NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Housing Authority’s response on three public housing projects

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:

    In response to media enquiries on the three public housing projects, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) today (June 18) gave the following response:

    The HA noted the decision of the Court of First Instance of the High Court in favour of Aggressive Construction Company Limited (ACCL)’s application for an interim stay of the execution of the Building Department’s decision to remove ACCL from the register of general building contractors, and the Building Department’s follow up actions regarding this decision. In light of the latest developments, the HA is actively reviewing for practical arrangements and procedures to complete the remaining works, so that citizen in need can move into the public housing units at the earliest possible and minimise the impact on the waiting time for public rental housing.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: L-549 hosts Boilermakers organizing training day

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    Organizers and organizing is only going to be as strong as the membership makes it. Your membership is your best tool to organize.

    Pablo Barrera, Western States organizer

    Twenty-five Local 549 (Pittsburg, California) Boilermakers turned out to learn the nuts and bolts of organizing during the local’s first Organizing Training Day, May 31, at the hall.

    Led by Western States Organizer Pablo Barrera and funded through the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund, the day covered labor history, “Unionism 101” and practical organizing tools, including how to have a one-on-one conversation about unionizing. The goal was to keep the training focused on the basics and simple, to empower all members—from apprentices to seasoned journey workers—with solid skills for organizing to grow the union.

    “Organizing and community activism are incumbent upon us as union members,” said L-549 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Randy Thomas. “That is a heavy obligation without direction and education.”

    Barrera said they focused on teaching everyone from “square one” to make sure everything was clear, including why workplaces organize and how to talk to workers to help them understand the union difference. To illustrate what organizing is like from the workers’ perspective and create engagement, Barrera divided everyone randomly into four groups representing typical industrial workers: assemblers, welders, truck drivers and warehouse workers. He asked everyone to consider everything from their category’s perspective. Each group had discussions about different points throughout the training and reported out on their main takeaways.

    “I told them to play along and imagine they work at Siemens, they work paycheck-to-paycheck at their job, their spouse works at the Wal-Mart around the corner,” he said. “Imagine that’s you.”

    Then he played an actual clip from a captive-audience meeting held at Siemens during the recent organizing efforts there. The company spokesperson makes promises and speculates on what harm a union might cause to work stability.

    “A lot of people knew that workers are scared to organize, but they didn’t know why. Because they’re already union, they couldn’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want a union—what were they waiting for,” Barrera said. “This gave us a chance to help them understand what workers believe is at stake.”

    Then he handed out sample union ballots, which he had everyone complete at the end of the training in secret, just as during an actual unionization vote.

    “People said it really opened their eyes. They felt something about it and connected with it,” Barrera said. “They got the perspective of ‘Are you going to organize against your boss?’ because that’s what we’re asking workers to do. To move forward and unionize is tough, and that was my point to them.”

    The training went well, everyone participated, and plans are already in the works for another class that goes more in depth on organizing. Barrera said a lot of the attendees expressed wanting to get more involved and do whatever it takes to organize more workplaces.

    “We now have 25-some Boilermakers who understand what to do and how to start that conversation with a worker about organizing and the union difference,” he said. “What I always tell local unions is that the organizers and organizing is only going to be as strong as the membership makes it. Your membership is your best tool to organize.”

    Thomas said he was pleased with the training and the turnout: “It was great to see members attend who do not always attend union meetings or show up for calls to action. Organizing goes beyond your skills on a jobsite; it has to do with your pride of being a union member.”

    Western States organizer Pablo Barrera says that when it comes to successful organizing campaigns, understanding and practicing tactics that create consistent, steady gains is the key.

    “In boxing, there’s a magazine called Ring Magazine. It’s like the Bible of boxing, and they had a quote about how boxers today all ‘lack the jab’. Everyone wants to power punch and knock someone out. No one wants to do the jab. It’s the same in organizing, if the basics aren’t there. We have to teach everyone from square-one about the basics—the jabs that lead to success.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces judicial appointments 6.18.25

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 18, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment of 16 Superior Court Judges: six in Los Angeles County; one in Merced County; one in Orange County; one in San Diego County; two in San Francisco County; three in Santa Clara County; one in San Joaquin County; and one in Tulare County. 

    Los Angeles County Superior Court

    William Forman, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Forman has been a Partner at Winston & Strawn, LLP since 2021. He was a Partner of Scheper Kim & Harris, LLP from 2009 to 2021. Forman was Counsel at Wilmer Hale from 2008 to 2009. He worked as an Associate at Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe from 2003 to 2008. Forman served as a Deputy Federal Public Defender at the Federal Public Defender, Central District of California from 1997 to 2003. He was an Associate at Arnold & Porter from 1992 to 1997. He worked as an Associate at Jeffer Mangels Butler & Marmaro from 1990 to 1991. Forman received a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge James A. Kaddo. Forman is a Democrat.

    David Garcia, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Garcia has worked as a Supervising Attorney at Inner City Law Center since 2023. He worked as a Director of Investigations at Edison International from 2013 to 2022. He worked as a Senior Attorney at Southern California Edison Company from 1997 to 2013. He worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California from 1990 to 1997. He worked as a Deputy District Attorney at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office from 1986 to 1990. He worked as an Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice from 1985 to 1986. Garcia received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Daniel Feldstern. Garcia is registered as a Democrat.

    Sumako McCallum, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. McCallum has served as a Court Commissioner for the court since 2024. She served as Senior Deputy County Counsel at the Office of County Counsel, County of Los Angeles from 2014 to 2024. She worked as a Staff Attorney at the Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles from 2003 to 2014. McCallum worked as an Associate at Morrison & Foerster, LLP from 2000 to 2002. McCallum received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Anne Hwang to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. McCallum is a Democrat. 

    Alan Z. Yudkowsky, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Yudkowsky has served as a Court Commissioner on that  court since 2019. He worked as Principal at the Law Offices of Alan Z. Yudkowsky from 2011 to 2019. Yukowsky held multiple positions  at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan since 1990, including Partner, Special Counsel, and Associate. Yudkowsky received a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Barbara M. Scheper. Yudkowsky is a Democrat

    Melanie Chavira, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Chavira has served as a City Prosecutor at the Redondo Beach City Attorney’s Office since 2012. She has worked as a Trial Advocacy Instructor at the Trial Advocacy Prosecution Program from 2012 to 2024. Chavira served as a Prosecutor and Assistant Supervisor at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office from 2002 to 2012. Chavira received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Mary Lou Villar. Chavira is a Democrat. 

    Terrence Jones, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Jones has worked as Chief Trial Counsel at Cameron Jones since 2022. He worked as Chief Trial Counsel at the Law Office of Terrence Jones from 2017 to 2022. Jones worked as an Associate at Ballard Spahr from 2015 to 2017. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California from 2008 to 2015. Jones received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Serena R. Murillo to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Jones is a Democrat. 

    Merced County Superior Court

    Ashley Albertoni Sausser, of Merced County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Merced County Superior Court. Albertoni Sausser has worked as an Attorney at Albertoni & Associates since 2015. She worked in multiple roles at Fagalde, Albertoni & Flores from 2010 to 2015, including as an Attorney and a Law Clerk. She was a part-time lecturer at the California State University, Stanislaus in 2011. Albertoni Sausser received a Juris Doctor degree from Humphreys Drivon School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Shelly Seymour. Albertoni Sausser is a Democrat.

    Orange County Superior Court

    Randall Bethune, of Orange County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court. Bethune has served as a Commissioner on that court since 2024. He was a Senior Deputy Public Defender at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office from 2006 to 2024. He was an Attorney at the Law Office of Randall S. Bethune from 2003 to 2006. Bethune received a Juris Doctor degree from Whittier Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge James L. Waltz. Bethune is a Democrat.

    San Diego County Superior Court

    Deborah Cumba, of San Diego County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Diego County Superior Court. Cumba has served as a Commissioner on that court since 2021. Cumba served as a Deputy Attorney at the California State Department of Transportation from 2011 to 2021. She was an Associate at Wilson Elser from 2003 to 2011 and an Associate at Clark Hill in 2005. Cumba received a Juris Doctor degree from University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Howard H. Shore. Cumba is a Democrat.

    San Francisco County Superior Court

    John D. Echeverria, of San Francisco County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Francisco County Superior Court. Echeverria has served as a Supervising Deputy Attorney General at the California Attorney General’s Office since 2024 and served as a Deputy Attorney General from 2016 to 2024. He was an Adjunct Professor at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco from 2021 to 2025. He worked as an Associate at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP from 2010 to 2016. He served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Philip S. Gutierrez at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California from 2009 to 2010. Echeverria earned a Juris Doctor degree from University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Anne-Christine Massullo. Echeverria is a Democrat.

    Dawn Payne, of San Francisco County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Francisco County Superior Court. Payne has served as an Attorney in the Legal Services office of the Judicial Council of California since 2016. She was a Staff Attorney at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2010 to 2015. Payne was an Associate at Calvo & Clark LLP from 2008 to 2010. She served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Claudia Wilken in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 2005 to 2007. Payne worked as an Associate at Morrison Foerster from 2003 to 2005. She served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Harry Pregerson at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2002 to 2003. Payne received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen A. Kelly. Payne is a Democrat.

    Santa Clara County Superior Court

    Jeffrey El-Hajj, of San Francisco County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court. El-Hajj has served as a Research Attorney for the Sixth Appellate District Court of Appeal since 2013. He was a Law Clerk at the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands from 2011 to 2013. El-Hajj worked as an Associate at Angel Law from 2009 to 2011. El-Hajj received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Peter H. Kirwan. El-Hajj is a Democrat.

    Eunice Lee, of Santa Clara County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Lee has served as a Deputy District Attorney for the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office since 2015. She worked as an Associate at Minami Tamaki from 2008 to 2015. Lee received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Vanessa Zecher. Lee is a Democrat.

    Erik Johnson, of Santa Clara County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Johnson has served as a Commissioner on that court since 2020. He worked as a Solo Practitioner at the Law Office of Erik Steven Johnson from 2010 to 2020. Johnson was an Associate for Hinkle Jachimowicz, Pointer & Emmanuel from 2007 to 2010. Johnson received a Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Carrie Zepeda-Madrid. Johnson is a Democrat.

    San Joaquin County Superior Court

    Adam Ramirez, of San Joaquin County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Joaquin County Superior Court. Ramirez has worked as a Shareholder at Hakeem, Ellis, Marengo & Ramirez since 2023 and as an Associate from 2008-2022. He was an Adjunct Professor at Humphreys University Drivon School of Law from 2019 to 2024. Ramirez was an Attorney at the Family Law Service Center from 2007 to 2008. He was an Attorney at the Law Office of Christopher K. Eley from 2007 to 2008. Ramirez received a Juris Doctor degree from the Humphreys University Drivon School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jose L. Alva. Ramirez is a Democrat.

    Tulare County Superior Court

    Frank Ruiz, of Tulare County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Tulare County Superior Court. Ruiz has served as a Deputy County Counsel at the Kings County Counsel’s Office since 2014. He worked as an Associate for the Children’s Advocacy Group in 2014. Ruiz was a Volunteer Attorney that same year for the Law Offices of the Public Defender in Riverside. Ruiz received a Juris Doctor degree from Seattle University School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Brett R. Alldredge. Ruiz is a Democrat.

    The compensation for each of these positions is $244,727.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 18, 2025

    News What you need to know: After more than 170 events last week celebrating California’s state parks, Governor Newsom and his administration are calling out federal cuts to National Parks and public lands. SACRAMENTO – As the Trump administration threatens the future…

    Jun 18, 2025

    News What you need to know: Two sites in San Francisco are the latest to be transformed under Governor Newsom’s executive order converting excess and underutilized state land into affordable housing.  SAN FRANCISCO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the…

    Jun 17, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom recently wrote an op-ed on the dangers of President Trump’s reach at authoritarianism, as well as the solution that lies within the power of each citizen to hold their electeds accountable to the Constitution they have sworn…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Speeding up the review process of restricted zones and providing support to pig farmers affected by ASF – E-002312/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002312/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Stefano Cavedagna (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR), Pietro Fiocchi (ECR)

    African swine fever (ASF) is a dynamic disease which requires the list of restricted zones to be constantly updated. It is vital that these restrictions be promptly lifted if an area has successfully countered ASF by means of biosecurity measures, intensive surveillance, culls, carcass removals and the fencing and containment of wild boar and if an appropriate period of time has elapsed without any new outbreaks – a good example being the area east of the A1 motorway in Italy, which is currently classed as a type III restricted zone.

    Even that would not be enough to protect the pig farmers who have been affected, particularly as regards the serious indirect damages they are sustaining: in addition to not being able to work, breed pigs or export to foreign markets, they are grappling with unsustainable fixed costs, the depreciation and forced removal of their livestock and speculation by slaughterhouses. The survival of many companies and of the entire Italian PDO sector is at stake.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Will the Commission introduce forms of guarantee and support for the indirect damages suffered by farms located in the restricted zones?
    • 2.Will it ensure the prompt reassessment of the restricted status of zones where pig farms have successfully implemented ASF control measures – examples include the operations carried out in the Lazio Region in January 2025 and the measures that have been in place in Langhirano since 28 April 2025 – thus preventing further losses for the farmers concerned?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European strategy to support single-parent families – E-001793/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the EU, 43.1% of persons in a household with one adult and dependent children are at risk of poverty or social exclusion (against 21% of the total population) in 2024. The Commission acknowledges the importance of the challenge.

    To tackle child poverty, the Commission Recommendation ‘Investing in children: breaking the cycle of disadvantage[1]’ calls for multi-dimensional strategies, with a focus on households at risk of poverty, such as single parent families.

    It stresses the need to ensure adequate resources, through support to parents’ participation in the labour market and benefits, and access to quality services.

    The Council Recommendation establishing a European Child Guarantee[2] asks Member States to guarantee access of children in need, including children living in a single-earner household, to a set of key quality services.

    The Council Recommendation on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion[3] recognises the specificity of single-parent households, and encourages Member States to facilitate take-up of adequate minimum income schemes.

    EU funding (e.g. the European Social Fund +) is available to support Member States in these efforts. The Commission expects to adopt in 2026 the first ever EU Anti-Poverty Strategy announced in the 2024-2029 Political Guidelines[4].

    The strategy will address the systemic, different drivers of poverty. It will look into what works through a lifecycle approach to addressing poverty risks. Preparation is ongoing and public consultation planned.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2013/112/oj/eng.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021H1004.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=oj:JOC_2023_041_R_0001.
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: DPO will help overcome the shortage of personnel

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Photo: Dmitry Orlov / Fornd Roscongress

    One of the key topics of the business program of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is taking place from June 18 to 21, was the development of education and personnel training. At the session “Personnel shortage and strategies for overcoming it”, held within the framework of the forum of small and medium entrepreneurship, Senior Director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Andrey Lavrov spoke about the role of additional professional education in solving the personnel problem.

    Opening the discussion, session moderator Sergei Nuzhdin, member of the presidium of the board of the All-Russian public organization of small and medium-sized businesses “OPORA RUSSIA”, called the shortage of personnel one of the most pressing problems of the country and the economy as a whole.

    Andrey Lavrov noted that this problem needs to be solved here and now, so it would be wrong to talk about long-term strategies, including changes in approaches to university education, in this context. “A university is not a supplier of personnel to the labor market, but an environment that creates people who are able to respond to changes at different periods of their lives and careers,” he noted.

    According to the senior director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, additional professional education helps to respond correctly to these changes. At HSE, the portfolio of additional professional education programs is formed taking into account the demands of consumers, which can be divided into two halves. The first half are employers who contact the university with a request to train their employees, the second are people who want to independently develop their qualifications.

    “We focus primarily on such people. If we take the broadest possible view, their age is from 25 to 45 years old, that is, they are not yesterday’s students,” Andrey Lavrov clarified. It is clear that, for example, AI technologies, for which they have demand today, were impossible to master earlier, within the framework of higher education, because such technologies did not exist at all.

    “We slightly underestimate the system of additional education. I am deeply convinced that a person’s educational trajectory, starting in early childhood, should in no case end with receiving a diploma of higher education. In order for each person to be competitive, so that the problem of personnel shortage does not arise, it is necessary to form a culture of continuous education of people,” says Andrei Lavrov.

    “The challenge and responsibility of universities is to create continuing education programs that, on the one hand, people need, and on the other hand, make them more competitive,” concluded the senior director of the HSE.

    Other approaches to solving the personnel problem were also considered at the session.

    Vladislav Grib, Deputy Secretary of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, proposed creating Russian colleges and universities in friendly countries and giving their graduates priority when finding employment in our country.

    Sergei Morozov, State Duma deputy and federal coordinator of the “Choose Your Own” project, spoke about the national project “Personnel”, comparing the conditions for its implementation with the era of the first five-year plans.

    Alexander Vaino, Director of the Young Professionals Department at the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, focused on developing the interest of young people in working at strategically important enterprises, primarily industrial ones, in their regions.

    Elena Didenko, Vice-Rector for Continuing Professional Education at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, proposed reconfiguring employment services to make them more client-centric.

    Natalia Vershinina-Adelman, Director, Private Employment Agency Regional Labor Exchange LLC, spoke about infrastructure solutions for attracting qualified personnel from BRICS countries.

    At the end of the session, the participants were presented with the project “Why are you needed at home”, within the framework of which the professional socialization of young people is carried out.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Living Together, a documentary by Halima Elkhatabi, coming to NFB platforms July 1

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 18, 2025 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

    The feature-length documentary Living Together, directed by Halima Elkhatabi, launches on NFB streaming platforms on Tuesday, July 1. It’s an engaging portrait of Gen Y and Gen Z set against the backdrop of the housing crisis. The film had its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and has since been an official selection at Canadian festivals—including Vancouver, Victoria and the Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma—as well as at festivals in Europe and Morocco. It also had a theatrical release in Quebec in fall 2024.

    About the film

    Living Together by Halima Elkhatabi (2024, NFB, 75 min)
    Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/living-together

    • In a series of inquisitive encounters and captivating conversations, young people looking for a roommate explore the prospect of forging genuine connections. Placing her camera in 15 Montreal apartments advertising a “room for rent,” director Halima Elkhatabi paints a complex and engaging picture of a generation accustomed to playing all their identity cards to find their place in the world.
    • Everyone reveals themselves with candour and vulnerability, hoping for that rare discovery: someone to share their space with who also shares their values. The debut feature-length documentary by a filmmaker with a compassionate and generous eye, Living Togethermaps a mosaic of cultures and ideas, with explorations of community, individualism and the right to housing in constant interplay.

    About the filmmaker

    Born in France, Halima Elkhatabi is a Montreal writer and director of Moroccan descent. A graduate of the Institut national de l’image et du son (INIS), Elkhatabi works in documentary and fiction film as well as audio documentary production. She co-directed the NFB collaborative doc St-Henri, the 26th of August, directed the short fiction films Nina (TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten 2015) and Fantas (TIFF 2024), and authored the podcasts La route du bled, Chloé et Abdi, Songe d’une nuit d’hiver and La route de l’Eldorado.

    – 30 –

    Stay Connected

    Online Screening Room: nfb.ca
    NFB Facebook | NFB X | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo
    Curator’s perspective | Director’s notes

    About the NFB

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson to ICE Officers: We’ve Got Your Back

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — This morning, after meeting with brave and patriotic Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Chicago, Speaker Johnson joined Bill Hemmer on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom to discuss how House Republicans are delivering much needed relief and reinforcements to ICE through the One Big Beautiful Bill. 

    Watch the full interview here

    On Speaker Johnson’s visit to ICE offices in Chicago:

    We came here to make sure that these brave men and women that serve in ICE, who are protecting our communities and upholding federal law, I want to make sure that they know that Republicans have their back. The President, Kristi Noem at Homeland Security, all the leadership, Tom Homan, we are all in this together. And we want them to know that even though assaults on ICE officers have risen by 413% just in this recent period. Democrats are leading that. Republicans are on the opposite side. We are for the rule of law and for law enforcement, and we are doing everything we can to support them.

    On the One Big Beautiful Bill’s impact on immigration and deportations:

    I can tell you that every Republican in Congress, in the House and Senate, are completely supportive of this idea that we’ve got to give more resources. This was the number one issue in the election in 2024 in the fall. Largely, President Trump was elected, got the record number, 77 million popular votes, because people believed in his ability and his determination to solve this problem, this illegal immigration crisis that we’ve had. And so they need the resources now to do it.

    Tom Homan said, as recently as yesterday, he was in the media saying that yesterday, 95 people were detained who came across the border. That’s the lowest number crossing the border in history ever recorded. And every single one of them are being held and will be sent home. But you need the resources to continue that. Tom Homan said, we have to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill so that they have all those funds that you just listed. Included in that, by the way, is $10,000 bonus for the people on the front lines here. They need it.

    On ICE needing additional resources from Congress:

    They’ve got a very difficult job here in this deep blue territory with a mayor who is on the wrong side of the law. They’re doing everything they can, it’s a patriotic duty. They’re understaffed; they’re overwhelmed with the workload. They’re trying to go after the dangerous, criminal, illegal aliens that are in the country harming American citizens. The mayor of Chicago thinks that is an ill-conceived mission. What is he talking about? It’s madness. They have to do the job and they need to do it better. 

    We’re working on the, the One Big Beautiful Bill to allow them the resources that are desperately needed. I mean, they are doing the job. The border is secured. We are locked down. We’re not allowing illegals into the country anymore. But the enforcement and removal of the dangerous people who got here, is an essential task for our ICE agents and officers to take care of. They need more personnel. They need more facilities. We’re here to see it.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rep. Gomez Hosts Tele Town Hall with Over 4,500 Constituents to Discuss Trump’s Lawless Attacks on Hardworking Immigrants and Working Families

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

    ICYMI: Rep. Gomez Hosts Tele Town Hall with Over 4,500 Constituents to Discuss Trump’s Lawless Attacks on Hardworking Immigrants and Working Families

    LOS ANGELES, CA, June 18, 2025

    LOS ANGELES, CA – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) hosted a Tele Town hall with 4,535 constituents to discuss how he’s fighting back against the Trump administration’s lawless attacks on immigrant families, the illegal deployment of federal troops in LA, and the Republicans’ Big Billionaire Bill that slashes Medicaid and threatens Social Security to fund more tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.

    “Thank you to the 4,533 Angelenos who joined my Tele Town Hall tonight—it’s always good hearing from you,” said Rep. Gomez. “From lawless ICE raids to protecting Medicaid and Social Security, we discussed how we’re fighting back and standing up for our working families. We might not agree on everything, but one thing’s clear: we must stop Trump and the billionaire establishment taking root in DC.”

    Over the course of the Tele Town Hall, Rep. Gomez outlined his efforts to:

    Constituents who didn’t get a chance to join the town hall can still reach out for assistance or updates. Please contact Rep. Gomez’s office at (213) 481-1425 or visit www.gomez.house.gov for help with a federal agency—including Social Security, veterans’ benefits, immigration services, or Medicare.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP Will Account for 14% of SWIFT’S Transaction Volume; PFM CRYPTO Launches Cloud Mining Contracts for XRP Holders; XRP User Base Surges 360%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Liquidity solution has become a focal point of Ripple’s long-term vision. Affirming this, the Ripple CEO predicted that XRP may account for 14% of SWIFT’s global transaction volume at the XRP APEX 2025 conference in Singapore.

    This bold assertion reflects Ripple’s internal desire to use crypto-based liquidity to challenge traditional financial tracks. To support this liquidity-driven solution, PFM Crypto, a leading Cryptocurrency mining platform, launched a 2-day XRP mining contract aimed to inject more XRP into circulation, making the digital asset more accessible to everyday users.

    Click to view PFMCrypto homepage: https://pfmcrypto.net

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    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/29bdd0f1-4894-4e8a-8a6f-4a34608eb729

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24b59cd5-ef80-4b28-a20c-58efbc27da32

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Iceland

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 18, 2025

    • Growth decelerated in 2024 but is expected to rise to 1.6 percent in 2025 and 2.2 percent in 2026, while inflation is projected to decline to the Central Bank of Iceland’s 2.5 percent target in the second half of 2026. The direct impact of escalating global trade tensions is projected to be limited.
    • The authorities’ plans to turn the fiscal deficit in 2024 into a surplus by 2028 are appropriate given the need to rebuild buffers; details on the planned fiscal measures to achieve these targets have enhanced the credibility of the consolidation. Monetary policy is suitably tight given still elevated inflation, but the monetary stance should be reduced as inflation declines. Efforts to raise foreign exchange reserve coverage are welcome.
    • Investments in physical and human capital, alongside continued efforts to promote innovation and reduce skills mismatches are needed to support medium-term growth. Taxation can play a supportive role in reducing housing market imbalances.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV Consultation for Iceland.[1] The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]

    The economy decelerated in 2024 to 0.5 percent due largely to weak exports from a disappointing fishing season and constraints on energy supply that curtailed aluminum production. Growth is expected to rebound to 1.6 percent in 2025 and 2.2 percent in 2026, driven by a recovery in exports, higher real wages, and continued monetary easing that more than offsets the impact of a moderately contractionary fiscal impulse. The impact of escalating global trade tensions is projected to be limited given that most goods exports are destined for Europe. Inflation is expected to gradually decline to the Central Bank of Iceland’s 2.5 percent target in the second half of 2026. Medium-term prospects are favorable, with continued diversification of the economy toward higher value-added export-oriented sectors anticipated to bolster productivity growth and inflows of foreign labor expected to support a modest increase in employment growth.

    Risks to growth are tilted to the downside while risks to inflation are broadly balanced. In particular, the impact of rising global trade tensions could be larger than anticipated if tariffs are extended to currently exempted items (e.g., pharmaceuticals) or if a reduction in travel to and from the US negatively affects tourism. Inflation could increase if trade tensions trigger supply disruptions or capital outflows, if a premature loosening of monetary policy further de-anchors inflation expectations, or as result of second-round effects from higher wage growth. Conversely, capital inflows could result in an appreciation of the exchange rate that would weaken competitiveness and put downward pressure on inflation.

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed the prudent macroeconomic policies, which have helped to reduce imbalances. While noting that medium‑term growth prospects are favorable, Directors observed that risks are tilted to the downside, notably from rising trade tensions. They emphasized the need to ensure macroeconomic stability and gradually rebuild fiscal buffers, while supporting stronger growth and reducing vulnerability to shocks.

    Directors welcomed the ambitious fiscal targets and the improved transparency and credibility around the planned consolidation. They highlighted that increased infrastructure spending would help to close gaps in transport and energy and bolster growth prospects. Directors saw merit in implementing additional measures, if necessary, to achieve fiscal objectives. Noting the need to reduce procyclicality in fiscal policy, Directors supported the planned activation of revised fiscal rules in 2026. They also recommended measures to strengthen the Fiscal Council and increase the coverage and frequency of fiscal data. 

    Directors noted that price pressures remain elevated and agreed that tight monetary policy remained appropriate. They encouraged the Central Bank of Iceland (CBI) to gradually loosen the policy stance as inflation declines towards target and expectations become reanchored. Directors saw merit in transitioning to a more forecast‑based inflation targeting framework as uncertainty declines. Noting the importance of increasing reserves to more prudent levels, Directors welcomed the CBI’s decision to commence regular purchases of foreign exchange.  

    Directors welcomed that systemic risks in the financial sector are contained. They highlighted the need to remain vigilant to potential vulnerabilities in the housing market and the corporate sector, and to continue strengthening operational resilience. Directors saw scope to ease macroprudential policies should systemic risks recede as anticipated. While welcoming the progress on implementing FSAP recommendations, Directors urged further efforts to enhance pension fund governance, strengthen AML/CFT supervision of banks, and safeguard the independence and effectiveness of the CBI’s supervisory activities. 

    Directors emphasized the importance of reforms to bolster productivity and diversify the economy, including by improving infrastructure and supporting innovation. Important measures include reducing skill mismatches, maximizing the efficiency of R&D incentives, and promoting AI while mitigating related risks. Directors welcomed plans to increase housing supply and improve housing affordability. 

    It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Iceland will be held on the standard 12‑month cycle. 

    Table 1. Iceland: Selected Economic Indicators, 2024–30
     

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030
       

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.
     

    (Percentage change unless otherwise indicated)

    National Accounts (constant prices)

    		              

    Gross domestic product

    0.5

    1.6

    2.2

    2.4

    2.4

    2.4

    2.4

    Total domestic demand

    2.3

    1.5

    0.6

    2.2

    2.4

    2.4

    2.3

    Private consumption

    0.6

    2.2

    2.4

    2.5

    2.6

    2.6

    2.6

    Public consumption

    2.5

    1.5

    1.3

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    Gross fixed investment

    7.5

    4.1

    -3.2

    2.8

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    Net exports (contribution to growth)

    -1.8

    -0.3

    1.6

    0.3

    0.1

    0.0

    0.2

    Exports of goods and services

    -1.2

    3.3

    3.0

    3.3

    3.1

    3.0

    3.2

    Imports of goods and services

    2.7

    3.9

    -0.7

    2.7

    2.9

    2.9

    2.9

    Output gap (percent of potential output)

    1.0

    0.2

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0
                   

    Selected Indicators

    		              

    Unemployment rate (percent of labor force)

    3.4

    3.9

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    Employment

    4.1

    0.4

    0.9

    1.1

    1.1

    1.1

    1.1

    Labor productivity

    -3.3

    1.2

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    Real wages

    0.5

    1.4

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    Nominal wages

    6.4

    4.9

    4.4

    3.8

    3.8

    3.9

    3.8

    Consumer price index (average)

    5.9

    3.5

    3.0

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    Consumer price index (end period)

    4.7

    3.6

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    ISK/€ (average)

    164

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

     

     

    Money and Credit (end period)

    		              

    Credit to nonfinancial private sector

    8.1

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    5.7

    Central bank 7 day term deposit rate 1/

    8.50

    7.50

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …
     

    (Percent of GDP unless otherwise indicated)

    General Government Finances 2/

    Revenue

    42.8

    43.2

    42.4

    42.4

    42.4

    42.5

    42.6

    Expenditure

    46.3

    44.5

    43.2

    42.9

    42.8

    42.7

    42.7

    Overall balance 3/

    -3.5

    -1.3

    -0.7

    -0.5

    -0.3

    -0.2

    -0.1

    Cyclically-adjusted primary balance

    -1.5

    0.7

    0.9

    1.2

    1.4

    1.6

    1.7

    Structural primary balance 4/

    0.7

    1.1

    1.1

    1.3

    1.4

    1.6

    1.7

    Gross debt

    59.1

    47.7

    45.4

    43.6

    41.7

    39.9

    38.1
                   

    Balance of Payments

    		              

    Current account balance

    -2.5

    -2.6

    -0.5

    0.0

    0.4

    0.7

    1.0

    Gross external debt

    67.0

    65.4

    61.6

    58.5

    55.4

    52.4

    49.5

    Sources: Central Bank of Iceland; Ministry of Finance; Statistics Iceland; and IMF staff projections.

    1/ For 2025, policy rate as of May.

    2/ In April 2025, an agreement was reached on the settlement of remaining outstanding liabilities in the IL Fund (HFF).

    3/ For 2024, the deficit now includes 1.2 percent of GDP in costs related to the purchase of houses in Grindavík that in the 2024 Article IV were classified below the line due to uncertainty about the correct statistical treatment.

    4/ Cyclically-adjusted primary balance excluding one offs.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/iceland page.

    [3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Boris Balabanov

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/18/pr-25201-iceland-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Rediscover the historical buffalo hunt in Alberta | Redécouvrez la chasse historique au bison en Alberta

    [. Located on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the site invites visitors to connect with and gain a deeper understanding of one of the oldest Indigenous traditions in North America.

    The new Buffalo Hunt exhibit is a powerful addition to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, brought to life through a meaningful partnership between the Piikani Nation, the Canadian Museum of History and Alberta’s government.

    Buffalo Hunt exhibit at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump illustrates traditional hunting methods of the Blackfoot people. Source: Ministry of Arts, Culture and Status of Women | L’exposition sur la chasse du précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In illustre les méthodes de chasse traditionnelles des Premières Nations des Pieds-Noirs. Source : Ministère des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    “This new exhibit shares and preserves the history of Indigenous Peoples, inviting Albertans of all ages to connect more deeply with the land we call home. Alberta’s government remains dedicated to supporting projects that honour the Indigenous voices and traditions that continue to shape the cultural fabric of our province.”

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

    Adapted from an original diorama created for the Canadian Museum of History, the reimagined installation was carefully developed with guidance from Piikani Elders and Knowledge Keepers. This immersive exhibit explores the spiritual and cultural significance of the buffalo hunt, a tradition that sustained Plains Peoples for generations.

    “The Buffalo Hunt Diorama honours the deep knowledge, resilience and cultural strength of the Blackfoot Peoples. It reminds us that reconciliation begins with listening, learning and preserving the stories that shape this land. Alberta’s government is proud to walk this path in partnership with Indigenous communities.”

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations

    Albertans and visitors alike are encouraged to experience this impactful new exhibit firsthand and discover how this age-old practice helped shape the lifeways, beliefs and enduring legacy of the Blackfoot Peoples.

    Exhibition highlights

    The exhibit dedication reflects the Alberta government’s ongoing $51-million investment in provincial museums and historic sites, and its continued commitment to reconciliation and cultural revitalization. Through a formal agreement between Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and the Canadian Museum of History, the diorama has been gifted to the site and will remain on display for the foreseeable future.

    “Our government is proud to support Alberta’s growing Indigenous tourism industry and the development of authentic Indigenous experiences. This exhibit is a great opportunity to showcase the rich history and traditions of the Blackfoot Peoples and attract visitors from around the world.”

    Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport

    “The Canadian Museum of History is honoured to have worked in close partnership with the Piikani Nation and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump to develop exhibitions and public programs relating to Blackfoot history and culture. The Museum offers this diorama as an expression of deep gratitude, friendship, and respect.”

    Caroline Dromaguet, president and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History

    “We are proud to share the voices of Piikani Elders and Blackfoot Knowledge Keepers, and grateful to the Canadian Museum of History for its partnership and the generous donation of the diorama. Its presence here is a meaningful reflection of our relationship, and a powerful way to honour and preserve the cultural legacy of the buffalo hunt.”

    Aaron Domes, site manager, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site

    “The Blood Tribe/Kainaiwa congratulates the Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump, recipients of the gifted Buffalo Hunt Diorama display. This installation brings our stories of the buffalo hunt to the centre’s visitors on one of the most important land markers of Blackfoot Territory, the buffalo jump. We thank the Piikani Knowledge Keepers for their valuable contribution in the development of the project and to ensure our Blackfoot voice is heard.”

    Chief Traveller Plaited Hair, Kainai Nation

    Quick facts

    • There are 20 provincially operated museums, historic sites and archives.
      • Thirteen, including Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, are open year-round. Six others reopen for the summer season, while Brooks Aqueduct is accessible year-round as a self-guided outdoor site.
      • For a full list of provincial museums and historic sites, visit: alberta.ca/historic-sites-museums.
    • Budget 2025 maintains $51 million to support Alberta’s museums and heritage sites.
    • Admission rates remain unchanged to ensure accessibility for Albertans and visitors.
      • Indigenous Peoples are offered free admission to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
    • Explore Alberta’s History Annual Pass offers year-round family access to Alberta’s rich heritage.
    • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and hosts drumming and dancing performances every Wednesday in July and August.

    Related information

    • Historic sites, museums and archives
    • Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass

    Multimedia

    • Historic sites and museum photos
    • Watch the news conference

    Une nouvelle exposition au précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In honore les traditions autochtones en mettant en lumière le riche passé et le patrimoine culturel des plaines de l’Alberta.

    L’Alberta s’enorgueillit de plusieurs lieux patrimoniaux de renommée mondiale, dont le site du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO du précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In, qui met en valeur au moins 6 000 ans de culture du bison des plaines ainsi que l’ingéniosité des peuples autochtones. Ce site, situé sur le territoire traditionnel de la Confédération des Pieds-Noirs, permet aux visiteurs de découvrir et de mieux comprendre l’une des traditions autochtones les plus anciennes du continent nord-américain.

    La nouvelle exposition sur la chasse au bison s’ajoute avec éloquence à l’offre du site Head-Smashed-In. Cette exposition est le fruit d’une collaboration majeure entre la Nation Piikani, le Musée canadien de l’histoire et le gouvernement de l’Alberta.

    « Cette nouvelle exposition partage et préserve l’histoire des peuples autochtones. Elle incite les Albertaines et les Albertains, quel que soit leur âge, à découvrir plus en profondeur le territoire sur lequel ils vivent. Le gouvernement de l’Alberta est résolu à appuyer des initiatives qui mettent en valeur les voix et les traditions autochtones, dont l’influence continue de façonner notre province sur le plan culturel. »

    Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    L’installation réimaginée est une adaptation d’un diorama original du Musée canadien de l’histoire. Elle a été méticuleusement conçue en collaboration avec des aînés et des gardiens du savoir de la Nation Piikani. Cette exposition immersive explore l’importance spirituelle et culturelle de la chasse au bison, une tradition qui a permis aux peuples des plaines de subsister pendant des générations.

    « Le diorama sur la chasse au bison honore le riche savoir, la résilience et la puissance culturelle des Pieds-Noirs. Il nous rappelle que la réconciliation commence par l’écoute, l’apprentissage et la préservation des récits qui façonnent ce territoire. Le gouvernement de l’Alberta est fier d’avancer dans cette direction en partenariat avec les communautés autochtones. »

    Rajan Sawhney, ministre des Relations avec les Autochtones

    Les Albertaines, les Albertains et les visiteurs sont invités à venir découvrir cette nouvelle exposition captivante qui met en lumière une pratique ancestrale qui a influencé la manière de vivre, les croyances et l’héritage durable des Pieds-Noirs.

    Points saillants de l’exposition

    L’inauguration de cette exposition s’inscrit dans l’engagement continu du gouvernement de l’Alberta à l’égard des musées et des lieux historiques provinciaux. Cet engagement, d’une valeur de 51 millions de dollars, reflète également sa détermination constante à favoriser la réconciliation et la revitalisation culturelle. Grâce à une entente officielle entre le précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In et le Musée canadien de l’histoire, le diorama a été offert au site du patrimoine et continuera d’y être exposé dans un avenir prévisible.

    « Notre gouvernement est fier de soutenir l’industrie touristique autochtone en pleine croissance en Alberta et de favoriser la création d’expériences autochtones authentiques. Cette exposition est une excellente occasion de mettre en évidence la riche histoire et les traditions des Pieds-Noirs, ainsi que d’attirer des visiteurs du monde entier. »

    Andrew Boitchenko, ministre du Tourisme et du Sport

    « Le Musée canadien de l’histoire se réjouit d’avoir collaboré étroitement avec la Nation Piikani et le précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In pour préparer une exposition et un programme public sur l’histoire et la culture des Pieds-Noirs. Le Musée offre ce diorama en guise de témoignage de sa profonde reconnaissance, de son amitié et de son respect. »

    Caroline Dromaguet, présidente-directrice générale du Musée canadien de l’histoire

    « Nous sommes fiers de donner la parole aux aînés de la Nation Piikani et aux gardiens du savoir pieds-noirs. Nous remercions le Musée canadien de l’histoire de son partenariat et son généreux don du diorama. Sa présence ici est un gage important de notre relation et un puissant moyen de perpétuer l’héritage culturel de la chasse au bison. »

    Aaron Domes, gestionnaire, site du patrimoine mondial du précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In

    « La Nation Kainai (tribu des Bloods) félicite le site du précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In, qui s’est fait offrir le diorama de la chasse au bison. Cette installation transmet nos récits de la chasse au bison aux visiteurs du centre, situé sur l’un des sites les plus importants du territoire des Pieds-Noirs : le précipice à bisons. Nous remercions les gardiens du savoir piikani de leur précieuse contribution au projet et d’avoir ainsi veillé à ce que la voix des Pieds-Noirs soit entendue. »

    Traveller Plaited Hair, chef de la Nation Kainai

    En bref

    • L’Alberta compte 20 musées, lieux historiques et centres d’archives gérés par la province.
      • Treize d’entre eux, dont le précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In, sont ouverts toute l’année. Six autres offrent des services pendant la saison estivale, tandis que l’aqueduc de Brooks propose une visite autoguidée l’année durant.
      • La liste complète des musées et des lieux historiques de la province se trouve ici : alberta.ca/historic-sites-museums (en anglais seulement).
    • Le budget de 2025 prévoit un montant de 51 millions de dollars pour appuyer les musées et les lieux patrimoniaux de l’Alberta.
    • Les droits d’entrée demeurent inchangés afin d’assurer l’accessibilité de toute la population albertaine et les visiteurs.
      • Les Autochtones peuvent visiter le site du précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In gratuitement.
    • Le laissez-passer annuel Explore Alberta’s History permet aux familles d’accéder au riche patrimoine albertain toute l’année.
    • Le précipice à bisons Head-Smashed-In célébrera la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones le 21 juin. En outre, il présentera chaque mercredi de juillet et d’août des spectacles de tambour et de danse.

    Renseignements connexes (en anglais seulement)

    • Lieux historiques, musées et archives
    • Laissez-passer annuel Experience Alberta’s History

    Multimédia (en anglais seulement)

    • Regarder la conférence de presse

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Misogyny has become a political strategy — here’s how the pandemic helped make it happen

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Brianna I. Wiens, Assistant Professor of Digital Media and Rhetoric, University of Waterloo

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more overt forms of gendered hate have jumped from obscure internet forums into the mainstream, shaping culture and policy.

    Social media doesn’t just reflect sexist, anti-feminist views; it helps to organize, amplify and normalize them.

    Backlash against women and LGBTQ+ communities has become more overt, co-ordinated and is gaining political traction. As the United States rolls back reproductive rights and passes anti-LGBTQ+ laws, it is important to understand how digital culture fuels this regression.

    While these shifts may seem distant, Canadian politics are not immune. Similar rhetoric has emerged in debates over education, gender identity, health care and so-called “parental rights.”



    Read more:
    ‘Parental rights’ lobby puts trans and queer kids at risk

    Our ongoing research maps how the pandemic accelerated the rise of online misogyny, especially through “manosphere” influencers and far-right rhetoric.

    Drawing from more than 21,000 podcast episodes and digital artifacts, we are investigating how everyday online content works to erode women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. This rhetoric normalizes misogynistic, transphobic and homophobic views and repackages gender inequities as common sense.

    How the pandemic fuelled digital misogyny

    COVID-19 lockdowns set the stage for a surge in online radicalization. Isolated men and boys increasingly turned to social media for connection — spaces where manosphere personalities like English-American social media influencer Andrew Tate and American conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro gained momentum.

    These figures blend anti-feminist messaging with broader pandemic-era anxieties, turning gender roles into moral and political battlegrounds.

    Conservative influencers who once focused on vaccine skepticism began pivoting to anti-gender content. Steve Bannon’s podcast, for example, moved from pedalling public health disinformation to pushing narratives that feminism and LGBTQ+ rights are threats to western civilization.

    Before the internet, radicalization usually required personal contact. Now, people can self-radicalize online, engaging with algorithm-driven content and communities that reinforce extremist beliefs, often without ever interacting with a recruiter. This shift coincided with a marked rise in reported online hate speech and offline hate crimes.

    Misogyny as a mobilizing force

    Meanwhile, women’s experiences during the pandemic — over half of whom are caregivers in Canada — involved increased labour at home and in front-line jobs. This left little time or energy for the organizational work necessary to combat the rising tides of sexism and misogyny.

    Instead, public discourse began to increasingly valourize “tradwife” ideals and homemaking. This ensured traditional gender roles were brought back into the mainstream, not just as personal preferences, but as broader cultural expectations.

    Though this misogyny appears to be fringe, it echoes mainstream policies that threaten reproductive health care, restrict gender expression and paint feminism as a threat to national stability.

    Project 2025, the well-known policy platform from U.S. conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, lays out an agenda to repeal reproductive rights, undermine LGBTQ+ protections and expand state control over gender and family life.



    Read more:
    How Project 2025 became the blueprint for Donald Trump’s second term

    How misogynist narratives are normalized

    These misogynist ideas are reinforced in popular culture. In May 2024, NFL player Harrison Butker used his commencement address at Benedictine College to tell women graduates that their true calling was to become wives and mothers.

    Such rhetoric serves to re-establish patriarchal hierarchies by narrowing women’s roles to domestic life. But this isn’t about family values, it’s about power. Moves in the U.S. to restrict women’s reproductive autonomy and democratic access to vote make this abundantly clear.

    While feminists pushed back, manosphere podcast influencers rushed to Butker’s defense. American white supremacist Nick Fuentes celebrated the speech as a manifesto, while Shapiro framed it as uncontroversial truth.

    Our analysis of podcast episodes from Shapiro and Fuentes, among others, shows how misogynist and racist narratives are reinforced through repetition and emotional framing. In episodes focused on Butker’s commencement speech, there were significant concentrations of hate speech and misogyny in the episodes.

    Both Shapiro and Fuentes positioned feminism as a threat and framed motherhood as women’s true vocation. Shapiro downplayed the backlash against Butker as liberal outrage through calculatedly mainstream language that used sanitized, “family values” language.

    Fuentes promoted an extreme theocratic vision rooted in white Catholic nationalism. In Episode 1,330 of his America First podcast, he said, “I want women to be veiled. I don’t want them to be seen. I want them to be listening to their husbands.”

    These talking points consistently align with Butker’s original sentiment and reflect broader political efforts to erode gender equity, as seen in political documents like Project 2025.

    Other public figures like Texan megachurch pastor Joel Webbon went even further, advocating for the public execution of women who accuse men of sexual assault — a horrifying example that circulated in manosphere circles.

    From the fringes to the mainstream

    What’s happening online is not just cultural noise; it’s a co-ordinated effort by conservative political organizations, media outlets and right-wing influencers to shape gender norms, undermine equality and roll back decades of feminist progress.

    When misogyny becomes a political strategy, it doesn’t stay confined to podcasts or memes. It seeps into everyday vernacular, court rulings and public policy, and it’s global in scope.

    This isn’t new, either. In 2012, Australia’s then-prime minister, Julia Gillard, called out sexist language in parliament, including being labelled a “witch” and subjected to dismissive catcalls. Her speech highlighted the normalization of misogynistic vernacular in politics, but also triggered public backlash, including having anti-immigration remarks misattributed to her.

    Similarly, in the lead-up to Germany’s 2021 federal election, Greens party candidate Annalena Baerbock faced co-ordinated disinformation and smear campaigns from foreign entities aimed at undermining her credibility and questioning her “maternal suitability” in the public eye. Digitally altered nude photos, fake protest images and disinformation graphics were circulated.

    These campaigns reflect how misogyny is weaponized to influence elections, and how such campaigns can be a threat to national security.

    A 2022 #MeToo litigation analysis showed how, despite increasing awareness around sexual assault and harassment, U.S. courts often use legal language that reinforces victim-blaming by placing victims in the grammatical subject position of sentences. For example, phrases like “the victim failed to resist” or “the victim did not report the incident immediately” shift focus onto the victim’s behaviour rather than the perpetrator’s actions.

    These details continue to affect broader legal narratives and public acceptance.

    Digital platforms are battlegrounds

    Recognizing these connections is crucial. As far-right movements gain ground by repackaging ideas about gender as nostalgic “truth” or “tradition,” we need to recognize that digital platforms are not neutral, nostalgic spaces.

    Rather, they are conversational battlegrounds where power is contested and jokes, tweets and speeches carry real political weight.

    In the fight for gender equity, the internet is not just a mirror that reflects multiple realities. It’s a tool built by the tech industry that was never intended to democratize communication, labour or social roles. Right now, that tool is being weaponized to signal and reassert patriarchal control.

    Brianna I. Wiens receives research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

    Nick Ruest receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

    Shana MacDonald receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

    – ref. Misogyny has become a political strategy — here’s how the pandemic helped make it happen – https://theconversation.com/misogyny-has-become-a-political-strategy-heres-how-the-pandemic-helped-make-it-happen-256043

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Spotlight Forum, Durbin Exposes Republicans’ Plan To Slash Funding For Medicaid, SNAP Benefits To Pay For Tax Cuts For Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 18, 2025

    In a spotlight forum on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Durbin slammed Republicans for proposing $800 billion in cuts to Medicaid, at least $200 billion in cuts to SNAP

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a spotlight forum entitled “The Big Beautiful Betrayal—Working Folks Pay While the Mega Rich Profit.”  The forum, which was hosted by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), focused on how the Republican tax bill funds massive tax breaks for the ultrawealthy by making the largest cuts in history to health care and food assistance programs that Americans rely on.  During the hearing, Durbin questioned witnesses about Republicans’ false argument that SNAP and food assistance programs, which offers nutrition assistance to 42 million Americans, are riddled with fraud or waste, especially given the critical, but modest, average SNAP benefit of $6 per day.

    “I asked my staff, ‘how does a person apply for SNAP, food stamps, in my home state of Illinois?’  They handed me a 19-page application.  Nineteen page application for $6 a day.  And the twentieth page is all the possible ways they can challenge what you put in the nineteen pages,” Durbin said.

    Laura Lester, who serves as the CEO of Feeding Alabama, replied, “There is no more thorough program in terms of the application process, the verification process.  It is complicated and hard to apply forand receive SNAP.”

    “In some states, you just can’t file one of these forms and then walk away from it.  You have to renew the filing on a regular basis to prove you are continuing to meet the work requirements.  Has that been your experience?” Durbin asked Ms. Lester.

    Ms. Lester explained that able-bodied adults without dependents must regularly provide updates about their work status in order to continue receiving benefits.

    “So we’re taking people who are struggling who have limited income… And we’re telling them, fill out this form and be prepared to renew it on a regular basis to avoid the possibility that somebody is trying to game the system and get $6 a day.  Is that it?” Durbin asked, underscoring the existing rigorous application process for families who need a helping hand to put food on the table.

    Ms. Lester affirmed Durbin’s point, noting that SNAP’s qualification and intake process is so thorough that it is used to screen applications for other programs.

    Durbin then focused his questioning on Republicans’ claim that their reconciliation bill is simply a continuation of the tax cuts from President Trump’s first term.

    “The Republicans are arguing we’re just continuing the tax cuts from Trump’s first term in office.  Is that true?” Durbin asked Amy Hanauer, Executive Director of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP).

    Ms. Hanauer explained that the Republicans’ reconciliation bill not only includes extensions of tax cuts that primarily support wealthy Americans, but it also creates new tax breaks for billionaires.  Ms. Hanauer pointed out that extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts is extremely costly and will increase the national deficit while depriving the federal government from its ability to fund critical social programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

    Durbin emphasized that President Trump added more to the national debt than any president in history, and if this legislation is passed, he will surpass his own record by adding $2.8 trillion to the national deficit over the next 10 years.  “And because of that, we could get into something called sequestration, which says your budget’s too far out of balance.  And as a result of that, there could be cutbacks in Medicare.  Is that a possibility?” Durbin asked Ms. Hanauer.

    “It is certainly a possibility,” Ms. Hanauer replied.

    “So the promise to never touch Medicare is broken in this bargain as well?” Durbin asked.

    Ms. Hanauer agreed.

    Video of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

    Both the Senate and House versions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act include hundreds of billions in tax cuts for the ultrawealthy paid by cutting hundreds of billions to programs, including $200 billion in cuts to SNAP in the Senate version of the bill while the House version would slash $300 billion in SNAP funding, that will result in loss of health care coverage and nutrition assistance for millions of Americans.  Under the Republican plan, people earning $40,000 a year will see an average tax decrease of $442 per year while people making more than $1 million will see their taxes go down by $79,000 per year.  The Congressional Budget Office’s latest analysis found that the lowest-income households in the U.S. would lose $1,600 a year in federal resources while the highest-income households would see a $12,000 annual boost from tax cuts paid for by slashing Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement by the Secretary-General – on the need for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran

    Source: United Nations

    I remain profoundly alarmed by the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. I reiterate my call for immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire. I strongly appeal to all to avoid any further internationalization of the conflict. Any additional military interventions could have enormous consequences, not only for those involved but for the whole region and for international peace and security at large. 

    I condemn the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives and injuries to civilians and damage to homes and critical civilian infrastructure.

    Diplomacy remains the best and only way to address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues.

    The UN Charter remains our shared framework to save people from the scourge of war. I urge all Member States to comply fully with the Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Scholten, Bresnahan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Make Routes to School Safer for Children

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), bipartisan members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the Kids on the Go Act that would make it safer and easier for children to walk and bike to school across the country. 

    “As the first mom to represent West Michigan, I know that no family should have to worry about their child’s safety on the way to school,” said Rep. Scholten. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with Rep. Bresnahan on this bipartisan effort. Keeping kids safe isn’t a partisan issue, it’s just the right thing to do. The Kids on the Go Act gives states the tools they need to keep kids safe while promoting healthy, active lifestyles for our children.”

    “The Safe Routes to School Program is a worthwhile approach to keeping our children and their communities safe,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “I’m proud to introduce the Kids on the Go Act with my colleague Rep. Scholten. This bipartisan legislation is an investment in the children of Northeastern Pennsylvania by incentivizing safe bike paths and walking routes to improve the safety of our neighborhoods.”

    The Kids on the Go Act strengthens the highly successful Safe Routes to School program by lowering the financial barriers for states to participate more fully in the program’s safety initiatives. Michigan and Pennsylvania are national leaders in the Safe Routes to School program, making this bill a direct investment in the safety and well-being of children in both representatives’ districts. The program has been proven to reduce traffic accidents involving children, increase physical activity, and improve neighborhood safety. By lowering the cost burden for states to employ program coordinators, the Kids on the Go Act ensures this program remains strong and expands to benefit more communities nationwide.

    “Safe Routes Partnership applauds the leadership of Representative Scholten in championing this important legislation,” said Marisa Jones, Managing Director of Safe Routes Partnership. “Michigan’s strong Safe Routes to School program–supported by a dedicated statewide coordinator–has been a model of success, helping reduce traffic injuries and fatalities while building stronger, connected communities where kids and people thrive. This bill would help other states follow Michigan’s lead, ensuring every child can walk and bike to school safely.”

    “When neighborhoods are safer and more walkable, people are more active–and that means a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy of the American Heart Association. “The Kids on the Go Act of 2025 would strengthen the Safe Routes to School program, helping families access safe, active ways to get to and from school. This proven initiative can reduce traffic crashes by up to 44% and returns $4.40 in health and safety benefits for every $1 invested. The American Heart Association applauds Reps. Scholten and Bresnahan for championing healthier, safer communities where everyone can live a longer, healthier life.” 

    “In Coopersville, we are seeing firsthand how Safe Routes to School funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation can transform our community. It strengthens collaborative relationships and connects neighborhoods, making it easier and safer for kids to walk and bike to school,” said Kate Terpstra, Marketing & Economic Development Administrator and Safe Routes Coordinator for the City of Coopersville. “Representative Scholten’s bill to expand Safe Routes to School nationwide is a smart investment in the health, safety, and well-being of our children. When it’s safe for children, it’s safe for everyone. We’re proud to support this effort and look forward to seeing even more communities benefit from this impactful program.”

    “With a dedicated statewide coordinator housed within the Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan has built one of the strongest statewide Safe Routes to School programs in the country. Michigan has long recognized the value of investing in Safe Routes to School programs to improve health and safety benefits for children and families in communities statewide,” said Michigan Fitness Foundation. “We support Representative Scholten’s bill known as ‘Kids on the Go Act of 2025’ and remain available to share Michigan’s experience to help other states create safer, healthier environments for walking and biking.” 

    “At the League of Michigan Bicyclists, we’ve seen the powerful impact Safe Routes to School can have in communities across Michigan. These programs make it safer, easier, and more equitable for kids to walk and bike to school,” said Jeffrey Carek, Interim Executive Director, League of Michigan Bicyclists. “This bill reflects a forward-thinking approach that lowers barriers for states like Michigan to implement and expand Safe Routes to School. We support this legislation and are grateful to Rep. Scholten for recognizing the importance of this work to make safe, active transportation more accessible for families and leading the charge to strengthen it in Michigan.” 

    “Since 2012, the Crim Fitness Foundation has relied on generous, forward-thinking, and practical programs like Safe Routes to School to help rebuild Flint, Michigan’s neighborhoods in ways that support the safety and independence of children and their families. Our work in Flint has led to the creation of dedicated teams in a dozen schools—including neighborhood elementary schools, magnet schools, and our citywide high school. These teams are the driving force behind the progress we’ve made and continue to sustain it,” said Cade Surface, Director of Urban Strategies of the Crim Fitness Foundation. “Representative Scholten’s leadership in introducing this bill is a vital step forward in helping communities like Flint continue this important work and expand its impact across Michigan and the nation. We’re proud to support this effort and grateful for her commitment to building safer, healthier communities for all Michigan families.”

    The bill would reduce the non-federal cost share for states that hire a full-time Safe Routes to School coordinator from the current 20 percent down to just 5 percent. These coordinators play a critical role in developing and maintaining safe infrastructure, education programs, and community engagement efforts that protect children as they travel to and from school. States like Michigan and Pennsylvania, where dedicated coordinators are already in place, have seen firsthand how this investment leads to safer, healthier, and more connected communities. Coopersville, Michigan, has been a trailblazer in developing safe routes for children, and this bill will encourage other communities to make similar investments for the next generation. 

    The bill’s bipartisan support reflects a shared recognition of the importance of child safety and infrastructure investment that meets the needs of both urban and rural communities.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Scholten Leads Bipartisan Effort to Make Roads Safer for Kids, Strengthen Rural Infrastructure, and Support American Industry

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As part of the surface transportation reauthorization process, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced a package of bipartisan bills designed to make communities safer, grow local economies, and strengthen American manufacturing.

    “Infrastructure is about so much more than roads and bridges–it’s about the safety of our kids, the strength of our small towns, and the future of American industry,” said Rep. Scholten. “These bipartisan bills tackle these priorities head-on by making it safer for children to commute to school, ensuring rural communities get the resources they need to grow, and keeping taxpayer dollars invested in American manufacturing.”

    Rep. Scholten and Rep. Tony Wied introduced the bipartisan RURAL Growth Act (R-WI-08), to ensure that rural towns and small communities are not left behind when federal infrastructure dollars are distributed. Too often, funding is absorbed by large cities when routed through state departments of transportation. This bill would reserve 30 percent of Rural Surface Transportation Grant funding specifically for communities with populations between 10,000 and 75,000–towns that are critical to America’s economy and culture but frequently do not receive their fair share in federal programs. This measure ensures places like those in Michigan, Wisconsin, and across the country get their fair share to improve roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure.

    “Small towns in rural America have too often been overlooked when federal infrastructure dollars are distributed,” said Rep. Wied. “I am proud to stand with Congresswoman Scholten to ensure that we preserve federal dollars for communities with smaller populations. It should not matter if you live in a large city or a small town, everyone in the United States deserves to have access to safe and strong infrastructure.” 

    Rep. Scholten and Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI-07)’s bipartisan Paving the Way for American Industry Act strengthens domestic manufacturing by requiring that pigments used in road markings qualify as “constructed materials” under the Build America, Buy America Act. Currently, 96 percent of the yellow pigment used on U.S. highways is imported from countries like China and India. By ensuring these materials are made in America, this bill keeps taxpayer dollars at home, supports domestic manufacturing, and protects good-paying jobs here in Michigan and across the country.

    “If we are serious about rebuilding America’s infrastructure, we need to start with rebuilding American manufacturing,” said Rep. Barrett. “This common-sense bill ensures that taxpayer dollars are reinvested in American jobs and not sent overseas. Introducing it today is a critical step toward strengthening our supply chains, supporting Michigan workers, and keeping our roads safe and clearly marked.”

    Earlier this week, Rep. Scholten introduced the bipartisan Kids on the Go Act, co-led with Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), to strengthen the popular Safe Routes to School program, which helps ensure that children can safely walk and bike to school. Michigan and Pennsylvania are national leaders in the Safe Routes to School program, making this bill a direct investment in the safety and well-being of children in both representatives’ districts. The bill will also make it possible for more states across the country to follow that lead.

    “The Safe Routes to School Program is a worthwhile approach to keeping our children and their communities safe,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “I’m proud to introduce the Kids on the Go Act with my colleague Rep. Scholten. This bipartisan legislation is an investment in the children of Northeastern Pennsylvania by incentivizing safe bike paths and walking routes to improve the safety of our neighborhoods.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “I fell in love with Russia, I especially like your culture”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    A round table for international students was held at the HSE, organized by the inter-university student project “Adventures of Foreigners in Russia” The guests were treated to useful tips and memos on adaptation and life in Russia, as well as convenient navigation on where to go and what to do in Moscow in their free time. Foreign students also shared their stories with each other about why they decided to move to Russia and how their studies at the university are going.

    The project “Adventures of Foreigners in Russia” was the result of a diploma thesis, said its director Natalia Belyaeva. At the moment, it operates with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. “We ourselves were foreign students in other countries. The author of the project did an academic internship in Poland, I did it in China, so we know firsthand how difficult it is to adapt to a new information field,” said Natalia Belyaeva.

    The project accumulates all the information needed by foreign students in a Telegram channel: legal norms, answers to migration questions, opportunities offered (Olympiads, grants, forums), useful links and interesting places to visit. “We tell you what important documents you need to have with you, how to arrange your departure from the university if the student is going home or leaving for another region of Russia,” explained Natalia Belyaeva.

    The project also provides advisory assistance to foreign students through a special bot.

    “We will soon have a meeting with Valery Falkov, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, where we will clarify the story with grants. You have probably heard that, in addition to the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation, an additional opportunity for social assistance for foreign students has appeared. They can take part in the competition and receive full payment for tuition and accommodation. However, there is no application platform yet, so we will look for all the information,” shared Natalia Belyaeva.

    During the round table, the guests were able to get to know each other better and make new contacts. Maria Kaminskaya, 2nd year student of the OP “Media communications” HSE, came from Belarus, the city of Vitebsk. “Literally every second classmate of mine was applying to HSE, so I decided to give it a try, too,” she says. “I was also applying in my home city, and got through there, but I chose Moscow.”

    As the student notes, it was quite difficult to adapt, since she moved from a small town, and the Russian capital seemed very unusual. “I have no relatives here, no one at all. I lived in a hostel in the Moscow region. I like studying, I do not regret that I came, although it was difficult at first. I found friends among my classmates, everything is great,” Maria Kaminskaya summed up.

    Benedetta Armando, 1st year student postgraduate school of cultural studies HSE, came from Italy, the city of Maratea. She has been living in Russia for three years already, before that the girl studied for a master’s degree in St. Petersburg.

    Benedetta Armando decided to study at the HSE because, in her opinion, it has the most modern educational programs, and the university itself is highly rated not only in Russia, but also in other countries. The Russian language was not easy for the girl: “I studied it intensively for three years, and have been studying it for six years in total. Very complex grammar, cases, a completely different alphabet.”

    The student says she feels comfortable in Russia. “I fell in love with Russia, with your cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod. I like the standard of living, transportation, various structures, and especially the culture, which you care about very much,” added Benedetta Armando.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 18 June 2025 Donors making a difference: refugees and migrants

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Today, more than one billion people, about one in eight globally, are on the move, driven by war, conflict, disasters, environmental degradation or economic instability. Migration and displacement are powerful social determinants of health, shaping how and whether people can access the health conditions they need to survive and thrive.

    Climate change, recognized as a “threat multiplier”, worsens food insecurity, disrupts livelihoods, and fuels further displacement. Whether by choice or forced, being on the move is a part of human life, but for many, it brings disproportionate exposure to risk, inequality, and exclusion from basic health services.

    Refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) frequently face unsafe journeys and precarious living conditions, often with limited access to clean water, adequate nutrition, sanitation, or shelter. Their susceptibility to communicable diseases is increased by the environmental risk factors related to their precarious living and working conditions. Many also face barriers to managing noncommunicable diseases, accessing maternal and newborn care, or receiving mental health support.

    Thanks to the support of donors and partners, WHO works with governments and communities to deliver inclusive, equitable, and context-sensitive health services to people on the move. This includes immunization, disease surveillance, chronic disease management, reproductive and mental health care, support for health system resilience, amongst other efforts.

    These contributions are grounded in the recognition that health is a human right, and that universal health coverage must be inclusive of all people, regardless of migratory status. The stories presented below show how rapid, compassionate action can protect lives and advance dignity, equity, and resilience, especially in times of crisis.

    Landmark cholera vaccination campaign offers hope to Rohingya refugee camps

    A young girl receives the OCV vaccine in one of the remote blocks of camp. Photo by: WHO/Mehnaz Manzur

    Cholera has been endemic in Bangladesh for decades, with seasonal peaks. It has remained a major health concern in the Rohingya refugee camps since 2017.

    In a major joint effort, the Government of Bangladesh, with support from WHO, UNHCR, and health sector partners, launched a landmark cholera vaccination campaign in the Rohingya refugee camps on 12 January 2025. This initiative focused on children aged one year and older, following a rise in cholera cases detected through WHO’s disease monitoring system in both the camps and nearby host communities.

    The five-day vaccination campaign aimed to reach 943 174 people across 33 camps and Bhasan Char Island. Over 1 700 community health workers, supervisors, and health sector partners visited 194 907 households to administer the single-dose Euvichol Plus vaccine.

    Read the full story.

    Delivering lifesaving health services for flood-displaced families in Nigeria

    Delivering lifesaving health services for flood-displaced families in Nigeria. Photo by: WHO/Nigeria

    Borno state, in northeastern Nigeria, was severely impacted by recent floods, in September 2024, which displaced over 400 000 people. Almost 90 000 people in vulnerable situations were forced to take shelter in temporary camps with limited access to food, clean water and health services.

    Displaced populations are at especially high risk from malnutrition, and diseases such as cholera, malaria and measles in a region where health systems are already fragile and strained.

    Recognizing urgent health need, WHO, with financial support from USAID and the Government of Germany, deployed five mobile health teams made up of 35 public health experts, to provide routine immunization, maternal care and clinical services. So far, 34 camps and over 93 000 households have been reached and informed about how to prevent epidemic-prone diseases and adopt healthy household practices.

    Read the full story.

    Bringing health care closer to displaced communities in Somalia

    WHO drought response activities in affected districts in Somalia. Photo by: WHO/Somalia

    Somalia experienced a severe drought in 2022-2023. Donors responded swiftly with increased funding to save lives by treating severe acute malnutrition and the prevention and management of disease outbreaks.

    This support enabled WHO to meet urgent health needs while also investing in the long-term capacity of local health services. For example, the Sinkadheer health centre in Al-Adalada camp, west of Mogadishu, provides a full range of services through the Integrated Health and Nutrition Programme. The centre helps ensure access to essential health care for families who might otherwise face financial or logistical barriers to treatment.

    Supported by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), the German Federal Foreign Office, and other partners, the programme continues to improve health outcomes for Somali mothers and children, promoting dignity and resilience in the context of displacement. Each day, the centre serves around 200 patients, primarily from nearby internally displaced communities, offering primary health care, nutritional support, and services to prevent malnutrition.

    Read the full story.

    Bridging gaps in health and nutrition services for IDPs and crisis-affected communities in Ethiopia

    Bridging gaps in health and nutrition services for IDPs and crisis-affected communities in Amhara, Ethiopia. Photo by: WHO/Ethiopia

    Since November 2021, Ethiopia’s Amhara region has faced complex and protracted humanitarian crises driven by internal armed conflict, multiple disease outbreaks, and climate-related shocks- including drought and floods. The region also witnessed a growing influx of people fleeing conflict in neighbouring Sudan. Nearly a million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are living across 38 collective sites and host communities, alongside hundreds of thousands of refugees and returnees.

    To ensure access to essential health services for displaced and crisis-impacted populations, WHO, in collaboration with regional government authorities, deployed Mobile Health and Nutrition Teams. As displacements increased, the number of mobile teams was scaled up to 19 in April 2024, comprising 132 health workers. This increase was made possible through support from the European Commission Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF), and the People and Government of Japan.

    These teams have provided over 124 250 medical consultations, including referrals for patients requiring specialized care. Services include primary health care, immunizations, maternal and child health support, nutritional care, mental health and psychosocial support, and first-line assistance for survivors of gender-based violence. They also address both communicable and noncommunicable diseases, helping ensure that health care is available and accessible to all.

    Read the full story.

    Health on the frontlines: caring for Haiti’s displaced population

    A mobile clinic organized at the Lycée Argentine Bellegarde IDP site. Photo by: WHO/PAHO

    Since February 2024, Haiti has faced an escalating security crisis from escalating gang violence, political instability, and a humanitarian emergency, placing further strain on the country’s already overstretched health system. This has significantly disrupted access to health care for millions in Haiti.

    The crisis has most severely affected people living in precarious conditions, including the approximately 86 000 individuals residing across 84 IDPs sites of the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince.

    To help maintain access to essential services, mobile clinics have been established by the Ouest Department’s health authorities with the support from PAHO/WHO and other partners such as UNCERF. Disease surveillance activities have also been reactivated, including for cholera, through the deployment of surveillance and response teams to each site- helping to detect and respond efficiently to potential outbreaks.

    Read the full story.

    Support for public health emergency preparedness and response in Niger

    WHO medicines and medical supplies donation in Diffa, Niger. Photo by: WHO/Niger

    In March 2024, WHO delivered 16 tons of medicines and medical supplies valued at nearly 100 million FCFA (US$ 170 000) to health facilities across eight regions of Niger, which host large numbers of IDPs, refugees, and returnees.

    This donation, funded through UNCERF and WHO’s own resources, include medical consumables and treatment kits for pneumonia, meningitis, malaria, diphtheria, cholera, and other common illnesses.

    “This donation comes at a crucial time when our health system in the Diffa region is under significant pressure. We will be able to strengthen access to quality health care and save the lives of the people of Diffa, who are already facing emergencies related to the growing number of IDPs, refugees and returnees,” said Colonel-Major Dr Garba Hakimi, Minister of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs.

    Read the full story (French).

    Lessons from Malta: advancing refugee and migrant health

    Valetta from waterfront. Photo by: WHO/Marc Gallego

    As an island located at the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has long been a transitional stop for people on the move. Today, it is home to over 11 000 refugees and 2 000 asylum seekers, primarily from Bangladesh, Libya, Syria, Sudan and Ukraine.

    With co-funding from the European Union, WHO, in partnership with Malta’s Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, hosted the first Knowledge Forum on Refugee and Migrant Health in Malta in April 2024.

    The Forum brought together government officials, humanitarian organizations, civil society, United Nations agencies, and other stakeholders to share knowledge, exchange experiences, identify opportunities for collaboration, and advance the implementation of WHO’s European Region Action Plan for Refugee and Migrant Health 2023–2030.

    Read the full story.

    Acknowledgments

    The donors and partners acknowledged in this story are (in alphabetical order) European Commission Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), European Union, Germany, Japan, United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF), and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

    Thank you also to UNHCR for its strong partnership in responding to the needs of refugees.

    WHO’s work is made possible through all contributions of our Member States and partners. WHO thanks all donor countries, governments, organizations and individuals who are contributing to the Organization’s work, with special appreciation for those who provide fully flexible contributions to maintain a strong, independent WHO.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Small Business Initiative Helps Western North Carolina Businesses Rebuild Businesses

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: WATCH: Small Business Initiative Helps Western North Carolina Businesses Rebuild Businesses

    WATCH: Small Business Initiative Helps Western North Carolina Businesses Rebuild Businesses
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Last month Governor Josh Stein announced that the Western North Carolina Small Business Initaitve had distributed $55 million in funding from the Dogwood Health Trust, the Duke Endowment, and the State of North Carolina to 2,182 North Carolina small businesses. 

    Hear from some of the grants recipients below: 

    Pig and Grits Barbecue, Burnsville 

    “What it did for us here was it allowed us to buy some equipment, to take care of some of our employees that needed some help, and helped us rebuild our inventory and pay for some of the flooring and repairs and stuff that insurance didn’t cover completely.”

    “But as far as the community goes, everybody’s jumped in. Volunteers have come from all over, and we want to say thank you for that. We are open for business and would look forward to serving anyone.” 

    Henry River Farms, Morganton 

    “So we lost our seasonal crop, our strawberries … And then it also affected like our tourism side of things, our agritourism … And then we also lost field trips, which we rely on throughout the week for our fall season.”

    “So receiving the grant helped us with our operating cost and our repair cost for some of our infrastructure that was lost during the storm. The main crop that was affected was our strawberry crop, which covers about a third of our income for our farm. So just having access to funds to help us keep, you know going as we’re going to have this through the spring where we don’t have our normal income has been a huge help.”

    Carolina Native Nursery, Burnsville 

    “We had damage to over 100 greenhouses. Like anybody else would say, it’s like nothing we’ve ever experienced before. Without the Dogwood Grant, it would just take us that much more time to recover.”

    “It allowed us to keep people on payroll. At a height of our season, we have 20 people on payroll, so it aided with that and to achieve the size that we had, it’d taken us a lot. So this $50,000 really goes a long way to jump us forward, to get us back to where we’re going to be.”

    Governor Stein remains committed to western North Carolina’s recovery. The Governor continues to advocate to the Trump Administration and the U.S. Congress to send $19 billion to western North Carolina for disaster relief and to improve FEMA by reducing red tape and making disaster response efforts more efficient. Governor Stein’s second Hurricane Helene budget proposal also includes $891 million directed toward economic recovery, strengthening critical infrastructure, and getting western North Carolinians back into their homes. Governor Stein continues to encourage people from across the country to visit western North Carolina this summer and support small businesses 

    Jun 18, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After celebrating State Parks Week, Newsom administration calls out federal assault on public lands

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 18, 2025

    What you need to know: After more than 170 events last week celebrating California’s state parks, Governor Newsom and his administration are calling out federal cuts to National Parks and public lands.

    SACRAMENTO – As the Trump administration threatens the future of federal public lands, California is celebrating its thriving state park system, the largest in the nation, and its commitment to expanding access to the outdoors. This comes after the state celebrated its fourth annual California State Parks Week with more than 170 events last week, highlighting the people, places and programs that make California’s 280 state parks truly unique.

    On Friday, the Newsom administration sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior warning of public safety risks and reduced access due to major cuts proposed to staff and programs that support National Parks and other federal public lands. In contrast, California is expanding access to the outdoors, investing in communities and laying the groundwork for further expansion.

    As the saying goes, national parks are America’s best idea – and putting them on the chopping block has to be one of the worst. As the Trump administration threatens our public lands, California continues to expand access to achieve our vision of outdoors for all.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    As outlined in the letter, the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts to federal agencies like the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Indian Affairs threaten public lands, water supply, wildlife, and tribal sovereignty. These cuts would lead to reduced staff, services, public access, and increased risks such as wildfires and jeopardized public safety. 

    “While we support efforts to improve the efficiency of federal services, current and proposed cuts raise serious concerns regarding public safety, water supplies, public access, and outdoor recreation across California,” wrote California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “Additionally, these cuts impact the national economy as agriculture and outdoor recreation are critical and powerful economic engines for the country.”

    Outdoors For All

    Connecting people to nature is critical for our physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Outdoor spaces also help communities adapt to climate change, can be good for wildlife and biodiversity, and are reliably a powerful economic engine for the state. Unfortunately, outdoor access and its many benefits are not equitably distributed to all communities.

    Under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a historic investment of more than $1 billion has been dedicated to expanding parks and nature access, including to Californians who live in underserved communities.

    From the otherworldly beauty of Joshua Tree, to the soul-stirring splendor of Yosemite, our parks are part of our national story. Their very existence reflects the best in us: a century-long, bipartisan tradition to preserve our iconic natural wonders for the next generation — and make them accessible to all.

    In California, we’re not only standing to protect these sacred spaces, we’re working to open them up to even more children, including through our California State Park Adventure Pass, which gives fourth graders in the state and their families free access to 54 California State Parks.

    First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

    The administration’s Outdoor Access for All and California Natural Resources Agency’s Outdoors for All initiatives have created innovative access programs for children and families to explore California’s state parks, mitigated impacts from climate change, and helped the economy.

    Here are some key accomplishments:

    • Free park passes: Three new state park pass programs were created for Californians to access participating park units for free. As of June 1, over the life of these programs more than 104,000 eligible Californians have received a Golden Bear Pass, 83,000-plus fourth graders have signed up for a California State Park Adventure Pass, and more than 33,000 free passes can be checked out at libraries throughout the state.
    • New state park: After more than a decade, California added a new park to the state park system. Located near Modesto in the San Joaquin Valley, Dos Rios is a multi-benefit park providing outdoor recreation opportunities for underserved communities, providing habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife, and advancing the state’s innovative efforts to combat the climate crisis using nature-based solutions. Nearly 10,000 people have visited Dos Rios since its official opening in June 2024, and the park has steadily increased public access to the approximately 1,600-acre property.
    • Cutting green tape: One year after the opening of Dos Rios, the Newsom administration continues to remove bureaucratic hurdles by cutting the green tape to lay the groundwork for potential future expansion of the state park system.  
    • Climate bond: In November 2024, a majority of voters across California approved a $10 billion Climate Bond to ensure resources are available to strengthen the resiliency of California communities to a changing climate. Specifically, the climate bond supports the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, Nature-Based Solutions Climate Targets, 30X30, and Outdoors for All. The administration is committed to rolling out these funds in a way that is strategic, coordinated, accessible, accountable, and prioritizes multi-benefit projects when possible.
    • Community investments: It is not just about state parks. State Parks has provided grants to local communities to establish indoor and outdoor recreation in every corner of the state, building trails, acquiring and restoring sensitive habitat, building natural and cultural interpretative facilities, and fostering outdoor natural experiences for thousands of children, youth, and families. This is just a small sampling of what community investments can accomplish.

    State Parks protects the best of the state’s natural and cultural history; more than 340 miles of coastline; the tallest, largest and among the oldest trees in the world; and deserts, lakes, rivers and beaches. There are more than 5,200 miles of trails, and 15,000 campsites, prehistoric and historic archeological sites, ghost towns, historic homes and monuments — all waiting to be explored.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 18, 2025

    News What you need to know: Two sites in San Francisco are the latest to be transformed under Governor Newsom’s executive order converting excess and underutilized state land into affordable housing.  SAN FRANCISCO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the…

    Jun 17, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom recently wrote an op-ed on the dangers of President Trump’s reach at authoritarianism, as well as the solution that lies within the power of each citizen to hold their electeds accountable to the Constitution they have sworn…

    Jun 17, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – El Gobernador Gavin Newsom escribió recientemente un artículo de opinión sobre los peligros del autoritarismo del Presidente Trump, así como la solución que reside en el poder de cada ciudadano de exigir a sus elegidos que rindan cuentas…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green Party reaction to escalating crisis between Israel and Iran

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    The Green Party has called on the UK government to press for de-escalation, push for an immediate ceasefire and hold all parties to the same international standards, in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East.

    Co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay MP, said:

    “The escalating crisis between Israel and Iran is gravely concerning, not just for regional stability, but for the safety of civilians – there have already been hundreds of casualties. Calls for the total evacuation of central Tehran are deeply alarming indicating people’s homes and hospitals and children’s schools are at risk of attack, not just military targets.

    “We are witnessing a pattern of Israel acting with impunity. In Gaza, military objectives have become indistinguishable from the mass suffering of civilians with little or no critique, let alone sanctions from the international community. And now, we are seeing a similar playbook with Israel appearing to pursue regime change in Iran through unilateral military action, without any international mandate or clear justification.

    “The UK government must urgently press for de-escalation, push for an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, and hold all parties to the same international standards – holding to account Israel for its aggressive unilateral actions and Iran for its well-documented human rights violations.

    “Furthermore, Donald Trump’s warmongering rhetoric is fanning the flames of this conflict. The UK must stand firmly against such a gung-ho approach to military intervention and call on the US to instead prioritise genuine diplomatic engagement and humanitarian relief.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Israel-Iran tensions might not raise prices at the pump as much as feared (for now)

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adi Imsirovic, Lecturer in Energy Systems, University of Oxford

    GreenOak/Shutterstock

    The unexpected attack by Israel on Iran, a major oil-producing nation, may undermine anaemic global economic growth and hinder central banks’ ability to cope in an already uncertain market.

    Iran exports up to 2 million barrels of oil and refined petroleum products per day (million barrels per day – mbd). Due to long-standing sanctions, most of this oil is sold to China at discounted prices.

    Normally, a sudden loss of the Iranian exports (equivalent to around 2% of global oil supply) would trigger panic. But Opec (the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is in the process of reversing the production cuts imposed early in the COVID pandemic (and subsequently). This leaves the organisation with an unusually large spare capacity of at least four million barrels per day, most of which is held by Saudi Arabia (up to 3.5 million) and the UAE (about one million).

    On top of that, the International Energy Agency (IEA) holds more than 1.2 billion barrels of emergency reserves across OECD countries, ready to be deployed if needed. China, too, has significant reserves, though the line between its commercial and strategic stocks is less clear.

    Additionally, some 40 million barrels of Iranian oil are stranded aboard anchored ships near China, unsold due to declining industrial demand and electric vehicles hitting petrol consumption. In May, China’s refinery throughput fell 1.8% year-on-year, with no signs of a swift rebound. What’s more, the IEA is expecting global oil production to exceed 1.8 mbd, compared to its earlier projection of only 0.72 mbd, leaving a massive surplus of supply over demand.

    China has proven to be an opportunistic buyer. It did not buy the excess Iranian oil supplies at US$65 (£48) a barrel earlier this year, and whether it buys at US$75 (at the time of writing) or higher, may be a signal of how seriously it views the Middle East tensions. Meanwhile, other Asian importers have been quick to secure prompt shipments from west Africa, and have eyes on US supplies as well.

    Thanks to this surplus capacity and stagnant demand, the oil market’s reaction has been more muted than many feared. Prices briefly spiked by US$10 but have since eased. It appears that the market is assessing whether the hostilities will escalate. If so, the impact on energy prices and inflation could be more significant.

    A conflict of convenience

    It remains somewhat unclear why Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu chose this moment to strike Iran, especially in the middle of peace negotiations between Iran and the United States. In a recent interview, former Israeli leader Ehud Barak admitted that even a full-scale attack would only delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions by weeks or months at best, with US support.

    Diplomacy, then, may remain the more effective route. This was the rationale behind the Iran nuclear deal brokered under US president Barack Obama, a deal later dismantled by Trump under pressure from Netanyahu.



    Read more:
    Why are the US and Israel not on the same page over how to deal with Iran? Expert Q&A

    So, Netanyahu’s endgame might be political survival and diverting attention from the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

    If Iran feels sufficiently cornered, it may retaliate by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz – a strategic chokepoint through which up to 20 million barrels of oil pass daily. A lot of that oil can be diverted through alternative supply routes such as a large (6 mbd) Saudi East-West pipeline leading to the Red Sea. There is also the UAE pipeline, which avoids the Strait of Hormuz and leads to the port of Fujairah, in the Gulf of Oman.

    Iran could close off the Strait of Hormuz, causing widespread disruption.
    CeltStudio/Shutterstock

    Nevertheless, the increased risk and higher shipping costs would certainly result in much higher prices at the pump. The cost of insurance for ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz have jumped 60% since the start of the conflict. That, combined with the broader economic fallout, could have global repercussions.

    The World Bank recently downgraded its global growth forecast to 2.3% for 2025 – nearly half a percentage point below previous estimates. While a worldwide recession is not yet predicted, the bank warned that growth this decade could be the slowest since the 1960s.

    Among the leading culprits is Trump’s tariff policy, which has strained global trade, reduced efficiency and effectively imposed a tax on consumers both in the US and elsewhere. The fear of inflation has led to rising long-term bond yields.

    Expectations of higher inflation and high bond yields, in turn, constrain central banks from stimulating the economy by cutting interest rates. This is a key tool used by the US Federal Reserve to influence the cost of borrowing throughout the US economy and thus attempt to stimulate economic activity.

    And in spite of the recent US-UK trade agreement, the deal includes a 10% tariff on imports from the UK – with steel still at 25%.

    UK economic growth had already slipped into negative territory before the conflict began. Now, with the added strain of geopolitical instability, households are bracing for higher petrol prices at the pump, sluggish wage growth and rising unemployment. The conflict in the Middle East may not have sparked a global oil crisis yet, but it certainly won’t improve anyone’s cost of living.

    Adi Imsirovic is affiliated with Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington.

    – ref. Why Israel-Iran tensions might not raise prices at the pump as much as feared (for now) – https://theconversation.com/why-israel-iran-tensions-might-not-raise-prices-at-the-pump-as-much-as-feared-for-now-259211

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The UK’s warm homes plan has been saved – here’s how Labour can learn from a decade of failed insulation schemes

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Madeleine Pauker, PhD Candidate, Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex

    Natalia Nosova/Shutterstock

    The UK government confirmed in its June 2025 spending review that it will honour its manifesto pledge and not cut the £13.2 billion warm homes plan, as had been speculated. The money will be spent over the next four years, marking a significant increase on funding for energy-related home upgrades compared to that offered by the previous government.

    The plan encompasses several programmes for cutting energy bills and reducing carbon emissions by making homes easier to heat and replacing gas boilers and other fossil fuel heating systems. Low-income homeowners and renters will receive grants for “retrofit” upgrades such as insulation, solar panels and heat pumps through schemes delivered by energy companies and councils.

    All homeowners can benefit from the boiler upgrade scheme, which offers £7,500 towards the cost of a heat pump, and those living in the least energy efficient homes can get free loft or cavity wall insulation. Councils and housing associations will also receive funding to make upgrades to their properties.

    The British government has provided some form of financial support for insulation and other energy efficiency measures since the 1970s. Millions of homes were insulated over the 2000s, but over the last decade support has been cut and the number of households taking up grants has collapsed. Programmes have also not been designed to provide comprehensive, high-quality retrofits.

    Over the next few years, the warm homes plan will significantly increase the amount of funding available for retrofitting homes. This is an opportunity to reshape the UK’s strategy for fixing its cold, leaky housing stock, reduce reliance on gas heating and lower household energy bills.

    How support for retrofitting has evolved

    For the last 30 years, energy companies have been required to provide insulation and other energy efficiency measures to households. These programmes are funded by levies on energy bills rather than public spending.

    From 1994 to 2015 any homeowner, landlord, or renter could receive energy efficiency measures such as insulation from energy companies. Additional publicly funded schemes sought to eliminate fuel poverty and targeted low-income households. This approach proved broadly successful throughout the 2000s and early 2010s. At its peak in 2008-11, one in five UK households received insulation, more efficient boilers or another form of support.

    However, these schemes were never designed to provide the comprehensive retrofits that modern climate targets demand. Ultimately, they failed to take a whole-house approach that could address multiple energy-efficiency issues at once.

    A pivotal moment came in 2015 when the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government removed universal eligibility from supplier-led schemes and shaved £30 off annual household bills. Low-income and vulnerable households, which had already constituted a priority group under energy company-led schemes, became the only demographic eligible for support. Following this decision – plus other modifications to the programmes – the number of insulation measures installed each year fell by about 70%.

    In 2023, the Conservative government of Rishi Sunak introduced the Great British insulation scheme which offers free cavity wall or loft insulation to homes registered given an efficiency rating of D or below (ratings run from A for the most efficient to G for the least). The universal boiler upgrade scheme was also introduced.

    Meanwhile, the energy company obligation, which provides a greater range of measures, including several types of insulation, heat pumps and solar panels, remains restricted to low-income and vulnerable households.

    However, due to complex eligibility requirements, low public awareness and a lack of trust, among other reasons, most of the financial support available is not reaching households and the number of homes receiving upgrades has not recovered.

    Heat pumps can get homes off gas, but installations trail boiler fittings.
    Martin Bergsma/Shutterstock

    The problems with current schemes

    While reinstating universal support is positive, the boiler upgrade scheme only covers about half the cost of installing a heat pump, making it a subsidy for wealthier households that can afford to foot the rest of the bill.

    Energy bill levies, which fund the energy company obligation, disproportionately burden poorer households, which spend a higher proportion of income on energy. At the same time, while everyone continues to pay for the programme via their energy bills, restrictive eligibility requirements leave most households who cannot cover retrofit costs independently without support.

    The scheme also incentivises companies and their subcontractors to meet the scheme’s carbon reduction requirements at the lowest possible cost. This discourages whole-house retrofits, more complex insulation measures, repairs prior to retrofit (such as removing damp and mould or repairing roofs) and work in certain types of homes.

    Resulting insulation failures have damaged public confidence in retrofit programmes. These problems highlight the mismatch between a market-driven approach and the comprehensive changes necessary to make homes healthier to live in and cheaper to heat, as well as meet climate targets and restore public trust.

    The case for replacing supplier-led schemes with public alternatives remains compelling, despite the government’s supposed fiscal constraints. Rather than relying on energy companies and their subcontractors for complex home interventions, councils could be empowered to guide households through the retrofit process and combine homes in area-based schemes.

    The warm homes plan includes funding for councils to retrofit low-income households, including those earning less than £36,000, receiving means-tested benefits, or living in certain postcodes. But the scale of the programme is much smaller than the energy company obligation, although investment will increase over the next few years.

    This is still a narrow approach to improve the country’s housing that focuses on low-income households, though most middle-income households cannot afford the cost of a retrofit either. The budget for other home improvements remains minimal – homes in poor condition are likely to be missed.

    Details of how most of the warm homes plan funding will be spent is due to be revealed in autumn 2025. There is still time for the government to choose a more progressive approach.

    An alternative would be to expand grant-funded upgrades for low-income homeowners and offer low-interest, long-term, property-linked loans for middle-income households. This could be designed to cover whole-house retrofits, encompassing insulation, ventilation, heat pumps, solar panels and other measures, as well as repairs.

    There are also emerging plans from consultancies working with local governments to develop area-based retrofit programmes that blend public and private investment, aiming to attract investment from pension funds to shift the cost of retrofitting away from households.

    However, it remains unclear whether such models will offer sufficiently competitive returns and low enough risk to appeal to institutional investors – and the UK cannot afford to wait for private capital to materialise when nationwide retrofitting is urgently needed.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Madeleine Pauker receives funding from the Energy Demand Research Centre, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Economic and Social Research Council.

    – ref. The UK’s warm homes plan has been saved – here’s how Labour can learn from a decade of failed insulation schemes – https://theconversation.com/the-uks-warm-homes-plan-has-been-saved-heres-how-labour-can-learn-from-a-decade-of-failed-insulation-schemes-258719

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Recognizes June as National Dairy Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced a resolution to express support for the designation of June 2025 as National Dairy Month, honoring the hardworking farmers and producers who power one of New York’s most vital industries.

    This legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Russ Fulcher (ID-1), Tony Wied (WI-8), Don Bacon (NE-2), Rob Bresnahan Jr. (PA-8), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Derrick Van Orden (WI-3), John Moolenaar (MI-2), and Mike Simpson (ID-2).

    New York is home to nearly 3,200 dairy farms that produce 15.7 billion pounds of milk annually, making it the fifth-largest dairy state and third-highest milk-producing state in the country. Wyoming County, located in NY-24, leads the state in milk production with approximately 1.1 billion pounds produced each year. This production is part of the reason why NY-24 is the fourth-largest dairy-producing district in the country. 

    Unfortunately, our nation’s dairy farmers face constant threats of unfair trade practices, overregulation, and rising input costs. Recently, Albany Democrats have even gone so far as to introduce legislation to limit the size of New York dairy farms to 700 cows per farm. This would be a death sentence to New York’s dairy industry. 

    “New York is home to over 3,000 dairy farms, many of which are right here in NY-24. These farmers are the backbone of our agricultural economy, providing nutritious, high-quality products to families across the country. As the Representative of the largest dairy-producing district in the Northeast, I am honored to introduce this resolution to express support for the designation of June as National Dairy Month and give our dairy farmers and producers the honor and recognition they have long earned,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Highlights Administration Hypocrisy: Slashing IRS Funding Will Balloon Federal Deficit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is joining efforts to highlight the hypocrisy of White House policy slashing funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), resulting in diminished enforcement for “wealthy tax cheats.” In a letter to IRS Commissioner Billy Long, King and his colleagues suggest that plans to slash IRS funding would balloon the federal deficit and result in $2.4 trillion in lost revenue over the next decade. 

    In June last year, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he was “alarmed by the size of [the government’s] deficit,” and publicly championed a plan to cut the annual deficit from just over six percent of GDP to three percent. In an interview in April, Deputy Treasury Secretary Faulkender reiterated that the Administration’s intent is to “bring the deficit down.” When pressed by Senators in written questions, Secretary Bessent affirmed his commitment to lowering the deficit to three percent of GDP by the end of President Trump’s term.

    The Senators began, “We write to you with concern regarding the Trump Administration’s hollowing out of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For too long, the IRS has been underfunded and operating with outdated technology and inadequate staffing – resulting in unacceptable levels of service to taxpayers and enabling wealthy tax cheats to evade taxes. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in 2021, finally provided the IRS with the resources the agency needed to modernize and improve efficiency, but Congressional Republicans quietly slashed that funding in recent years. It is critical that we protect and build on the IRA’s investments. Otherwise, we risk failing honest, hardworking taxpayers while ballooning the federal deficit.”

    “Reducing the tax gap by ensuring that high-income individuals pay the taxes they owe should be an obvious bipartisan approach to making progress on the federal deficit,” the Senators continued. “Further, it is a good investment – one study found that $1 spent on auditing the highest earners yields $12 in returns to revenues. And after recent investments in enforcement targeted at high earners, the IRS collected over $1 billion in back taxes from just 1,600 wealthy taxpayers.”

    “All of this is occurring at the same time that the Administration and Congressional Republicans are teeing up another huge deficit-busting reconciliation bill that includes massive tax cuts for the wealthy, which the House of Representatives recently approved. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, an extension of the 2017 Republican tax bill, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, would add $52 trillion to the national debt over the next 30 years, adding more debt to the nation’s balance sheet in three decades than in the previous 249- year history of our country’s existence. This extension is only one component of this larger bill. These actions are inconsistent with your public commitments to meaningfully reduce the federal deficit and will undo the improvements made to the IRS’s taxpayer services,” the Senators concluded.

    Treasury Secretary Bessent last week took a victory lap touting increased IRS revenue in the most recent filing season. Yet, earlier this year, the Trump administration began workforce reductions at the IRS, including a plan to reduce IRS employee headcount by 40 percent. Tens of thousands of workers have left the agency since President Trump took office. More specifically, the auditing division of the IRS division has lost 38 percent of its employees. These cuts could drive up the deficit and lead to $2.4 trillion in lost revenue over the next decade.

    In addition to King, the letter is signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

    +++

    Dear Secretary Bessent and Commissioner Long:

    We write to you with concern regarding the Trump Administration’s hollowing out of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For too long, the IRS has been underfunded and operating with outdated technology and inadequate staffing – resulting in unacceptable levels of service to taxpayers and enabling wealthy tax cheats to evade taxes. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in 2021, finally provided the IRS with the resources the agency needed to modernize and improve efficiency, but Congressional Republicans quietly slashed that funding in recent years. It is critical that we protect and build on the IRA’s investments. Otherwise, we risk failing honest, hardworking taxpayers while ballooning the federal deficit.

    Trump administration officials have repeatedly claimed a desire to lower the deficit. In June last year, Treasury Secretary Bessent said he was “alarmed by the size of [the government’s] deficit,” and publicly touted a plan to cut the annual deficit from 6.4 percent of GDP to three percent. In an interview in April, Deputy Treasury Secretary Faulkender reiterated that the Administration’s intent is to “bring the deficit down.” When pressed by Senators in written questions, Secretary Bessent affirmed his commitment to lowering the deficit to three percent of GDP by the end of President Trump’s term. Despite these commitments, the Administration’s signature tax priorities—gutting the IRS and passing significant tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy—will massively drive up the deficit and place a greater burden on future generations.

    American workers pay their taxes on time and in full, often through automatic withholdings on their paychecks. A small subset of high-income taxpayers, though, find complicated workarounds to shield income from the taxes that they owe. This has resulted in a massive gap between revenue owed and revenue collected – known as the “tax gap.” The latest IRS estimate was that this tax gap was nearly $700 billion in 2022 – or 17 percent of the total taxes owed. This shifts more of the tax burden on hardworking Americans who abide by the law.

    Reducing the tax gap by ensuring that high-income individuals pay the taxes they owe should be an obvious bipartisan approach to making progress on the federal deficit. Further, it is a good investment – one study found that $1 spent on auditing the highest earners yields $12 in returns to revenues. And after recent investments in enforcement targeted at high earners, the IRS collected over $1 billion in back taxes from just 1,600 wealthy taxpayers.

    Investments in the IRS also make it easier for law-abiding taxpayers to file their taxes. Decades of underfunding and lack of investment at the agency left customer service in a poor state prior to passage of the IRA. For years, taxpayers struggled to get through on customer service lines or find an in-person assistance center to receive help with their tax return. Recent investments in the IRS have finally allowed the agency to start investing in long-overdue improvements, allowing for significant new and enhanced services for taxpayers. As of June 2024, call wait-times had dropped from 28 minutes to 3 minutes, the agency had opened 54 new taxpayer assistance centers, and online services had started expanding.

    But the Trump administration is planning to turn back the clock on this progress. When reductions in force began at the IRS this spring, personnel essential to the filing season operations were required to continue working until mid-May, which limited the impact of staffing losses on tax revenue for the 2025 season. But the continuing layoffs at the IRS will kneecap the agency’s ability to do its basic job. President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have executed massive cuts to the IRS workforce—including a plan to reduce IRS employee headcount by 40 percent. Tens of thousands of workers have left the agency since President Trump’s inauguration. The IRS division that audits billionaires and the ultrawealthy has already lost 38 percent of its employees and had its funding rescinded by President Trump and Congressional Republicans. Even before these massive layoffs, IRS audits were already at a 23-year low. Further cutting IRS staff means less staff to monitor wealthy tax cheats and collect the tax revenue that will help offset our budget deficit. If IRS staffing levels are nearly halved, as the Administration has promised, these cuts could lead to $2.4 trillion in lost revenue over the next decade. And layoffs of this magnitude will significantly damage the agency’s customer service capacity.

    All of this is occurring at the same time that the Administration and Congressional Republicans are teeing up another huge deficit-busting reconciliation bill that includes massive tax cuts for the wealthy, which the House of Representatives recently approved. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, an extension of the 2017 Republican tax bill, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, would add $52 trillion to the national debt over the next 30 years, adding more debt to the nation’s balance sheet in three decades than in the previous 249- year history of our country’s existence. This extension is only one component of this larger bill. These actions are inconsistent with your public commitments to meaningfully reduce the federal deficit and will undo the improvements made to the IRS’s taxpayer services.

    Accordingly, we ask that you provide responses to the following questions by June 30, 2025:

    1. Given the proven return on investment from increasing staffing levels at the IRS, how did the Administration determine that a 40 percent across-the-board cut in the IRS workforce was prudent?

    2. What analyses did the Administration conduct on the impact of IRS workforce cuts on deficit reduction goals, including nearly halving the division of the IRS that investigates tax evasion? Please share the revenue impact of these workforce cuts.

    3. In anticipation of the 2026 tax filing season, what metrics are the IRS using to ensure that revenue collections are maintained at equal or greater levels and do not decrease?

    4. The Administration has instituted a prolonged hiring freeze for the IRS. The National Taxpayer Advocate noted that IRS customer service positions have an attrition rate of 19 percent. With additional workforce reductions, how does the IRS intend to sustain adequate levels of customer service? Please share relevant documentation, including performance metrics for casework, phone service, and in-person assistance centers.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: From Togo to the Task Force: SETAF-AF Soldier connects heritage with mission at African Lion 2025

    Source: United States Army

    U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kodzo Tse, the ground movement noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of transportation of the joint force throughout African Lion 2025 (AL25), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), poses for a photo in Agadir, Morocco, May 22, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by SETAF-AF on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Mallett) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Mallett) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Back to

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)

    AGADIR, Morocco – U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kodzo Tse, the ground movement noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of transportation of the joint force throughout African Lion 2025 (AL25), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), plays a pivotal role at the exercise.

    Born in Kpalimé, Togo, Tse oversees the movement of personnel—including distinguished visitors (DVs)—across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, ensuring logistical precision for an exercise involving 10,000 troops from over 50 nations. For Tse, AL25 is more than a mission; it’s a homecoming to the continent where he was born, blending personal heritage with professional purpose.

    “My role is to plan and provide manifests for all personnel movements, from start to finish,” Tse said. “Whether it’s troops or DVs, I make sure everyone gets where they need to be to keep AL25 running smoothly.”

    A global career, built on adaptability

    Tse’s journey began in a bustling city 120 kilometers north of Lomé, the capital of Togo. After immigrating to the U.S., he settled in Gaithersburg, Maryland, which he now considers his second home. Enlisting as an automated logistics specialist, Tse built a diverse career, serving as a squad leader, warehouse NCOIC, platoon sergeant, drill sergeant and operations sergeant.

    His assignments have taken him across the world, including Al Dhafra in Abu Dhabi, as well as nine months in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Poland.

    “I’ve served across the globe, from Afghanistan to Poland,” Tse said. “Each assignment taught me how to deliver under pressure and adapt to new challenges.”

    U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kodzo Tse, the ground movement noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of transportation of the joint force throughout African Lion 2025 (AL25), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), poses for a photo in Agadir, Morocco, May 22, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by SETAF-AF on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Mallett) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Mallett) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Now with SETAF-AF, Tse’s expertise ensures AL25’s complex personnel movements are seamless, supporting the exercise’s goals of enhancing combat readiness and interoperability among African and NATO partners.

    Turning challenges into growth

    Tse credits his skilled team for helping him manage AL25’s logistical demands. Yet, his career has presented its share of challenges, most notably mastering the art of briefing general officers (GOs) with concise, actionable information.

    “Briefing GOs is an art—giving them exactly what they need, simply and effectively,” he said. “My team has been incredible, helping me refine that skill from day one. I’m still learning every day.”

    This reliance on teamwork mirrors Tse’s approach to AL25’s multinational setting, where he navigates language and cultural differences to keep operations on track, from troop manifests to DV schedules.

    Leadership as a mindset

    Tse views leadership as a mindset rooted in adaptability and clear communication, guiding teams toward shared objectives. During AL25, he has witnessed this principle in action as leaders collaborate across offices, ensuring mission alignment.

    “In this exercise, leadership is about clear communication at every level,” he said. “We’re all working together, from junior NCOs to senior officers, to make this happen.”

    His leadership shines in coordinating logistics across four countries, ensuring every echelon—from planners to executors—functions as a cohesive unit.

    A legacy of impact

    As AL25 progresses, Tse reflects on the legacy he is crafting. Returning to Africa to support the training of African militaries resonates deeply, tying his personal roots to his professional impact.

    “I want to tell the story of coming back to my continent, helping improve combat readiness and operational efficiency,” he said. “That’s what this mission means to me.”

    His advice to young soldiers is straightforward yet powerful.

    “Do what’s right. Strive to be better than yesterday and aim for the top,” advised Tse.

    It is a philosophy that has guided his own path of service and growth.

    A life anchored in heritage and purpose

    Tse maintains a strong connection to Kpalimé, even as he builds a life in Gaithersburg. These dual homes represent a bridge between his past and present, grounding him amid the demands of military service.

    U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kodzo Tse, the ground movement noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of transportation of the joint force throughout African Lion 2025 (AL25), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), poses for a photo in Agadir, Morocco, May 22, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by SETAF-AF on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Mallett) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Mallett) VIEW ORIGINAL

    “Gaithersburg is home, but Kpalimé will always be part of me,” he said. “It’s where I learned the value of hard work and community.”

    As AL25 concludes, Tse’s contributions underscore the power of adaptability, teamwork and purpose. His story bridges continents and cultures, leaving a lasting mark on this historic exercise.

    About African Lion

    AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win.

    About SETAF-AF

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

    Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Dentist Sentenced for Tax Evasion

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Colorado dentist was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison for tax evasion related to his use of an illegal tax shelter.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: since 2014, Ryan Ulibarri owned and operated Ulibarri Family Dentistry in Fort Collins, Colorado. In 2016, Ulibarri purchased an abusive-trust tax shelter for $50,000. The tax shelter involved concealing income and creating false tax deductions through the use of a so-called business trust, family trust, charitable trust and a private family foundation, all of which Ulibarri created and controlled. From 2016 through 2023, Ulibarri used this tax shelter to conceal from the IRS over $5 million in income he earned from his dental practice and evade more than $1.6 million in federal and state income taxes owed on that income.

    To set up the tax shelter, Ulibarri signed trust instruments that named him as trustee of the three trusts and foundation, and he opened bank accounts in the name of each entity. He further recruited friends to falsely sign his trust instruments as the purported creators of the trusts to make it seem as if Ulibarri himself was not the real creator. Ulibarri then transferred majority ownership of his dental practice to his business trust. He did this despite having been warned by attorneys and CPAs that, in Colorado, a trust could not own a dental practice.

    Ulibarri then transferred over $5 million in income he earned from his dental practice into the bank accounts of the various trusts and foundation to create the illusion that the funds belonged to those entities, not him. In reality, Ulibarri retained complete control over those funds and used the funds to pay for personal expenses including his home mortgage, credit card bills, boats, luxury vacations, and professional baseball season tickets. Ulibarri also filed false tax returns for himself, his dental practice, the trusts, and his foundation that falsely reported the income he earned from his dental practice as income of the trusts. On those tax returns, Ulibarri also claimed fraudulent deductions for his personal living expenses which he disguised as trust expenses and charitable donations.  

    In total, Ulibarri caused a tax loss to the United States of $1.6 million.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Nina Y. Wang ordered Ulibarri to serve 3 years of supervised release, to pay a $150,000 fine and to pay $1,449,121 in restitution to the IRS and $166,966 in restitution to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Special Agent in Charge Amanda Prestegard of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Denver Field Office made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Amanda R. Scott and Lauren K. Pope and Assistant Chief Andrew J. Kameros of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizes resources to Alder Springs Fire in Jefferson County

    Source: US State of Oregon

    quick-moving wildfire in Jefferson County that led to level 3 evacuations Monday afternoon prompted the Oregon State Fire Marshal to mobilize an incident management team and several structural protection task forces.

    The agency is mobilizing resources to the Alder Springs Fire burning west of Crooked River Ranch in Jefferson County. The fire sparked midday Monday on the Crooked River National Grasslands and grew rapidly to 1,500 acres by 5 p.m. Throughout Monday afternoon, wildland firefighters worked to slow the fire on the ground and in the air with several large air tankers and smoke jumpers.

    On Monday night, the state fire marshal mobilized two structural task forces through Immediate Response. On Tuesday morning, the OSFM’s Red Incident Management Team and six more structural task forces will arrive in Central Oregon.

    “This is the second time our agency has mobilized resources in the last week because of a wildfire,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “The conditions we are seeing across Oregon are extremely concerning, especially in early June. It only takes a spark to cause a disaster, so be wildfire aware.”

    The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices for homes and properties near the fire. You can find the latest on evacuations here. The Deschutes County Sheriff also issued level 1 evacuations. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says a shelter is set up at Highland Baptist Church in Redmond and Ranch Chapel. Animals can be taken to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds or Over the Edge Taphouse (with your own corral).

    The OSFM Red Incident Management Team will be briefed Tuesday at 9 a.m. and take unified command with the Central Oregon Fire Management Service Type 3 Team. For updates on the fire, please follow Central Oregon Fire.

    The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizes resources through the Emergency Conflagration Act when invoked by the Governor. The Alder Springs Fire is the second conflagration of 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tracing the Drax family’s millions – a story of British landed gentry, slavery and sugar plantations

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Lashmar, Reader in Journalism, City St George’s, University of London

    ‘Planting the sugar-cane’: vast fortunes were made from the trades in both sugar and human slaves in the Americas. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Photographs and Prints Division, The New York Public Library

    Rich British aristocratic families with a legacy of owning colonial slave plantations are often accused by campaigners that their wealth solely originates from these plantations. One frequent target of this criticism has been the Drax family of Dorset, which is headed by Richard Grosvenor Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax, who was the Conservative MP for South Dorset until July 2024.

    Historian Alan Lester of the University of Sussex has noted of Drax (as he is commonly known): “Much of his fortune is inherited, coming down the family line from ownership of the Drax sugar plantations and the 30,000 enslaved people who worked them as Drax property for 180 years before emancipation in Barbados.”

    Recently, I have researched and written a book on the Drax family’s history and involvement in the slave trade in the Caribbean, Drax of Drax Hall, that gives fresh insights into the level of wealth they derived from the sugar trade and the trade in African slaves who worked their plantations – as well as the family’s other income sources.

    I searched the archives in the UK and Caribbean for evidence of their revenue streams until Britain’s 1834 abolition of slavery in the colonies. I estimate that the family today are worth more than £150 million from their land and property in Dorset and Yorkshire.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Over a period of two centuries until 1834, eight generations of Drax ancestors owned and worked hundreds of enslaved African captives at any one time. The latest beneficiary of primogeniture – the legal concept that recognises the first-born child as heir to a familiy’s fortune – Richard Drax inherited the family’s still-operating 621-acre Drax Hall plantation in Barbados in 2021.

    Drax, 67, has said: “I am keenly aware of the slave trade in the West Indies, and the role my very distant ancestor played in it is deeply, deeply regrettable. But no one can be held responsible today for what happened many hundreds of years ago. This is a part of the nation’s history, from which we must all learn.”

    My research reveals the sources of his family’s wealth are more complex than the critics’ claims that it all derives from the slave-worked plantations.

    Like most British landed gentry, much of the Drax family income has come as extensive landlords of their British estates which, in 1883, exceeded 23,000 acres across various counties. Today, it includes nearly 16,000 acres in Dorset and 2,520 acres in the Yorkshire Dales.

    However, my research also shows the Drax family made more money from slavery than was previously thought, when taking into account the way revenues from their plantations were channelled into the family’s British estates over the two centuries of slavery.

    Drax Hall plantation in Barbados

    The Drax Hall plantation in the Barbados parish of Saint George has been described by Barbadian historian Sir Hilary Beckles, chair of the Caribbean Community reparations commission, as a “killing field” where as many as 30,000 slaves died in brutal conditions. Despite pressure from reparation campaigners in the Caribbean, Britain and elsewhere, Richard Drax has declined to make a formal public apology or gesture of recompense in the Caribbean for the years of slavery.

    A 19th-century drawing of Drax Hall plantation in Barbados.
    Unknown source, Wikimedia Commons

    As the prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, explained in April 2024, despite the efforts of her government Drax has yet to agree to a settlement, pay reparations or contribute all or part of his family’s Drax Hall plantation to provide affordable housing or become a memorial to those who worked and died in colonial enslavement on the island.

    Some other British landed families whose ancestors owned slave plantations in the Caribbean, including the Trevelyans (who owned six slave plantations in Grenada) and the Gladstones (British prime minister William Gladstone’s father owned plantations in Guyana), have made formal apologies and reparations. And while some families have kept the terms of these reparations private, longtime BBC reporter Laura Trevelyan made a US$100,000 (£73,000) donation to a Caribbean development fund.

    The largest family estate

    Four thousand miles from Barbados, Richard Drax lives in Charborough House, a historic 17th-century mansion in Dorset. He oversees the 23.5-square mile estate, the largest family estate in Dorset with over 120 properties, many of which are rented out.

    Charborough was acquired by Drax’s ancestor Walter Erle by marriage in 1549. The family has gradually increased the estate over the centuries. Historically, their income comes from renting land to tenant farmers and cottages to agricultural workers. This, I identified, is where the bulk of their income has come from.

    Charborough House: the Drax family seat in Dorset.
    John Lamper/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    However, profits from sugar produced by slavery also poured into the family coffers over 200 years. Richard Drax’s remote ancestor James Drax (1609-1661) was one of the first settler group to arrive in the then-uninhabited island of Barbados in 1627. In his introduction to my book, TV historian David Olusoga writes that the Drax family were key players – arguably the key players – in the origin story of British slavery:

    The Drax Hall plantation, the first estate on which a crop of sugar was commercially grown and processed by any English planter, became one of the laboratories in which early English slavery was developed and finessed.

    Built around 1650, the Jacobean plantation house is thought to be the one of the three oldest extant residential buildings in the Americas. From the 17th into the 18th century, the Draxes created and owned the largest acreage in Barbados with the Drax Hall and and Mount plantations – plus a 3,000-acre estate, also called Drax Hall, in Jamaica. The family became enormously wealthy: James Drax was said by a visitor to Drax Hall in the 1640s to “live like a prince”, putting on lavish dinners for friends and guests.

    In addition to owning slaves, James Drax shipped African captives to Barbados as a key part of the trade in slaves. Knighted by both Oliver Cromwell and Charles I, by 1660 he was a director and investor in the English East India Company which, in part, traded and exploited enslaved people.

    Paul Lashmar’s book, Drax of Drax Hall.
    Bookshop.com

    In her 1930 study, American historian Elizabeth Donnan presented evidence that the Draxes of the 17th century operated “off the books” – buying enslaved people from, and selling them to, “interloper” ships that circumvented the Royal African Company’s monopoly of slave trading to the colonies.

    The Drax family married into the Erle family in 1719, combining three fortunes: that of the Erles of Charborough, the Draxes of Yorkshire, Barbados and Jamaica, and the landed-gentry Ernles of Wiltshire.

    Despite being deeply involved in the South Sea Bubble scandal, the Drax family flourished. The slave registers in the National Archives show that between 1825 and 1834, the Drax Hall plantation in Barbados produced an average of 163 tonnes of sugar and 4,845 gallons of rum per year. This gave the family an average annual net profit of £3,591 – equivalent to about £600,000 now. Today, the plantation still produces 700 tonnes of sugar a year, earning the family something in the region of £250,000.

    Pressure for reparations

    In recent years, the value of Drax Hall’s land in Barbados has greatly increased as it is sought after for housing, and could now be worth as much as Bds$150,000 (£60,000) per acre. At the same time, pressure for reparations is growing. In 2023, the African Union threw its weight behind the Caribbean reparations campaign.

    David Comissiong, deputy chairman of the Barbados reparations task force, has said: “Other families are involved, though not as prominently as the Draxes. This reparations journey has begun.”

    Yet to date, the only reparations paid in the story of the Drax family’s involvement in the slave trade were to the family itself. In 1837, Jane-Frances Erle-Drax, the heiress of Charborough, received £4,293 12s 6d (worth more than £614,000 today) in reparations for freeing 189 slaves from Drax Hall plantation after the abolition of slavery in the colonies.

    In the course of researching and writing my book, I approached Richard Drax both directly and through his lawyers and put the claims made here to him. He had no comment to add.

    This page contains references to books included for editorial reasons, which may include links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something from bookshop.org, The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

    Paul Lashmar is affiliated with the Labour Party.

    – ref. Tracing the Drax family’s millions – a story of British landed gentry, slavery and sugar plantations – https://theconversation.com/tracing-the-drax-familys-millions-a-story-of-british-landed-gentry-slavery-and-sugar-plantations-257376

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –