NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy introduces bill to open door to homeownership for American families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today introduced the Build Now Act, which would incentivize new home construction by tying federal funds to cities’ rates of homebuilding. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, joined Kennedy in introducing the bill.

    “In my book, homeownership shouldn’t be a pipe dream for the average American family. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with me. Government overregulation has brought homebuilding to a grinding halt and left ordinary people twisting in the wind as existing home prices went through the roof. I’m proud to introduce the Build Now Act to discourage pointless roadblocks and incentivize cities to help make the American Dream possible again,” said Kennedy. 

    “Americans are suffering under sky-high housing prices caused by a worsening housing shortage. The Federal government should use the tools at our disposal to reward communities that are taking bold action to build more housing and reduce families’ biggest monthly expense. It’s time for Congress to act—and this bipartisan proposal is a call to action to communities across the country to build housing now,” said Warren.

    The United States today faces a housing crisis. Since 2021, the annual income needed to qualify for a mortgage has increased by 60%, driving the median age of a first-time home buyer to a record-high 38 years old.

    By May 2025, new home construction rates had collapsed to their lowest level since the pandemic. On an annual basis, new home construction has fallen nearly 5%. 

    Currently, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) provides annual grants to states, cities and counties irrespective of their rate of homebuilding.

    The Build Now Act would:

    • Require HUD to remove 10% of CDBG funding from cities that fail to improve their rate of homebuilding above the national median.
    • Order HUD to proportionally reallocate those CDBG funds to cities that exceeded the national median rate of homebuilding. Under the Build Now Act, cities with the highest rates of growth would receive larger shares as funds are reallocated.
    • Allow metropolitan areas two years to start building homes before HUD determines their level of CDBG funding.

    The bill would not apply to cities where the median home value is below the national median or cities that issued an emergency disaster declaration in the last year.

    In his role on the Senate Banking Committee, Kennedy has championed the cause of making homeownership easier for families, raising the issue frequently during recent hearings:

    • In Jan. 2025, Kennedy questioned then-HUD Secretary nominee Scott Turner about the failures of previous affordable housing policies. During this hearing, he suggested an approach that would incentivize localities to allow more new home construction without affording excessive power to the federal government.
    • At a hearing one week later, Kennedy outlined a potential “carrot-and-stick” system that would spur new home construction while allowing local governments to determine their exact means of doing so.
    • In Feb. 2025, Kennedy questioned then-Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency nominee Bill Pulte on the consequences of Americans borrowing large amounts of money to buy homes, noting that “we’ve got a house of cards here.”

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump visits Fed headquarters, keeps calling for lowering interest rates

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump kept talking about lowering interest rates when visiting the Federal Reserve’s headquarters in Washington on Thursday afternoon.

    Photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows the U.S. Federal Reserve building in Washington, D.C., the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump visited the Federal Reserve on Thursday. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

    “We have to get interest rates lower … Our country is the hottest in the world right now,” Trump said in response to questions from the media after touring the Federal Reserve building. “People are pretty much unable to buy housing, because the interest rates are too high.”

    “We have no inflation, we have a lot of cash coming in … We should have the lowest interest rate of any country,” he added.

    “We can speak for everybody, frankly, we want to see interest rates come down. Our country is booming, and the interest rate is a final little notch,” Trump said.

    Trump said he had “a very productive talk” about rates with Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. “He’ll be able to tell you at his next meeting, but I will say that he did say the country is doing really well,” Trump added.

    “I believe that the chairman is going to do the right thing. I mean it may be a little too late as the expression goes, but I believe he’s going to do the right thing,” he added.

    Local media all see Trump’s visit to the Federal Reserve as the Trump administration’s effort to step up pressure on Powell to lower interest rates. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Criticizes VA Nominee for Harmful “Ready, Fire, Aim” Contract Terminations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), questioned a Trump Administration nominee about the reckless approach it’s taking to contract and staff reductions at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). In his exchange with John Bartrum, Nominee to be Under Secretary for Health, King reasoned that it is virtually impossible to make dramatic, across-the-board reductions with thought, care and precision while protecting care for veterans because of the speed in which the reductions are happening.
    Senator King began, “I’ve done a little examination, this is full of contracts for nursing services, nursing home services you mentioned prosthetics, probably a dozen prosthetics contracts being canceled. It is hard for me to believe that all of these are unnecessary contracts. $13 billion worth of contracts. It worries me is that there seems to be a pattern of ready, fire, aim at Veterans’ Affairs. You started with hiring freeze applying to everybody, then, oh no, it doesn’t apply to medical people. That was a good decision, but it should not have been, it shouldn’t have been made in the first place. Then it was 83,000 people are going to be fired by the end of the year, now it is 30,000, not fired, but we are going to downsize by 30,000. And I just wonder if upon review, I can’t believe all 16,000 of these contracts, and then the email, of course, lists three or four ones that we would all say, okay, those probably aren’t necessary but prosthetics contracts, nursing contracts, nursing home contracts, it really bothers me. Mr. Bartrum, you mentioned we don’t have a good staffing model. That may well be true, but I think you should start with the staffing model and then decide what the right size of the staff is. Not start with 30,000 or a month ago, it was 83,000 and work backwards. Do you see what I’m saying? Analyze the staff, do the staffing model, determine what you need and then make those decisions instead of starting with what amounts to a quota, and reverse engineering. Give me some thoughts about that.
    “Senator King, I don’t disagree with the way using analytics to determine what you need for staffing, building to the staffing, which is why my earlier comment was, I really want to work on our staffing and what the staffing should be. On your question about the contracts, a lot of those we also found that we had multiple contracts in multiple areas for similar things and we could also consolidate into more regional and national contracts. Where you see some contracts that might be terminated on the list, there may be additional contracts expanded out or scope changed to renegotiate it into a regional contract because you have the same contractor in some cases providing service in certain areas,” Bartrum replied.
    Senator King replied, “It is hard for me to believe in the time we have had in the last few months, this list of 16,000 contracts has had the kind of careful review that, I will predict, that a month or two from now there will be another memo saying, well, there are a bunch of contracts we are not going to cut or eliminate. I want to see more planning before the decisions are made that could so significantly affect veteran care.”
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans’ personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans’ medical records stored in VA’s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.
    Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” Senator King also recently joined his colleagues in raising concerns over proposed plans to terminate 83,000 VA employees, and participated in a special investigative SVAC hearing to question witnesses who were terminated due to DOGE cuts. In May, Senators King and Blumenthal wrote again to Secretary Collins demanding an explanation for DOGE cuts to cancel contracts at VA that would impact health care for Maine veterans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Launches Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Watch8 Series Globally Starting Today

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics today announced the global availability of its latest foldable smartphones, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, as well as its new Galaxy Watch8 series.
     
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7: Ultra-Thin and Light With Intuitive Intelligence
    Refined by years of breakthrough engineering and elevated with advanced intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 represent the next leap in smartphone innovation. Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are Samsung’s thinnest, lightest and most advanced Z series devices yet. Powered by cutting-edge performance and seamlessly integrated Galaxy AI,1 they are intelligent, adaptive companions that anticipate and respond to user needs in real time. With expansive, flexible displays, pro-grade cameras and context-aware intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 open up new realms of ultra experience with productivity, creativity and connection.
     

     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 brings Galaxy advancements together and broadens their scope, delivering an ultra-level experience in the thinnest, lightest and most advanced Z series yet. It offers immersive, high-octane performance on an expansive screen, empowering users to game, stream, connect and create all at once. Galaxy’s true AI companion experience has also been optimized for the foldable format, enabling fluid interactions across more apps and the larger screen. And with camera and screen sharing with Gemini Live,2 users can talk naturally to Gemini about what they’re viewing. They can simply share a picture of a local delicacy while they’re exploring a new city and ask Gemini whether there is a nearby restaurant where they can try it. Plus, Galaxy Z Fold7’s ultra-grade 200 MP high-resolution camera gives the freedom to shoot at flexible angles, putting professional-quality content creation at users’ fingertips. For example, convenient editing features like Generative Edit3 now automatically detect passersby in the background of photos and proactively recommend what to remove, eliminating the need to make manual selections and edits. Apart from these features, Galaxy Z Fold7 brings familiarity and durability in a head-turning new design that unfolds into something extraordinary.

     
    As for Galaxy Z Flip7, it distills flagship power, intelligence and personality into a compact and iconic form. With its edge-to-edge FlexWindow, users can express themselves, access key features at a glance and stay connected — all without opening the device. Built for dynamic lifestyles, Galaxy Z Flip7 transforms the way users capture and share content, from flawless selfies to cinematic video, all with the agility and creativity only Flip devices can offer. Now Bar4 delivers helpful information right on Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexWindow to help users stay in control of their day, such as what song is playing, workout progress and even rideshare ETAs at a glance. Gemini Live also allows users to share what they see through their camera and chat with Gemini in real time directly on FlexWindow. So, they can ask for travel tips while road tripping with their dog or outfit suggestions based on the day’s weather. Users can also simply share the camera in Flex Mode and converse with Gemini hands-free. Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexCam makes it easier than ever to capture the perfect selfie. Real-time filters on the FlexWindow instantly enhance users FlexCam selfies, so that they can be ready to post or share without the need for any extra editing. And with fun new features like Portrait Studio5 for pets, users can instantly transform any snapped or downloaded pet photo into a work of art. They can choose from styles that resemble artistic paintings, 3D cartoons, fisheye lens photos or professional-quality portraits and create frame-worthy masterpieces with one quick tap.

     
    Years of breakthrough engineering have led foldables to become flexible canvases for the new AI experience. As a new class of smartphones designed to fit in with and elevate user lives, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 represent this achievement. Familiar yet transformative, they blend power, portability, style and substance, whether users seek a revolutionary, ultra-level experience or an AI powerhouse that fits in their pocket. As form factors evolve to look and think differently, this generation of foldables represents the next leap in smartphone innovation.
     

     
     
    Galaxy Watch8 Series: Ultra-Comfort Meets Real-Time Health Motivation
    Completing the Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch8 series — including Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic — brings the same spirit of re-engineering found in the new phones to the wrist. Galaxy Watch8 features advanced sensor technology and creates an intuitive AI-powered experience to help users fulfill a healthier, more connected life, while its ultra-thin cushion design and Dynamic Lug system flex naturally for all-day comfort and more precise sensor contact. Leveraging Samsung’s BioActive Sensor for continuous health tracking, the watches deliver real-time insights and instant rewards or alerts across sleep, stress, nutrition and activity, turning healthy intentions into immediate, motivating feedback.6 Plus, for the first time in a smartwatch, Galaxy Watch8 has introduced the Antioxidant Index,7 enabling users to measure carotenoid levels in just five seconds and make informed lifestyle choices for healthy aging.

     
     
    Hands-On With the Galaxy Z Series and the Watch8 Series at Galaxy Experience Spaces
    After Unpacked, Samsung opened its Galaxy Experience Spaces in major cities including Dubai, London, New York, Paris and Seoul. Designed to offer consumers an early, hands-on experience of the newest Galaxy devices, these spaces featured interactive zones that highlighted the devices’ design, performance and Galaxy AI features. Samsung also partnered with local communities including running, photography and skateboarding groups to host various sessions, teaching visitors how they can get the most out of their new devices.
     
    In addition, Samsung launched a new Experience Store locator feature on Samsung.com, making it easier for users to find nearby stores and try the newest devices in person.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     
    Availability
    Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic will be available for purchase at Samsung.com and in stores across 49 markets starting July 25, before being made available in over 110 markets worldwide. Galaxy Z Fold7 is offered in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack8 and an online-exclusive Mint.9 Galaxy Z Flip7 comes in Jetblack, Blue Shadow, Coralred10 and an online-exclusive Mint.11 Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, which brings the foldable experience to a wider audience, is available in Black or White.

     
    So far, Blue Shadow has emerged as the most popular color globally for both Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, accounting for nearly 40% of pre-orders for both devices.
     
    Galaxy Watch8 is available in two sizes — 44 mm and 40 mm — and comes in Graphite or Silver. Galaxy Watch8 Classic comes in 46 mm with Black or White options, while the new Galaxy Watch Ultra is offered in four titanium finishes, including the new Titanium Blue.
     
    For greater peace of mind, Samsung Care+12 offers comprehensive coverage for accidental damage, repairs and replacements. Plus, for users who love having the latest technology, Samsung is introducing the New Galaxy Club.
     
    Users can get expanded access to Google AI Pro and 2 TB of cloud storage for 6 months at no cost with Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE.
     
    For more information about the Galaxy Z series and Galaxy Watch8 series, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, SamsungMobilePress.com and Samsung.com.
     
     
    1 Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier. Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties. Galaxy AI service may be limited for minors in certain regions with age restrictions over AI usage.
    2 Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Features may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Compatible with certain features and certain accounts. Only available to users 18 years or older. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
    3 Generative Edit feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
    4 Availability of functions supported within the apps may vary by country. Some functional widgets may require a network connection and/or Samsung Account login.
    5 Portrait Studio feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Portrait Studio results in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
    6 Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis or treatment. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The result is for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.
    7 Antioxidant index available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v6.30 or above). Samsung account login required. To measure, place the center of your finger on the sensor at the back of the Watch and hold it for 5 seconds. While Anti-oxidant index can be measured using any finger, the thumb is recommended for the most accurate result. Repeat measurement due to uneven skin texture may lead to inaccurate results. Antioxidant index is for fitness and wellness only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult a medical professional for advice if you’re concerned about your antioxidant level. This is a Labs feature that you can preview before its official launch. If you don’t want to use this experimental feature, you can turn it off in Samsung Health settings.
    8 Color availability may vary depending on market, country or carrier.
    9 Online exclusive colors only available on Samsung.com.
    10 Color availability may vary depending on market, country or carrier.
    11 Online exclusive colors only available on Samsung.com.
    12 Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefit, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/samsung-care-plus/.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Clayton

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in St. Louis County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and wildfires occurring March 14–15 and also for those affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring May 16.

    Beginning Friday, July 25, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Clayton to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The center’s hours of operation are as follows:

    ST. LOUIS COUNTY

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center

    Mid-County Branch Library

    7821 Maryland Ave.

    Clayton, MO  63105

    Opens at 9:00 a.m., Friday, July 25

    Mondays – Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    Fridays – Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    The following locations are also open and continue to serve survivors:

    THE INDEPENDENT CITY OF ST. LOUIS

    Business Recovery Center

    St. Louis Community College

    Harrison Education Center

    3140 Cass Ave., Rm. #104

    St. Louis, MO  63106

    Mondays – Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    ST. LOUIS COUNTY

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center

    St. Louis County Library

    Florissant Vallet Branch

    Quiet Room

    195 S. New Florissant Rd.

    Florissant, MO  63031

    Mondays – Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    Fridays – Saturdays, 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”

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

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

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

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

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

    For SBA declaration MO 21094 for the March storms, interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

    For SBA declaration MO 21129 for the May storms, interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

    Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    Although the deadline to return applications for physical property damage due to the March storms has passed, there is a grace period of 60 days the SBA will accept applications beyond the July 22 deadline. The grace period will end on Sept. 20, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage due to the May storms is Aug. 11, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 9, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Available to New Mexico Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued July 22, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to New Mexico small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, flooding and landslides beginning June 23.

    The disaster declaration covers the New Mexico county of Lincoln which is eligible for both Physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Small businesses and PNP organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA EIDLs: Chaves, De Baca, Guadalupe, Otero, Sierra, Socorro and Torrance.

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

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

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

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

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

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs and 2.813% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

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

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ratepayers win in collaboration over Local Water

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils have delivered the first multi council water services delivery plan, an achievement that will be welcomed by all ratepayers, says Local Government Minister Simon Watts.

    “We have been very clear that local government needs to focus on core business and I am delighted that these two councils are the first to embrace the benefits to ratepayers of collaboration under Local Water Done Well.

    “Not only does this mean safe and reliable drinking and wastewater, it means cost increases necessary to fund vital infrastructure are more affordable for ratepayers.

    “This collaboration means 280,000 New Zealanders served by the combined local organisation will be assured of the ongoing financial sustainability of their water services at affordable cost. 

    “Investing in infrastructure is critical for our communities’ success and critical for growth. This plan significantly boosts investment in Hamilton and Waikato District’s water services infrastructure over the next decade, supporting new housing, businesses and improved service quality. 

    “The cost of delivering water services has been a driver of higher rates across the country. By getting water services on a stable footing and making critical investment now, councils keep rate increases down.”

    This increased investment is supported by better access to finance from the Local Government Funding Agency.

    “Mayors Paula Southgate of Hamilton and Jacqui Church of Waikato District have done a great job in getting this result and I congratulate them on working in the best interests of their respective ratepayers to establish this new joint water services organization,” Mr Watts says.

    “I am also pleased that both councils are willing to consider forming a larger regional model with other Waikato councils over time. 

    “I look forward to other councils following the example of Waikato and Hamilton in delivering excellent locally-directed services that benefit their communities.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Two arrested over Craigmore robbery

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Two men were arrested last night and weapons seized following investigations into a robbery at Craigmore.

    About 5am on Tuesday 22 July, two men threatened the occupant of a house in Craigmore with a sawn-off firearm and machete.  The victim was assaulted and had money and cigarettes stolen.

    The victim, a 49-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics.

    Patrols spotted one of the suspects at an Elizabeth Downs service station about 9.20pm on Thursday 24 July and arrested the 31-year-old Craigmore man without incident.

    A second suspect was pulled over while driving disqualified in Elizabeth Downs.  A search of the 28-year-old’s Elizabeth Downs address allegedly revealed a sawn-off firearm and a machete, believed to have been used in the Craigmore robbery.

    The arrested men have both been charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated unlawful threats and firearms offences.  They were refused police bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court later today.

    Police wish to reassure the community that this was not a random incident, and the people involved are known to each other.

    Anyone with information about illegal weapons in the community is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    CO2500030418

    188274

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nearly $25 Million for Maine Housing Projects Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $24,675,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for Maine housing infrastructure projects in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

    “Maine continues to face a severe affordable housing shortage,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would help to improve the quality and safety of affordable and emergency housing throughout the state. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

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

    Funding advanced by Senator Collins is as follows:

    Auburn Area Infrastructure for Workforce Housing

    Recipient: City of Auburn

    Project Location: Auburn, ME

    Amount Requested: $8,000,000

    Project Purpose: To expand the infrastructure needed for housing and economic development.

    Down East Community Hospital Workforce Housing

    Recipient: Down East Community Hospital

    Project Location: East Machias, ME

    Amount Requested: $2,190,000

    Project Purpose: To support housing units for hospital workforce.

    Maine Woods Housing Initiative

    Recipient: Northern Forest Center

    Project Location: Greenville, ME

    Amount Requested: $2,500,000

    Project Purpose: To support affordable housing in Piscataquis County.

    Indian Township Passamaquoddy Housing Initiative

    Recipient: Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township

    Project Location: Indian Township, ME

    Amount Requested: $2,985,000

    Project Purpose: To support affordable housing in Indian Township.

    York County Workforce and Senior Housing

    Recipient: Sanford Housing Authority Development Corporation

    Project Location: Springvale, ME

    Amount Requested: $2,500,000

    Project Purpose: To develop workforce and senior housing.

    York County Community College Workforce and Student Housing

    Recipient: York County Community College

    Project Location: Wells, ME

    Amount Requested: $6,500,000

    Project Purpose: To construct housing for year-round use.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bill to Fund Key Transportation and Housing Programs in Maine Clears Appropriations Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for Maine in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

    The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 27-1, provides $400 million in defense funding and $99.8 billion in nondefense funding.

    “Strengthening local economies throughout Maine starts with prioritizing and improving our infrastructure and transportation network. This legislation would build on previous investments, providing funding to enhance safety, move people and products more safely and efficiently, and create jobs across the state. It would also maintain existing rental assistance for more than 4.6 million households throughout the United States and invest in programs aimed at tackling homelessness,” said Senator Collins. “As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

    Since joining the Appropriations Committee in 2009, Senator Collins has helped to secure more than $1 billion in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.

    Bill Highlights:

    Local Projects: Nearly $135 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine. This includes more than $46 million for six MaineDOT projects.

    Department of Transportation:

    • Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation Funding: $350 million for a competitive rural bridge rehabilitation and replacement program, of which Maine is guaranteed to receive at least $32.5 million and is eligible for up to $55 million.
    • BUILD Grants: $250 million for BUILD grants, a program championed by Senator Collins to provide federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country. Maine has received more than $393 million since the program, previously known as TIGER and RAISE, was established in 2009.
    • Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grants: $100 million for discretionary CRISI grants to support projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.
    • State Maritime Academies (SMAs): $143 million for SMA Operations, which includes $115 for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessels program and associated SMA shore-side infrastructure improvements, benefitting Maine Maritime Academy.
    • Ports and Shipyards: $75 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program to support improvements to ports and $30 million for the Small Shipyard Grant program to support capital improvements and workforce training in shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated industries. Maine shipyards that have benefitted from the Small Shipyards Grant program include Rockland Marine Corporation, Washburn & Doughty, and Front Street Shipyard.
    • Aviation Improvement Program (AIP): $4 billion, which includes $25 million in discretionary supplemental AIP funding, which has benefited airports in Bangor, Presque Isle, Old Town, and Wiscasset in prior years. This also includes $25 million for a new discretionary rural airport grant program that targets those airports who have typically received a smaller amount of entitlement money based on their annual AIP formula amounts. Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport would be eligible to receive funds from this new rural airport program.
    • Essential Air Service (EAS): $513.6 million to support all existing EAS communities, including Augusta, Hancock County-Bar Harbor, Presque Isle, and Rockland.

    Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

    • Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): $3.1 billion for the CDBG program, which helps state and local governments promote economic development and job creation.
    • HOME Investment Partnerships Program: $1.25 billion for the HOME program, which provides critical funding for the development of new affordable housing.
    • Youth Homelessness: $107 million for the Youth Homelessness Demonstration program and $25 million for Family Unification Program (FUP) vouchers for youth exiting foster care and at risk of homelessness.
    • Aging-in-Place Home Modifications for Seniors: $30 million for home modification grants to enable low-income seniors to “age in place” and remain in their own homes. The bill addresses several barriers to greater participation, including streamlining environmental reviews, adjusting the cost per property cap to account for increased labor and materials costs, and encouraging rather than requiring the use of occupational therapists.
    • Housing for the Elderly: $972 million for the Housing for the Elderly (Section 202) program, of which $122 million is for the development of new HUD-assisted senior housing properties.
    • Housing During Substance Abuse Recovery: $30 million for states to provide individuals in recovery with stable, temporary housing. This includes more than $1 million for transitional housing support for addiction recovery programs in Maine.
    • Lead Hazard Reduction Grants: $295.6 million to remediate lead-based paint hazards, helping communities protect children from the harmful effects of lead-based paint poisoning in homes.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 07.24.2025 Cruz, Cornyn Bill to Make Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Signed Into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) released the following statements after their Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act, which codifies President Trump’s Executive Order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge near Houston, Texas, to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Refuge, was signed into law by President Trump.
    Sen. Cruz said, “I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues in Congress and to President Trump for signing into law the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act. This bill will rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Jocelyn’s memory. Jocelyn was murdered by illegal aliens, an unspeakable crime that should have never occurred. We have a duty to commemorate her life alongside her family.”
    Sen. Cornyn said, “Last year, Jocelyn Nungaray’s life was stolen from her by dangerous illegal immigrants who were wrongfully let into the country by the Biden-Harris administration, and today we ensure her life and legacy are never forgotten. I want to thank President Trump for swiftly signing my legislation to permanently rename of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Jocelyn’s honor and was proud to join today’s White House bill signing ceremony.”
    Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) led this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    BACKGROUND
    On June 17, 2024, 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was brutally murdered in Houston, Texas. Two illegal aliens who were allegedly members of the Tren de Aragua gang have been charged with her murder. Jocelyn loved animals and, given the close proximity of her hometown of Houston, it is fitting that the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge be renamed in her honor.
    Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, the 39,000-acre refuge is a sanctuary for migratory birds and diverse wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and plays a vital role in coastal conservation, public recreation, and environmental education. Now, it will also stand as a solemn tribute to Jocelyn’s memory and a symbol of the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting American communities. On March 4, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14229 to officially change the name from Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. On March 7, 2025, the refuge was officially renamed after Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s implementation order was signed. This law will ensure that this renaming cannot be overturned by a future administration by codifying the refuge’s new name into law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xu Huiyan shines at Aquatics Worlds, eyes Olympic future

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

    At just 19 years old, Xu Huiyan has already emerged as one of China’s brightest stars in artistic swimming.

    At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, she delivered a standout performance, earning three gold medals and one silver – including China’s first-ever world title in the women’s solo technical event.

    Ahead of the championships, Xu’s momentum had sparked speculation from World Aquatics about how many golds she might claim in Singapore. The answer, so far, is remarkable.

    Xu Huiyan in action during the women’s solo technical preliminary at the 2025 World Aquatic Championships. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

    Xu has competed in nine events over seven days, including preliminary rounds – a grueling schedule by any standard. Despite the demanding timeline, she continued to contribute to her team while excelling individually.

    She helped China capture two gold medals in team events and also added a silver in the women’s solo free. On Thursday morning, she competed in the team acrobatic preliminaries, helping China secure the top spot heading into the final.

    Reflecting on her solo technical gold, Xu said: “It feels pretty emotional, because something I hoped for but hadn’t dared to think about before is now a reality before me.”

    Still, she sees room to improve. “In the solo free event, there are still things I can improve on, whether it’s in terms of completion or connectivity.”

    Xu said competing in team events actually enhances her solo performances.

    “Doing the team event helped me feel freer, move more freely,” she explained. “The depth of the field in the team event isn’t that much different from the solo event, so doing that did help.”

    However, head coach Zhang Xiaohuan noted that some compromises were made to prioritize team success.

    “In fact, the preparation and training for the solo events were geared toward supporting the team events,” Zhang said. “Sacrifices were made in the solo competitions. Coach Tu Jun and Xu worked very well together, utilizing their spare time for solo training.”

    Even on days with back-to-back finals, Xu delivered high-caliber performances. Zhang praised her leadership and dedication.

    “She takes the initiative on everything – from the music selection to the choreography and artistic impression… she does all of that,” Zhang said. “I’m very glad we’ve found an excellent swimmer to help the Chinese team.”

    Xu’s rise has been rapid. She debuted at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, earning bronze in the solo technical and placing fourth in the solo free. Two months later, she claimed three golds at the Artistic Swimming World Cup in Beijing, sweeping both solo events and the team technical.

    Her success continued at the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming Junior Championships in Peru last August, where she won gold in the solo technical, team free, and team technical events.

    In 2025, her winning streak showed no signs of slowing. She secured individual titles at the World Cup in Canada in May, and then at the Super Final in Xi’an in June, she took home five gold medals from six events.

    “The past year has been a grueling one in training for me. It’s been a lot of growth,” Xu said.

    “I needed to work on my artistic impression – that was something I was lacking last year. My growth is completely linked to my team and my coaches. I get a lot of support from so many people who work behind the scenes.”

    “Competing in more events also means I got more opportunities to test myself,” she added.

    Coach Zhang highlighted the magnitude of her progress.

    “As a young athlete, Xu went from a bronze and a fourth place in Doha to the achievements she’s already had here in Singapore – all within just a year,” Zhang said. “She is only 19 years old and has already achieved a breakthrough here, doing something we’ve never achieved before. She’s already made one of our dreams come true.”

    Looking ahead, Zhang sees even greater potential.

    “As one of China’s top artistic swimmers, Xu can still elevate her performance – particularly in achieving more fluid extensions and refining the delicate precision of her leg movements. She has the potential to be even better.”

    For Xu, there’s still much to strive for. This is only her second World Championships, and she has her sights set on the Olympic Games.

    “I still need to work harder on my path of growth,” she said.

    Xu will compete in her 10th and final event of the competition – the team acrobatic final – on Friday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chen to face An at badminton China Open quarterfinals

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

    China’s Chen Yufei is set to face South Korea’s world No. 1 An Se-young in the women’s singles quarterfinals at the badminton China Open, after both shuttlers defeated respective rivals on Thursday.

    Tokyo Olympic champion Chen showed resilience, rallying from one game down to beat teammate Gao Fangjie 13-21, 21-5, 21-9.

    “We know each other very well, but a tournament is different from daily training. Whoever performs better on the court will win,” said the 27-year-old Chen.

    Her next opponent An secured a comfortable 21-13, 21-15 win over fellow South Korean Sim Yu-jin in the second round. Chen, who lost to An in the quarterfinals of the Japan Open just six days ago, is eager for revenge.

    “I’ll learn from last week’s defeat and go all out to challenge her,” she added.

    In the men’s singles, home favorite Shi Yuqi advanced with a straight-game victory over Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen. Fifth-seeded Li Shifeng of China also progressed, defeating Ng Ka Long Angus of Hong Kong, China 21-17, 21-9.

    Meanwhile, a major upset unfolded as Indonesia’s fourth seed Jonatan Christie was edged out by unseeded French shuttler Christo Popov in a three-game battle, 21-12, 13-21, 21-16.

    In the women’s doubles, top-seeded Chinese duo Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning cruised into the quarterfinals with a dominant 21-9, 21-13 win over American players Lauren Lam and Allison Lee.

    China also shone in the mixed doubles, as Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping, Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin and Guo Xinwa/Chen Fanghui all claimed victories to reach last eight.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott Applauds the Major Economic Benefits for South Carolinians from the One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released a statement on the impact of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, on South Carolinians.

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill is a game-changer for South Carolina families and businesses,” said Sen. Scott. “This historic legislation delivers real tax relief to hardworking South Carolinians while protecting jobs and strengthening our state’s manufacturing base. This unified government has once again proven our commitment to putting America First and making sure that our economy works for everyone so that every American has the opportunity to succeed.”

    Background:

    Analysis by the Council of Economic Advisers shows that the One Big Beautiful Bill will deliver substantial economic benefits to South Carolina, protecting nearly 97,000 jobs and increasing wages by $3,300 to $6,000 over the next four years. 

    The comprehensive legislation provides significant tax relief to South Carolina families and workers through multiple provisions. A typical family with two children can expect higher take-home pay of $6,900 to $9,800 compared to if the bill had not passed. 

    The bill eliminates taxes on tips, benefiting approximately 5 percent of South Carolina’s labor force employed in tip-eligible occupations. Additionally, about 1 million seniors in the state will benefit from the elimination of taxes on Social Security benefits. 

    South Carolina’s workforce will also see substantial relief through the bill’s overtime tax elimination provision. Roughly 26 percent of all state employees regularly work overtime and could benefit directly, while 66 percent of workers are in occupations likely eligible for overtime compensation. 

    The legislation particularly strengthens South Carolina’s manufacturing sector, which represents 4 percent of firms, 3 percent of establishments and 13 percent of employment statewide. The bill extends the Section 199A pass-through deduction for small businesses, potentially benefiting about 74,000 firms — 44 percent of all businesses in South Carolina.

    The bill also makes permanent and enhances Opportunity Zones incentives, a program championed by Sen. Scott. South Carolina’s 135 Opportunity Zones created an estimated 18,000 jobs following passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act through 2021 and led to construction of approximately 3,900 housing units through the third quarter of 2024. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Touts Big Wins For New York State In Senate Appropriations Transportation, Housing, And Urban Development Subcommittee’s Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    The Bill Bolsters Funding for New York State Projects, Including Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway, Tenant Protection Vouchers, and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Transportation and Housing subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, touted big wins she worked to include for New York State and that were passed out of committee in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

    “New Yorkers from Brooklyn to Hamilton County know firsthand that our state needs critical infrastructure, transportation, and affordable housing investment,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud that our committee worked together on a bipartisan basis and passed a bill that addresses these critical needs. The funding will help New Yorkers travel around our state more easily, make homes more affordable, and improve air traffic congestion at local airports. I’m proud of the work this subcommittee has done to produce a strong bill and urge my colleagues to pass it through the full Senate as soon as possible.”

    The bill includes funding for important priorities in New York State:

    1. $700 million to fund the Hudson River Tunnel;
    2. $307.3 million to fund Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway;
    3. $850 million to fully fund Amtrak’s budget request for the Northeast Corridor;
    4. $22 billion to fully fund the Federal Aviation Administration, which will help address congestion issues at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Airports;
    5. $514 million for the Essential Air Service program to continue to support the Massena, Ogdensburg, Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake/Lake Placid, and Watertown airports;
    6. $62 million for the Reconnecting Communities program Senator Gillibrand created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund projects to remove and mitigate infrastructure that divides communities;
    7. $20 million in new funding to support transit safety and security initiatives, including for the MTA;
    8. $161.5 million infunding for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, including for campus and building renovations;
    9. Full funding to maintain rental assistance, including $430 million for tenant protection vouchers to assist the most at-risk residents in NYCHA;
    10. Invests in expanding and improving the homeless response system to help senior citizens, veterans, youth, and others facing homelessness;
    11. $1.25 billion to sustain the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the primary federal program builds more affordable housing;
    12. And $73 million in congressionally directed spending for affordable housing, community development, and transportation projects across New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts – Susanna Elliffe is winner of the 2025 NZSA Laura Solomon Cuba Press Prize!

    Source: New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)

    The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) congratulates Susanna Elliffe on winning the 2025 NZSA Laura Solomon Cuba Press Prize with her manuscript Relic Party.

    The prize was created by the NZSA and the Solomon family to fulfil the wishes of Laura Solomon, a novelist, poet and playwright who was a longstanding member of the NZSA and a beloved member of the Solomon family. It awards new writing of ‘unique and original vision’ with a cash prize of $2,000 and a publishing contract with The Cuba Press. Publication will be in 2026.

    The winning manuscript, Relic Party, is a short story collection that studies loss, both intimate and global, human and nonhuman, ranging through ugly ghosts, false relics, and desperate pilgrimages, to a dysfunctional 80’s farmhouse and the speculative worlds of climate affected futures.

    We also congratulate Belinda O’Keefe who is the runner-up, winning a cash prize of $1,000 with her manuscript Trespassers Will Be Baked, Scrambled, Fried and Eaten.
    Susanna Elliffe’s manuscript was selected by a final judging panel of Mary McCallum (The Cuba Press), Nicky Solomon (Solomon Family) and panel convenor and award-winning writer Cassie Hart.

    Cassie Hart, convenor of the judges, says: “The quality of entries this year was amazing – choosing the finalists was not an easy task, and then selecting just one winner? A huge challenge. I so appreciate the writers of New Zealand for not making this easy!

    “The final four were all so different from each other, spanning from a very lyrical collection of short stories to a humorous contemporary novel, a middle grade adventure, through to a memoiresque non-fiction book exploring the experience of immigrants! There is almost no way to compare the four, as they are each such a success in their own right. The winner, Relic Party, stood out as being the most unique and original of the three though, and I know that readers will fall in love with Susannah Elliffe’s prose and storytelling just like we did.”

    Nicky Solomon says: “It is so wonderful to see interest in the prize continue to grow, as we mark its fifth year. We are extremely grateful to the NZSA and The Cuba Press for taking Laura’s idea and turning it into a true legacy. She would be absolutely delighted by the calibre of the work and I know that she would echo me in congratulating all of the finalists, and in fact all of the entrants. The judges are continually challenged, in a good way, by such high quality writing in such a diverse range of genres, and our family ext

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Over half of mid-year nursing graduates miss out on jobs – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    Te Whatu Ora has again failed nursing graduates – and Aotearoa New Zealand’s future nursing workforce – by employing just 45% of the 2025 mid-year cohort, Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) says.
    The mid-year graduation cohort sat their state final exams last week. Figures released by Te Whatu Ora to nursing magazine Kaitiaki on its job-matching programme ACE show just 323 of 722 applicants were matched to supported-entry roles in hospitals.
    NZNO National Student Unit President Bianca Grimmer says it is a “huge blow” to nursing graduates.
    “Hospital jobs are highly sought after and often the reason students want to get into nursing.
    “Te Whatu Ora used to hire 80-90% of all graduates. We were blindsided this time last year when only three in every five mid-year graduates were hired.
    “This year is even worse and will make some students reassess whether they continue with their studies,” Bianca Grimmer says.
    A recent survey of 1246 nursing students found 62% would consider seeking a nursing job overseas if they were unable to get a new graduate job in Aotearoa New Zealand. This increased to 73% for Māori students.
    About 36,000 of NZNO’s Te Whatu Ora members are preparing for a 24-hour national strike next Wednesday 30 July after Collective Agreement negotiations stalled with a refusal by Health NZ to commit to its obligation to employ new graduates one of the sticking points.
    Bianca Grimmer says nursing students recently attended a jobs expo where an Australian stand was luring graduates with better wages and conditions.
    “We have a health system in crisis and desperately need more homegrown nurses. With 30,000 Kiwis leaving for Australia in the past year, this shortsighted decision by Te Whatu Ora will see more graduate nurses packing their bags.”
    Bianca Grimmer says a recent media release from Te Whatu Ora urging nursing graduates to look outside the hospital system seemed to be an attempt to “soften the blow” to the mid-year cohort.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TOMORROW: Governor Newsom to respond to Texas’ redistricting plan and provide update on fight to preserve American democracy

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 24, 2025

    SACRAMENTO COUNTY — Governor Gavin Newsom will hold a press availability tomorrow to discuss Texas’ latest redistricting maneuver aimed at tilting the outcome of the 2026 election — with serious implications for democracy nationwide.

    WHEN: Friday, July 25 at approximately 2 p.m.

    LIVESTREAM: Governor’s Twitter page, Governor’s Facebook page, and the Governor’s YouTube page. This event will also be available to TV stations on the LiveU Matrix under “California Governor.”

    NOTE: This in-person press event will be open to credentialed media only. Media interested in attending must RSVP by clicking here no later than 12 p.m., July 25. Location information will be provided upon RSVP confirmation.

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    Jul 24, 2025

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    Jul 23, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: First Savings Financial Group, Inc. Reports Financial Results for the Third Fiscal Quarter Ended June 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSFG – news) (the “Company”), the holding company for First Savings Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $6.2 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to net income of $4.1 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. Excluding nonrecurring items, the Company reported net income of $5.7 million (non-GAAP measure)(1) and net income per diluted share of $0.81 (non-GAAP measure)(1) for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to $3.5 million, or $0.52 per diluted share for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

    Commenting on the Company’s performance, Larry W. Myers, President and CEO, stated “We are pleased with the third fiscal quarter performance, including the continued improvement in the net interest margin, which has increased 32 basis points from June of 2024 to June of 2025, solid growth in deposits, expense containment, and meaningful efficiency ratio improvement. The SBA Lending segment posted its second consecutive profitable quarter, which included a solid level of loans originations and sales. Additionally, the SBA Lending pipeline for the fourth fiscal quarter remains robust. We are optimistic regarding the remainder of fiscal 2025 as we anticipate further expansion of the net interest margin, continued profitability from the SBA Lending segment, additional sales of home equity lines of credit, and stable and strong asset quality. We will continue our focus on customer deposit growth, select loan growth opportunities, preservation of asset quality, and prudent capital and liquidity management. We will also continue to evaluate options and strategies that we believe will maximize shareholder value.”

    (1) Non-GAAP net income and net income per diluted share exclude certain nonrecurring items. A reconciliation to GAAP and discussion of the use of non-GAAP measures is included in the table at the end of this release.

    Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024

    Net interest income increased $2.2 million, or 15.1%, to $16.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024. The tax equivalent net interest margin for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was 2.99% as compared to 2.67% for the same period in 2024. The increase in net interest income was due to an increase of $871,000 in interest income and a decrease of $1.3 million in interest expense. A table of average balance sheets, including average asset yields and average liability costs, is included at the end of this release.

    The Company recognized a provision for credit losses for loans and unfunded lending commitments of $347,000 and $77,000, respectively, and a reversal of provision for credit losses on securities of $1,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to a provision for credit losses for loans, unfunded lending commitments and securities of $501,000, $158,000 and $84,000, respectively, for the same period in 2024. The Company recognized $309,000 in net charge-offs recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2025, of which $216,000 was related to unguaranteed portions of SBA loans. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company recognized net charge-offs of $105,000, of which $49,000 was related to unguaranteed portions of SBA loans. Nonperforming loans, which consist of nonaccrual loans and loans over 90 days past due and still accruing interest, decreased $1.7 million from $16.9 million at September 30, 2024 to $15.2 million at June 30, 2025.

    Noninterest income increased $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024. The increase was due primarily to increases in other income and net gain on sales of SBA loans of $565,000 and $351,000, respectively, and net gain on sales of home equity lines of credit (“HELOC”) of $617,000, partially offset by a $404,000 decrease in net unrealized gains on equity securities. The increase in other income was primarily due to a $487,000 gain recognized in connection with a lease termination. The was no gain on sales of HELOC in the 2024 period as the sale of this product commenced in fiscal 2025.

    Noninterest expense increased $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024. The increase was due primarily to an increase in compensation and benefits of $904,000, which was due to routine salary increases and increases in bonus and incentive accruals in 2025 related to stronger Company performance.

    The Company recognized income tax expense of $963,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $483,000 for the same period in 2024. The increase is due primarily to higher taxable income in 2025 as compared to 2024. The effective tax rate for 2025 was 13.5% compared to 10.6% for 2024. The effective tax rate is well below the statutory tax rate primarily due to the recognition of investment tax credits related to solar projects in both the 2025 and 2024 periods.

    Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024

    The Company reported net income of $17.9 million, or $2.57 per diluted share, for the nine months ended June 30, 2025 compared to net income of $9.9 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, for the nine months ended June 30, 2024. Excluding nonrecurring items, the Company reported net income of $15.1 million (non-GAAP measure)(1) and net income per diluted share of $2.16 (non-GAAP measure)(1) for the nine months ended June 30, 2025 compared to net income of $9.4 million and net income per diluted share of $1.37 for the nine months ended June 30, 2024. The core banking segment reported net income of $17.2 million, or $2.46 per diluted share for the nine months ended June 30, 2025 compared to net income of $13.3 million and net income per diluted share of $1.92 for the nine months ended June 30, 2024. Excluding nonrecurring items, the core banking segment reported net income of $14.4 million (non-GAAP measure)(1), or $2.05 per diluted share (non-GAAP measure)(1) for the nine months ended June 30, 2025 compared to net income of $12.9 million and net income per diluted share of $1.89 for the nine months ended June 30, 2024.

    Net interest income increased $5.2 million, or 12.1%, to $48.2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024. The tax equivalent net interest margin for the nine months ended June 30, 2025 was 2.89% as compared to 2.67% for the same period in 2024. The increase in net interest income was due to a $5.5 million increase in interest income, partially offset by a $279,000 increase in interest expense. A table of average balance sheets, including average asset yields and average liability costs, is included at the end of this release.

    The Company recognized a reversal of provision for credit losses for loans and securities of $501,000 and $8,000, respectively, and a provision for unfunded lending commitments of $246,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 2025, compared to a provision for credit losses for loans and securities of $1.7 million and $107,000, respectively, and reversal of provision for unfunded lending commitments of $159,000 for the same period in 2024. The reversal of provisions during the 2025 period was due primarily to the bulk sale of approximately $87.2 million of HELOC during the period and a decrease in qualitative reserves. The Company recognized net charge-offs totaling $271,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 2025, of which $52,000 was related to unguaranteed portions of SBA loans, compared to net charge-offs of $224,000 in 2024, of which $15,000 was related to unguaranteed portions of SBA loans.

    Noninterest income increased $4.5 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024. The increase was due primarily to a $3.1 million net gain on sales of HELOC, a $403,000 net gain on sales of equity securities in 2025, and the aforementioned $487,000 gain recognized in connection with a lease termination in the 2025 period with no corresponding gain amounts for the 2024 period.

    Noninterest expense increased $2.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024. The increase was due primarily to increases in compensation and benefits and other operating expenses of $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $412,000. The increase in compensation and benefits is primarily due to routine salary increases and increases in bonus and incentive accruals in 2025 related to stronger Company performance. The increase in other operating expenses was due primarily to a $721,000 reversal of accrued loss contingencies for SBA-guaranteed loans in the 2024 period with no corresponding amount for the 2025 period and a $405,000 accrued contingent liability associated with employee benefits recognized in the 2025 period with no corresponding amount in the 2024 period. The decrease in professional fees is primarily due to the cessation of national mortgage banking operations in the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

    The Company recognized income tax expense of $2.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $873,000 for the same period in 2024. The increase is due primarily to higher taxable income in the 2025 period. The effective tax rate for 2025 was 11.8% compared to 8.1%. The effective tax rate is well below the statutory tax rate primarily due to the recognition of investment tax credits related to solar projects in both the 2025 and 2024 periods.

    Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024

    Total assets decreased $33.7 million, from $2.45 billion at September 30, 2024 to $2.42 billion at June 30, 2025. Net loans held for investment decreased $68.0 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2025, due primarily to $109.1 million of sales of HELOC during the nine months ended June 30, 2025, and residential mortgage loans held for sale increased $42.1 million during the same period.

    Total liabilities decreased $40.4 million due primarily to a decrease in total deposits and other borrowings of $144.7 and $19.9 million, respectively, partially offset by an increase in FHLB borrowings of $133.3 million. The decrease in total deposits was due to a decrease in brokered deposits of $229.1 million, which was due primarily to proceeds from the aforementioned sales of HELOC and greater utilization of FHLB borrowings, partially offset by an increase in customer deposits of $84.4 million. The decrease in other borrowings is due to the redemption of $20.0 million of subordinated notes during the quarter ended June 30, 2023. As of June 30, 2025, deposits exceeding the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 per insured account were 35.0% of total deposits and 14.3% of total deposits when excluding public funds insured by the Indiana Public Deposit Insurance Fund.

    Total stockholders’ equity increased $6.7 million, from $177.1 million at September 30, 2024 to $183.8 million at June 30, 2025, due primarily to a $14.6 million increase in retained net income, partially offset by a $8.9 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss was due primarily to increasing long-term market interest rates during the nine months ended June 30, 2025, which resulted in a decrease in the fair value of securities available for sale. At June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, the Bank was considered “well-capitalized” under applicable regulatory capital guidelines.

    First Savings Bank is an entrepreneurial community bank headquartered in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which is directly across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky, and operates fifteen depository branches within Southern Indiana. The Bank also has two national lending programs, including single-tenant net lease commercial real estate and SBA lending, with offices located predominately in the Midwest. The Bank is a recognized leader, both in its local communities and nationally for its lending programs. The employees of First Savings Bank strive daily to achieve the organization’s vision, We Expect To Be The BEST community BANK, which fuels our success. The Company’s common shares trade on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “FSFG.”

    This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are not historical facts; rather, they are statements based on the Company’s current expectations regarding its business strategies and their intended results and its future performance. Forward-looking statements are preceded by terms such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends” and similar expressions.

    Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause or contribute to the Company’s actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, changes in general economic conditions; changes in market interest rates; changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; legislative and regulatory changes; and other factors disclosed in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Because of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them, whether included in this release or made elsewhere from time to time by the Company or on its behalf. Except as may be required by applicable law or regulation, the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    Contact:
    Tony A. Schoen, CPA
    Chief Financial Officer
    812-283-0724

     
    FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (Unaudited)
                       
                       
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended    
    OPERATING DATA: June 30,   June 30,    
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)   2025       2024       2025       2024      
                       
    Total interest income $ 31,965     $ 31,094     $ 95,237     $ 89,765      
    Total interest expense   15,240       16,560       47,059       46,780      
                       
    Net interest income   16,725       14,534       48,178       42,985      
                       
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans   347       501       (501 )     1,684      
    Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments   77       158       246       (159 )    
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – securities   (1 )     84       (8 )     107      
                       
    Total provision (credit) for credit losses   423       743       (263 )     1,632      
                       
    Net interest income after provision (credit) for credit losses   16,302       13,791       48,441       41,353      
                       
    Total noninterest income   4,520       3,196       14,183       9,688      
    Total noninterest expense   13,693       12,431       42,334       40,248      
                       
    Income before income taxes   7,129       4,556       20,290       10,793      
    Income tax expense   963       483       2,400       873      
                       
    Net income $ 6,166     $ 4,073     $ 17,890     $ 9,920      
                       
    Net income per share, basic $ 0.90     $ 0.60     $ 2.60     $ 1.45      
    Weighted average shares outstanding, basic   6,881,077       6,832,452       6,867,734       6,829,490      
                       
    Net income per share, diluted $ 0.88     $ 0.60     $ 2.57     $ 1.45      
    Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted   6,977,674       6,834,784       6,967,742       6,851,145      
                       
                       
    Performance ratios (annualized)                  
    Return on average assets   1.02 %     0.69 %     0.99 %     0.57 %    
    Return on average equity   13.66 %     9.86 %     13.32 %     8.23 %    
    Return on average common stockholders’ equity   13.66 %     9.86 %     13.32 %     8.23 %    
    Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis)   2.99 %     2.67 %     2.89 %     2.67 %    
    Efficiency ratio   64.45 %     70.11 %     67.89 %     76.41 %    
                       
                       
              QTD       FYTD
    FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA: June 30,   March 31,   Increase   September 30,   Increase
    (In thousands, except per share data)   2025       2025     (Decrease)     2024     (Decrease)
                       
    Total assets $ 2,416,675     $ 2,376,230     $ 40,445     $ 2,450,368     $ (33,693 )
    Cash and cash equivalents   52,123       28,683       23,440       52,142       (19 )
    Investment securities   244,284       244,084       200       249,719       (5,435 )
    Loans held for sale   60,970       61,239       (269 )     25,716       35,254  
    Gross loans   1,916,343       1,900,660       15,683       1,985,146       (68,803 )
    Allowance for credit losses   20,522       20,484       38       21,294       (772 )
    Interest earning assets   2,260,099       2,219,504       40,595       2,277,512       (17,413 )
    Goodwill   9,848       9,848       –       9,848       –  
    Core deposit intangibles   275       316       (41 )     398       (123 )
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   202,649       185,252       17,397       191,528       11,121  
    Interest-bearing deposits (customer)   1,253,525       1,207,159       46,366       1,180,196       73,329  
    Interest-bearing deposits (brokered)   280,020       396,770       (116,750 )     509,157       (229,137 )
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   434,924       325,310       109,614       301,640       133,284  
    Subordinated debt and other borrowings   28,722       48,682       (19,960 )     48,603       (19,881 )
    Total liabilities   2,232,853       2,197,041       35,812       2,273,253       (40,400 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (20,061 )     (19,385 )     (676 )     (11,195 )     (8,866 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   183,822       179,189       4,633       177,115       6,707  
                       
    Book value per share $ 26.35     $ 25.90       0.45     $ 25.72       0.63  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) (1)   24.90       24.43       0.47       24.23       0.67  
                       
    Non-performing assets:                  
    Nonaccrual loans – SBA guaranteed $ 2,713     $ 123     $ 2,590     $ 5,036     $ (2,323 )
    Nonaccrual loans   12,502       12,597       (95 )     11,906       596  
    Total nonaccrual loans $ 15,215     $ 12,720     $ 2,495     $ 16,942     $ (1,727 )
    Accruing loans past due 90 days   –       –       –       –       –  
    Total non-performing loans   15,215       12,720       2,495       16,942       (1,727 )
    Foreclosed real estate   1,113       444       669       444       669  
    Total non-performing assets $ 16,328     $ 13,164     $ 3,164     $ 17,386     $ (1,058 )
                       
    Asset quality ratios:                  
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total gross loans   1.07 %     1.08 %     (0.01 %)     1.07 %     (0.00 %)
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of nonperforming loans   134.88 %     161.04 %     (26.16 %)     125.69 %     9.19 %
    Nonperforming loans as a percent of total gross loans   0.79 %     0.67 %     0.12 %     0.85 %     (0.06 %)
    Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets   0.68 %     0.55 %     0.13 %     0.71 %     (0.03 %)
                       
    (1) See reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures for additional information relating to calculation of this item.      
                       
                       
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED):         
    The following non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company provide information useful to investors in understanding the Company’s performance. The Company believes the financial measures presented below are important because of their widespread use by investors as a means to evaluate capital adequacy and earnings. The following table summarizes the non-GAAP financial measures derived from amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and reconciles those non-GAAP financial measures with the comparable GAAP financial measures.
                   
      Three Months Ended   Fiscal Year Ended    
    Net Income June 30,   June 30,    
    (In thousands)   2025       2024       2025       2024      
                       
    Net income attributable to the Company (non-GAAP) $ 5,691     $ 3,534     $ 15,057     $ 9,381      
    Plus: Gain on bulk sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect   –       –       1,869       –      
    Plus: Gain on life insurance, net of tax effect   110       –       110       –      
    Plus: Gain on lease termination, net of tax effect   365       –       365       –      
    Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities, net of tax effect   –       –       302       –      
    Plus: Decrease in loss contingency for SBA-guaranteed loans, net of tax effect   –       212       –       212      
    Plus: Gain on sale of premises and equipment, net of tax effect   –       –       186       –      
    Plus: Recording of Visa Class C shares, net of tax   –       327       –       327      
    Net income attributable to the Company (GAAP) $ 6,166     $ 4,073     $ 17,890     $ 9,920      
                       
    Net Income per Share, Diluted                  
                       
    Net income per share attributable to the Company, diluted (non-GAAP) $ 0.81     $ 0.52     $ 2.16     $ 1.37      
    Plus: Gain on bulk sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect   –       –       0.27       –      
    Plus: Gain on life insurance, net of tax effect   0.02       –       0.02       –      
    Plus: Gain on lease termination, net of tax effect   0.05       –       0.05       –      
    Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities, net of tax effect   –       –       0.04       –      
    Plus: Decrease in loss contingency for SBA-guaranteed loans, net of tax effect   –       0.03       –       0.03      
    Plus: Gain on sale of premises and equipment, net of tax effect   –       –       0.03       –      
    Plus: Recording of Visa Class C shares, net of tax   –       0.05       –       0.05      
    Net income per share, diluted (GAAP) $ 0.88     $ 0.60     $ 2.57     $ 1.45      
                       
    Core Bank Segment Net Income                  
    (In thousands)                  
                       
    Net income attributable to the Core Bank (non-GAAP) $ 5,299     $ 4,176     $ 14,379     $ 12,947      
    Plus: Gain on bulk sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect   –       –       1,869       –      
    Plus: Gain on life insurance, net of tax effect   110       –       110       –      
    Plus: Gain on lease termination, net of tax effect   365       –       365       –      
    Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities, net of tax effect   –       –       302       –      
    Plus: Gain on sale of premises and equipment, net of tax effect   –       –       186       –      
    Plus: Recording of Visa Class C shares, net of tax   –       327       –       327      
    Net income attributable to the Core Bank (GAAP) $ 5,774     $ 4,503     $ 17,212     $ 13,274      
                       
    Core Bank Segment Net Income per Share, Diluted                  
                       
    Core Bank net income per share, diluted (non-GAAP) $ 0.75     $ 0.64     $ 2.05     $ 1.89      
    Plus: Gain on bulk sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect   –       –       0.27       –      
    Plus: Gain on life insurance, net of tax effect   0.02       –       0.02       –      
    Plus: Gain on lease termination, net of tax effect   0.05       –       0.05       –      
    Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities, net of tax effect   –       –       0.04       –      
    Plus: Gain on sale of premises and equipment, net of tax effect   –       –       –       0.03      
    Plus: Recording of Visa Class C shares, net of tax   –       0.05       0.03       –      
    Core Bank net income per share, diluted (GAAP) $ 0.82     $ 0.69     $ 2.46     $ 1.92      
                       
                       
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED): Three Months Ended   Fiscal Year Ended    
    Efficiency Ratio June 30,   June 30,    
    (In thousands)   2025       2024       2025       2024      
                       
    Net interest income (GAAP) $ 16,725     $ 14,534     $ 48,178     $ 42,985      
                       
    Noninterest income (GAAP)   4,520       3,196       14,183       9,688      
                       
    Noninterest expense (GAAP)   13,693       12,431       42,334       40,248      
                       
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   64.45 %     70.11 %     67.89 %     76.41 %    
                       
    Noninterest income (GAAP) $ 4,520     $ 3,196     $ 14,183     $ 9,688      
    Less: Gain on bulk sale of loans, home equity lines of credit   –       –       (2,492 )     –      
    Less: Gain on life insurance   (147 )     –       (147 )     –      
    Less: Gain on lease termination   (487 )     –       (487 )     –      
    Less: Gain on sale of equity securities   –       –       (403 )     –      
    Less: Gain on sale of premises and equipment   –       –       (140 )     –      
    Less: Recording of Visa Class C shares   –       (245 )     –       (245 )    
    Noninterest income (Non-GAAP)   3,886       2,951       10,515       9,443      
                       
    Noninterest expense (GAAP) $ 13,693     $ 12,431     $ 42,334     $ 40,248      
    Plus: Decrease in loss contingency for SBA-guaranteed loans   –       283       –       283      
    Noninterest expense (Non-GAAP) $ 13,693     $ 12,714     $ 42,334     $ 40,531      
                       
    Efficiency ratio (excluding nonrecurring items) (non-GAAP)   66.44 %     72.71 %     72.13 %     77.31 %    
                       
              QTD       FYTD
    Tangible Book Value Per Share June 30,   March 31,   Increase   September 30,   Increase
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)   2025       2025     (Decrease)     2024     (Decrease)
                       
    Stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 183,822     $ 179,189     $ 4,633     $ 177,115     $ 6,707  
    Less: goodwill and core deposit intangibles   (10,123 )     (10,164 )     41       (10,246 )     123  
    Tangible stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP) $ 173,699     $ 169,025     $ 4,674     $ 166,869     $ 6,830  
                       
    Outstanding common shares   6,976,558       6,919,136     $ 57,422       6,887,106     $ 89,452  
                       
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) $ 24.90     $ 24.43     $ 0.47     $ 24.23     $ 0.67  
                       
    Book value per share (GAAP) $ 26.35     $ 25.90     $ 0.45     $ 25.72     $ 0.63  
                       
                       
                       
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED): As of
    Summarized Consolidated Balance Sheets June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands, except per share data)   2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
                       
    Total cash and cash equivalents $ 52,123     $ 28,683     $ 76,224     $ 52,142     $ 42,423  
    Total investment securities   244,284       244,084       242,634       249,719       238,785  
    Total loans held for sale   60,970       61,239       24,441       25,716       125,859  
    Total loans, net of allowance for credit losses   1,895,821       1,880,176       1,884,514       1,963,852       1,826,980  
    Loan servicing rights   2,869       2,744       2,661       2,754       2,860  
    Total assets   2,416,675       2,376,230       2,388,735       2,450,368       2,393,491  
                       
    Customer deposits $ 1,456,174     $ 1,392,411     $ 1,395,766     $ 1,371,724     $ 1,312,997  
    Brokered deposits   280,020       396,770       437,008       509,157       399,151  
    Total deposits   1,736,194       1,789,181       1,832,774       1,880,881       1,712,148  
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   434,924       325,310       295,000       301,640       425,000  
                       
    Common stock and additional paid-in capital $ 30,090     $ 28,650     $ 28,382     $ 27,725     $ 27,592  
    Retained earnings – substantially restricted   187,969       182,918       178,526       173,337       170,688  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (20,061 )     (19,385 )     (17,789 )     (11,195 )     (17,415 )
    Unearned stock compensation   (2,005 )     (862 )     (973 )     (901 )     (999 )
    Less treasury stock, at cost   (12,171 )     (12,132 )     (12,119 )     (11,851 )     (11,866 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   183,822       179,189       176,027       177,115       168,000  
                       
    Outstanding common shares   6,976,558       6,919,136       6,909,173       6,887,106       6,883,656  
                       
                       
      Three Months Ended
    Summarized Consolidated Statements of Income June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands, except per share data)   2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
                       
    Total interest income $ 31,965     $ 30,823     $ 32,449     $ 32,223     $ 31,094  
    Total interest expense   15,240       14,832       16,987       17,146       16,560  
    Net interest income   16,725       15,991       15,462       15,077       14,534  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans   347       (357 )     (491 )     1,808       501  
    Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments   77       123       46       (262 )     158  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – securities   (1 )     (1 )     (6 )     (86 )     84  
    Total provision (credit) for credit losses   423       (235 )     (451 )     1,460       743  
                       
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   16,302       16,226       15,913       13,617       13,791  
                       
    Total noninterest income   4,520       3,560       6,103       2,842       3,196  
    Total noninterest expense   13,693       13,698       14,943       12,642       12,431  
    Income before income taxes   7,129       6,088       7,073       3,817       4,556  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   963       589       848       145       483  
    Net income   6,166       5,499       6,225       3,672       4,073  
                       
                       
    Net income per share, basic $ 0.90     $ 0.80     $ 0.91     $ 0.54     $ 0.60  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, basic   6,881,077       6,875,826       6,851,153       6,832,626       6,832,452  
                       
    Net income per share, diluted $ 0.88     $ 0.79     $ 0.89     $ 0.53     $ 0.60  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted   6,977,674       6,960,020       6,969,223       6,894,532       6,842,336  
                       
                       
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED): Three Months Ended
    Noninterest Income Detail June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands)   2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
                       
    Service charges on deposit accounts $ 537     $ 541     $ 567     $ 552     $ 538  
    ATM and interchange fees   648       632       665       642       593  
    Net unrealized gain on equity securities   15       47       78       28       419  
    Net gain on equity securities   –       –       403       –       –  
    Net gain on sales of loans, Small Business Administration   932       1,078       711       647       581  
    Net gain on sales of loans, home equity lines of credit   617       –       2,492       –       –  
    Mortgage banking income   96       104       78       6       49  
    Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   358       380       361       363       353  
    Gain on life insurance   147       –       108       –       –  
    Commission income   184       255       210       294       220  
    Real estate lease income   132       122       121       122       154  
    Net gain (loss) on premises and equipment   –       –       45       (4 )     –  
    Other income   854       401       264       192       289  
    Total noninterest income $ 4,520     $ 3,560     $ 6,103     $ 2,842     $ 3,196  
                       
                       
      Three Months Ended
      June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    Consolidated Performance Ratios (Annualized)   2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
                       
    Return on average assets   1.02 %     0.93 %     1.02 %     0.61 %     0.69 %
    Return on average equity   13.66 %     12.24 %     14.07 %     8.52 %     9.86 %
    Return on average common stockholders’ equity   13.66 %     12.34 %     14.07 %     8.52 %     9.86 %
    Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis)   2.99 %     2.93 %     2.75 %     2.72 %     2.67 %
    Efficiency ratio   64.45 %     70.06 %     69.29 %     70.55 %     70.11 %
                       
                       
      As of or for the Three Months Ended
      June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    Consolidated Asset Quality Ratios   2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
                       
    Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans   0.79 %     0.67 %     0.87 %     0.85 %     0.91 %
    Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets   0.68 %     0.55 %     0.71 %     0.71 %     0.72 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans   1.07 %     1.08 %     1.09 %     1.07 %     1.07 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans   134.88 %     161.04 %     124.85 %     125.69 %     118.12 %
    Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans   0.02 %     -0.01 %     0.01 %     0.02 %     0.01 %
                       
                       
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED): Three Months Ended
    Segmented Statements of Income Information June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands)   2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
                       
    Core Banking Segment:                  
    Net interest income $ 15,086     $ 14,259     $ 13,756     $ 14,083     $ 13,590  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans   420       (540 )     (745 )     1,339       320  
    Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments   32       35       (75 )     78       64  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – securities   (1 )     (1 )     (7 )     (86 )     84  
    Total provision (credit) for credit losses   451       (506 )     (827 )     1,331       468  
    Net interest income after provision (credit) for credit losses   14,635       14,765       14,583       12,752       13,122  
    Noninterest income   3,340       2,242       5,253       2,042       2,474  
    Noninterest expense   11,366       11,486       12,574       10,400       10,192  
    Income before income taxes   6,609       5,521       7,262       4,394       5,404  
    Income tax expense   835       452       893       301       689  
    Net income $ 5,774     $ 5,069     $ 6,369     $ 4,093     $ 4,715  
                       
    SBA Lending Segment (Q2):                  
    Net interest income $ 1,639     $ 1,732     $ 1,706     $ 994     $ 944  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans   (73 )     183       255       469       181  
    Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments   45       88       121       (340 )     94  
    Total provision (credit) for credit losses   (28 )     271       376       129       275  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   1,667       1,461       1,330       865       669  
    Noninterest income   1,180       1,318       850       800       722  
    Noninterest expense   2,327       2,212       2,369       2,242       2,239  
    Income (loss) before income taxes   520       567       (189 )     (577 )     (848 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)   128       137       (45 )     (156 )     (206 )
    Net income (loss) $ 392     $ 430     $ (144 )   $ (421 )   $ (642 )
                       
                       
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED): Three Months Ended
    Segmented Statements of Income Information June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands, except percentage data)   2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
                       
    Net Income (Loss) Per Share by Segment                  
    Net income per share, basic – Core Banking $ 0.84     $ 0.74     $ 0.93     $ 0.60     $ 0.69  
    Net income (loss) per share, basic – SBA Lending (Q2)   0.06       0.06       (0.02 )     (0.06 )     (0.09 )
    Total net income (loss) per share, basic $ 0.90     $ 0.80     $ 0.91     $ 0.54     $ 0.60  
                       
    Net Income (Loss) Per Diluted Share by Segment                  
    Net income per share, diluted – Core Banking $ 0.82     $ 0.73     $ 0.91     $ 0.59     $ 0.69  
    Net income (loss) per share, diluted – SBA Lending (Q2)   0.06       0.06       (0.02 )     (0.06 )     (0.09 )
    Total net income per share, diluted $ 0.88     $ 0.79     $ 0.89     $ 0.53     $ 0.60  
                       
    Return on Average Assets by Segment (annualized) (3)                  
    Core Banking   1.01 %     0.90 %     1.09 %     0.71 %     0.83 %
    SBA Lending   1.36 %     1.58 %     (0.55 %)     (1.71 %)     (2.91 %)
                       
    Efficiency Ratio by Segment (annualized) (3)                  
    Core Banking   61.68 %     69.61 %     66.15 %     64.50 %     63.45 %
    SBA Lending   82.55 %     72.52 %     92.68 %     124.97 %     134.39 %
                       
                       
      Three Months Ended
    Noninterest Expense Detail by Segment June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands)   2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
                       
    Core Banking Segment:                  
    Compensation $ 6,470     $ 6,637     $ 7,245     $ 5,400     $ 5,587  
    Occupancy   1,533       1,648       1,577       1,554       1,573  
    Advertising   437       429       338       399       253  
    Other   2,926       2,772       3,414       3,047       2,779  
    Total Noninterest Expense $ 11,366     $ 11,486     $ 12,574     $ 10,400     $ 10,192  
                       
    SBA Lending Segment (Q2):                  
    Compensation $ 1,914     $ 1,892     $ 1,931     $ 1,854     $ 1,893  
    Occupancy   92       50       59       55       51  
    Advertising   17       10       14       17       12  
    Other   304       260       365       316       283  
    Total Noninterest Expense $ 2,327     $ 2,212     $ 2,369     $ 2,242     $ 2,239  
                       
                       
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED): Three Months Ended
    SBA Lending (Q2) Data June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands, except percentage data)   2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
                       
    Final funded loans guaranteed portion sold, SBA $ 18,019     $ 15,716     $ 10,785     $ 10,880     $ 7,515  
                       
    Gross gain on sales of loans, SBA $ 1,548     $ 1,508     $ 1,141     $ 1,029     $ 811  
    Weighted average gross gain on sales of loans, SBA   8.59 %     9.60 %     10.58 %     9.46 %     10.79 %
                       
    Net gain on sales of loans, SBA (2) $ 932     $ 1,078     $ 711     $ 647     $ 581  
    Weighted average net gain on sales of loans, SBA   5.17 %     6.86 %     6.59 %     5.95 %     7.73 %
                       
                       
    (2) Inclusive of gains on servicing assets and net of commissions, referral fees, SBA repair fees and discounts on unguaranteed portions held-for-investment.    
                       
                       
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED): Three Months Ended
    Summarized Consolidated Average Balance Sheets June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands)   2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
    Interest-earning assets                  
    Average balances:                  
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks $ 15,889     $ 11,851     $ 21,102     $ 16,841     $ 26,100  
    Loans   1,992,567       1,946,338       2,010,082       1,988,997       1,943,716  
    Investment securities – taxable   104,169       102,744       101,960       99,834       101,350  
    Investment securities – nontaxable   162,017       161,579       160,929       158,917       157,991  
    FRB and FHLB stock   24,993       24,986       24,986       24,986       24,986  
    Total interest-earning assets $ 2,299,635     $ 2,247,498     $ 2,319,059     $ 2,289,575     $ 2,254,143  
                       
    Interest income (tax equivalent basis):                  
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks $ 145     $ 168     $ 210     $ 209     $ 324  
    Loans   29,214       27,998       29,617       29,450       28,155  
    Investment securities – taxable   947       921       914       910       918  
    Investment securities – nontaxable   1,733       1,719       1,715       1,685       1,665  
    FRB and FHLB stock   416       511       493       471       519  
    Total interest income (tax equivalent basis) $ 32,455     $ 31,317     $ 32,949     $ 32,725     $ 31,581  
                       
    Weighted average yield (tax equivalent basis, annualized):                  
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks   3.65 %     5.67 %     3.98 %     4.96 %     4.97 %
    Loans   5.86 %     5.75 %     5.89 %     5.92 %     5.79 %
    Investment securities – taxable   3.64 %     3.59 %     3.59 %     3.65 %     3.62 %
    Investment securities – nontaxable   4.28 %     4.26 %     4.26 %     4.24 %     4.22 %
    FRB and FHLB stock   6.66 %     8.18 %     7.89 %     7.54 %     8.31 %
    Total interest-earning assets   5.65 %     5.57 %     5.68 %     5.72 %     5.60 %
                       
    Interest-bearing liabilities                  
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 1,537,248     $ 1,653,058     $ 1,671,156     $ 1,563,258     $ 1,572,871  
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   437,371       266,975       315,583       378,956       351,227  
    Subordinated debt and other borrowings   35,070       48,656       48,616       48,576       48,537  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 2,009,689     $ 1,968,689     $ 2,035,355     $ 1,990,790     $ 1,972,635  
                       
    Interest expense:                  
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 10,601     $ 12,069     $ 13,606     $ 12,825     $ 12,740  
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   4,149       2,001       2,617       3,521       3,021  
    Subordinated debt and other borrowings   489       762       764       800       799  
    Total interest expense $ 15,239     $ 14,832     $ 16,987     $ 17,146     $ 16,560  
                       
    Weighted average cost (annualized):                  
    Interest-bearing deposits   2.76 %     2.92 %     3.26 %     3.28 %     3.24 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   3.79 %     3.00 %     3.32 %     3.72 %     3.44 %
    Subordinated debt and other borrowings   5.58 %     6.26 %     6.29 %     6.59 %     6.58 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3.03 %     3.01 %     3.34 %     3.45 %     3.36 %
                       
    Net interest income (taxable equivalent basis) $ 17,216     $ 16,485     $ 15,962     $ 15,579     $ 15,021  
    Less: taxable equivalent adjustment   (491 )     (494 )     (500 )     (502 )     (487 )
    Net interest income $ 16,725     $ 15,991     $ 15,462     $ 15,077     $ 14,534  
                       
    Interest rate spread (tax equivalent basis, annualized)   2.62 %     2.56 %     2.34 %     2.27 %     2.24 %
                       
    Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis, annualized)   2.99 %     2.93 %     2.75 %     2.72 %     2.67 %
                       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren on Trump Administration Approving Paramount Megamerger: “Bribery Is Illegal No Matter Who Is President”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    July 24, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Today, in response to the news that the Trump administration approved Paramount Global’s (Paramount) $8 billion merger with Skydance Media (Skydance), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement:
    “Bribery is illegal no matter who is president. It sure looks like Skydance and Paramount paid $36 million to Donald Trump for this merger, and he’s even bragged about this crooked-looking deal. I’ve been ringing the alarm bell for months, launching a Senate investigation into possible corruption, and this merger must be investigated for any criminal behavior. It’s an open question whether the Trump administration’s approval of this merger was the result of a bribe.”
    Senator Warren has led the charge to determine if Paramount bribed President Trump in exchange for approval of its multi-billion-dollar megamerger with Skydance, and has fought relentlessly against President Trump’s corruption:
    On July 23, Senator Warren published an op-ed in Variety: “Elizabeth Warren on Colbert ‘Late Show’ Cancellation: Is the Paramount Trump Payoff a Bribe?”
    On July 21, Senators Warren, Sanders (I-Vt.), and Wyden (D-Ore.) pressed David Ellison, CEO of Skydance, about reports of a secret deal between Skydance and President Trump — and how it may be related to Paramount’s recent multi-million-dollar settlement agreement with Trump.
    On July 17, Senators Warren and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), along with Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Melane Stansbury (D-N.M.), and lawmakers in Congress unveiled the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act to close loopholes that allow presidential libraries to be used as tools for corruption and bribery.
    On July 2, Senator Warren called for an investigation into Paramount’s settlement with Trump.
    On May 19, Senators Warren, Sanders, and Wyden wrote to Shari Redstone, Chair of Paramount, with concerns regarding whether Paramount may be engaging in potentially illegal conduct involving the Trump Administration in exchange for approval of its megamerger with Skydance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, EU should expand trade, investment ties to cope with external uncertainties: Chinese premier

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

    China, EU should expand trade, investment ties to cope with external uncertainties: Chinese premier

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attend the China-EU Business Leaders Symposium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, July 24 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday called on China and the European Union (EU) to expand trade and investment ties to enhance their economic resilience and vitality, and to increase their ability to negotiate external uncertainties.

    Li made the remarks at the China-EU Business Leaders Symposium, which was also attended by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

    Speaking to some 60 business leaders, Li said that cooperation is the only correct choice for China and the EU, and that bilateral trade ties have demonstrated strong internal dynamism over the five decades since the establishment of these diplomatic relations.

    In the face of rising protectionism and unilateralism, China and the EU can play pivotal roles in economic globalization, and in the stability of international industrial and supply chains, by working together to uphold free trade and multilateralism, and through closer economic and trade cooperation, he said.

    He proposed that both sides focus on areas such as trade in services, sci-tech innovation, the green economy and third-party cooperation, and that they foster a good competitive and cooperative relationship.

    He encouraged enterprises from both sides to hold an open attitude, align their needs and deepen cooperation in the fields of industrial investment, market expansion, and joint research and development.

    Li noted that China will continue expanding its high-level opening-up, shorten its negative list for foreign investment, strengthen intellectual property protection and safeguard fair competition.

    “We welcome more European businesses to invest and pursue long-term operations in China,” he said, also calling on the EU to provide a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese enterprises investing in Europe.

    Von der Leyen said that China is not only an industrial powerhouse but also a top performer in innovation.

    The EU stands ready to use the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to deepen its long-term, stable and mutually beneficial partnership with China, she said.

    She noted that the EU will enhance cooperation with China in such fields as trade and investment, work with China to promote industrial and supply chain stability, manage differences in a proper manner, and foster a favorable environment for cooperation and business.

    The EU has no intention to decouple from China and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Europe, she added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 9 Chinese cities accredited as int’l wetland cities

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

    VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe, July 24 — A total of nine Chinese cities were accredited as international wetland cities on Thursday during the opening of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) held in Zimbabwe’s resort city of Victoria Falls, bringing the total number of such cities in China to 22, the highest in the world.

    The nine newly accredited cities are Chongming in Shanghai, Dali in Yunnan Province, Fuzhou in Fujian Province, Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, Jiujiang in Jiangxi Province, Lhasa in the Xizang Autonomous Region, Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, Wenzhou in Zhejiang Province, and Yueyang in Hunan Province.

    Johane Chenjekwa, mayor of Kasane in Botswana, commended China for promoting wetland conservation, noting that Africa can benefit from cooperation with China in wetland management.

    “We will see, as we interact, what we can learn from them. They are also willing to learn from how we do things here, so it’s really a (great) experience to be mingling (together),” he said.

    Chenjekwa added that as the world faces the common challenge of wetland degradation, joint efforts with China can help tackle its impacts.

    In his opening remarks, Jay Aldous, deputy secretary-general of the Convention on Wetlands, noted that while urbanization brings tangible development progress, there is a need to ensure that it does not interfere with wetland preservation.

    “Unplanned or poorly managed urban expansion has emerged as a global concern, contributing to the degradation of wetlands, loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecological balance, rising greenhouse gas emissions, worsening air and water pollution, and escalating the impacts of climate change,” he said.

    In response to these challenges and recognizing the pivotal role of cities and urban wetlands, the Convention on Wetlands launched the Wetland City Accreditation scheme to encourage the protection of urban wetlands and their integration into sustainable urban planning, Aldous said.

    “By embracing the convention’s principles of wise use, cities can harness the ecological, social, and economic benefits that wetlands provide, including climate adaptation and mitigation, flood regulation, cultural value, and improved human well-being,” he said.

    Held under the theme of “Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future”, the COP15, which will conclude on July 31, has brought together contracting parties to strengthen international commitments to wetland protection.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Nadler Delivers Remarks at Rally in Support of Brooklyn Container Port

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, at a community rally in Red Hook in support of the Brooklyn container port: 

    “Thank you for inviting me here today. As many of you know, I have advocated for the Port of New York and New Jersey for more than forty years. For many of those years, I represented the Red Hook waterfront in Congress and fought for this vital facility, the community, and the jobs that depend on the port.

    Red Hook is the only remaining container port facility on the eastern side of the Hudson River, making it immensely important for our city, state, and region. We gather today to address a critical decision facing our community regarding the future of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal and Red Hook’s working waterfront.

    Red Hook has served as an active working waterfront for 150 years. While the port may be smaller than terminals in New Jersey and Staten Island, its location in the heart of America’s largest consumer market provides unique value. Red Hook connects our region to vital supply chains, bringing fresh produce from Latin America and the Caribbean directly to grocery stores throughout the city and Long Island.

    The recent Baltimore bridge collapse reminded us how vulnerable our supply chains can be. We need redundancy and resilient alternatives. The Blue Highway barge service operating since 1991 employs skilled long-shore workers representing generations of maritime expertise. This infrastructure deserves our investment and protection.

    Unfortunately, the city in acquiring the facility made a bad deal with the Port Authority and inherited a facility with significant challenges from decades of underinvestment. But now that the city owns Brooklyn Marine Terminal, it must repair the facility without any conditions. The current proposal from EDC is deeply flawed. To save the port, they propose developing thousands of market-rate housing units to finance improvements. I believe there is a better path forward, because their plan would have the opposite effect—shrinking and killing the very port they claim to want to save.

    I fully recognize the city’s housing crisis requires urgent attention. However, adding 8,000 housing units to an area with narrow streets, aging infrastructure, and limited transit raises serious concerns about community impact and quality of life.
    I propose a more thoughtful approach. First, preserve the Red Hook Port with no reduction in its footprint. Second, the city should invest in port stabilization and improvements as a public infrastructure priority, similar to investments in ferry lines, roads, and bridges. New York State should contribute as well, since the terminal serves the broader region including Long Island and the Hudson Valley.

    Finally, housing decisions should be addressed through the established ULURP process, designed for complex land use decisions requiring maximum community input. This same process recently delivered the City of Yes housing plan through proper democratic engagement.

    The fact that EDC keeps postponing the Task Force vote shows they lack support for their deeply flawed plan. It is profoundly undemocratic for EDC to delay the vote simply because they know their plan will be rejected. I urge the Task Force to approve necessary port improvements immediately while deferring housing decisions for later consideration through the ULURP process. This approach respects both the community’s voice and the democratic processes that ensure good governance.

    The future of Red Hook deserves careful deliberation, not rushed decisions. We can protect our working waterfront while addressing housing needs through proper planning and community engagement.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Congressman Castro Testifies at Texas Capitol to Stand Against Governor Abbott’s Gerrymandering Efforts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

    July 24, 2025

    AUSTIN, TX — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) testified before the Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting to stand up to Governor Greg Abbott and President Trump for subverting the will of all Texans and disenfranchising the voting power of minority voters.

    Congressman Castro Delivers 2 Minute Testimony

    Congressman Castro’s testimony below:

    Thank you, Chairman and Members of the Committee.

    I am proud to represent my hometown of San Antonio, Texas, the 20th Congressional District.

    I was a freshman in 2003, when as Democrats, we left the state for Ardmore, Oklahoma, to stop mid-decade redistricting more than 20 years ago.

    It was wrong then, and it’s wrong now.

    And you all are being used. You’re being used by the White House and by Donald Trump. You’re being used because he doesn’t want Democrats to control the majority of the Congress so that there’ll be no investigations.

    There has been no discussion in Congress about the floods that occurred in Kerr County and the loss of so many lives. There has been no discussion on the Epstein files, no discussions on the Iran leaks and all those messages by the Secretary of Defense and others.

    There literally is no accountability right now in Congress and the people that are going to pay for this are the folks in Black and Brown communities in our cities. They’re going to have their districts cracked and packed and un-Blacked because of this effort.

    That’s what’s at stake here, whether you all are going to work for the people of Texas, as we used to do, or try to do, or whether you’re going to take your commandments from Donald Trump and the White House.

    I hope that you all will choose to do the business of the people of Texas as this body has a history of being independent from the federal government, not a stooge for it.

    I yield back.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Clamping down on overdue court fines

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is trialling new technology which will help clamp and seize cars of people evading paying court fines, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. 

    “If you haven’t paid your court fines, you may soon find yourself walking home or needing a lift.

    “Bailiffs are now trialling handheld devices which scan the number plates of parked cars, and determine whether the owners have overdue court fines or reparations. 

    “If they do, the car may be clamped or towed away. It’s that simple. 

    “This is first being trialled throughout streets nationwide, and will be present at some breath testing stations this weekend alongside police.  

    “We promised to find new effective ways to force people to pay their court fines. That’s exactly what we’re delivering. We know wheel clamping is already a successful enforcement tool and we want to build on that.

    “Those who have suffered emotional harm or have had their property lost or damaged by an offender’s actions should not be left out of pocket.  

    “Victims are our priority, and their needs underpin all our work to restore law and order, which we know is working.   

    “There’s been a long-standing slackness when it comes to bringing in fines and I’ve given very strong instructions to the Ministry of Justice to find ways to collect them.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE–Brag House Announces $15 Million Private Placement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brag House Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TBH) (“Brag House” or the “Company”) the Gen Z engagement platform operating at the intersection of gaming, college sports, and digital media, announces today that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with twelve accredited investors (not one as previously reported) for a private investment in public equity (“PIPE”) financing that is expected to result in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $15 million, before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including working capital.

    Pursuant to the terms of the securities purchase agreement, the Company is selling an aggregate of 15,000 shares of its Series B Convertible Preferred Stock convertible into 15,923,567 shares of common stock, at a conversion price of $0.942 per share of Series B Convertible Stock and an aggregate of 15,923,567 warrants to acquire up to 15,923,567 shares of common stock. The purchase price for one unit (consisting of one share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock convertible into approximately 1,061 shares and the same number of warrants) was $1,000. The warrants issued in the offering are exercisable immediately upon issuance at an exercise price of $0.817 per share and will expire five years from the date of issuance.

    Revere Securities LLC acted as the sole placement agent for the PIPE financing.

    The securities being offered and sold by the Company in the private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The securities were offered only to accredited investors. The Company has agreed to file one or more registration statements with the SEC covering the resale of the unregistered shares issuable upon the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and the shares issuable upon exercise of the unregistered warrants.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Brag House Holdings, Inc.

    Brag House is a leading media technology platform dedicated to transforming casual college gaming into a vibrant, community-driven experience. By merging gaming, social interaction, and collegiate culture, Brag House enables brands to authentically connect with the influential Gen Z demographic through gamified experiences, live-streaming content, and scalable data insights. For more information, visit www.braghouse.com.

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the risk factors discussed in the Risk Factors and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections of our Forms 10-K, 10-Q and other reports filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law.

    Investor Relations Contact
    Adele Carey
    VP, Investor Relations
    ir@thebraghouse.com

    Media Contact
    Fatema Bhabrawala
    Director of Media Relations
    fbhabrawala@allianceadvisors.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Development Minister sets out new UK approach to development at G20 meeting in South Africa

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Development Minister sets out new UK approach to development at G20 meeting in South Africa

    The UK is resetting its relationship with countries in the Global South and helping countries exit the need for aid, as Baroness Chapman attends the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting in South Africa.

    • Development Minister Baroness Chapman will reset the UK’s approach to international development at the G20 Development Meeting in South Africa today (Friday, 25 July).
    • Economic development underpins the UK’s new approach, as the Minister visits a South African food producer supported by the FCDO’s development arm BII.
    • The UK is supporting countries to transition from traditional aid to innovative financing for development, as the Minister visits a centre for survivors of gender-based violence funded by both the UK and the private sector.

    The UK is resetting its relationship with countries in the Global South and helping countries exit the need for aid, as Baroness Chapman attends the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting in South Africa today (Friday 25 July 2025).

    This follows the publication of ODA allocations earlier this week (Tuesday 22 July 2025), which indicate how the UK is going to spend its aid budget for the next year.

    The UK will move from being a donor to a genuine partner and investor, ensuring every pound spent on aid delivers for the UK taxpayer and the people we support.

    Economic development underpins the UK’s new approach, to help countries grow fairer, more resilient economies and ultimately exit the need for aid, in support of the government’s Plan for Change.

    The Minister saw this in action yesterday (Thursday 24 July 2025) as she visited an Agristar farm which produces macadamia nuts in Mbombela, eastern South Africa. British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, is supporting Agristar to expand – supporting jobs and growth and helping to stock British supermarket shelves. 

    The Minister also visited a UK supported care centre for survivors of gender-based violence in Mbombela, alongside South African Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disability, Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga. The centre is supported by a multi-donor fund which has seen increased backing from South African and international private investors. The innovative funding approach has supported over 200 community-based organisations in South Africa working to prevent violence in schools and communities and provide response services for survivors of gender-based violence. This demonstrates the UK and South Africa’s shared commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

    By mobilising private finance and empowering partners to take charge of their own development, the UK is moving away from a paternalistic approach to aid.

    Minister for Development, Baroness Chapman said:

    We want to help countries move beyond aid. In South Africa, I’ve seen the impact we can have with genuine partnerships, rather than paternalism. Our work is supporting jobs and generating global economic growth – and bringing high quality South African produce to UK shops. 

    At the G20 in South Africa, I have one simple message: the world has changed and so must we. The UK is taking a new approach to development, responding to the needs of our partners and delivering real impact and value for money for UK taxpayers.

    At the G20, the Minister is due to discuss the UK’s new approach to international development with counterparts from Egypt, India and Germany.

    The Agristar farm in Mbombela, which the Minister visited yesterday, has benefitted from UK investment as part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). BII support has enabled the macadamia nut producer to expand its operations across Africa, invest in measures to mitigate climate risks, and support nearly 400 jobs. BII is also supporting Agristar’s expansion into Malawi.

    BII, which aims to make a return on its investments, has so far supported 92 companies in South Africa and over 35,000 jobs.   

    Its success highlights how the UK’s investment in international development is driving green growth and jobs, boosting global prosperity and stability to help create the conditions to deliver the government’s Plan for Change at home.   

    The Minister will also announce today a new £2 million commitment to support local agribusiness projects by partnering with South African investment funds to drive more private finance for the farming sector.

    In G20 talks on tackling illicit financial flows, the Minister will highlight how money and assets siphoned away as part of criminal activity deprive lower-income countries of vital resources which could otherwise support growth and development. The Foreign Secretary is leading a campaign against illicit finance, mobilising the best UK expertise and international partnerships, so dirty money has nowhere to hide. This is also vital to deterring threats to the safety and security of Britain, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney and Inuit leadership meet as the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed, federal Cabinet ministers, and elected Inuit leadership from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Makivvik, and the Nunatsiavut Government gathered for a meeting of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) in Inuvik, Northwest Territories.

    Since the signing of the Inuit Nunangat Declaration in 2017, the Government of Canada and Inuit leaders have continued to meet three times annually and work together through the ICPC to advance shared priorities, strengthen the Inuit-Crown partnership, and create a more prosperous Inuit Nunangat.

    During today’s meeting, the leaders discussed the Building Canada Act and how to implement it effectively and consistently with Inuit Modern Treaties and in partnership with Inuit.

    In addition to the Building Canada Act, federal and Inuit leaders discussed the infrastructure needs in Inuit Nunangat, Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy, and the need to further protect the security and sovereignty of the Arctic and Inuit Nunangat. They also addressed other urgent priorities, including health care and social issues such as housing in Inuit Nunangat. The leaders underscored opportunities to build together to address these challenges and deliver meaningful economic prosperity.

    In Inuvik, the Prime Minister announced the appointment of Virginia Mearns as Canada’s Arctic Ambassador, effective September 15, 2025. The Ambassador’s mandate will focus on reinforcing Canada’s Arctic engagement with like-minded partners and multilateral forums, bolstering Arctic sovereignty, and advancing opportunities for security and growth.

    Inuit leaders and the federal government reaffirmed their shared commitment to working together on priorities through the ICPC.

    Quotes

    “Today’s Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee meeting was about building our shared future and Inuit Nunangat’s full economic potential. In partnership, Inuit and the federal government will build major projects that connect and transform our economy, create greater prosperity and opportunities, and build a stronger Canada.”

    “Now in its ninth year, the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee remains an essential tool for advancing shared priorities. This includes increasing investment in Inuit Nunangat through implementation of the Building Canada Act in a way that is consistent with Inuit treaties and in partnership with Inuit. We welcome the opportunity to continue this important work with Mark Carney, to strengthen our partnership and build lasting prosperity for Inuit in Inuit Nunangat and across Canada. We also celebrate today’s announcement of Virginia Mearns as Canada’s Arctic Ambassador, a position that was developed through the ICPC.”

    “In order to build stronger, healthier communities and a thriving economy, we must work together. For that reason, projects that move forward in Inuit Nunangat will do so in partnership with Inuit. We’re committed to engaging, listening, and working with local communities and Inuit leadership to ensure their priorities and perspectives are reflected in the work ahead. Today’s meeting is an important step forward in making sure the Building Canada Act supports a better future for Inuit across Inuit Nunangat.”

    “Canada will build major projects in true partnership with Inuit, and we’ll be guided by equity, inclusion, and shared prosperity. Through consultation and collaboration, Inuit voices are shaping the future of infrastructure, sovereignty, and economic opportunity across Inuit Nunangat.”

    “Canada is an Arctic nation, and we are at a critical moment, when it is imperative that we safeguard our sovereignty and defend our Arctic interests. Serving as Canada’s senior Arctic official, Ambassador Mearns will advance Canada’s polar interests in multilateral forums, engage with counterparts in Arctic and non-Arctic states, and serve as a representative in our diplomatic corps.”

    Quick facts

    • Inuit Nunangat is the Inuit homeland in Canada. It encompasses the land, water, and ice of four treaty regions represented by the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik in Northern Québec, and Nunatsiavut in Northern Labrador.
    • The Building Canada Act ensures consultation with Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples is built into the implementation process for determining whether a project is in the national interest and for the development of the conditions for permits and authorizations.
    • The Building Canada Act ensures respect for treaty rights, including modern treaties with Inuit Treaty Organizations. It does not alter processes established under modern treaties or the Government of Canada’s modern treaty obligations. It also respects treaty-based environmental assessment processes.
    • Canada’s new Arctic Ambassador, Virginia Mearns, is a respected Inuit leader with a long-standing commitment to advancing Inuit self-determination and community well-being in Nunavut. She currently serves as Senior Director of Inuit Relations at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and has held senior roles in the Government of Nunavut and with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. An active member of her community, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her exceptional contributions.
    • Since the signing of the Inuit Nunangat Declaration in 2017, Inuit leadership and the Government of Canada have continued to work together through the ICPC toward a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship based on the recognition of rights, respect, and co-operation.
    • The Inuit Nunangat Policy promotes Inuit self-determination and supports community and individual well-being throughout Inuit Nunangat, with the goal of achieving socio-economic equity between Inuit and all other people living in Canada. It provides a minimum standard for what can be expected from the relationship between Inuit and all federal departments and agencies, and includes guidance to federal departments and agencies on how to deliver programs, policies, and services in Inuit Nunangat.

    Biographical note

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Aviation – Unqualified pilot sentenced for dangerous and unlawful flying

    Source: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

    25 July 2025 – The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) welcomes the sentencing of a man who was fined $14,475 for multiple serious breaches of aviation safety rules, including flying without a pilot licence, flying an aircraft without a certificate of airworthiness, and operating in a manner that caused unnecessary danger.

    The defendant was on his own piloting the amateur-built Jodel D.11 aircraft when it took off from Feilding Aerodrome on 23 March 2024 and crash landed in a field approximately 1 kilometre south of the Marton township. The aircraft, which he had been rebuilding since it was involved in an earlier crash, was damaged beyond repair in the crash and the defendant sustained serious injuries.

    The investigation found the defendant had operated the aircraft on several occasions despite not holding a pilot licence, and while the aircraft was not certified as airworthy. This undermines the safety and integrity of the aviation system, and breaches New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Rules.

    “This case is a stark reminder that aviation safety rules exist for a reason — to protect people in the air and on the ground,” said CAA Deputy Chief Executive, Dean Winter.

    “The ‘pilot’ made a series of reckless choices that could have had significant consequences for other people, in addition to the serious injuries he suffered.”

    The Court considered the seriousness of the offending and the potential for harm when imposing the fine, noting the danger the public under the aircraft flightpath, emergency services personnel attending the crash site, and other airspace users – in addition to the pilot himself.

    “Flying without proper qualifications or approvals is not just a paperwork issue — it’s a safety issue,” Winter said.

    “Proper training, aircraft maintenance, licensing and certification are fundamental to ensuring safe skies. When individuals choose to ignore those responsibilities, they put lives at risk, as the defendant did in this case when he flew across State Highways, numerous farms and occupied houses.”

    The CAA will continue to investigate and take action appropriate against serious breaches of aviation law where safety is compromised.

    “People should have confidence that those operating aircraft in New Zealand are qualified and compliant, prioritising safety above all else,” Winter said.

    Details of charges

    The defendant was sentenced in the Marton District court on 16 July 2025 for the following charges:

    Under Section 46 of the Civil Aviation Act 1990:

    • Operating aircraft without necessary aviation document (PPL-A)
    • Operating aircraft without necessary aviation document (COA)

    Under Section 44 of the Civil Aviation Act 1990:

    • Operating aircraft in a manner that caused unnecessary danger.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Thune Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Seniors’ Options for Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and John Thune (R-SD) today reintroduced the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services (ECAPS) Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure seniors can continue to access important clinical services from their pharmacist. The bill would allow Medicare to reimburse for certain pharmacist-administered tests, treatments, and vaccinations for illnesses like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and strep throat, in accordance with state scope-of-practice laws. 
    “Seniors across South Dakota rely on the care and support they receive from their community pharmacists,” said Thune. “I am proud to lead this commonsense legislation that would allow these services and other important treatments to remain a reliable option for seniors, particularly in our rural communities.” 
    “During the pandemic, we saw firsthand how pharmacists stepped up to meet urgent health care needs, especially in underserved and rural communities,” said Warner. “This bill builds on that progress by making sure seniors can continue to count on their local pharmacists for routine tests, vaccines, and treatments for common illnesses like flu and COVID. This is a practical step to improve access to care, reduce the burden on hospitals and clinics, and make our health system work better for seniors.”
    “In rural states like South Dakota, pharmacists are often the most accessible – and sometimes the only – health care provider available to patients,” said Amanda Bacon, executive director of the South Dakota Pharmacists Association. “The ECAPS Act recognizes the vital role pharmacists play on the front lines of care, especially in areas where access is limited by geography, provider shortages, or both. The South Dakota Pharmacists Association strongly supports this legislation and the critical role it plays in strengthening our rural health care system. The ECAPS Act helps keep care close to home – and in South Dakota, that makes all the difference.” 
    “We applaud Senator Warner and Senator Thune for championing the reintroduction of the ECAPS Act,” said Jamie Fisher, executive director of the Virginia Pharmacy Association. “This bipartisan legislation recognizes what patients across Virginia already know – pharmacists are vital, trusted, and accessible members of the health care team. By ensuring Medicare beneficiaries can receive essential services like flu, COVID-19, RSV, and strep testing and treatment from their local pharmacist, the ECAPS Act will improve health outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to care is often limited. We strongly support this effort to expand access and equity in health care.” 
    “The Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition commends Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Mark Warner for championing the ECAPS Act to ensure seniors, including those living in rural areas and vulnerable communities, can turn to their local pharmacists for testing and treatment services that can protect them from certain common respiratory conditions,” said the Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition. “Congress must move with urgency to provide seniors with Medicare coverage in states where pharmacists can offer testing and treatment services for conditions that, although common, can quickly become life-threatening if not properly managed.”

    MIL OSI USA News –