstone. Its volunteers conduct worship services and proselytize among employees and visitors.

    ACMNP began as the brainchild of Presbyterian minister Warren Ost, who had worked as a bellhop at the Old Faithful Inn during summer breaks in seminary. Upon graduation, he formed the ministry, hoping to capitalize on the awe people experience in the parks to affirm believers’ faith and bring new souls to Christ.

    ACMNP’s mission involves placing seminarians and other students in national parks as “worker-witnesses.” They work as paid employees in secular jobs and conduct religious activities after their regular working hours. Additionally, they are encouraged to talk about religion with their fellow workers on the job.

    ACMNP experienced rapid growth in the 1950s and 1960s, boosted by support from National Park Service leadership. Cooperation included reduced-cost housing for their volunteers, and in some parks the superintendents or other high-level officials served on local ACMNP committees.

    At its peak in the 1970s, ACMNP had nearly 300 volunteers working in over 50 locations. However, a federal lawsuit in the 1990s challenged its relationship with the government on the grounds of church-state separation and ended some of the privileges ACMNP had enjoyed. Not long after the legal action, Ost announced his retirement.

    Although the organization has scaled back operations, the ministry in Yellowstone has experienced few changes. ACMNP volunteers continue to offer religious services to park employees and visitors throughout the summer.

    Spiritual fortress

    Another religious group has a very different interpretation of Yellowstone. The Church Universal and Triumphant, which had several thousand members at its height, was founded by Elizabeth Clare Prophet in the 1970s, based on the teachings of her late husband, Mark Prophet.

    The Church Universal and Triumphant is an heir to the “I AM” movement, which flourished in the U.S. during the 1930s. Most prominent among I AM’s influences were theosophy, which promotes esoteric knowledge gleaned from Asian religious traditions as a universal wisdom underlying all religions; new thought, which advocates a mind-over-matter spirituality; and spiritualism, which involves communicating with spirits.

    In the 1980s, Prophet’s followers relocated from California to Montana, where they purchased a large ranch adjacent to Yellowstone National Park’s northwest boundary. With them, they brought an eclectic New Age theology that combines elements of Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism with belief in “ascended masters,” spiritual beings who guide the church. The group’s tradition teaches that beneath Yellowstone are two underground caverns, hidden from human view, that contain a cache of sacred stones with spiritual powers.

    The Church Universal and Triumphant gained attention in the ‘90s when its believers in Montana built underground bunkers. Members believed that their ascended masters had predicted a nuclear war and had instructed the community to prepare to survive underground. When the prophecy of a nuclear attack did not materialize, many members became disillusioned.

    The group struggled to rebuild its reputation and establish goodwill with Montana neighbors, including the National Park Service. Elizabeth Clare Prophet retired in 1999, and since then the church has concentrated more on its publishing and educational enterprises. However, a core community of the faithful still live and worship on their Royal Teton Ranch adjacent to Yellowstone.

    The main church sanctuary at Church Universal and Triumphant headquarters, just outside Yellowstone National Park.
    Thomas S. Bremer

    Although the community teaches that its Montana ranch is a sacred location of the ascended masters, followers’ holiest place in the Western Hemisphere is roughly 35 miles south of Yellowstone, in Grand Teton National Park. They believe humanity began at Grand Teton Mountain and that the faithful will find their destiny there.

    Accordingly, members believe that Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks are brimming with spiritual powers, sacred sources of light and energy for the entire world.

    In my conversations with people in the park, I found that very few knew anything about Yellowstone’s religious history at all – especially Native American practices. The ongoing practices of religious communities in the park remain invisible to nearly all visitors. Still, many vacationers interpret Yellowstone’s wonders as evidence of God’s handiwork.

    Thomas S. Bremer received funding in the past to conduct historical research for the National Park Service at Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois.

    – ref. Yellowstone has been a ‘sacred wonderland’ of spiritual power and religious activity for centuries – and for different faith groups – https://theconversation.com/yellowstone-has-been-a-sacred-wonderland-of-spiritual-power-and-religious-activity-for-centuries-and-for-different-faith-groups-261045

    MIL OSI –

    July 25, 2025

  • India and UK sign landmark trade deal: How CETA could benefit different sections of society

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India and the United Kingdom have inked a landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment. The deal is expected to bring substantial benefits across various segments of Indian society.

    By promoting greater market access, technology exchange and investment flows, the agreement would create inclusive and sustainable growth opportunities.

    The CETA document outlines targeted advantages for farmers, fisherfolk, tribal communities, informal and formal workers, women entrepreneurs, youth, MSMEs and professionals.

    It emphasizes trade facilitation, skill development, value chain integration and enhanced mobility. CETA would act as a vehicle for equitable growth, rural upliftment and greater global integration of India’s diverse economic stakeholders.

    Indian farming communities stand to gain from easier access to the UK market and more opportunities to sell their produce due to tariff elimination.

    Among other concessions, the UK will liberalise access, effective from the date of implementation, for a range of Indian agricultural and food products, including meats, dairy, tea, coffee, spices, fruits, vegetables, fruit juices, and processed foods. By unlocking preferential access to the UK’s USD 63.4 billion agricultural market, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) gives Indian farmers a direct route to a high-value global customer base and achieve better returns for their goods.

    The CETA agreement takes fully into account the interests of Indian producers of sensitive agricultural products like dairy products, vegetables, apples, edible oils, oats, etc. by keeping those tariff lines under a sensitive list.

    The agricultural sector also benefits from the non-application of safeguard duties on Indian exports. Farmers will also benefit from commitments taken under the CETA to acknowledge traditional knowledge, especially in the patent process for genetic resources.

    The immediate removal of duties on Indian products from labour-intensive sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles, leather and footwear, and food processing will not only boost employment but also directly benefit Indian workers in these industries.

    The CETA marks a significant step forward in advancing opportunities for women and youth across both nations. It includes progressive provisions designed to break down barriers and promote greater participation in international trade, digital innovation, and government procurement for women, youth, and under-represented groups.

    By fostering cooperation on gender-responsive standards, sharing best practices in financial services, and improving digital inclusion, the CETA ensures that women business owners, entrepreneurs, and young professionals can access new markets, acquire valuable information, and participate equitably in global, regional, and domestic economies.

    India’s youth, aged 15 to 29 and comprising approximately 27.3% of the population, are at the forefront of the country’s social and economic transformation. The CETA is poised to expand high-quality employment pathways for Indian youth by easing services market access, securing mutual recognition of professional qualifications and facilitating short-term mobility for talent in IT, healthcare, finance, and creative sectors.

    Lower tariffs on inputs and advanced manufacturing equipment can spur MSME supply-chain integration, creating skilled vocational jobs beyond metros. By fostering access to global value chains and enhancing competitiveness, CETA will empower Indian youth with essential skills and pathways to participate in international markets and future growth.

    SMEs are a vital part of India’s economy, contributing around 30.1% of India’s GDP in 2022-23 and 45.8% in India’s total export in 2024-25.

    SMEs benefit from various provisions of the CETA, including through provisions on faster processing at customs, agreements to recognise and facilitate digital systems and paperless trade, and a dedicated chapter to help SMEs. A contact point for SMEs will be established under the ambit of the CETA, facilitating communication and coordination benefiting SMEs.

    Indian businesses will gain a lot from this CETA. Other than lower tariffs and market access for Indian goods and services, the CETA offers ease of doing business with the UK through simplified and streamlined customs and trade facilitation processes from established systems like a Single Window and Authorised Economic Operator.

    Non-discriminatory treatment to Indian businesses and exporters when it comes to goods, services and government procurement, benefits Indian businesses in the UK market.

    Qualified professionals such as architects, engineers and medical professionals will be able to take advantage of the enhanced market access under the CETA and provide services in the UK. This is expected to create direct and indirect jobs through the expansion of service sectors.

    CETA also provides professionals with better mobility access to the UK. Independent professionals providing services such as R&D and computer services will be able to take advantage of these mobility commitments and provide their services in the UK. This will directly lead to job creation and better opportunities for a wide range of professionals, thereby increasing the quality of life.

    The CETA ensures comprehensive market access for goods across most sectors, fully addressing India’s export interests. India stands to benefit from the duty elimination of tariffs on approximately 99% of tariff lines, covering nearly 100% of the trade value.

    This opens up significant opportunities to boost bilateral trade between India and the UK.

    In key labor-intensive sectors, duties have been reduced to zero from previously high levels- up to 20% on marine products, 12% on textiles and clothing, 8% on chemicals, and 10% on base metals. Notably, in the processed food sector, tariffs on 99.7% of lines have been slashed from as high as 70% to zero, offering a major boost for Indian exporters.

    (ANI)

    July 24, 2025

  • India-UK CETA to boost Indian farmers’ global access and rural prosperity

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will open new avenues of growth for Indian farmers. Focused on tariff elimination and improved market access, the deal promises to connect Indian agricultural producers with the UK’s high-value market, enhance rural prosperity, and strengthen India’s position in global agri-trade.

    Farmers – sow local, sell global

    Indian farming communities stand to gain from easier access to the UK market and more opportunities to sell their produce due to tariff elimination. Among others, UK will liberalise at entry into force Indian meats, dairy products, tea, coffee, spices, fruits, vegetables, fruit juices, and processed agriculture products. By unlocking preferential access to the UK’s USD 63.4 billion agricultural market, the CETA gives Indian farmers a direct route to a high-value global customer base and achieve better returns for their goods.

    The agreement takes fully into account the interests of Indian producers of sensitive agricultural products like dairy products, vegetables, apples, edible oils, oats, etc. by keeping those tariff lines under sensitive list.

    The agricultural sector also benefits from the non-application of safeguard duties on Indian exports. Farmers will benefit from commitments taken under the CETA to acknowledge traditional knowledge, especially in the patent process for genetic resources.

    Additionally, the CETA will facilitate inclusive and tech-agnostic innovation across diverse sectors, including agriculture sector.

    Collectively, the CETA is expected to ensure higher and more stable incomes for Indian farmers, promote rural prosperity, and secure long-term export opportunities—solidifying India’s place as a key player in global agricultural trade.

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Surging airpower in the Pacific: Lamontagne observes allied mobility in action

    Source: United States Airforce

    The commander of AMC visited the 515th AMOW squadrons during the U.S. Air Force Department-Level Exercise, to see how the Pacific-oriented AMC wing conducts an operational surge.

    JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) —  Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, Air Mobility Command commander, visited the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing during a recent stop in the Indo-Pacific theater to observe the U.S. Air Force’s 2025 Department-Level Exercise series — this first-in-a-generation exercise series is designed to test the service’s ability to rapidly deploy at speed and scale and sustain global operations.

    The 515th AMOW, headquartered in Hawaii, plays a pivotal role in enabling air mobility across the Indo-Pacific region. Lamontagne’s visit focused on how air mobility squadrons operate during surge conditions and how they integrate with allies and partners to move critical capabilities where they are most needed.

    “Hosting General Lamontagne was a great chance to show how our Airmen rise to the challenge,” said Col. Jens Lyndrup, 515th AMOW commander. “They surge, adapt and deliver — with our allies by their side — and they do it with incredible precision and pride.”

    Lamontagne echoed that sentiment, praising the dedication and resilience of Airmen across the theater

    “The Airmen are what impress me, period,” Lamontagne said. “The Airmen of the air mobility squadrons are fully executing the mission in tough environments during a very challenging exercise, helping the Department of the Air Force come together in a big way.”

    With contested logistics becoming a central theme in defense planning, Lamontagne emphasized the 515th AMOW’s unique role in scaling operations and reinforcing key nodes in support of U.S. and allied objectives.

    “We couldn’t execute this large-scale exercise without the AMOW out here in the Pacific,” he said. “There’s no way we could project power at this scale without the 515th AMOW. They do an indispensable job surging capability where it’s needed, delivering greater throughput, capacity and operational reach.”

    Close coordination with international partners was also a key focus of the visit. Lamontagne highlighted the strong relationship between the 730th Air Mobility Squadron, based at Yokota Air Base, Japan, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

    Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, Air Mobility Command commander receives a brief from Master Sgt. Travis Alton, 735th Air Mobility Squadron aerial port section chief during a squadron visit at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawai’i, July 12, 2025. Lamontagne visited the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing squadrons during the U.S. Air Force Department-Level Exercise, to see how the Pacific oriented AMC wing conducts an operational surge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria Cowan)
    Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, Air Mobility Command commander receives a brief from Airmen assigned to the 735th Air Mobility Squadron aircraft maintenance unit at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawai’i, July 12, 2025. Lamontagne visited the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing squadrons during the U.S. Air Force Department-Level Exercise, to see how the Pacific oriented AMC wing conducts an operational surge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria Cowan)
    Airmen assigned to the 735th Air Mobility Squadron aircraft maintenance unit brief Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, Air Mobility Command Commander during a squadron visit at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawai’i, July 12, 2025. Lamontagne visited the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing squadrons during the U.S. Air Force Department-Level Exercise, to see how the Pacific oriented AMC wing conducts an operational surge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria Cowan)

    “The 730th AMS has a great relationship with their Japanese counterparts, and we had the opportunity to meet with a couple of their three-stars who run their Air Defense Command and Air Support Command,” Lamontagne said. “They help us present forces at the tactical level and enable success at the operational and strategic levels very effectively each and every day.”

    As competitors challenge U.S. military advantage in the region, Lamontagne emphasized the scale, speed and effectiveness of American airpower.

    “No other air force can do it at the scale and on the timeline that our Air Force can,” he said. “Operating as one big Air Force to do what our nation needs us to do is really where it’s at.”

    From enabling deterrence to sustaining operations at the tactical edge, the 515th AMOW and its network of mobility Airmen remain a critical part of the United States’ ability to project power — anytime, anywhere.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao Health, Animal and Plant Quarantine and Food Safety Control Meeting 2025 held online

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao Health, Animal and Plant Quarantine and Food Safety Control Meeting 2025 was held online for two consecutive days and concluded today (July 24). Representatives from the three places shared experiences and exchanged views on various topics within the fields of health, animal and plant quarantine, and food safety control. The three places agreed to further strengthen exchanges and co-operation.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Ms Irene Young, said that with the acceleration of the integration process of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the movement of people, trade in goods, and economic interactions among the three places have become increasingly frequent. The governments of the three places have been working closely together in areas such as health, animal and plant quarantine, and food safety control, achieving significant results across various fields. The meeting enabled experts from the three places to exchange insights, taking the collaboration to new heights.

    The Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui, also said at the meeting that the meeting would further strengthen collaboration on health quarantine between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. This will help build a robust cross-boundary public health protection system that safeguards the health and safety of people travelling to and from the three places, creating a “Healthy Bay Area”.

    Representatives from the Mainland and the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) attending the meeting included the Deputy Director General of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Feng Guoqing; the Acting Chairman of the Administration Committee on Municipal Affairs of the Municipal Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Mr Mak Kim-meng; and the Director of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of the Health Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Dr Leong Iek-hou.

    Other representatives from Hong Kong were the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; and Acting Controller of the Centre for Food Safety, Dr Yonnie Lam and Dr Terence Cheung.

    The Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao Health, Animal and Plant Quarantine and Food Safety Control Meeting is held every two years.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: CLEAR, an Official TSA PreCheck® Enrollment Provider, Expands Enrollment and Renewal Options by Opening a New Location at Aventura Mall in South Florida

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CLEAR (NYSE: YOU), an authorized TSA PreCheck® enrollment provider, continues to expand locations outside the airport environment to enroll and renew consumers in the Trusted Traveler program by opening a new location at Aventura Mall in Aventura, Florida. This complements CLEAR’s 62 airport-based enrollment and renewal locations across the U.S., and CLEAR’s additional flagship locations outside of the airport.

    The launch of this new enrollment location represents the ongoing expansion of CLEAR’s national TSA PreCheck enrollment footprint. Throughout 2025, CLEAR expects to continue delivering convenience to consumers by launching additional locations and extended hours of operation for enrollment and renewals.

    “TSA PreCheck through CLEAR provides a fast and efficient travel experience,” said Kyle McLaughlin, Executive Vice President of Travel and Aviation at CLEAR. “We’re excited to bring this trusted traveler program to Aventura Mall, one of South Florida’s premier shopping destinations. By expanding TSA PreCheck enrollment beyond airports, we’re making it easier and more convenient than ever for people to enroll or renew—helping them move through security faster and with less friction.”

    “At Aventura Mall, we’re continually looking for ways to enhance and simplify the guest experience,” said an Aventura Mall spokesperson. “The addition of TSA PreCheck enrollment through CLEAR is a natural extension of our commitment to providing elevated benefits and enhanced access to better serve our guests.”

    Located in the lower level of Aventura Mall, the enrollment local hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET and Sunday from noon ET to 7 p.m. ET. Look for the TSA PreCheck through CLEAR standing banners and pods.

    TSA PreCheck members benefit from the convenience of keeping shoes, belts and light jackets on through the airport security checkpoint, and keeping laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags. Members typically get through security screening much faster, with about 99% of members waiting less than 10 minutes at airport checkpoints nationwide.

    New TSA PreCheck applicants can pre-enroll or find an enrollment location by visiting CLEAR’s authorized TSA PreCheck website, https://tsaprecheckbyclear.tsa.dhs.gov/. Most existing TSA PreCheck members can renew directly on the website, regardless of the provider they enrolled with originally.

    A list of CLEAR enrollment locations for TSA PreCheck is included below, and on the CLEAR, TSA PreCheck website: https://tsaprecheckbyclear.tsa.dhs.gov/locations.

    About TSA PreCheck®
    TSA PreCheck is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler program that allows enrolled travelers expedited screening through airport security. TSA PreCheck lanes are located at over 200 airports with nearly 90 airlines participating. Since TSA first launched the TSA PreCheck application program as a DHS Trusted Traveler Program for low-risk travelers in December 2013, active membership in the program has grown to more than 20 million members.

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

    About Aventura Mall
    Voted the Best Mall by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Aventura Mall continues to set the standard as the premier shopping destination in Miami and South Florida—and one of the top shopping centers in the U.S. Anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, the center is highlighted by a mix of over 300 stores, from luxury fashion brands to shopper favorites, including the largest Apple store in Florida, the first Eataly in Florida, SKIMS, Alo, Zara, Adidas, Aritzia, Prada, BVLGARI, Burberry, Cartier, Givenchy, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Saint Laurent and Valentino. Aventura Mall also features more than 50 eateries and restaurants, including Treats Food Hall; The Aventura Farmers Market, which showcases dozens of farmers and artisans; and the experiential Arts Aventura Mall program, highlighting 25+ museum-quality pieces in a range of mediums, which guests can enjoy via a self-guided ArtWalk audio tour. Visit AventuraMall.com for more information.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that any and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those described in the Company’s filings within the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10- K. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

    CLEAR
    media@clearme.com

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

    The MIL Network –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Promotion of EU farm products – 14-07-2025 – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development holds a hearing on Promotion of EU farm products, on 14 July.

    The European Union’s agricultural promotion policy aims to support the EU’s agricultural sector by encouraging the consumption and visibility of EU agricultural products, both within the Union and abroad. Five experts will share their experience and insights. Among other matters, they will help the AGRI members to assess whether the general and specific objectives of the promotion policy remain relevant in view of a possible reform.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Cocoa with a conscience: Funding fair and forest‑friendly beans

    Source: European Investment Bank

    The European Union has taken steps to combat deforestation and child labour through the Sustainable Cocoa Initiative and the Alliance for Sustainable Cocoa. Those initiatives call on countries like the Ivory Coast and Ghana, which produce 60% of the world’s cocoa, to improve oversight of the sector, combat deforestation and child labour, and ensure decent incomes for farmers. Exporters will also have to comply with a new European regulation on deforestation, which is expected to go into force in 2026.

    In parallel, the Ivorian government has embarked on an “ambitious initiative” to implement new African standards that trace crops across cocoa-producing regions and improve environmental protection, says Sylvain Caurla, an agroforestry engineer with the European Investment Bank who works on sustainable cocoa and reforestation projects in the Ivory Coast.

    “Cocoa has been a major driver of deforestation in recent decades,” Caurla says. “But cocoa is also a major contributor to Ivorian GDP. There is a world strategy around protecting forests, but also producing cocoa in a different way, a sustainable way – a way that provides a decent livelihood for communities that depend on it.”

    The EIB’s loan to BNI was approved in September 2024, just in time for the main cocoa harvest season, which lasts from October to March. In a few weeks, BNI was able to put together projects – loans for agricultural cooperatives and others – accounting for about 90% of the EIB funds, says Marc-Antoine Coursaget, the loan officer in EIB Global who is handling the investment.

    Around 60% of the financed cooperatives are led by young entrepreneurs or employ a significant number of young people, while 40% are either led by women or have a large number of women in the workforce.

    The EIB and Agence Française de Développement will also provide technical assistance to help BNI strengthen its environmental and social management system and enable cocoa producers meet EU requirements and the demands of international certifications. Those regulations and certifications are designed to curb cacao’s incursion into Ivory Coast’s rainforest, which has shrunk by more than 80% since 1960, with devastating consequences for biodiversity.

    Ivory Coast has embarked on vast programmes of reforestation to counter the loss. The EIB is providing €150 million to support the country’s forest preservation, rehabilitation and expansion strategy.

    “The European Union has two main priorities in Ivory Coast: one is the Sustainable Cocoa Initiative and the second is low-carbon transition,” Coursaget says. “And when you fight deforestation, you also help reduce carbon emissions.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa publishes new regulations on meat analogue products

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The Department of Agriculture has published regulations governing the sale of meat analogue products in South Africa.

    The regulations, published under Government Gazette Notice R. 6436 on 18 July 2025, follow a series of consultative meetings with all affected stakeholders, including the red meat industry.

    The regulations set out minimum standards for meat analogues and prescribe the labelling requirements, and compliance to the standards for meat when presented for sale.

    According to the department, any product labelled as a “meat replacer,” “meat substitute,” “meat alternative,” “plant-based protein,” or any similar terminology on the main display panel, must contain a minimum of 9% protein.

    “The meat analogue products, also known as meat substitutes, mock meat, faux meat, or imitation meat, were initially defined in the Processed Meat Regulations as a product that approximates the aesthetic qualities (primary texture, flavour and appearance) and/or chemical characteristics of a specific type of meat.

    “These products are derived from non-meat ingredients, sometimes without dairy products and are available in different forms (coarse ground meat analogues, emulsified meat analogues and loose fill, etc.),” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

    The regulations specify acceptable product descriptors, allowing terms such as hot dogs, chipolatas, bites, steaks, pops, balls rounds, pieces, tenders, burgers, patties, sausages, bangers, griller loafs, polonies, mince, roasts, schnitzels and products named according to shapes, like frikkadel wheels, discs, nuggets, rolls and sizzlers.

    “The use of these names shall be permitted with the use of names that describe the meat analogues and, if necessary, their use, and which are sufficiently clear to enable consumers to determine their true nature so that they are distinguishable from other products.”

    The product names must not include references to specific animal species, cuts, or morphology. The words or expressions such as “chicken-style,” “beef-style,” “chick’n,” and “b*con”, or any similar wording referring to animal species or meat products, are prohibited under the Agricultural Product Standards Act, 1990 (Act No. 119 of 1990).

    Until advised otherwise, departmental inspectors will oversee the enforcement of the regulations, considering that “there is currently no designated assignee.”

    The Food Safety Agency will monitor compliance with labelling standards for both meat analogues and processed meats, while the Border Management Authority will enforce rules pertaining to imports.

    The department emphasised that the publication of these regulations should be welcomed and appreciated by all affected stakeholders, as it brings the necessary clarity required for the trade of meat analogues and meat products.

    “Consumers will enjoy the protection from the sale of misleading products. Furthermore, the publication of the Meat Analogue Products Regulations will foster confidence in the sale of meat analogues and meat products in South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Holidaymakers heading to Europe urged to help protect British farmers by not bringing back meat and dairy products

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Holidaymakers heading to Europe urged to help protect British farmers by not bringing back meat and dairy products

    Call for holidaymakers to follow rules introduced to help protect farmers from Foot and Mouth

    UK holidaymakers heading to Europe this summer are being urged to help protect British farmers from Foot and Mouth disease by not bringing back meat and dairy products 

    Europe has seen a wave of cases impacting Hungary, Austria and Germany, and the UK Chief Vet is today (July 24th) urging the British public to comply with the rules, so we avoid a devastating outbreak like the one that was experienced in 2001. 

    Foot and Mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that can, in some cases, kill cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. It can be carried in animal products – including meat, dairy products and some processed food. The virus can remain viable for months and can rapidly spread through contaminated objects and the movement of people.  

    It is illegal for travellers entering GB to bring with them untreated meat or dairy products including lamb, pork, mutton, venison and goat meat, and all other products made from these meats or containing them – such as sandwiches and sausages – from the EU, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged or have been bought at duty free.     

    This includes products such as cheese, chorizo, salami, serrano ham, pâté, yoghurt, butter, milk, and sandwiches containing any of the banned meats.  

    These strict rules were introduced due to the toll Foot and Mouth can have on the farming industry . An outbreak could result in the culling of large numbers of the country’s livestock and cost the UK economy billions of pounds in production shortfalls, lost trade and disease control. The outbreak in GB in 2001 is estimated to have cost £15 billion (in current prices) in disease control costs alone.  

    Biosecurity Minister, Baroness Hayman, said: 

    Maintaining the integrity of our biosecurity against Foot and Mouth Disease is essential, and this updated control strategy reflects our strengthened approach to managing that risk. It reflects our clear determination to safeguard our borders. 

    We are asking the public to take this seriously. Do not bring prohibited animal or plant products into the country—doing so puts farmers livelihoods at risk.

    UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:  

    Foot and Mouth disease has been recently circulating on the continent. The disease presents a significant risk to Britain’s food security and economy. 

    This highly contagious disease causes considerable suffering to livestock and has a devastating economic and personal impact on farmers, who lose their prized animals.  I know it is disappointing not to be able to bring back produce from your holidays, but please avoid temptation – you will be doing your bit to help protect our hard-working farmers.

    To further strengthen the country’s response to foot and mouth disease, the Government has today updated the Foot and Mouth Control Strategy for GB which will support the UK’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to an outbreak, protecting the livestock industry and rural economy. This is the first update in over a decade. This comes ahead of an exercise later this year to test Government preparedness. The updated framework provides information to help farmers protect their business and outlines how government will respond effectively to outbreaks. 

    Last month, the Government announced £1bn funding for a new investment programme to build a new National Biosecurity Centre – a cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey that will serve as the UKs foremost animal biosecurity facility. This will better protect the public and farmers from animal disease by enhancing the country’s detection, surveillance and control capabilities for high-risk animal diseases, such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease, and African swine fever, and enhance our ability to manage concurrent disease outbreaks. 

    Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:    

    • 03000 200 301 in England     

    • 0300 303 8268 in Wales     

    • your local  Field Services Office in Scotland 

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors – current restrictions  

    • Travellers are currently banned from bringing all dairy products and some meats from the European Union (EU) into GB. These restrictions aim to prevent the introduction of FMD and other harmful animal diseases such as ASF, PPR and LSD.   

    • It is illegal for travellers entering GB (not Northern Ireland) to bring with them lamb, pork, mutton, venison and goat meat, and all other products made from these meats or containing them – such as sandwiches and sausages – from the EU, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged or have been bought at duty free.     

    • This includes products such as cheese, chorizo, salami, serrano ham, pâté, yoghurt, butter, milk, and sandwiches containing any of the banned meats.  

    • The current restrictions were introduced in April in response to rising cases of FMD in Europe, and to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security. Restrictions on travellers bringing back certain meat and dairy products were already in place to curb the spread of ASF and PPR in Europe.   

    • Travellers are also banned from bringing any meat, meat products, milk or milk-based products into GB from countries outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.  

    • Border Force will check for prohibited goods as part of customs checks. Travellers found with prohibited items must surrender them at the border or have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with such may be fined up to £5,000 in England or prosecuted across GB.  

    • The government continues to work closely with ports, airports and travel operators to raise awareness of the ban, including via prominent signage.  

    • The measures will stay in place until the personal import of affected products no longer poses a significant biosecurity risk to GB.  

    • The restrictions do not apply to travellers arriving into GB from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.  

    • The measures apply only to personal imports, e.g. goods that travellers bring back with them from holiday. Commercial food imports must undergo other biosecurity requirements, including heat treatments and accompanying export health certificates signed by official veterinarians to mitigate the risk of diseases, such as FMD, ASF, PPR and LSD.  

    • More information for travellers arriving from the EU can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain/meat-dairy-fish-animal-products

    Share this page

    The following links open in a new tab

    • Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
    • Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eswatini: How cash and voucher assistance is empowering women to rebuild after calamity

    Source: APO


    .

    In the southern African nation of Eswatini, cash and voucher assistance is making a real difference in people’s lives, particularly those most vulnerable after crisis. ‘It’s not just about fairness—it’s about effectiveness.’

    Even before the floods, life for Banele Mamba was hard enough. But then the floodwaters came and the 31-year-old mother of five had to cope with extensive damage to her family’s home. 

    “Water would seep in through the house,” she says. “I was so worried—especially because I live with chronic illness. I didn’t want the children to get sick from flu, cholera or other diseases.”

    Banele Mamba was able to fix some of those leaks, make other critical repairs and restock her pantry with support that came in the form of cash and voucher assistance provided by the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society.

    The Red Cross here has been working in partnership with the IFRC Pretoria Delegation, as part of the EU-funded Pilot Programmatic Partnership (ECHO PPP), to deliver cash and vouchers to people impacted by recent floods.

    Unlike other forms of relief aid such as food or household supplies, cash transfer and vouchers give people such as Banele the power to decide what her families need most following times of crisis. 

    Delivered through mobile money transfers, both the cash and voucher components are redeemed in cash form. This approach empowers families while also supporting the local economy through increased purchasing at community shops and markets. 

    For Banele Mamba, the flexibility of cash support made a world of difference. She used part of the funds to seal parts of the leaking roof and reinforce the walls to prevent water from seeping in during heavy rains. 

    She also used the cash to buy essential food items and toiletries—products that she previously struggled to afford consistently. In months when the household budget was tight, she was therefore able to avoid borrowing from local money lenders. 

    “We believe that people affected by crises are the best placed to decide their needs,” says Tebukhosi Dlamini, Safe and Inclusive Programming Officer at Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society. 

    While the EU provided funding, the IFRC contributed technical guidance and policy review support to the Eswatini National Society during the planning and implementation of the programme. In doing so, the IFRC Pretoria delegation applied a protection- and gender-sensitive lens across all stages of the programmatic partnership. 

    “By applying protection and gender-sensitive principles, we ensure that women like Banele are not only included but prioritized in the selection processes,” Dlamini added.

    Putting inclusion into practice

    Women-headed households, survivors of gender-based violence, caregivers of orphaned children, and other at-risk groups were given high priority, recognizing people in these situations often face greater risks and barriers to recovery. 

    “Focusing on women and other vulnerable groups is not just about fairness—it’s about effectiveness,” says Boitumelo Phihlela, who works as focal person for protection, gender and inclusion, as well as community engagement and accountability, for the IFRC’s Pretoria Delegation. 

    “When we prioritize those most at risk, we strengthen the entire community’s resilience. Women, in particular, play a vital role in family and community wellbeing, so supporting them directly creates a ripple effect of positive change. 

    “This approach also ensures that protection and dignity are central to our response, which is key to building trust and long-term recovery.”

    The process is guided by inclusive criteria co-developed with the communities, which then participates in applying these standards to all aspects of the initiative.

    Continued learning and improvement: Key lessons learned

    The cash and voucher assistance programme in Eswatini fits in with larger efforts to continually improve the way the IFRC works with, supports and accompanies communities following crisis.

    The IFRC Pretoria Delegation and its partners, for example, also use this inclusive mindset – along with cash and voucher assistance – to strengthen long-term resilience local farmers in four other countries in southern Africa (Lesotho, Botswana, South Africa and Namibia). 

    The support also comes in the form of seeds and other agricultural inputs—ensuring communities are not only surviving today but are better prepared for the future. 

    Here are a few of the key takeaways from the IFRC Pretoria delegation’s three-year Programmatic Partnership collaboration.

    • Embed protection, gender and inclusion principles throughout all stages of programme design and implementation —ensuring that the unique needs, risks, and capacities of different groups, particularly women, children, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations, are considered and addressed.
    • Prioritize proactive, inclusive community engagement where feedback mechanisms are not only established but also trusted and accessible to all segments of the population.
    • Strengthen the feedback loop by ensuring community input is used to inform and adjust programming. The use of community feedback is needed to shape programming decisions which helps build trust and ensures greater accountability to target populations. In one farming community, for example, people noted that the seeds initially provided were not suited to their local soil and climate conditions, which affected crop growth. Upon hearing this, the Red Cross programme adapted by sourcing and distributing more appropriate seed varieties, improving harvest outcomes and reinforcing the community’s trust that their feedback leads to real changes.

    “It’s not enough to have feedback systems—we must make them visible, trusted, and use them to shape decisions,” said the IFRC’s Phihlela. “That’s how we build real accountability.”

    Read more about cash and voucher assistance at the IFRC

    Learn more about the Programmatic Partnership

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Australian Life Sciences Venture Capital firm Brandon Capital announces Fund Six final close totalling over A$439m

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELBOURNE, Australia, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brandon Capital, Australasia’s leading life sciences venture capital firm, today announced the final close of its sixth fund at A$439 million.

    Joining existing investors Hesta, Host Plus, CSL and QIC are the WA Government and Australia’s sovereign investor in manufacturing capability, the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC).

    This final close of Brandon BioCatalyst Fund Six (BB6) will see Brandon Capital continue to invest in emerging biomedical technologies with strong commercial potential, translating these exciting discoveries into high-growth firms that positively impact human health.

    To date, Brandon Capital has raised over A$1 billion across previous funds with notable Fund Six investments to date including AdvanCell (radiopharma), PolyActiva (glaucoma implant), Myricx Bio (ADC) and CatalYm (oncology).

    Dr Chris Nave, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Brandon Capital, “We’re excited to welcome the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation to our sixth fund, joining HESTA, Hostplus, CSL, QIC and the WA Government. Closing at $439 million, BB6 is our largest fund to date, and we remain committed to advancing breakthrough biomedical innovations through our unwavering scientific rigour and disciplined capital allocation, in pursuit of exceeding our investors’ expectations.”

    The firm has a track record of advancing its portfolio companies to commercialisation. Recent Brandon Capital portfolio company announcements include FDA approvals for a hypertension therapy from George Medicines and a left ventricular cardiac resynchronisation device developed by EBR Systems, with Q-Sera’s blood collection tubes that produce high-quality serum faster and more reliably, recently approved in Japan.

    Brandon Capital has an active portfolio of over 30 companies with 17 in clinical trials, four advancing or in-market, a promising preclinical pipeline and several actively contributing to Australia’s high-skilled manufacturing sector growth.

    Collectively supporting over 270 high-skilled Australian jobs are: surgical imaging innovator, OncoRes Medical, which has developed the first ‘real-time’ in cavity probe to improve cancer surgery outcomes; late-stage biotech PolyActiva, which is developing a long-term treatment for glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness; needle-free patch for vaccine delivery Vaxxas, and radiopharmaceutical company AdvanCell, which is developing novel therapies for the treatment of a range of cancers.

    NRFC CEO David Gall said, “Medical science has long development timelines, and it is important for the NRFC to make early and considered investments in the sector to attract the talent and capital that we will need to build our local commercialisation capabilities. If we want medical science jobs and industries to exist in Australia in ten years, we need to invest in them today.”

    Brandon Capital, headquartered in Australia with offices in the UK and US, has established a transcontinental presence that strengthens collaboration across regions. Australian portfolio companies gain access to UK/EU/US capital, expertise, and pharma networks, while international companies benefit from Australia’s world-class clinical trial and research capabilities.

    About Brandon Capital – www.brandoncapital.vc

    Brandon Capital is Australasia’s leading life sciences venture capital firm, with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the US and the UK. Its unique model includes proprietary deal flow through Brandon BioCatalyst, a collaboration of over 50 of ANZ’s leading medical research institutions, and its immersive corporate services structure enables portfolio companies to focus on research commercialisation. With more than 30 active companies in its portfolio, Brandon Capital has been sourcing and supporting the transition of world-leading science into world-leading businesses for nearly two decades.

    For further information please contact

    Media – Australia
    Kirrily Davis, E: kdavis@bcpvc.com M: +61 (0)401 220228

    Media – International
    Sue Charles, Charles Consultants E: sue.charles@charles-consultants.com M: +44 (0)7968 726585

    Chris Gardner, E: Chris@CGComms.onmicrosoft.com M: +44 (0)7956 031077

    About the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC)

    The NRFC invests to diversify and transform Australia’s industry and economy. It has $15 billion to invest using direct loans, equity investments and loan guarantees. The NRFC investment mandate covers seven priority areas including value-add in resources; transport; medical science; defence capability; renewables and low emission technologies; value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries; and enabling capabilities. 

    The NRFC’s role is to invest in Australian businesses and projects that design, refine and make in order to transform capability, grow jobs and a skilled workforce, and diversify our economy. NRFC is a corporate Commonwealth entity, established by the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation Act 2023 (NRFC Act) in September 2023.

    For more information, visit nrf.gov.au 

    The MIL Network –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden, Collins introduce bipartisan legislation to create disaster relief fund for loggers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, which would establish a new program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support loggers who have lost income due to natural disasters.

    Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) are original cosponsors of the legislation, while Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) is the lead cosponsor in the House. 

    Current law excludes loggers from the kinds of disaster relief and assistance available to other industries, including fishermen and farmers, when natural disasters strike. Under the Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, a disaster declaration from the president or governor would unlock federal assistance eligibility for logging businesses with at least a 10 percent loss in revenue or volume compared to the prior year. Covered damage would include high winds, fire, flooding, insect infestation and drought. 

    “You can’t write the story of Maine without loggers. Our forest products industry has provided for generations of Mainers and continues to be the economic bedrock of many rural communities. There must be a safety net to ensure one particularly bad season cannot uproot logging families and communities” Golden said. “I’m proud of our loggers, and I’m proud of the rock-solid coalition we’re building to support them. ”

    “Maine’s forest products industry has long supported good‑paying jobs and helped grow local economies across our state. Loggers are at the heart of that industry, but devastating storms in recent years have severely impacted the ability of logging businesses to operate at full capacity,” Senator Collins said. “This bipartisan bill would provide targeted financial assistance to help loggers recover from federally declared disasters, so that they can continue their important work, sustain rural communities, and contribute to our state’s economy.”

    “In Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District, our forest products industry has created good paying jobs and driven our local economies,” Stauber said. “Unfortunately, this crucial industry is currently facing a wide variety of threats, from wildfires and drought to insect infestation. Minnesota’s loggers have supported our communities for generations, and it is now our turn to support them. That’s why I am proud to introduce legislation with my friend, Congressman Jared Golden, to establish a new program through the USDA that will provide financial assistance to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have seen their bottom line impacted by natural disasters. I look forward to seeing this legislation help ensure Minnesota’s forest products industry remains strong and resilient.”

    In December 2023, Maine’s logging industry lost $2.6 million after just one particularly severe storm — with a survey released by the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast later finding that more than 90 percent of the industry’s businesses suffered damage to equipment or logistics. In total, Maine’s economy lost $5.5 million due to the loss in logging revenue and productivity that winter.

    “Generations of loggers have spent their lifetimes powering our state’s economy while providing for their families, which is why it is so important to protect and sustain this historic industry,”  Senator King said. “As natural disasters across Maine increase, the bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act will help establish a new program within the USDA to support loggers who need assistance to overcome damage and lost income. The logging industry has supported rural Maine families and communities for hundreds of years, and it’s imperative that investments in our foresting community evolve for today’s challenges as we protect it for a sturdy future.” 

    “As Maine experiences more extreme weather events and natural disasters, it’s imperative that we protect our state’s loggers from potentially devastating financial impacts—just as we’ve long done for our fishermen and farmers,” Pingree, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said.“We’ve already seen the harmful impacts climate change has created for our forest products industry, from delayed harvests to damaged equipment and infrastructure. This common-sense, bipartisan legislation will provide real relief to the families and communities that rely on Maine’s forests for their livelihoods and wellbeing.”

    Logging industry leaders praised the bipartisan legislation: 

    • Dana Doran, executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast: “For too long, logging and forest trucking contractors in the Northeast have been left out of federal relief efforts in the wake of natural disasters, despite suffering losses as severe as those in other industries like fishing and farming that have received aid. The extreme weather our region has experienced in recent years has idled harvest operations for long periods, destroyed logging and timber hauling infrastructure, and driven up costs at a time when the logging industry is already grappling with unprecedented challenges and can least afford it. We are grateful to Congressmen Golden and the rest of Maine’s delegation for their leadership in this effort to secure fair treatment for these hard-working small family businesses, and we encourage swift passage of the Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act to provide the aid the industry deserves.”
    • Chuck Ames, president of SDR Logging, Sebec, ME: “I talk to loggers every day and most are struggling, but all they ask for is a level playing field with other industries. I believe this legislation is a step in the right direction toward treating loggers the same as farmers and fishermen. We are all harvesting natural resources, and are all impacted by natural disasters. I appreciate the efforts of Congressman Golden and the rest of Maine’s congressional delegation to recognize that and pass this bill on our behalf.”
    • Marc Greaney, president of Western Maine Timberlands, Fryeburg, ME: “I have been logging for decades in Western Maine, and in recent years have seen severe weather limit my company’s ability to harvest and truck wood for longer periods of time than ever before. When we can’t cut and move wood we don’t get paid, and this is happening at the same time that operating costs are continuing to rise, so I am grateful to Congressman Golden and the other members of Maine’s congressional delegation for attempting to provide disaster relief to loggers in the same way it has been provided to other industries in the past.”
    • Scott Dane, executive director of the American Loggers Council: “The timber industry invests in public and private stumpage (timber) years in advance. A multiyear timber portfolio is necessary to adjust for market and weather conditions. This is an essential element for a logger’s business plan. When unforeseen natural disasters such as drought, wildfire, winds, and invasive species infestations occur, the timber is lost. There are limited options, if any, to replace that timber with new tracts in a timely manner. These losses are extremely disruptive to a logger’s harvest plan and create a significant revenue loss. Congressman Golden’s Loggers Assistance and Relief Act is necessary to support the timber industry, similar to assistance programs for other natural resource and agricultural sectors. The American Loggers Council appreciates the Maine Congressional Delegation, and other sponsors, for this Bill and the security it will provide to logging and trucking businesses” 

    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia says US beef will soon be welcome here again. It’s unlikely we’ll buy much of it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Deane, Professor of Trade Law and Taxation, Queensland University of Technology

    DarcyMaulsby/Getty

    The Albanese government has today confirmed it will lift biosecurity restrictions on beef imports from the United States. The timing of this decision has raised some eyebrows.

    Back in April, US President Donald Trump had singled out what he characterised as an Australian “ban” on US beef as he announced 10% baseline tariffs on imports from Australia.

    Responding to today’s announcement, Nationals leader David Littleproud said it appeared the restrictions have been “traded away to appease Donald Trump”.

    But Trade Minister Don Farrell said there was “nothing suspicious about this”. And some Australian industry groups have since expressed their confidence in the decision.

    So, has Australia’s beef industry been sold out for the benefit of a trade deal? Or is it just a poorly timed announcement at the end of a review into Australia’s restrictions?

    Biosecurity concerns

    Australia’s biosecurity rules, particularly around beef products, have long been a source of friction with the United States. These rules date back to the late 1990s and were strengthened following a US mad cow disease scare in 2003.

    In 2019, a ban was lifted on beef products from cattle that had been born, raised and slaughtered in the US. However, a ban remained on any products from cattle originating in Mexico or Canada that had been slaughtered in the US.

    This was a cause for some tension, because the traceability requirements in the US were not as stringent as in Australia. That meant it wasn’t always possible to determine the origins of US products. So the 2019 change effectively only applied to shelf-stable products – not fresh meat.

    Last month, the Albanese government made assurances Australia’s biosecurity rules wouldn’t be compromised in trade negotiations. But it also confirmed a review of the rules was underway.

    The National Farmers’ Federation acknowledged the government’s decision in a statement today:

    The report released today is the result of a long-standing, science-based review by the Australian Government into the biosecurity risks posed by cattle raised in Canada and Mexico, but processed in and exported from the US.

    Speaking on ABC Radio, Cattle Australia chief executive Will Evans acknowledged “a lot of people” may feel “blindsided” by the government’s decision, but expressed his confidence in the government’s process.

    Boom times for Australian beef

    Australians are some of the highest per-capita consumers of beef products in the world. But Australia is also the world’s second-largest beef exporter, trailing only Brazil.

    In contrast, the US is the world’s second-largest importer of beef, behind only China.

    That poses the question: how much do we actually need beef from the US? Is it even worth lifting this ban, if it will impact so few people?

    The beef industry might be fair to question whether this is for the benefit of their industry, when it seems the existing 10% baseline tariffs have had no impact on the volumes of beef being exported from Australia. Quite the opposite.

    In June, Australia’s beef exports broke an all-time monthly record, and the US continued to be our largest export market.

    In addition, it is important to recognise the US tariffs on beef would theoretically be absorbed by the consumer, rather than the exporter.

    The trade war rages on

    Theory suggests that international trade is a good thing (though not everyone is a “winner”). Where there is trade between nations, competitive pricing is encouraged and consumers may enjoy more product variety.

    Most restrictions on trade are viewed unfavourably by economists, but there are some notable exceptions. The health and safety of food products and assurance of biosecurity standards are such concerns.

    Overnight, comments from the Trump administration suggest the 10% tariffs on imports from Australia could be raised, with a new baseline tariff rate of 15%.

    To apply these to Australian beef is in direct conflict with the Australia and United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA). This agreement progressively removed tariffs on Australian beef, with all tariffs eliminated by 2023.

    Consequently, any new US tariff would violate these terms, threatening a trade relationship that has seen beef exports to the US flourish.

    Is our reputation on the line?

    It is important to note that the biosecurity rules in Australia and the traceability requirements for our producers are a point of national pride.

    Central to Australia’s biosecurity framework is the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the National Livestock Identification System, which ensures traceability, food safety, disease control and animal welfare.

    This imposes strict requirements on Australian beef producers – and as a result, imposes costs. It also means Australian beef is considered a premium product in much of the world.

    Australians should hope the evidence from the government’s review fully supports this action.

    Given the unpredictability of the Trump administration, it remains to be seen whether lifting these restrictions will win Australia any concessions on trade anyway.

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

    – ref. Australia says US beef will soon be welcome here again. It’s unlikely we’ll buy much of it – https://theconversation.com/australia-says-us-beef-will-soon-be-welcome-here-again-its-unlikely-well-buy-much-of-it-261836

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Secures $49 Million for Louisiana in FY 2026 Appropriations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced that he successfully secured $49,102,00.00 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) in the first Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Appropriations bills advanced by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. These projects will support critical Louisiana priorities, from military construction and public safety to university research.
    “Whether it’s almost $1.4 million for Jefferson Parish to support criminal investigations, $500 thousand to the Northshore to address substance abuse and mental health issues, or multiple grants across the state to support first responders, this money works for the safety, security, and economic growth of Louisiana,” said Dr. Cassidy. Since taking office, Cassidy has emerged as one of the most effective U.S. Senators at directing federal dollars home to Louisiana, despite not serving on the Appropriations Committee. In FY2024, Roll Call reported that Cassidy was one of the top 20 senators in total funding secured for his state, and one of only five in that group who does not sit on the Appropriations Committee. That year, he secured a record $1.3 billion for Louisiana—the highest of any member of the state’s congressional delegation.
    See below for a list of the funding secured by Senator Cassidy.

    Funding Amount
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $30,000,000.00
    Fort Polk
    This funding will support construction of the Rotational Unit Billeting Area, Phase 1.

    $5,000,000.00
    University of Louisiana at Lafayette
    This funding will support purchase of equipment for the Silicon Bayou Semiconductor Technology Center.

    $4,000,000.00
    St. Bernard Parish
    This funding will support construction of a new fire station.

    $2,500,000.00
    Louisiana State University
    This funding will support LSU’s Electronic Microscopy Sight Initiative.

    $1,500,000.00
    City of Ruston Police Department
    This funding will support development of a Real Time Intelligence Crime Center.

    $1,395,000.00
    Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office
    This funding will support purchase of advanced forensic equipment.

    $1,350,000.00
    University of New Orleans
    This funding will support instrumentation upgrades in computing and chemical sciences.

    $1,250,000.00
    East Baton Rouge DA’s Office
    This funding will support the Gun Intelligence Center Program.

    $794,000.00
    West Monroe Police Department
    This funding will support purchase of safety equipment for officers.

    $500,000.00
    22nd Judicial District Court
    This funding will support specialty courts for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

    $300,000.00
    Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office
    This funding will support upgrades to local law enforcement services.

    $263,000.00
    Town of Farmerville
    This funding will support renovations to the fire department.

    $250,000.00
    Tensas Parish Police Jury
    This funding will support security equipment upgrades.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Govt funding squeeze sees DOC cutting a further 71 roles – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The need to meet Government spending cut requirements means the Department of Conservation (DOC) will be cutting a net 71 support roles around the country, many in small rural towns.
    DOC confirmed to staff today that it will be disestablishing 143 support roles and creating 72 new positions, meaning a net reduction of 71 roles. Of the 72 new support roles, 25 are half-time.
    Removing support staff, who monitor the radios used by DOC staff working away from the office to stay safe, poses health and safety risks, PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says.
    “The current support staff have sizeable health and safety responsibilities, such as monitoring staff radio systems and helping to manage emergencies like fires. The loss of these team members will mean that these important duties will fall on others – and pose a significant health and safety risk.
    “DOC Rangers, contractors and volunteers rely on the radios to stay in regular contact with their offices and ensure they can get help if they run into trouble,” Fitzsimons says.
    “It’s one example of how the loss of business support staff will mean administrative work will have to be done by other DOC staff.
    “This will mean they have less time to focus on vital work like protecting threatened species, repairing tracks and pest control,” Fitzsimons says.
    The cuts also mean the public will no longer be able to access DOC offices, apart from Visitors’ Centres, because the loss of support staff will mean there will be no one to manage reception.
    “A farmer in town for errands will no longer be able to drop into the DOC office to talk with staff about matters of concern. A wealth of local knowledge and wisdom will be lost with the axing of support staff,” Fitzsimons says.
    “Downgrading 25 roles to half-time is a blow to the many workers who cannot make

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The II International Forum of Russia-Africa Cooperation “Education. Business. Culture – 2025” will be held within the framework of “Technoprom-2025”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In August 2025, the II International Forum of Russia-Africa Cooperation “Education. Business. Culture – 2025” will be held as part of the XII International Forum “Technoprom-2025”. The event is organized by the Center for Public Diplomacy, NSU and the Consortium of Russian Universities for the Development of Cooperation with African Countries.

    An impressive delegation from African countries plans to take part in the forum:

    — Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation of the following countries: Republic of Mali, Republic of Chad, Republic of Guinea, Burkina Faso, Republic of Niger, Rwanda, Namibia, Angola and Ghana.

    — Ministers of Education of the Republic of Chad, the Republic of Guinea and Burkina Faso, Ministers of Industry, Digitalization and Agriculture of Burkina Faso.

    — The Presidents of the Academies of Sciences of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, the Rectors of the Abdou Moumouni University and the University of Agadez (both from the Republic of Niger).

    — Heads of the national oil companies of Burkina Faso and Niger.

    — Mayor of the city of Ouagadougou (the capital of Burkina Faso).

    Let us recall that the first forum “Russia-Africa” was held last year on the initiative of NSU and the Center for Public Diplomacy. One of the results was the creation of a Consortium of Russian Universities for the development of cooperation with African countries.

    This year, the Consortium members will analyze the current interaction of Russian universities with African countries, discuss the challenges and obstacles that hinder mutually beneficial cooperation, identify key areas and formulate a roadmap (work plan) for the Consortium for the next year. The roadmap will be based on a systemic approach that ensures the consolidation of efforts by Russian universities and the unification of actions at all levels – from government agencies to the universities themselves. The implementation of the proposed measures will improve the quality of education and improve the culture of mutual understanding between the regions. The implementation of these initiatives will strengthen Russia’s position on the African continent and will become the basis for the further development of bilateral relations.

    The Forum also plans to discuss joint work in the areas of school and secondary specialized education. The Center for Public Diplomacy and NSU plan to hold talks with the Minister of Secondary Education, Vocational and Technical Training of Burkina Faso Boubacar Sawadogo on the possibilities of cooperation and to develop an algorithm for joint actions.

    The following are promising educational projects in African countries:

    — The “Russian Teacher Abroad” program, within the framework of which students from the pilot international class of the African school will study the Russian language.

    — A program for training foreign students in working specialties under joint educational programs of African and Novosibirsk colleges. Those who successfully complete the training will be able to continue their studies at Novosibirsk universities. The pilot project includes colleges implementing training in agricultural, technical and natural science areas.

    — The African continent is a priority region for the export of Russian education. Since 2024, NSU has been actively developing cooperation with African countries. In this context, agreements were signed with Thomas Sankara University (Burkina Faso) and Abdou Moumouni University (Niger). From December 2024 to July 2025, a preparatory department in the medical and biological profile operated jointly with the Russian House in Niger, in which 24 people studied. From March to the end of July 2025, online courses in the Russian language were opened at Thomas Sankara University, which were completed by 50 bachelors and masters. The next stage will be the organization of preparatory courses in the medical and biological profile, after which students will be able to continue their studies at NSU. The University also plans to organize scientific internships for young scientists and graduate students from Burkina Faso for 3-6 months, said Evgeny Sagaydak, Head of the Education Export Department at NSU.

    Another interesting project is the preliminary agreement reached between NSU and the University of Saint Dominic (USDAO) from Burkina Faso on joint training of medical personnel for this West African state. The cooperation agreement between the universities may be signed this summer.

    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 –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray, British Columbia Premier Eby, WA Small Businesses Speak Out About How Trump’s Reckless Trade War with Canada is Creating Chaos, Hurting Business, and Raising Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Hears from Mayors and Business Leaders About How Trump’s Trade War is Hurting Border Communities in Northwest Washington

    AP: Trump’s 35% Canada tariff plan deepens a rift between the neighbors

    ***WATCH HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE***

    Washington, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a virtual press conference with British Columbia Premier David Eby and Washington state business leaders to sound the alarm on how President Trump’s trade war with Canada is driving down business and creating chaos for families, small businesses, and economies on both sides of the border.

    Canada is the second-largest export market for Washington state, exporting $7.9 billion in goods and $2.2 billion in services annually. Washington state imports $17.8 billion in goods from Canada each year, with energy imports accounting for 54 percent of that total. 608 Canadian-owned companies employ 25,050 workers in Washington state. Canada is also the largest source of international visitors to the U.S., accounting for 20.4 million visits and $20.5 billion in spending in 2024. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported a 35 percent drop in border crossings into the U.S. through the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway Crossings in Washington state this May, compared to the same month last year. Additional data on trade between Washington state and Canada is available HERE.  

    President Trump recently announced a plan to impose 35 percent tariffs across-the-board on imports from Canada beginning August 1st. This comes after Trump has already applied 50 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum—of which Canada is the largest exporter to the United States—and 25 percent duties on cars, excluding U.S. made parts. Yesterday, after a meeting with Canada’s political leaders—including Premier Eby—Prime Minister Mark Carney downplayed the chances of success in talks aimed at reaching a trade deal with President Trump.

    “Canada isn’t just a trading partner for us—it is our ally, and they are our neighbor. We have friends, and families that span that northern border. We have supply lines and businesses that depend on the open flow of trade, tourism, and goodwill between our countries,” Senator Murray said at the press conference today. “Canada is one of our largest trading partners—accounting for, every year, nearly $8 billion in exports including our seafood, apples, and airplane parts and more than $2 billion in cross-border tourism and business. Not to mention we actually import nearly $18 billion in goods from Canada each year. So, for us, having Trump throw a tantrum with these tariffs is really throwing a wrench into our businesses that have operated for decades, and throwing communities on both sides of the border into chaos, and really throwing our neighborly way of life into jeopardy.”

    “Here’s what Trump needs to understand: this is not reality TV. It is actual reality,” Senator Murray continued. “These aren’t people playing ‘businessman’—they are trying to run actual businesses, that employ actual Americans. Unlike him, they don’t thrive on outrage. And they do not want any drama, they need certainty, they need common sense. And they need policies that bring in customers, not drive them away, and bring prices down, not drive them up. So, I want you all to know I am going to keep fighting in Congress to put an end to these pointless tariffs that are making life harder for people on both sides of our border. And I will keep pushing for legislation to reassert Congress’s power over tariff policy. It is beyond clear we cannot entrust this responsibility to a President who is toggling economic policies on and off like a kid with a joystick.”

    “We have a long and happy relationship with the American people; they’re our friends, our family members and coworkers. President Trump’s actions have broken our trust with his government, but they’ll never shake our relationship with our closest neighbours. I am grateful for Senator Murray’s leadership at this time in calling out a President that ran on an affordability agenda and is now bringing in tariffs that are raising the price of everyday goods for hard working families,” said David Eby, Premier of British Columbia.  

    “President Trump seems to have created the 51st state that he was talking about, which is the great state of uncertainty. And this is affecting all of us and that we predict that in 2025 alone, that tariffs will cost SEL $100 million in unanticipated federal taxes. These $100 million, divided by our 7000 owners, is a hit of $14,000 per employee around the world. And I agree so much with Senator Murray that the best thing we can do is to support the efforts by Democrats and Republicans in both the House and the Senate to restore congressional control over tariffs and block this President and future ones from abusing executive orders, especially here in the case of free trade,” saidDr. Ed Schweitzer, founder of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories in Pullman.

    “Maintaining good relations with our northern neighbors is paramount to our maritime industry. Along with being a key supplier for vital parts of the industry, our relations also impact negotiations, such as the Pacific Salmon Treaty being negotiated right now. These negotiations and trade rely on goodwill and good relations, and we cannot state enough how much we value our Canadian partners in all sectors of our maritime industry here in the United States,” said Dan Tucker, Executive Director of the Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition.

    Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs in the state tied to international commerce. Washington state is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will struggle to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—for example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.

    Senator Murray has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s chaotic trade war and has been constantly lifting up the voices of people in every corner of Washington state who are being harmed by this administration’s approach to trade. Senator Murray continues to call on Republicans to end Trump’s trade war—which Congress has the power to do—and take back Congress’ Constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs. Earlier this year—among many other events—Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state to highlight how Trump’s ongoing trade war is already a devastating hit to Washington state’s economy, businesses, and our agriculture sector, and held a roundtable discussion in Blaine on how Trump’s chaotic trade war and senseless tariffs are specifically hurting Washington state’s border communities and local businesses. Senator Murray has also taken to the Senate floor to lay out how Trump’s chaotic trade war is seriously threatening our economy, American businesses, families’ retirement savings, and so much else.

    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered, are below and video is HERE:

    “Thank you everyone for joining us today.

    “You know for a so-called businessman, President Trump doesn’t seem to know the first thing about running a business—then again, maybe that explains his six bankruptcies. But besides that, every time Trump opens his mouth, he is demonstrating that he doesn’t understand how tariffs work and doesn’t care if his absurd tax hikes are hurting our economy and our small businesses. The reality is plain as day. Especially in places like Washington state where we are on the front line of a trade war with our neighbors that nobody asked for.

    “Canada isn’t just a trading partner for us—it is our ally, and they are our neighbor. We have friends, and families that span that northern border. We have supply lines and businesses that depend on the open flow of trade, tourism, and goodwill between our countries.

    “Canada is one of our largest trading partners—accounting for, every year, nearly $8 billion in exports including our seafood, apples, and airplane parts and more than $2 billion in cross-border tourism and business. Not to mention we actually import nearly $18 billion in goods from Canada each year.  

    “So, for us, having Trump throw a tantrum with these tariffs is really throwing a wrench into our businesses that have operated for decades, and throwing communities on both sides of the border into chaos, and really throwing our neighborly way of life into jeopardy.

    “How are farmers supposed to stay afloat when Trump just jacked up the cost of the supplies they need, at the same time that he is driving some of their best customers away?

    “How are businesses and factories supposed to keep the lights on when their supply chains are being disrupted, and their inputs—like energy, and steel, and aluminum—keep getting more expensive?

    “How are hotels and towns that are fueled by tourism supposed to keep their doors open, when cancellations are going up, bookings are going down, and 75 percent of Canadian travelers who weregoing to visit the U.S. are deciding they’d now rather go somewhere the President doesn’t constantly attack?

    “So, let’s be clear, these aren’t hypothetical questions. They are the cold, hard realities Trump is forcing onto our communities. It doesn’t take much imagination to see how hard Trump’s trade war is making life for people—especially for our border communities.

    “All you have to do is listen. Talk to ferry operators, who are feeling the squeeze of reduced travel. Talk to community leaders in Bellingham and Whatcom County, where 12 percent of taxable retail sales came from Canadians. Talk to business owners in Point Roberts, which just completely depends on Canadian trade and tourism.

    “I have been telling this over and over to my colleagues and anyone who will listen. If you want to understand the real cost of what is happening, come to Washington state, talk to people on the front lines of this pointless, painful trade war.

    “And that’s exactly why we are having this call today. To put a spotlight on what we are seeing on both sides of the border; to make more of these voices heard; to raise the alarm; and maybe even offer a little economics lesson to Trump—since he appears to need it.

    “When you raise the costs for small businesses—which is exactly what tariffs do, when you drive away loyal customers, and trading partners—which is exactly what happens when you toss up barriers and toss out insults—you make life harder, and you raise costs for everyday Americans. It is very clear that President Trump wants to treat tariffs like a reality TV show, constantly playing up the outrage and the uncertainty of the ‘Will he? Won’t he?’ drama that he seems to like living in. But the questions that I am hearing when I talk to folks home in Washington state, are more like, ‘Why on Earth would he do this?’ and ‘What the heck is he thinking?’ and ‘How am I going to be able to afford this?’

    “Because here’s what Trump needs to understand: this is not reality TV. This is actual reality. These aren’t peopleplaying ‘businessman’—they are trying to run actual businesses, that employ actual Americans. Unlike him, they don’t thrive on outrage. And they do not want any drama, they need certainty, they need common sense. And they need policies that bring in customers, not drive them away, and bring prices down, not drive them up.

    “So, I want you all to know I am going to keep fighting in Congress to put an end to these pointless tariffs that are making life harder for people on both sides of our border. And I will keep pushing for legislation to reassert Congress’s power over tariff policy.

    “It is beyond clear we cannot entrust this responsibility to a President who is toggling economic policies on and off like a kid with a joystick.

    “We have got to keep talking about this, which is why we are having this call today, until more of my Republican colleagues get the message. And I thank everybody who’s participating in this today to talk about what you are seeing.

    “So, I’m joined on this call by British Columbia Premier David Eby, he will be speaking next. As I’ve told him in the past, I appreciate our relationship and thank you for working with us on this. It’s a joy to have you on this call.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Taisugar Stands with Farmers, Rent Relief of One to Three Months Offered to Typhoon-Affected Tenants, Based on Damage Severity

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    On July 7, Typhoon Danas passed through southern Taiwan leaving a trail of devastation. To reduce the burden on farmers and help them get through these difficult times, Taisugar is offering to waive rent for one to three months depending on the severity of the damage and proof of typhoon-related losses.

    According to Taisugar, tenants in areas eligible for agricultural national disaster financial assistance and low-interest rates as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture should report their disaster-related losses to their local town hall/district office and submit proof to the Taisugar land management unit. Taisugar will then issue rent waivers based on the extent of crop damage. Those that suffered between 20% to 40% damage will have their rent waived for 1 month. Those with over 40% but less than 60% damage will have their rent waived for 2 months. Those with over 60% damage will have their rent waived for 3 months. Additional extensions may be negotiated in special circumstances. Rent paid in advance can be rolled over to the following year or used to extend their lease.

    Taisugar added that if the tenant wishes to terminate their lease due to the impact of the disaster, any rent or bond paid in advance can be refunded without interest once both parties have agreed on a termination date. Taisugar is willing to do everything possible to stand with farmers and help them get through these difficult times.

    TSC News Contact Person:
    Chang Mu-Jung
    Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
    Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
    Email:a63449@taisugar.com.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Collaborative burn trials addressing knowledge gaps in fire behaviour

    Source:

    Australian farmers could benefit from burn trials conducted in paddocks of canola stubble, which indicate current fire behaviour models are overestimating the spread and behaviour of fire in the crop under mild weather conditions.

    The Canola and Alternative Crop Experimental Burn project is a critical component of a national collaborative research initiative involving the Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA), the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and the South Australian Country Fire Service (SACFS).

    The aim of the collaborative project is to enhance Australia’s current understanding of fire behaviour in non-cereal crop stubbles, particularly canola and legume stubble, to address significant gaps in current fire behaviour models.

    SACFS Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) Manager, Simeon Telfer said this collaborative project demonstrates our proactive approach to refining AFDRS, enhancing the accuracy of our fire simulators, and improving the quality and reliability of public warnings.

    ‘This project is a critical national partnership to address significant gaps in knowledge, as existing models are currently overestimating the fire spread risks in these fuel types under mild weather conditions,’ Mr Telfer said.

    ‘We are listening to communities and firefighters who have told us that canola burns differently; sometimes it will just stop spreading and other times it travels quickly, so we need to test the model.’

    He said a large portion of data still needs to be collected before changes are made but initial indications show changes could be made to refine Fire Danger Rating thresholds for canola.

    ‘One of the main advantages of the AFDRS is its ability to adopt new research as it comes along, once it is peer reviewed, we will be able to adopt this research straight into AFDRS, which will help across the nation,’ he said.

    ‘We know farmers are doing it tough in South Australia as they continue to grapple with drought conditions, so we want to do our part to support them by ensuring our data provides the best available information to protect their crops and properties.’

    A small delegation of fire scientists from SACFS, CFA and CSIRO have conducted stubble burns near Ungarra on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, in conjunction with local landowners and SACFS volunteers.

    CFA Senior Research Officer, Rachel Bessell, said the project helps to foster collaboration and gets more agencies involved in fire research, all while helping the community.

    ‘It’s not very often that volunteers get to stop and watch fire, so it’s a great learning experience for them to be involved in these burns.’

    ‘There’s a lot of complexities with getting these burns up and running, so we’re really appreciative of all the support from the suppression crews and the local community.’

    CSIRO Researcher Richard Hurley said the groundbreaking research will significantly enhance fire behavior predictions in cropping regions.

    ‘Currently throughout Australia, croplands are largely misunderstood and often misclassified as grasslands, which have different fuel characteristics. This highlights the need to better quantify fire propagation in these fuel types,’ Mr Hurley said.

    ‘From a scientific perspective, this type of research has never been done before at this scale. The next step is to conduct burns under much hotter and drier conditions to test fire behavior at the upper end of the fire behavior index.

    The second stage of the project is planned for summer 2025/26, as soon as practicable after harvest is complete. In this stage, fires will be lit under increased temperatures and wind speeds to measure crop stubble fires in more typical wildfire conditions. Safety measures will be increased for the next stage of the project to ensure containment of these hotter and drier stubble fires, including additional SACFS suppression resources, burn buffers surrounding the experimental area and mineral earth breaks.

    Media information
    For media enquiries call the CFS Media Line on 08 8115 3531.

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

    July 24, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 7 8 9 10 11 … 308
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress