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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latvia to get solar-power boost as energy company Sunly receives almost €85 million international financing

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    Latvia is set to get more clean energy as a result of almost € 85 million in international financing for renewable-electricity provider Sunly. Estonia-based Sunly will use the loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and SEB to build four solar parks in Latvia with total capacity of 329 megawatts (MW) – enough to meet the annual electricity consumption of up to 180,000 households.

    The project marks one of Latvia’s most ambitious renewable-energy initiatives to date and will accelerate the Baltic region’s shift to clean power while enhancing Latvia’s energy independence. The financing package includes loans of €35.2 million from the EIB, €35.2 million from the EBRD and €14.4 million from SEB.

    The solar parks are due to be completed by early 2027 and will be located near Matīši village in Valmiera Municipality (54 MW), in Dagda Parish, Krāslava Municipality (90 MW), near Barkava village in Madona Municipality (81 MW) and in Zirņi Parish, Saldus Municipality (104 MW).

    “Latvia’s bold push for hybrid solar infrastructure is exactly the kind of forward-looking investment Europe needs,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros. “We are proud to support Sunly’s vision — not just to generate clean power, but to build energy systems that are resilient, flexible, and future-ready. This project is a blueprint for how we can accelerate the green transition while strengthening regional energy security.”

    While the scope of this financing will support the solar component, the broader ambition is to develop all sites as hybrid parks, by subsequently integrating wind energy and battery energy storage systems, aiming to ensure more stable electricity production, improve grid efficiency, and enhance energy security.

    “We’re pleased to build on our partnership with Sunly and support the development of new renewable energy capacity in Latvia,” said Grzegorz Zielinski, EBRD Head of Energy for Europe. “This marks an important step toward strengthening the Baltic region’s energy security and advancing its climate goals. We look forward to contributing our expertise to help scale up this capacity and support the green energy transition.”

    Latvia’s installed solar capacity reached approximately 660 MW at the end of 2024, more than doubling from 305 MW in 2023 and 100 MW in 2022. According to the long-term planning guidelines Energy Strategy Latvia 2050, solar capacity is projected to reach around 1.2 GW by 2030, gradually increasing to 2.0 GW in the baseline scenario by mid-century. Sunly’s large-scale solar projects are set to play a major role in achieving these targets.

    This financing is a significant step toward strengthening Latvia’s economy and energy supply,” said Toms Nāburgs, Sunly’s country manager for Latvia. “By developing large hybrid solar parks, we are not only increasing the country’s renewable energy production capacity but also enhancing energy security and driving economic growth in the regions. These parks will provide long-term benefits to local communities by supporting socially important projects and initiatives, as well as contributing to the country’s broader electrification and subsequent industrialization.

    The solar parks are financed on a non-recourse basis without relying on government subsidies or long-term power contracts and are designed to thrive in a competitive energy market. Sunly has built more than 300 MW of renewable-energy capacity in Estonia, Latvia and Poland over the past five years, with plans to add a further 700 MW over the next two years

    “SEB in the Baltics has been a financial partner for Sunly since 2019 and we are very proud to support company’s ambitious journey in Latvia with the state-of-the-art hybrid solar parks portfolio,” said Ints Krasts, Management Board member of SEB Latvia. “The solar capacities launched in 2027 will ensure diversity of energy sources and will strengthen energy independence of Latvia. This a signature cooperation for SEB Latvia as well as we are supporting it both as a lender and a hedge provider.”

    The project’s total cost is estimated at € 203.9 million, with Sunly providing € 119.1 million. The EIB and EBRD portion of the new financing for Sunly is backed by a guarantee under the InvestEU programme and promotes climate action and economic and social cohesion.

    Background information

    EIB Group

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, the EIB finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.    

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the EIB Group’s headquarters for media use are available here. 

    About InvestEU programme

    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps mobilise private investments for the European Union’s policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. The InvestEU programme brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments currently available to support investment in the European Union, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners that will invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of the implementing partners, increase their risk-bearing capacity and thus mobilise at least €372 billion in additional investment. 

    Sunly  

    Sunly is a renewable energy producer, dedicated to developing and operating renewable energy projects across the Baltics and Poland, while also investing in startups in the electrification sector and selling 100% renewable electricity to consumers in Estonia. At the heart of Sunly’s mission is renewable energy production, playing a crucial role in achieving regional climate goals, energy security, and affordability.

    EBRD

    The EBRD is a multilateral bank that promotes the development of the private sector and entrepreneurial initiative in 36 economies across three continents. The Bank is owned by 79 countries, as well as the European Union and the European Investment Bank. EBRD investments are aimed at making the economies in its regions competitive, well governed, green, inclusive, resilient and integrated.

    SEB

    SEB is a leading northern European financial services group with international reach. We exist to positively shape the future with responsible advice and capital, today and for generations to come. By partnering with our customers, we want to be a leading catalyst in the transition to a more sustainable world. In Sweden and the Baltic countries, SEB offers financial advice and a wide range of financial services. In Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany and the United Kingdom, we have a strong focus on corporate and investment banking based on a full-service offering to corporate and institutional clients. The international nature of SEB’s business is reflected in our presence in more than 20 countries worldwide, with around 19,100 employees. At 30 June 2025, the Group’s total assets amounted to SEK 4,110bn while assets under management totalled SEK 2,744bn. Read more about SEB Group at sebgroup.com and about SEB Latvia at: Homepage | SEB

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa continues to engage the United States (US) government on the reciprocal tariffs

    Source: APO


    .

    President Cyril Ramaphosa notes with concern the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on South African products.

    The reciprocal tariffs have been imposed by the US on a significant number of its trade partners and South Africa has not been spared. South Africa will continue negotiating with the US regarding the 30 percent tariff announced by the US, which will come into effect on or after 12h01 eastern daylight time, 7 days after 1 August 2025.

    All applicable exceptions published in the previous US Executive Order are set to remain in force and these exceptions covered products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap and energy and energy products. 

    Government has been engaging the United States, and has submitted a Framework Deal that aims to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the US. 

    In the meantime, Government is finalising a package to support companies that are vulnerable to the reciprocal tariffs. The package consists of a  number of measures to assist companies, producers and workers affected by the tariffs on SA exports to the US. The details of the measures will be announced in due course. 

    South Africa and US trade relations are complementary in nature and South African exports do not pose a threat to US industry. Importantly, SA exports to the US contain inputs from the African Continent and contribute to intra-Africa trade. 

    South Africa will continue to pursue all diplomatic efforts to safeguard its national interests.  It is important that as a country we keep our people at work and our companies producing some of the high-quality products destined for many parts of the world.

    To this end, Government will intensify its diversification strategy to create resilience of our economy and is working with export councils and industry associations, as well as top exporters to the US with a view to assist with alternative markets. In this regard, an Export Support Desk to provide updates on development and provide advisory services to exporters has been established. The details  are to be published by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition on its website. 

    Government, through the dtic is also in constant contact with the US on the  Framework Deal. The Executive order published by the United States today clarifies that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12h01 eastern daylight time, 7 days after 1 August 2025, and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12h01 eastern daylight time on 5 October 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty and shall instead remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed in Executive Order 14257, as amended.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 16 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    16 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations  
    During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided 128 target locations including industrial buildings, residential apartments and restaurants. Nine suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised seven men and two women, aged 27 to 55. Among them, one woman was a holder of a recognisance form, which prohibits her from taking any employment. One woman, aged 54, was suspected of employing the illegal worker and was also arrested.
     
         In addition, during operation “Twilight”, ImmD investigators found during a cyber patrol that a restaurant was allegedly offering dance and acrobatic performances by visitors. Investigators initiated an operation on July 28 immediately and arrested the suspects while they were performing at the restaurant. The arrested illegal workers comprised two men and four women, aged 20 to 25, all Mainland visitors.

    An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”Issued at HKT 18:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CISA Rolls Out Free, Automated Tool for Fighting Malware

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: CISA Rolls Out Free, Automated Tool for Fighting Malware

    When malware threats arise, users in the public and private sector have to react quickly to protect their systems

    Thorium allows users to set up a customized and automated platform that is able to quickly analyze the threats and then add or remove tools based on the evolving needs presented by each new threat

    Thorium is capable of scheduling over 1,700 jobs per second, and then processing 10 million files per hour for each user

    “President Trump and Secretary Noem are getting CISA back on-mission, and the release of CISA’s new anti-malware tool Thorium is the next step towards that goal

    Just like individual tools in a toolbox, certain anti-malware systems are meant to be combat specific,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

     “Thorium creates a customizable and automated system that streamlines the analysis and combatting of malware with the proper tools

    This new CISA tool optimizes the collaboration between the public sector and the private sector

    ” 

    Under the Trump Administration, CISA is returning to its core mission of protecting the American homeland in cyberspace

    Tools like Thorium, and the processes that develop them, are examples of what the nation’s premiere cybersecurity agency is capable of

    For more information and installation instructions, visit Thorium on CISA

    gov

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Flood Survivors in Four More Counties May Apply for Federal Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Flood Survivors in Four More Counties May Apply for Federal Assistance

    Flood Survivors in Four More Counties May Apply for Federal Assistance

    AUSTIN, Texas – Homeowners and renters in Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch and Menard counties are now eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance if you were affected by the Central Texas flooding in July

    FEMA, the State of Texas and the U

    S

    Small Business Administration may be able to help with serious disaster-related needs, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss and disaster loans

    Previously, Burnet, Kerr, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson counties were designated for FEMA assistance, meaning survivors with losses in those counties could apply even if they do not live in the county or in Texas

    A total of 10 counties are now designated for federal assistance under the major presidential disaster declaration for the July 2-18 severe storms and flooding in Central Texas

    Survivors with homeowners’, renters’ and flood insurance are encouraged to file a claim with their insurance carrier as soon as possible

    By law, FEMA cannot provide funding for losses covered by your insurance

    If your policy does not cover all disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance

    FEMA works closely with the Small Business Administration, which provides low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes

    You have until Thursday, Sept

    4, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance, which is not the same as reporting your damage to the state

    Reporting disaster damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management at damage

    tdem

    texas

    gov helps officials connect you with resources and services

    The fastest way to apply to FEMA is online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    You may also use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Lines are open from 6 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    CT daily

    If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service

    Helpline specialists speak many languages

    Press 2 for Spanish

    To apply online or to download an SBA application, go to SBA

    gov/disaster

    You may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba

    gov

     The deadline to apply for an SBA physical disaster loan is also Thursday, Sept

    4

    The last day to apply for an SBA economic injury loan is April 6, 2026

    You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center to receive in-person assistance

    To find one close to you, use your ZIP code to search FEMA

    gov/DRC

    To view an accessible video, visit What You Need to Know Before Applying for FEMA Assistance

    For the latest information about the Texas recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4879

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6
    toan

    nguyen
    Thu, 07/31/2025 – 15:35

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Migrant Crossings at the Darien Gap Continue to Plummet, Crossings Are Down 99.98%

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Migrant Crossings at the Darien Gap Continue to Plummet, Crossings Are Down 99

    98%

    lass=”text-align-center”>In May, only 13 crossings were recorded—June dropped further to just 10
    WASHINGTON – Today, the U

    S

    Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced migrant crossings at the Darien Gap have dropped 99

    98% for the months of May and June 2025 compared to a peak under the Biden Administration in August 2023

      
    Under the Biden Administration, crossings in a single month exceeded 82,000

    In May 2025, there were only 13 crossings and the number fell again in June 2025 to just 10

    This is a massive decline in illegal migration through one of the key channels normally utilized by would-be illegal aliens to invade our country

      
    “The dangerous Darien Gap trek is notorious for exposing migrants, including children and the most vulnerable, to sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “In Panama’s Darien Gap, migrants are now turning BACK before they even reach our border— only 10 migrants crossed in June

    This is more than a 99

    98% drop from the Biden high when 82,000 illegal aliens crossed in a single month

     The world is hearing our message that America’s borders are closed to lawbreakers

     Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, we have the most secure border in American history

    ” 
    With the most secure border in American history, DHS is focused on deporting those who break our nation’s laws

    If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home

    Illegal aliens who use the CBP Home App to self-deport also receive cost-free travel and a $1,000 exit bonus, paid after their return is confirmed through the app

     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – DOH Urges Residents With Electric Medical Devices to Prepare for Potential Power Outages

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – DOH Urges Residents With Electric Medical Devices to Prepare for Potential Power Outages

    Posted on Jul 31, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

     

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

     

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    KENNETH S. FINK, M.D., MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    DOH URGES RESIDENTS WITH ELECTRIC MEDICAL DEVICES TO PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL POWER OUTAGES DURING RED FLAG WARNING

    25-086

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    July 31, 2025

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging residents who rely on electric- or battery-powered medical devices to prepare for potential power outages. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, due to heightened wildfire risk, underscoring the importance of power outage preparedness.

    Households with a member who depends on electricity for medical needs are urged to speak with their health care provider about backup options and planning. Families should review and update their emergency plans, including the possibility of temporarily relocating if adequate backup power is not available.

    The Pacific ADA Center offers a helpful emergency preparedness checklist, available here.

    Hawaiian Electric (HECO) may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in high-risk areas to prevent wildfires. Residents in Honolulu, Maui and Hawaiʻi counties who use powered medical devices should review HECO’s PSPS preparedness recommendations:

    • Check if your residence is in a designated PSPS area.
    • Sign up for emergency outage alerts.
    • Complete a Medical Needs Communication Form.
    • Contact HECO’s customer service for help:
      • Oʻahu: 808-548-7311
      • Maui: 808-871-9777
      • Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi: 877-871-8461
      • Hilo: 808-969-6999
      • Kona: 808-329-3584
      • Waimea: 808-885-4605
    • Kauai Residents: Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300
    • If you have a smartphone, download the HECO app and enable notifications.

    All households are encouraged to visit www.preparenowhawaii.org for emergency preparedness tips and resources to support health and safety. For questions about electrical service, please contact your utility provider directly.

    #  #  #

    Media Contact:

    Adam LeFebvre
    Information Specialist
    Hawai‘i State Department of Health
    Phone: 808-586-4439
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump defunds federal firefighting, California steps up: introducing the world’s largest helicopter firefighting fleet

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 31, 2025

    What you need to know: California has completed a multi-year effort to modernize its aerial firefighting fleet, with the final delivery of two state-of-the-art Fire Hawk helicopters arriving in Sacramento – bringing CAL FIRE’s Fire Hawk fleet to a total of 16 stationed throughout the state.

    SACRAMENTO – In stark contrast to the Trump administration’s cuts to public safety and emergency response, California continues to ramp up its firefighting arsenal: the state now has the largest civilian helicopter firefighting fleet in the world.

    Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a monumental achievement in CAL FIRE’s ongoing commitment to protecting California, as the final two of sixteen Sikorsky S-70i Fire Hawk helicopters arrived at McClellan Airfield in Sacramento. This arrival completes a multi-year transition that significantly upgrades the department’s aerial firefighting capabilities. This year also marks the full conversion of all ten CAL FIRE Helitack bases from the Vietnam-era Huey UH-1H helicopters to the state-of-the-art Fire Hawk. It’s a full circle moment on an effort that the Governor initiated at the beginning of his first term. 

    This comprehensive modernization effort, which began with the first base receiving a Fire Hawk in 2020, represents a substantial statewide initiative and a long-term investment in the safety and protection of California’s communities, property, and natural landscapes.

    Our fleet of Fire Hawk helicopters – now the largest in the world – is a proven tool in our growing firefighting arsenal. During the devastating Los Angeles fires, we saw them in action, conducting critical missions at night which stopped the Palisades Fire from dipping into Mandeville Canyon and toward the 405 freeway. Hundreds of homes were saved because of these state-of-the-art helicopters and their heroic pilots.

    With the Trump Administration pulling back on federal firefighting, California continues to step up to protect our communities.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Earlier this month, the Governor sent a model executive order to the White House for the President to issue to help the federal government match California’s efforts and better manage its forestlands, which make up 57% of California’s forests (compared to just 3% managed by the state). 

    This comes amid the Trump administration’s dangerous cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, which also threatens the safety of communities across the state. The U.S. Forest Service has lost 10% of all positions and 25% of positions outside of direct wildfire response – both of which are likely to impact wildfire response this year. Just last week, the Trump administration proposed a massive reorganization that would shutter the Pacific Regional Forest Service office and other regional Forest Service offices across the West, compounding staff cuts and voluntary resignations across the agency.

    The world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet – just got even bigger

    The new Fire Hawk helicopters add to the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. Governor Newsom recently announced that the state’s second C-130 Hercules airtanker is ready for firefighting operations. 

    CAL FIRE’s history with helicopters in firefighting dates back to the 1960s, when the Department first utilized choppers for reconnaissance and transport. Their versatility and ability to operate in challenging terrain led to their adoption for fire suppression in support of ground crews. 

    “The completion of our S-70i Fire Hawk fleet and the transition of all Helitack bases is thanks to the dedication of the entire CAL FIRE aviation program,” said CAL FIRE Chief and Director Joe Tyler. “This is about equipping our firefighters with the most advanced tools available to respond to the increasing complexities of wildland fires.”

    In the 1980s, CAL FIRE began its helicopter fleet with the Bell Huey, and for over four decades, the Huey has been the workhorse of the CAL FIRE Helitack program.

    The impacts of the transition to the purpose-built S-70i Fire Hawk, which began in 2018, are significant:

    • Increased water-dropping capacity: The Fire Hawk can carry nearly three times as much water as its predecessors (1000 gallons), allowing for more effective and immediate suppression efforts.
    • Enhanced night operations: Outfitted for night operations, the Fire Hawk extends CAL FIRE’s ability to fight fires around the clock, a critical advantage in containing rapidly spreading incidents. This capability proved valuable in January when CAL FIRE responded to the Palisades Fire. Multiple CAL FIRE helicopters, and partner agency aircraft, conducted crucial night operations in the Mandeville Canyon area, dropping over 375,000 gallons of water. Operating at low altitudes under night vision goggles (NVG) and navigating complex terrain and hazards such as high-tension power lines, flight crews were instrumental in halting the fire’s advance toward residential neighborhoods. Had the fire breached Mandeville Canyon, projections indicated a rapid spread toward the 405 Freeway corridor, putting hundreds of homes at risk. The combined nighttime and daylight operations ultimately prevented structural loss and showcased the value of CAL FIRE’s modernized aerial fleet and highly trained personnel in defending high-risk urban interface zones. CAL FIRE flew its first night mission with the Fire Hawk in 2022 in response to the Electra Fire.
    • Expanded crew and capabilities: With the capacity for more crew and an external permanently affixed hoist, the Fire Hawk provides greater flexibility for personnel deployment and rescue operations.
    • Improved flight safety: These state-of-the-art helicopters offer a greater degree of safety for firefighters and the community.

    Governor Newsom receives a demo of a CAL FIRE Fire Hawk simulator.

    California’s unprecedented wildfire readiness 

    As part of the state’s ongoing investment in wildfire resilience and emergency response, CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce over the past five years by adding an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions annually – nearly double that of the previous administration. Over the next four years and beyond, CAL FIRE will be hiring thousands of additional firefighters, natural resource professionals, and support personnel to meet the state’s growing demands.

    In recent months, the Governor has announced millions of dollars in investments to protect communities from wildfire – with $135 million available for new and ongoing prevention projects and $72 million going out the door to projects across the state. This is part of over $5 billion the Newsom administration, in collaboration with the legislature, has invested in wildfire and forest resilience since 2019. Additionally, 54 new vegetation management projects spanning nearly 12,000 acres have already been fast-tracked to approval under the streamlined process provided by the Governor’s March 2025 state of emergency proclamation.

    This builds on consecutive years of intensive and focused work by California to confront the severe ongoing risk of catastrophic wildfires. New, bold moves to streamline state-level regulatory processes builds long-term efforts already underway in California to increase wildfire response and forest management in the face of a hotter, drier climate.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: JULY 31, 2025-2025-011_NEWS RELEASE-HIEMA ALERTS PUBLIC TO RED FLAG WARNING-EXTREME FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS EXIST

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    JULY 31, 2025-2025-011_NEWS RELEASE-HIEMA ALERTS PUBLIC TO RED FLAG WARNING-EXTREME FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS EXIST

    Posted on Jul 31, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KAUA

     

    MAJOR GENERAL STEPHEN F. LOGAN

    DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
    LUNA HOʻOMALU PŌULIA

    HAWAIʻI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

    KEʻENA HOʻOMALU PŌULIA O HAWAIʻI

    JAMES DS. BARROS

    ADMINISTRATOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
    KAHU HOʻOMALU PŌULIA

     

     

    HIEMA ALERTS PUBLIC TO RED FLAG WARNING: EXTREME FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS EXIST

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         2025-011

    July 31, 2025

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) is alerting the public that the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of the state. The Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 1. This warning signals that critical fire weather conditions — strong winds, low humidity and dry fuels — are creating an extreme wildfire risk.

    “We cannot afford to be careless when conditions are this dangerous,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D.. “Nearly all of Hawaiʻi’s wildfires are started by human activity, which means nearly all of them are preventable. Every person in our state — residents and visitors alike – has a role to play in reducing the risk. Please take this warning seriously, avoid activities that can spark fires and do your part to keep our communities and ‘ohana safe.”

    “Red Flag Warnings are a serious call to action,” said James Barros, HIEMA Administrator. “A single spark can have devastating consequences. It is everyone’s kuleana — our shared responsibility — to prevent ignition and protect our communities.”

     

    Human-caused ignitions remain the primary threat

    Nearly 99 % of wildfires in Hawaiʻi are caused by human activity, including careless disposal of cigarette butts, unattended campfires, “hot work” such as welding that uses machinery causing sparks, burning of yard waste, and sparks along roadways and powerline corridors (dlnr.hawaii.gov). Individual actions make the difference.

     

    Fuel loads and climate conditions drive fire severity

    Non-native, fire-prone grasses and shrubs cover more than 25 % of Hawaiʻi’s landscape, creating “fine fuels” that can spread fire rapidly and unpredictably (hwmo.org). Combined with warming, drier conditions, Hawaiʻi’s fire season is effectively year-round, with about 0.5 % of state land burning each year — among the highest proportions in the nation.

     

    Resource challenges and community preparedness

    The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) manages fire response across nearly 60% of Hawaiʻi’s lands, but constrained personnel and equipment make wildfire mitigation and suppression challenging. This year’s state budget included additional staffing and funding for fire mitigation, as well as approval to reduce fuels on state lands not maintained by DOFAW.

    Residents and visitors can also help protect their homes and communities by:

    • Clearing defensible space: Remove dry vegetation and combustible materials from around structures.
    • Avoiding activities that can start fires: Do not burn debris, discard cigarettes, or use open flames outdoors.

     

    • Maintaining property: Clear gutters, trim fire-prone vegetation and secure loose items.
    • Being evacuation-ready: Know at least two ways out of your neighborhood and have an emergency kit prepared.

    Infrastructure and evacuation challenges

    HIEMA continues to work with partnering agencies and counties, utilizing modernized alert systems and enhanced public safety during fast-moving fire events.

    “Wildfire preparedness is everyone’s kuleana — from individual homeowners and landowners to public land managers, large agricultural operations and even visitors,” said State Fire Marshal Dori Booth. “We must all work together to build a safer, more resilient Hawaiʻi.”

    For real-time updates on weather conditions and warnings, visit the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/hfo and follow HIEMA on X (formerly Twitter) at @Hawaii_EMA. For more information on wildfire conditions and preparedness, visit https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/wildfire/.

    # # #

    Contact:

    1. Kīelekū Amundson

    Communications Director

    Phone: 808-733-4300 Ext 522

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Ancient pre-Hispanic grave unearthed under residential Lima street

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Human remains pointing to a 1,000-year-old pre-Hispanic cemetery were unearthed in northern Lima by workers digging under the Peruvian capital to install a gas pipeline, an archaeologist told Reuters on Thursday.

    The tomb was found on a residential street just two meters (6.6 feet) from the front gate of a house.

    Jose Pablo Aliaga, an archaeologist for gas distribution firm Calidda, said the remains of a man wrapped in burial cloths alongside pottery likely pointed to a burial complex, after another body was found nearby last month.

    “The material evidence suggests that it could be a burial of the Chancay culture, from approximately 1,000 to 1,200 years ago,” said Aliaga, pointing to a coastal fishing-based civilization known for its textiles and ceramics.

    “We are probably over a pre-Hispanic cemetery, as we found another burial just around the corner from here,” he added.

    It is common for companies excavating under Lima to hire archaeologists due to the number of sites scattered in the city.

    Last month, Calidda gas workers working in the same district of Puente Piedra discovered the remains of a mummified woman, which researchers estimate are over 900 years old.

    Peru’s 10 million-strong capital hosts over 400 archaeological sites dotted around the city. Calidda has itself reported over 2,200 archaeological discoveries in the last two decades, most of them traced back to the Chancay culture.

    The South American nation is home to hundreds of archaeological sites, including the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the Andean region of Cusco, and the ancient Nazca lines carved into the coastal desert of its Ica region.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Facing Earthquakes and Extremes, Asia-Pacific Deepens Disaster Cooperation Incheon, Republic of Korea | 01 August 2025 APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group

    Source: APEC Secretariat

    A powerful earthquake off the coast of Kamchatka jolted the Asia-Pacific just hours before emergency officials from APEC economies convened in Incheon for the 21st meeting of the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG), a timely reminder of how disasters can ripple across the region without warning.

    “Disasters know no borders, and they affect not only local communities but have long-term consequences for entire economies,” said Kim Gwang-yong, Vice Minister of Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety, in his welcome address. “Cooperation and solidarity among APEC economies are more important than ever.”

    Vice Minister Kim highlighted Korea’s recent experiences with typhoons, heavy rainfall and wildfires, noting that the country has continuously improved its disaster management systems. 

    He also emphasized Korea’s commitment to sharing these best practices with fellow APEC economies and expanding cooperation in ICT-based early warning systems, disaster prediction models using artificial intelligence (AI), and community-centered disaster resilience strategies.

    The meeting’s agenda covered digital-based disaster risk management strategies, community leadership in disaster response and strengthening multi-layered governance. 

    Experts and officials discussed enhancing early warning systems, leveraging big data and satellite technologies and developing resilient infrastructure that can support disaster-affected communities. 

    Sessions also focused on advancing collaborative governance, bridging gaps in disaster risk management, and preparing communities for emerging risks.

    EPWG co-chair Dayra Carvajal of the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency, urged members to recognize the compounding risks affecting the region’s interconnected systems. 

    “From devastating earthquakes to wildfires and catastrophic flooding, this year has once again underscored the interconnected impacts of disasters in Asia-Pacific,” she said. “These compounding stressors that ripple through shared infrastructure remind us that events in one economy are frequently felt elsewhere.”

    “This year, we must endeavor to identify concrete and practical ways in which to strengthen the systems that sustain regional economic growth and prosperity: our infrastructure, markets and supply chains.”

    The agenda featured project updates and best practice exchanges by member economies including on topics such as disaster risk prediction and whole-community preparedness in urban, coastal and inland areas. Delegates examined how to bridge gaps in early warning systems, scale agile and adaptable governance across central and local levels and enable technology-driven disaster leadership.

    “The more we prepare, the more we can reduce disaster damage. And the more we cooperate, the stronger our response can become,” Vice Minister Kim concluded.

    Looking ahead, the group emphasized that continued collaboration under the newly launched EPWG Strategic Plan 2025–2027 will be essential to turn this momentum into durable systems of protection and preparedness. 

    The EPWG meeting is a key platform for promoting APEC’s vision of a resilient and prosperous future, with discussions expected to result in actionable policies and collaborative projects that can mitigate disaster risks, enhance regional preparedness and protect the lives and livelihoods of the 2.9 billion people who call the APEC region home.

    For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stand-alone houses lead annual rise in home consents – Stats NZ media and information release: Building consents issued: June 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Business Partners Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Business Partners (NYSE: BBU, BBUC; TSX: BBU.UN, BBUC) announced today financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    “We had an active quarter, reaching an agreement on the sale of a partial interest in three businesses, investing $300 million to acquire two market-leading businesses, and repurchasing an additional 2.2 million of common equity at highly accretive levels,” said Anuj Ranjan, CEO of Brookfield Business Partners. “The strength of our financial results in an uneven macroeconomic environment underscores the resilience of our operations, while progress on our value creation plans and capital recycling initiatives enable us to continue compounding growth for investors.”

      Three Months Ended
    June 30,    		   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    US$ millions (except per unit amounts), unaudited   2025   2024       2025   2024
    Net income (loss) attributable to Unitholders1 $ 26 $ (20 )   $ 106 $ 28
    Net income (loss) per limited partnership unit2 $ 0.12 $ (0.10 )   $ 0.49 $ 0.13
               
    Adjusted EBITDA3 $ 591 $ 524     $ 1,182 $ 1,068

    Net income attributable to Unitholders for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $26 million ($0.12 per limited partnership unit), compared to net loss of $20 million (loss of $0.10 per limited partnership unit) in the prior period.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $591 million, compared to $524 million in the prior period reflecting increased performance on a same store basis and contribution from recently completed acquisitions. Prior period results included $71 million of contribution from disposed operations including our offshore oil services’ shuttle tanker operation which was sold in January 2025.

    Operational Update

    The following table presents Adjusted EBITDA by segment:

      Three Months Ended
    June 30,    		   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    US$ millions, unaudited   2025     2024       2025     2024  
    Industrials $ 307   $ 213     $ 611   $ 441  
    Business Services   205     182       418     387  
    Infrastructure Services   109     157       213     300  
    Corporate and Other   (30 )   (28 )     (60 )   (60 )
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 591   $ 524     $ 1,182   $ 1,068  

    Our Industrials segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $307 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $213 million during the same period in 2024, benefiting from strong operating performance at our advanced energy storage operation. Current period results included $71 million of tax recoveries as well as contribution from recent acquisitions including our electric heat tracing systems manufacturer which was acquired in January 2025. Prior period results included contribution from our Canadian aggregates production operation which was sold in June 2024.

    Our Business Services segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $205 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $182 million during the same period in 2024 which reflected the impact of reduced contribution from our dealer software and technology services operation in the prior period. Prior period results included contribution from our road fuels operation which was sold in July 2024.

    Our Infrastructure Services segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $109 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $157 million during the same period in 2024 primarily reflecting the sale of our offshore oil services’ shuttle tanker operation in January 2025.

    The following table presents Adjusted EFO4 by segment:

      Three Months Ended
    June 30,    		   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    US$ millions, unaudited   2025     2024       2025     2024  
    Adjusted EFO          
    Industrials $ 154   $ 206     $ 284   $ 386  
    Business Services   105     86       222     254  
    Infrastructure Services   38     76       204     148  
    Corporate and Other   (63 )   (79 )     (131 )   (168 )

    Adjusted EFO included the benefit of lower interest expense due to a reduction in corporate borrowings compared to the prior period. Industrials Adjusted EFO reflected the impact of higher interest expense related to the funding of a distribution received from our advanced energy storage operation during the current year. Adjusted EFO in the prior period included $103 million of net gains related to the disposition of our Canadian aggregates production operation and the sale of public securities.

    Strategic Initiatives

    • Capital Recycling
      In July, we completed the previously announced sale of a partial interest in three businesses to a new evergreen private equity fund managed by Brookfield Asset Management. In exchange, BBU will receive units of the new evergreen fund with an initial redemption value of approximately $690 million, representing an aggregate 8.6% discount to net asset value (NAV) of the interests sold. In the 18-month period following the initial close of the new evergreen fund, the units are expected to be redeemed for cash.
    • Canadian Mortgage Lender
      In July, we entered into a partnership to privatize First National Financial Corporation, a leading publicly-listed Canadian residential and multi-family mortgage lender, for $2.7 billion. The transaction is expected to be funded with approximately $1.3 billion of equity, of which BBU’s share is expected to be approximately $145 million for an 11% interest in the business. The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to obtaining the required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
    • Specialty Consumables and Equipment Manufacturer
      In May, we completed the previously announced acquisition of Antylia Scientific, a leading manufacturer and distributor of critical consumables and testing equipment serving life sciences and environmental labs for approximately $1.3 billion. BBU invested $168 million for a 26% interest.
    • Unit Repurchase Program
      During the quarter, we invested $56 million to repurchase 2.2 million units and shares of Brookfield Business Partners at an average price of approximately $25 per unit and share. Since the start of the year, our buyback program has returned $157 million to owners through the repurchase of 6.5 million units and shares under our normal course issuer bid (NCIB), which we plan to renew once it expires later this month.

    Liquidity

    We ended the quarter with approximately $2.3 billion of liquidity at the corporate level, including $2.2 billion of availability on our credit facilities. Pro forma for announced and recently closed transactions, corporate liquidity is approximately $2.9 billion.

    Distribution

    The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly distribution in the amount of $0.0625 per unit, payable on September 29, 2025 to unitholders of record as at the close of business on August 29, 2025.

    Additional Information

    The Board has reviewed and approved this news release, including the summarized unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein.

    Brookfield Business Partners’ Letter to Unitholders and the Supplemental Information are available on our website https://bbu.brookfield.com under Reports & Filings.

    Notes:
    1 Attributable to limited partnership unitholders, general partnership unitholders, redemption-exchange unitholders, special limited partnership unitholders and BBUC exchangeable shareholders.
    2 Net income (loss) per limited partnership unit calculated as net income (loss) attributable to limited partners divided by the average number of limited partnership units outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 which were 88.9 million and 84.5 million, respectively (June 30, 2024: 74.3 million and 74.3 million, respectively).
    3 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure of operating performance presented as net income and equity accounted income at the partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries and equity accounted investments, respectively, excluding the impact of interest income (expense), net, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, gains (losses) on dispositions, net, transaction costs, restructuring charges, revaluation gains or losses, impairment expenses or reversals, other income or expenses, and preferred equity distributions. The partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries and equity accounted investments excludes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests consistent with how the partnership determines net income attributable to non-controlling interests in its unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of operating results. The partnership believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides a comprehensive understanding of the ability of its businesses to generate recurring earnings which allows users to better understand and evaluate the underlying financial performance of the partnership’s operations and excludes items that the partnership believes do not directly relate to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring items necessary for business operations. Please refer to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA included in this news release.
    4 Adjusted EFO is the partnership’s segment measure of profit or loss and is presented as net income and equity accounted income at the partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries and equity accounted investments, respectively, excluding the impact of depreciation and amortization expense, deferred income taxes, transaction costs, restructuring charges, unrealized revaluation gains or losses, impairment expenses or reversals and other income or expense items that are not directly related to revenue generating activities. The partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries excludes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests consistent with how the partnership determines net income attributable to non-controlling interests in its unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of operating results. In order to provide additional insight regarding the partnership’s operating performance over the lifecycle of an investment, Adjusted EFO includes the impact of preferred equity distributions and realized disposition gains or losses recorded in net income, other comprehensive income, or directly in equity, such as ownership changes. Adjusted EFO does not include legal and other provisions that may occur from time to time in the partnership’s operations and that are one-time or non-recurring and not directly tied to the partnership’s operations, such as those for litigation or contingencies. Adjusted EFO includes expected credit losses and bad debt allowances recorded in the normal course of the partnership’s operations. Adjusted EFO allows the partnership to evaluate its segments on the basis of return on invested capital generated by its operations and allows the partnership to evaluate the performance of its segments on a levered basis.

    Brookfield Business Partners is a global business services and industrials company focused on owning and operating high-quality businesses that provide essential products and services and benefit from a strong competitive position. Investors have flexibility to invest in our company either through Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE: BBU; TSX: BBU.UN), a limited partnership or Brookfield Business Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BBUC), a corporation. For more information, please visit https://bbu.brookfield.com.

    Brookfield Business Partners is the flagship listed vehicle of Brookfield Asset Management’s Private Equity Group. Brookfield Asset Management is a leading global alternative asset manager with over $1 trillion of assets under management.

    Please note that Brookfield Business Partners’ previous audited annual and unaudited quarterly reports have been filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR, and are available at https://bbu.brookfield.com under Reports & Filings. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request.

    For more information, please contact:

    Conference Call and Quarterly Earnings Webcast Details

    Investors, analysts and other interested parties can access Brookfield Business Partners’ second quarter 2025 results as well as the Letter to Unitholders and Supplemental Information on our website https://bbu.brookfield.com under Reports & Filings.

    The results call can be accessed via webcast on August 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time at BBU2025Q2Webcast or participants can preregister at BBU2025Q2ConferenceCall. Upon registering, participants will be emailed a dial-in number and unique PIN. A replay of the webcast will be available at https://bbu.brookfield.com.

    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
     
      As at
    US$ millions, unaudited June 30, 2025   December 31, 2024
               
    Assets          
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 3,329     $ 3,239
    Financial assets     11,658       12,371
    Accounts and other receivable, net     7,148       6,279
    Inventory and other assets     5,808       5,728
    Property, plant and equipment     10,591       13,232
    Deferred income tax assets     1,959       1,744
    Intangible assets     19,158       18,317
    Equity accounted investments     2,397       2,325
    Goodwill     13,287       12,239
    Total Assets   $ 75,335     $ 75,474
               
    Liabilities and Equity          
    Liabilities          
    Corporate borrowings   $ 1,116     $ 2,142
    Accounts payable and other     13,766       16,691
    Non-recourse borrowings in subsidiaries of the partnership     42,493       36,720
    Deferred income tax liabilities     2,639       2,613
               
    Equity          
    Limited partners $ 2,291     $ 1,752  
    Non-controlling interests attributable to:          
    Redemption-exchange units   1,330       1,644  
    Special limited partner   —       —  
    BBUC exchangeable shares   1,805       1,721  
    Preferred securities   740       740  
    Interest of others in operating subsidiaries   9,155       11,451  
          15,321       17,308
    Total Liabilities and Equity   $ 75,335     $ 75,474
    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Consolidated Statements of Operating Results
     
    US$ millions, unaudited Three Months Ended
    June 30,    		   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
      2025     2024       2025     2024  
               
    Revenues $ 6,695   $ 11,946     $ 13,444   $ 23,961  
    Direct operating costs   (5,465 )   (10,928 )     (10,867 )   (21,806 )
    General and administrative expenses   (271 )   (307 )     (582 )   (624 )
    Interest income (expense), net   (801 )   (778 )     (1,571 )   (1,574 )
    Equity accounted income (loss)   23     31       15     54  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net   (14 )   —       (14 )   10  
    Gain (loss) on dispositions, net   6     84       220     99  
    Other income (expense), net   (103 )   (100 )     (186 )   16  
    Income (loss) before income tax   70     (52 )     459     136  
    Income tax (expense) recovery          
    Current   (119 )   (122 )     (316 )   (212 )
    Deferred   184     239       248     344  
    Net income (loss) $ 135   $ 65     $ 391   $ 268  
    Attributable to:          
    Limited partners $ 11   $ (7 )   $ 41   $ 10  
    Non-controlling interests attributable to:          
    Redemption-exchange units   6     (6 )     29     9  
    Special limited partner   —     —       —     —  
    BBUC exchangeable shares   9     (7 )     36     9  
    Preferred securities   13     13       26     26  
    Interest of others in operating subsidiaries   96     72       259     214  
    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measure
     
    US$ millions, unaudited   Three Months Ended June 30, 2025
      Business
    Services    		   Infrastructure
    Services    		   Industrials   Corporate
    and Other    		   Total
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ 253     $ (173 )   $ 95     $ (40 )   $ 135  
                         
    Add or subtract the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     208       175       384       —       767  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net     —       —       14       —       14  
    Gain (loss) on dispositions, net     (6 )     —       —       —       (6 )
    Other income (expense), net1     (200 )     76       229       (2 )     103  
    Income tax (expense) recovery     9       10       (76 )     (8 )     (65 )
    Equity accounted income (loss)     (5 )     (4 )     (14 )     —       (23 )
    Interest income (expense), net     238       142       401       20       801  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     28       40       20       —       88  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (320 )     (157 )     (746 )     —       (1,223 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 205     $ 109     $ 307     $ (30 )   $ 591  

    Notes:
    1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $236 million of net gain recognized upon the deconsolidation of our healthcare services operation, $183 million of expenses related to employee incentive payments linked to the realization of value at our advanced energy storage operation, $59 million of net revaluation losses, $57 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs and restructuring charges, $19 million of net loss on debt modification and extinguishment, $3 million of transaction costs and $18 million of other expenses.
    2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by its investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
    3 Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests are calculated based on the economic ownership interests held by the non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.

    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measure
     
    US$ millions, unaudited   Six Months Ended June 30, 2025
      Business
    Services    		   Infrastructure
    Services    		   Industrials   Corporate
    and Other    		   Total
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ 253     $ (17 )   $ 240     $ (85 )   $ 391  
                         
    Add or subtract the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     430       340       727       —       1,497  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net     —       —       14       —       14  
    Gain (loss) on dispositions, net     (6 )     (214 )     —       —       (220 )
    Other income (expense), net1     (132 )     (3 )     322       (1 )     186  
    Income tax (expense) recovery     27       35       25       (19 )     68  
    Equity accounted income (loss)     (8 )     22       (29 )     —       (15 )
    Interest income (expense), net     468       291       767       45       1,571  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     52       73       35       —       160  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (666 )     (314 )     (1,490 )     —       (2,470 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 418     $ 213     $ 611     $ (60 )   $ 1,182  

    Notes:
    1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $236 million of net gain recognized upon the deconsolidation of our healthcare services operation, $183 million of expenses related to employee incentive payments linked to the realization of value at our advanced energy storage operation, $135 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs and restructuring charges, $125 million of unrealized gains recorded on reclassification of property, plant and equipment to finance leases at our offshore oil services operation, $110 million of net revaluation losses, $38 million of transaction costs, $22 million of net loss on debt modification and extinguishment and $59 million of other expenses.
    2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by our investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
    3 Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests are calculated based on the economic ownership interests held by the non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.

    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measure
     
    US$ millions, unaudited   Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
      Business
    Services    		   Infrastructure
    Services    		   Industrials   Corporate
    and Other    		   Total
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ (5 )   $ (92 )   $ 216     $ (54 )   $ 65  
                         
    Add back or deduct the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     248       222       339       —       809  
    Gain (loss) on dispositions, net     —       —       (84 )     —       (84 )
    Other income (expense), net1     51       22       26       1       100  
    Income tax expense (recovery)     (17 )     4       (91 )     (13 )     (117 )
    Equity accounted income (loss)     (5 )     (11 )     (15 )     —       (31 )
    Interest income (expense), net     253       178       309       38       778  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     18       44       15       —       77  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (361 )     (210 )     (502 )     —       (1,073 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 182     $ 157     $ 213     $ (28 )   $ 524  

    Notes:
    1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $82 million related to provisions recorded at our construction operation, $49 million of net gains on debt modification and extinguishment, $41 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs, and restructuring charges, $21 million of net revaluation gains, $8 million of transaction costs and $39 million of other expenses.
    2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by our investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
    3 Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests are calculated based on the economic ownership interests held by the non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.

    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measure
     
    US$ millions, unaudited   Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
      Business
    Services    		   Infrastructure
    Services    		   Industrials   Corporate
    and Other    		   Total
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ 235     $ (157 )   $ 314     $ (124 )   $ 268  
                         
    Add back or deduct the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     502       434       681       —       1,617  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net     (4 )     (12 )     6       —       (10 )
    Gain (loss) on dispositions, net     (15 )     —       (84 )     —       (99 )
    Other income (expense), net1     (89 )     4       58       11       (16 )
    Income tax expense (recovery)     7       1       (118 )     (22 )     (132 )
    Equity accounted income (loss), net     (6 )     (15 )     (33 )     —       (54 )
    Interest income (expense), net     505       358       636       75       1,574  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     35       83       31       —       149  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (783 )     (396 )     (1,050 )     —       (2,229 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 387     $ 300     $ 441     $ (60 )   $ 1,068  

    Notes:
    1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $179 million of net revaluation gains, $82 million related to provisions recorded at our construction operation, $61 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs and restructuring charges, $50 million of other income related to a distribution at our entertainment operation, $38 million of net gains on debt modification and extinguishment, $29 million of transaction costs and $79 million of other expenses.
    2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by our investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
    3 Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests are calculated based on the economic ownership interests held by the non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.

    Brookfield Business Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
     

    Brookfield, News, August 1, 2025 – Brookfield Business Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BBUC) announced today its net income (loss) for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

      Three Months Ended
    June 30,    		   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    US$ millions, unaudited   2025     2024     2025     2024  
               
    Net income (loss) attributable to Brookfield Business Partners $ (120 ) $ 124   $ (178 ) $ (26 )

    Net loss attributable to Brookfield Business Partners for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $120 million, compared to net income of $124 million during the same period in 2024. Current period results included $176 million of remeasurement loss on our exchangeable and class B shares that are classified as liabilities under IFRS and a net gain recognized upon the deconsolidation of our healthcare services operation due to loss of control. Prior period results reflect the impact of reduced contribution from our construction operation. As at June 30, 2025, the exchangeable and class B shares were remeasured to reflect the closing price of $25.93 per unit.

    Dividend

    The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.0625 per share, payable on September 29, 2025 to shareholders of record as at the close of business on August 29, 2025.

    Additional Information

    Each exchangeable share of Brookfield Business Corporation has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one unit of Brookfield Business Partners L.P. Each exchangeable share will be exchangeable at the option of the holder for one unit. Brookfield Business Corporation will target that dividends on its exchangeable shares be declared and paid at the same time as distributions are declared and paid on the Brookfield Business Partners’ units and that dividends on each exchangeable share will be declared and paid in the same amount as distributions are declared and paid on each unit to provide holders of exchangeable shares with an economic return equivalent to holders of units.

    In addition to carefully considering the disclosures made in this news release in its entirety, shareholders are strongly encouraged to carefully review the Letter to Unitholders, Supplemental Information and other continuous disclosure filings which are available at https://bbu.brookfield.com.

    Please note that Brookfield Business Corporation’s previous audited annual and unaudited quarterly reports have been filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR and are available at https://bbu.brookfield.com/bbuc under Reports & Filings. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request.

    Brookfield Business Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
     
      As at
    US$ millions, unaudited June 30, 2025   December 31, 2024
               
    Assets          
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 613     $ 1,008
    Financial assets     290       353
    Accounts and other receivable, net     3,234       3,229
    Inventory, net     26       52
    Other assets     517       627
    Property, plant and equipment     181       2,480
    Deferred income tax assets     236       197
    Intangible assets     5,980       5,966
    Equity accounted investments     187       198
    Goodwill     5,018       4,988
    Total Assets   $ 16,282     $ 19,098
               
    Liabilities and Equity          
    Liabilities          
    Accounts payable and other   $ 2,981     $ 5,276
    Non-recourse borrowings in subsidiaries of the company     7,940       8,490
    Exchangeable and class B shares     1,815       1,709
    Deferred income tax liabilities     967       988
               
    Equity          
    Brookfield Business Partners $ (159 )     $ (59 )  
    Non-controlling interests   2,738         2,694    
          2,579       2,635
    Total Liabilities and Equity   $ 16,282     $ 19,098
    Brookfield Business Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Operating Results
     
    US$ millions, unaudited Three Months Ended
    June 30,    		   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
      2025     2024       2025     2024  
               
    Revenues $ 1,860   $ 1,929     $ 3,826   $ 3,794  
    Direct operating costs   (1,695 )   (1,860 )     (3,484 )   (3,512 )
    General and administrative expenses   (69 )   (77 )     (144 )   (141 )
    Interest income (expense), net   (212 )   (203 )     (431 )   (413 )
    Equity accounted income (loss)   2     2       5     3  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net   —     —       —     (2 )
    Remeasurement of exchangeable and class B shares   (176 )   237       (183 )   126  
    Other income (expense), net   236     (59 )     202     (70 )
    Income (loss) before income tax   (54 )   (31 )     (209 )   (215 )
    Income tax (expense) recovery          
    Current   14     16       (9 )   (28 )
    Deferred   17     55       60     109  
    Net income (loss) $ (23 ) $ 40     $ (158 ) $ (134 )
    Attributable to:          
    Brookfield Business Partners   (120 )   124       (178 )   (26 )
    Non-controlling interests $ 97   $ (84 )   $ 20   $ (108 )


    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Statements and Information

    Note: This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, include statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook of Brookfield Business Partners, as well as regarding recently completed and proposed acquisitions, dispositions, and other transactions, and the outlook for North American and international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods, and include words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “seeks”, “intends”, “targets”, “projects”, “forecasts”, “views”, “potential”, “likely” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “would” and “could”.

    Although we believe that our anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, investors and other readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Brookfield Business Partners to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us or are within our control. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations and our plans and strategies may vary materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information herein.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the cyclical nature of our operating businesses and general economic conditions and risks relating to the economy, including unfavorable changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, inflation, commodity prices and volatility in the financial markets; the ability to complete and effectively integrate acquisitions into existing operations and the ability to attain expected benefits; business competition, including competition for acquisition opportunities; strategic actions including our ability to complete dispositions and achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom; global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; changes to U.S. laws or policies, including changes in U.S. domestic and economic policies as well as foreign trade policies and tariffs; technological change; litigation; cybersecurity incidents; the possible impact of international conflicts, wars and related developments including terrorist acts and cyber terrorism; operational, or business risks that are specific to any of our business services operations, infrastructure services operations or industrials operations; changes in government policy and legislation; catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and pandemics/epidemics; changes in tax law and practice; and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada and the United States including those set forth in the “Risk Factors” section in our annual report for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed on Form 20-F.

    Statements relating to “reserves” are deemed to be forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described herein can be profitably produced in the future. We qualify any and all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary factors.

    We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements and information, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding the Use of a Non-IFRS Measure

    This news release contains references to a Non-IFRS measure. Adjusted EBITDA is not a generally accepted accounting measure under IFRS and therefore may differ from definitions used by other entities. We believe this is a useful supplemental measure that may assist investors in assessing the financial performance of Brookfield Business Partners and its subsidiaries. However, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, analysis of our financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    References to Brookfield Business Partners are to Brookfield Business Partners L.P. together with its subsidiaries, controlled affiliates and operating entities. Unitholders’ results include limited partnership units, redemption-exchange units, general partnership units, BBUC exchangeable shares and special limited partnership units. More detailed information on certain references made in this news release will be available in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our interim report for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 furnished on Form 6-K.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: A university bookshop in Ibadan tells the story of Nigeria’s rich publishing culture

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tinashe Mushakavanhu, Assistant Professor, Harvard University

    Driven by a desire to explore Nigeria’s literary and cultural history beyond the metropolis of Lagos, I took a road trip to Ibadan, once the most important university town in the country. Ibadan, in Oyo State, was the first city in Nigeria to have a university set up in 1948.

    Ibadan is where the Mbari Club once gathered, an experimental space where Nigerian writers, artists and thinkers – among them Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, JP Clark, Christopher Okigbo, Uche Okeke, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Mabel Segun and South Africa’s Es’kia Mphahlele – met, debated and dreamed in the 1960s and 70s.

    It’s the city where celebrated Nigerian artist and architect Demas Nwoko imagined and built his utopias. Where the Oxford University Press and Heinemann Educational Books established their west African headquarters.



    Read more:
    Chimamanda’s Lagos homecoming wasn’t just a book launch, it was a cultural moment

    Books have always been a form of cultural currency in Ibadan. The presence of major publishers meant that bookshops were not just retail outlets, but intellectual salons, sites of encounter and exchange.

    So while in Ibadan I visited cultural spaces and independent bookshops but it was the charms of the University campus that mostly captured my imagination. And my favourite place was the University of Ibadan Bookshop. At this campus bookshop I lingered the most, in awe and wonder. Its eclectic range of books, journals, public lecture pamphlets, novels, poetry collections and monographs excited me.

    Today, when the global publishing economy has increasingly digitised and centralised, the bookshop feels almost radical just by existing. It’s a reminder that intellectual life in Africa is not peripheral or derived from the west. It is present, prolific and profoundly local. To walk through the shelves of this bookshop was to encounter a history of African thought written and produced on its own terms.

    As a scholar of African literature and archives, my research traces the hidden lives of spaces that have shaped publishing and archives. University bookshops have been overlooked but are essential nodes in the continent’s intellectual history.

    A snapshot of Nigeria

    This campus bookshop gives a snapshot of Nigeria as a print country. Here we witness the nation through its printed matter. A nation of prolific publishing. I found the literary output in the Ibadan campus bookshop not only vast but exuberant and unrelenting. It reflects the texture of the Nigerian personality: loud, boisterous, layered and insistent. Stacks upon stacks of books.

    In these stacks, it dawned on me that beneath the surface lies a vibrant, ongoing literary discourse that is unmistakably Nigerian, and sadly not resonant far beyond its borders. These are books you don’t see on reference lists of “popular” and “influential” scholarship that privileges work produced and imported to Africa from the Euro-American academy.

    I was especially intrigued with how the Nigerian academic and writer does not tire in producing academic and cultural journals. There are journals for every subject under the sun.

    While the critical framework of African literature is too often shaped by the global north (see critiques by Ato Quayson, Biodun Jeyifo, Simon Gikandi and Grace Musila) in Ibadan, I saw a distinctly local and deeply African critical discourse rooted in place, language and lived experience. To walk into the University of Ibadan Bookshop is to step into legacy. Its shelves bear the weight of decades of African thought, theory and storytelling.

    Despite being housed in an ageing building, it has stayed defiant. Even though floods destroyed books and computers worth a small fortune in 2019, the bookshop is still standing proudly. And there was pride too among the staff who were eager to help or answer any questions about the books.

    More than bookshops

    The University of Ibadan bookshop reminded me of the bookshop from my undergraduate days in Zimbabwe. Even though our campus bookshop was much smaller, I used to find pleasure going there in between lectures. It often felt like walking into a vault of African knowledge and memory.

    Our bookshop at Midlands State University stocked old, canonical books alongside current literature. On occasion, rare, out-of-print secondhand books would appear on the shelves. The bargain sales also meant I spent most of my money there.

    But to call these spaces on African university campuses “bookshops” hardly does them justice. They are hybrid cultural ecosystems that function as part bookshop, part print shop, stationer, library and sometimes even archive. They have long served as vital nodes in the circulation of African knowledge and thought.

    Yet this ecosystem is rapidly eroding, undermined by the rise of internet culture, artificial intelligence, piracy and harsh economic conditions. The result is a slow but devastating disappearance of African intellectual memory. As scholars remind us, digital platforms are not neutral. They are structured by algorithms that often marginalise black and African knowledge. So, the loss of these analogue spaces is more than nostalgic, it is epistemic erasure.

    In this digital age, there is something vital about the physical presence of bookshops on African campuses. Thanks to them, as a student, for me literature was the serendipity of discovery, the tactile feel of books, the beautiful persistence of a local knowledge system that was relatable and produced by people like me.



    Read more:
    Nigerian architect Demas Nwoko on his award-winning work: ‘Whatever you build, it should suit your culture’

    On the way out of the city, we stopped at Bower’s Tower. From there you can see Ibadan’s sprawling layout, the ancient hills from which the settlement was built, and its red roofs.

    The view reflected the complexity and density of ideas the city has nurtured. And despite shifts in Nigeria’s publishing geography from here to Lagos and Abuja, Ibadan still matters. It’s a city that remembers, that archives, that holds on to knowledge.

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

    – ref. A university bookshop in Ibadan tells the story of Nigeria’s rich publishing culture – https://theconversation.com/a-university-bookshop-in-ibadan-tells-the-story-of-nigerias-rich-publishing-culture-262050

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo Hosts Press Call About Skyrocketing Costs and Decimation of Social Safety Net During Trump’s First Six Months

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Congressman Amo joined local press to highlight how Trump’s chaotic tariffs, Big, Ugly law, and illegal withholding of federal funds is hurting Rhode Islanders.

    Providence, RI – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) hosted a press call with Rhode Island news outlets highlighting President Donald Trump’s terrible track record of delivering for the Ocean State. 

    “I’ve been working aggressively over the last six months to fight Trump’s betrayal of Rhode Islanders,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “Time and time again, Trump and Congressional Republicans have broken promises. Costs are skyrocketing, they’re stripping 47,000 Rhode Islanders of health care, gutting disaster response, and imposing erratic tariffs – making it impossible for small Rhode Island manufacturers to hire and compete. I’ve voted against their disastrous agenda, signed amicus briefs to stop these illegal actions in the courts, agitated at protests in DC and Rhode Island, and will continue to fight Trump’s treachery every step of the way.”

    Video of the full press call can be found here. 

    Background

    Congressman Amo will spend the month of August, while Congress is not in session, meeting with Rhode Islanders to learn how they are being impacted by Trump’s treachery.

    Today, he joined primary care providers at East Bay Community Action Program to discuss the impact of Medicaid and Medicare cuts on their ability to serve Rhode Islanders. 

    On July 26, 2025 Amo joined Accessibility is Beautiful to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and highlight the importance of Medicaid to disabled Americans. 

    On May 20, 2026, he joined the Congressional Black Caucus on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol to highlight the disproportionate harm Trump’s cuts will have on Black and Brown communities. 

    On March 28, 2025 Amo visited Woonsocket Head Start and met the littlest Rhode Islanders whose families may be impacted by cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. 

    On March 18, 2025, with Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner, Amo met with providers at Butler Hospital in Providence to raise the alarm about the impact of Medicaid cuts to Rhode Islanders seeking behavioral and mental health care.

    On March 17, 2025, Amo met with emergency food providers at the Rhode Island Food Bank and the MLK Center to discuss the harm SNAP cuts will have on hungry Rhode Island families.

    On March 10, 2025, Amo stood with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner calling out the harms of Medicaid cuts to the 45% of new moms and babies in Rhode Island covered by the program. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: A university bookshop in Ibadan tells the story of Nigeria’s rich publishing culture

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tinashe Mushakavanhu, Assistant Professor, Harvard University

    Driven by a desire to explore Nigeria’s literary and cultural history beyond the metropolis of Lagos, I took a road trip to Ibadan, once the most important university town in the country. Ibadan, in Oyo State, was the first city in Nigeria to have a university set up in 1948.

    Ibadan is where the Mbari Club once gathered, an experimental space where Nigerian writers, artists and thinkers – among them Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, JP Clark, Christopher Okigbo, Uche Okeke, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Mabel Segun and South Africa’s Es’kia Mphahlele – met, debated and dreamed in the 1960s and 70s.

    It’s the city where celebrated Nigerian artist and architect Demas Nwoko imagined and built his utopias. Where the Oxford University Press and Heinemann Educational Books established their west African headquarters.

    Read more: Chimamanda’s Lagos homecoming wasn’t just a book launch, it was a cultural moment

    Books have always been a form of cultural currency in Ibadan. The presence of major publishers meant that bookshops were not just retail outlets, but intellectual salons, sites of encounter and exchange.

    So while in Ibadan I visited cultural spaces and independent bookshops but it was the charms of the University campus that mostly captured my imagination. And my favourite place was the University of Ibadan Bookshop. At this campus bookshop I lingered the most, in awe and wonder. Its eclectic range of books, journals, public lecture pamphlets, novels, poetry collections and monographs excited me.

    Books are cultural currency in Ibadan. Tinashe Mushakavanhu

    Today, when the global publishing economy has increasingly digitised and centralised, the bookshop feels almost radical just by existing. It’s a reminder that intellectual life in Africa is not peripheral or derived from the west. It is present, prolific and profoundly local. To walk through the shelves of this bookshop was to encounter a history of African thought written and produced on its own terms.

    As a scholar of African literature and archives, my research traces the hidden lives of spaces that have shaped publishing and archives. University bookshops have been overlooked but are essential nodes in the continent’s intellectual history.

    A snapshot of Nigeria

    This campus bookshop gives a snapshot of Nigeria as a print country. Here we witness the nation through its printed matter. A nation of prolific publishing. I found the literary output in the Ibadan campus bookshop not only vast but exuberant and unrelenting. It reflects the texture of the Nigerian personality: loud, boisterous, layered and insistent. Stacks upon stacks of books.

    In these stacks, it dawned on me that beneath the surface lies a vibrant, ongoing literary discourse that is unmistakably Nigerian, and sadly not resonant far beyond its borders. These are books you don’t see on reference lists of “popular” and “influential” scholarship that privileges work produced and imported to Africa from the Euro-American academy.

    Stacks upon stacks of books greet one. Tinashe Mushakavanhu

    I was especially intrigued with how the Nigerian academic and writer does not tire in producing academic and cultural journals. There are journals for every subject under the sun.

    While the critical framework of African literature is too often shaped by the global north (see critiques by Ato Quayson, Biodun Jeyifo, Simon Gikandi and Grace Musila) in Ibadan, I saw a distinctly local and deeply African critical discourse rooted in place, language and lived experience. To walk into the University of Ibadan Bookshop is to step into legacy. Its shelves bear the weight of decades of African thought, theory and storytelling.

    Despite being housed in an ageing building, it has stayed defiant. Even though floods destroyed books and computers worth a small fortune in 2019, the bookshop is still standing proudly. And there was pride too among the staff who were eager to help or answer any questions about the books.

    More than bookshops

    The University of Ibadan bookshop reminded me of the bookshop from my undergraduate days in Zimbabwe. Even though our campus bookshop was much smaller, I used to find pleasure going there in between lectures. It often felt like walking into a vault of African knowledge and memory.

    Our bookshop at Midlands State University stocked old, canonical books alongside current literature. On occasion, rare, out-of-print secondhand books would appear on the shelves. The bargain sales also meant I spent most of my money there.

    A distinctly Nigerian book conversation. Tinashe Mushakavanhu

    But to call these spaces on African university campuses “bookshops” hardly does them justice. They are hybrid cultural ecosystems that function as part bookshop, part print shop, stationer, library and sometimes even archive. They have long served as vital nodes in the circulation of African knowledge and thought.

    Yet this ecosystem is rapidly eroding, undermined by the rise of internet culture, artificial intelligence, piracy and harsh economic conditions. The result is a slow but devastating disappearance of African intellectual memory. As scholars remind us, digital platforms are not neutral. They are structured by algorithms that often marginalise black and African knowledge. So, the loss of these analogue spaces is more than nostalgic, it is epistemic erasure.

    In this digital age, there is something vital about the physical presence of bookshops on African campuses. Thanks to them, as a student, for me literature was the serendipity of discovery, the tactile feel of books, the beautiful persistence of a local knowledge system that was relatable and produced by people like me.

    Read more: Nigerian architect Demas Nwoko on his award-winning work: ‘Whatever you build, it should suit your culture’

    On the way out of the city, we stopped at Bower’s Tower. From there you can see Ibadan’s sprawling layout, the ancient hills from which the settlement was built, and its red roofs.

    The view reflected the complexity and density of ideas the city has nurtured. And despite shifts in Nigeria’s publishing geography from here to Lagos and Abuja, Ibadan still matters. It’s a city that remembers, that archives, that holds on to knowledge.

    – A university bookshop in Ibadan tells the story of Nigeria’s rich publishing culture
    – https://theconversation.com/a-university-bookshop-in-ibadan-tells-the-story-of-nigerias-rich-publishing-culture-262050

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Simpson Highlights Efforts to Make Housing More Affordable

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Rep. Simpson Highlights Efforts to Make Housing More Affordable

    Washington, August 1, 2025

    WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted his recent legislative actions to address housing affordability in America. These actions include supporting President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, voting to advance the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and cosponsoring the Housing Supply Frameworks Act introduced by Representative Mike Flood of Nebraska.
    “Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and one of the top concerns I’ve heard in recent years is what Congress is doing to tackle the housing affordability crisis,” said Rep. Simpson. “Thanks to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill and its historic tax relief provisions, addressing this issue has now become a reality. The pro-growth policies in the bill will unleash American economic prosperity and make housing more affordable by putting more money back into the pockets of Idahoans and all Americans. I was proud to support the One Big Beautiful Bill and will continue supporting policies that make housing a priority.”
    Efforts to Make Housing More Affordable:

    H.R. 1 – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act. President Trump signed this legislation into law on July 4th, 2025. The One Big Beautiful Bill extends and expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, permanently extends the tax deduction on mortgage interest, and makes improvements to the Opportunity Zone program.
    H.R. 4552 – The Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This legislation maintains funding at responsible levels for housing programs and refocuses housing assistance to promote self-sufficiency while continuing to support America’s most vulnerable.
    H.R. 2840 – The Housing Supply Frameworks Act. This legislation directs the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop frameworks for best practices on zoning and land-use policies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Talga Group Ltd. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Talga Group Ltd. (ASX: TLG; OTCQX: TLGRF), a leader in the development of sustainable battery materials, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Talga Group Ltd. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    Talga Group Ltd. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “TLGRF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    Talga Group CEO Martin Phillips commented, “To begin trading on the OTCQX is an important step in Talga’s growth strategy. It will provide North American investors with a convenient way to trade our shares and the OTCQX quotation enhances our exposure to the investment community in the US. We recently announced that a US patent is pending for our graphite battery anode material which paves the way for expansion of our operations in the future.”

    About Talga Group Ltd.
    Talga Group Ltd. (ASX:TLG) is a leader in the development of sustainable battery materials. Via innovative technology and vertical integration of our 100% owned Swedish graphite resources, Talga offers a secure supply of products critical to the green transition. Talga’s flagship product, Talnode-C, is a natural graphite anode material made using renewable energy for a low emissions footprint. Battery materials under development include an advanced silicon anode product, recycled graphite anode material and conductive additives for cathodes.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market, OTCID™ Basic Market and Pink Limited™ Market. Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS™ are each SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • CEO Tim Cook says Apple ready to open its wallet to catch up in AI

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Apple CEO Tim Cook signaled on Thursday the iPhone maker was ready to spend more to catch up to rivals in artificial intelligence by building more data centers or buying a larger player in the segment, a departure from a long practice of fiscal frugality.

    Apple has struggled to keep pace with rivals such as Microsoft  and Alphabet’s Google, both of which have attracted hundreds of millions of users to their AI-powered chatbots and assistants. That growth has come at a steep cost, however, with Google planning to spend $85 billion over the next year and Microsoft on track to spend more than $100 billion, mostly on data centers.

    Apple, in contrast, has leaned on outside data center providers to handle some of its cloud computing work, and despite a high-profile partnership with ChatGPT creator OpenAI for certain iPhone features, has tried to grow much of its AI technology in-house, including improvements to its Siri virtual assistant. The results have been rocky, with the company delaying its Siri improvements until next year.

    During a conference call after Apple‘s fiscal third-quarter results, analysts noted that Apple has historically not done large deals and asked whether it might take a different approach to pursue its AI ambitions. CEO Cook responded that the company had already acquired seven smaller companies this year and is open to buying larger ones.

    “We’re very open to M&A that accelerates our roadmap. We are not stuck on a certain size company, although the ones that we have acquired thus far this year are small in nature,” Cook said. “We basically ask ourselves whether a company can help us accelerate a roadmap, and if they do, then we’re interested.”

    Shares of the company were up 1.7% in premarket trading on Friday.

    Apple has tended to buy smaller firms with highly specialized technical teams to build out specific products. Its largest deal ever was its purchase of Beats Electronics for $3 billion in 2014, followed by a $1 billion deal to buy a modem chip business from Intel.

    But now Apple is at a unique crossroads for its business. The tens of billions of dollars per year it receives from Google as payment to be the default search engine on iPhones could be undone by U.S. courts in Google’s antitrust trial, while startups like Perplexity are in discussions with handset makers to try to dislodge Google with an AI-powered browser that would handle many search functions.

    Apple executives have said in court they are considering reshaping the firm’s Safari browser with AI-powered search functions, and Bloomberg News has reported that Apple executives have discussed buying Perplexity, which Reuters has not independently confirmed.

    Apple also said on Thursday it plans to spend more on data centers, an area where it typically spends only a few billion dollars per year. Apple is currently using its own chip designs to handle AI requests with privacy controls that are compatible with the privacy features on its devices.

    Kevan Parekh, Apple‘s chief financial officer, did not give specific spending targets but said outlays would rise.

    “It’s not going to be exponential growth, but it is going to grow substantially,” Parekh said during the conference call.

    “A lot of that’s a function of the investments we’re making in AI.”

    -REUTERS

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin visited the DPR on a working trip

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Marat Khusnullin held a meeting on issues of socio-economic development of the DPR

    August 1, 2025

    Marat Khusnullin inspected the Portovik stadium in Mariupol

    August 1, 2025

    Working visit of Marat Khusnullin to the DPR. Opening of the court building in the Primorsky district of Mariupol

    August 1, 2025

    Marat Khusnullin’s working visit to the DPR. Checking the pace of work on the construction of a water pipeline to transfer water from the Pavlopil reservoir

    August 1, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Marat Khusnullin held a meeting on issues of socio-economic development of the DPR

    Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin made a working visit to the Donetsk People’s Republic. In Mariupol, he inspected the Portovik stadium, a new residential complex and a renovated courthouse, and held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the region.

    “The judicial system, especially for the development of the reunited regions, is of utmost importance. Therefore, on the instructions of the President, we have made a separate program together with the Supreme Court. And so, step by step, we are repairing and putting in order all such facilities, in order to create conditions for the integration of Donbass and Novorossiya into the legal field of the country, including with the help of infrastructure,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The stadium reconstruction is almost complete: the football fields, running tracks, sports grounds and tennis court have been updated, and the martial arts, volleyball and basketball halls have been renovated.

    The new residential complex, which was built under the supervision of specialists from the Unified Customer in Construction, has 182 apartments with interior decoration, installed plumbing and kitchen furniture. Residents will begin receiving keys to them in the near future.

    During a meeting on issues of socio-economic development of the region, the Deputy Prime Minister heard the construction, financial, industrial, and agricultural blocks.

    “I can note that the region has good volumes of housing construction, and we are approving a full-fledged program for roads until 2030. Tax revenues to the regional budget are also at a good level. We will use these funds for additional needs of the region. We also discussed the implementation of the program for capital repairs of houses and restoration of public infrastructure, which is also being carried out under the control of the Territorial Development Fund. We separately discussed the extensive work to stabilize the water supply of the republic,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.

    At the end of his working visit, Marat Khusnullin, together with the management of the PPC “Territorial Development Fund”, checked the progress of work at one of the most important water supply facilities under construction for the DPR.

    “The 17-kilometer water pipeline for transferring water from the Pavlopil reservoir, together with the second such facility – for transferring from Uglegorsk – should lead to the replenishment of almost 40% of the resource. I have instructed to reduce the launch time of the facility, to speed up the delivery of equipment. The issue of water shortage in the DPR is acute, a comprehensive approach is needed to solve this problem,” said Marat Khusnullin.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia Presents Report on Application of Space Technologies to Monitor Greenhouse Gases at APEC

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation has prepared a report entitled “Monitoring Greenhouse Gas Emissions in APEC: Space Solutions.” The document is posted on the official website the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The report reflects the key findings and recommendations of the international expert roundtable, which took place on March 14, 2025 under the auspices of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.

    The report is a systematic review of the practices of using satellite technologies in climate monitoring with an emphasis on the potential for their scaling in the Asia-Pacific region. The document collects key recommendations from international organizations. In particular, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), as well as the public sector, academic and business communities of APEC member economies, including Russia, Indonesia and Thailand.

    “Satellite technologies are becoming an integral element of climate architecture. Their use ensures the objectivity, efficiency and reproducibility of climate data, especially in conditions where traditional ground infrastructure is limited or unavailable. Russia is consistently developing a climate monitoring system that combines satellite, air and ground tracking methods with advanced computational models. Dialogue at the APEC platform allows us not only to develop high-quality international expertise, but also to strengthen trust between the economies of the region,” commented Evgeniya Drozhashchikh, Deputy Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.

    The materials of the round table present advanced solutions in the field of remote sensing of the Earth, methods of their integration into national greenhouse gas emission inventory systems, approaches to the unification of methodologies, as well as legal and technological aspects of climate data exchange.

    Given that APEC economies account for more than 60% of global CO2 emissions, the issue of creating a transparent and scientifically based monitoring system is becoming fundamental to achieving international climate goals. Satellite data allows not only to map emission hot spots, but also to track their dynamics in the long term.

    The prepared report will serve as a basis for further work by APEC economies to develop technological cooperation and introduce space solutions into national climate management systems.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Magadan Region will present a project on the contribution of Kolyma to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War at the Far East Street within the framework of the EEF

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    At the exhibition “Far East Street”, which will be held in Vladivostok from September 3 to 9 as part of the anniversary, tenth Eastern Economic Forum, Magadan Region will present its opportunities for the development of tourism and recreation – both already implemented and promising projects. The organizer of the exhibition is the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Far Eastern Federal District.

    “The Magadan region shows stable positive dynamics. The region is the “golden heart” of the Far East. The State Duma has adopted in the first reading a bill on the creation of an advanced development area in the region. The preferential regime will stimulate shipbuilding and ship repair, logistics, tourism and other industries. The economy provides an opportunity to develop the social sphere, and therefore, to qualitatively change people’s lives. On behalf of the President, the Magadan master plan is being actively implemented. You can see how the city is changing. Those who come to the region are greeted by a new beautiful airport. You can learn about how the Magadan region is changing, what plans it has for the future, what makes it attractive to investors and tourists at the “Far East Street” exhibition, so that after the EEF you can come and see with your own eyes the northern beauty of nature, get to know the responsive, brave and kind people living in Kolyma,” said Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Eastern Economic Forum Yuri Trutnev.

    Guests of the pavilion will be able to get acquainted with the culture and life of the indigenous peoples of the North, and learn about the traditions and way of life that are preserved and developed in the region.

    “The Magadan Region is not only rich in mineral resources and industrial potential, but also unique nature, history, culture and character of the Kolyma people. At the EEF, we will show how the region is developing today and what it plans for the future. The focus is on the economy, tourism, social sphere, opportunities for investors and, of course, the traditions of indigenous peoples. All this is an integral part of our Kolyma,” said Magadan Region Governor Sergei Nosov.

    The concept of the Magadan Region pavilion is based on the economic, cultural and natural features of the region. The exposition consists of three zones: the main and small pavilions, as well as podiums with regional expositions.

    A three-meter copy of the sculpture “Time” will become a traditional component. The five-meter original – a mammoth by sculptor Yuri Rudenko – stands in Magadan on the shore of Nagaev Bay. The “skin” of the monument is covered with various metal parts – gears, bearings – and resembles a clock mechanism. On the podium in front of the pavilion there will be a screen on which films dedicated to the natural beauty of Kolyma will be shown, as part of the projects “Far East – Land of Adventure” and “Paths of the Far East”, as well as a stele with the name “Magadan Region”.

    The main site of the region consists of three zones. The first will introduce visitors to the achievements of the Magadan Region in the economic and social spheres over ten years, including projects implemented with the support of the Ministry for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic. The second will host a demonstration of bone-carving art products of the indigenous peoples of the North living in the region. At the site, you can take a selfie against the backdrop of a golden waterfall, symbolizing the main industry of the Magadan Region – the extraction of precious metals.

    The third zone is the space for the placement of a thematic block, introducing visitors to the tourist sites and routes of the region, including the Talaya sanatorium. Visitors will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the best examples of traditional culture and purchase the products they like.

    The small pavilion will introduce guests to the recently opened art space “Rynda” in Magadan, where you can buy re-esterified fish oil – omega-3, which is produced in the capital of Kolyma at the “Omega-Si” plant. The second zone will host an exhibition and sale of jewelry and souvenirs. The third space, “Kolyma – from Victory to Victory”, will introduce visitors to facts about the role of Kolyma in the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, as well as its contribution to ensuring the success of the country during the special military operation.

    In addition, the exposition of the Magadan Region will be complemented by an installation installed on the embankment, stylized as the Mayak Park, located in Nagaev Bay, created with the help of a single presidential subsidy. Various activities, games, master classes and karaoke are also planned for the pavilion guests.

    The 10th Eastern Economic Forum will be held on September 3–6 at the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok. During these days, the exhibition will be available to forum participants, and on September 7, 8, and 9, it will be open to everyone. The EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Peking University’s Belt and Road Research Institute Opens in Xinjiang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    URUMQI, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — The opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Research Institute of Peking University-Xinjiang was held in Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Friday. The establishment of the institute is aimed at further and thorough promotion of the joint construction of the Belt and Road, promoting high-quality development in Xinjiang and building a new pattern of opening up to the outside world in the region.

    Vice Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People’s Government and Secretary of the Kashgar Prefecture Party Committee Nie Zhuang delivered a speech at the event, saying that the establishment of the research institute is of great significance for both Xinjiang and Kashgar.

    “I am confident that the institute will promote the integrated development of education, science and technology, as well as the training of highly qualified personnel in the region, accelerate the transformation of Kashgar into a springboard for opening up to the West, and promote modernization in Xinjiang,” he said.

    Piao Shilong, vice-president of Peking University, said the university attaches great importance to the construction of the institute, integrating interdisciplinary advantages and implementing a new model of establishing research institutes away from the home campus.

    “In the future, the institute will conduct in-depth research in key areas such as energy and mineral resources, ecological environment, regions and countries, historical archaeology, strengthening the consciousness of the Chinese nation and new structural economy,” Piao Shilong added.

    He also noted that the institute will strive to provide reliable scientific, technological and intellectual support for the high-quality development of Xinjiang and build it into a leading talent pool and innovation hub covering Central and South Asia and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canada-U.S. trade

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    “President Trump has announced that the United States will increase its tariffs to 35% on those Canadian exports that are not covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA. While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUSMA, which is the world’s second-largest free trade agreement by trading volume.

    The U.S. application of CUSMA means that the U.S. average tariff rate on Canadian goods remains one of its lowest for all of its trading partners. Other sectors of our economy – including lumber, steel, aluminum, and automobiles – are, however, heavily impacted by U.S. duties and tariffs. For such sectors, the Canadian government will act to protect Canadian jobs, invest in our industrial competitiveness, buy Canadian, and diversify our export markets.

    The United States has justified its most recent trade action on the basis of the cross-border flow of fentanyl, despite the fact that Canada accounts for only 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports and has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes. Canada’s government is making historic investments in border security to arrest drug traffickers, take down transnational gangs, and end migrant smuggling. These include thousands of new law enforcement and border security officers, aerial surveillance, intelligence and security operations, and the strongest border legislation in our history. We will continue working with the United States to stop the scourge of fentanyl and save lives in both our countries.

    While we will continue to negotiate with the United States on our trading relationship, the Canadian government is laser focused on what we can control: building Canada strong. The federal government, provinces, and territories are working together to cut down trade barriers to build one Canadian economy. We are developing a series of major nation-building projects with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners. Together, these initiatives have the potential to catalyse over half a trillion dollars of new investments in Canada.

    Canadians will be our own best customer, creating more well-paying careers at home, as we strengthen and diversify our trading partnerships throughout the world. We can give ourselves more than any foreign government can ever take away by building with Canadian workers and by using Canadian resources to benefit all Canadians.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Portsmouth celebrates World Breastfeeding Week in purple

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth will join the global celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2025 by lighting up the Spinnaker Tower in purple on Friday 1 August, and hosting a picnic for families in Victoria Park on Tuesday 5 August, 10am-12pm to highlight the city’s commitment to supporting breastfeeding families.

    World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign held every year from 1-7 August to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of community support. This year’s theme focuses on inclusive, welcoming environments for breastfeeding and Portsmouth is leading the way with its Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme. The initiative encourages local businesses, community venues, and public spaces to actively support and welcome breastfeeding families, making it easier for parents to feed their babies with confidence.

    Any venue open to the public can sign up to the Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme and it is free to join. Venues simply complete a short checklist and will receive window stickers to display to show families that they are welcome to breastfeed whilst spending time in the venue.

    Families in Portsmouth have access to a wide range of breastfeeding and infant feeding support. Early guidance is provided by midwives and health visitors. There is also a specialist infant feeding team if further support is needed, and this can include 1:1 phone consultations, home visits, clinic appointments, and workshops and groups. Free drop-in sessions are also run by The Breastfeeding Network both in person and online. You can search for local support here: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drop-in-centres-map/

    Laura Dearling, Infant Feeding Lead for Portsmouth at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:

    “The Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme is a fantastic opportunity to support the work we do and normalise breastfeeding by making families feel welcome in their communities.

    Our team is also here to support with any infant feeding queries – from breastfeeding challenges and positioning to tongue tie and assessments through phone, video, home visits, or at Portsmouth’s Family Hubs.”

    Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care at Portsmouth City Council, said:

    “The key to improving breastfeeding rates is having specialist support available and helping mums feel comfortable to breastfeed in public, so I’m pleased this is something we are striving towards in Portsmouth.

    These activities, including lighting up the Spinnaker Tower, show our city’s commitment to inclusion, health, and community.”

    How you can get involved:

    • Join the World Breastfeeding Week picnic – Bring a blanket and meet other families at Victoria Park, Portsmouth, on Tuesday 5 August, 10am-12pm. Enjoy a relaxed, friendly space. Everyone is welcome.
    • Share your photos of the Spinnaker Tower lit up purple – On Friday 1 August, tag The Breastfeeding Network Portsmouth in your photos to help spread the message.
    • Sign up to the Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme – If you run or work at a public venue, you can help make Portsmouth more breastfeeding-friendly. To find out more, contact: portsmouthwelcomes@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.

    For more information about support around feeding your baby, go to: www.portsmouthfamilyhubs.co.uk/infantfeeding

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: HM Land Registry accepts Qualified Electronic Signatures

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    HM Land Registry accepts Qualified Electronic Signatures

    Adopting this technology will bring greater security and ease for anyone involved in buying or selling residential or commercial property.

    New Africa/Shutterstock.com

    • Qualified Electronic Signatures are the most secure form of electronic signature – no paper or witness needed.

    • The signature tools use long-established, well-regulated technology.

    • HM Land Registry is encouraging lawyers and their clients to start using Qualified Electronic Signatures now.

    • Customers who are interested in submitting applications using the technology should contact QES@landregistry.gov.uk.

    HM Land Registry has invited conveyancers to start submitting applications including documents signed using a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) tool. The organisation is keen to support interested lawyers, their clients and lenders, as the property market increasingly looks towards the new signature technology for the benefits it offers them and their clients.

    By removing the need for a third party to witness the execution of a deed, replacing this step with a highly secure electronic signature, the technology affords greater flexibility and simplicity.

    The electronic signature also offers greater security and assurance for everyone involved in a property transaction.

    Andy Roddy, Deputy Director – Digital Services at HM Land Registry, said:

    We are excited to enable our customers the option to use Qualified Electronic Signatures in their land registration applications. This marks another major step forward in our ongoing digital transformation, as we keep pace with – and meet the needs of – our most technologically advanced customers. We hope all of our customers will be able to benefit from this new and valuable technology.

    To ensure customers are supported, and their QES applications handled correctly, HM Land Registry invites all customers interested in using the technology to contact QES@landregistry.gov.uk. We will provide more information in coming months about our work with QES applications.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 August 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Opportunity to deliver HLPAS in Hereford and Worcester

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Opportunity to deliver HLPAS in Hereford and Worcester

    Opportunity to deliver Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) in Hereford and Worcester (including Kidderminster and Redditch)

    The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) funds the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) throughout England and Wales to provide:

    • Early legal advice to anyone at risk of possession proceedings and loss of their home – advice can be provided in relation to housing, debt and welfare benefits issues
    • In-court duty on the day emergency advice and advocacy to anyone facing possession proceedings

    The service enables anyone at risk of losing their home or facing possession proceedings to get free legal advice, and representation in court, regardless of their financial circumstances.

    As a result, the LAA is inviting providers who hold Housing and Debt contracts to express an interest in delivering HLPAS in Hereford and Worcester (which also includes the courts in Kidderminster and Redditch).

    Next Steps

    Please contact civil.contracts@justice.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 8 August 2025 to express your interest in delivery of the service, following which you will receive details of next steps.

    Further detail on the HLPAS Service can be found at Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 August 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxford Square Capital Corp. Prices Public Offering of $65 Million 7.75% Notes Due 2030

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxford Square Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: OXSQ) (NasdaqGS: OXSQG) (NasdaqGS: OXSQZ) (the “Company”) today announced that it has priced an underwritten public offering of $65 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% unsecured notes due 2030. The notes will mature on July 31, 2030, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after July 31, 2027. The notes will bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per year payable quarterly on January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31 of each year, commencing October 31, 2025.

    The offering is expected to close on August 7, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company has granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional $9.75 million in aggregate principal amount of notes. The notes are expected to be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and to trade thereon within 30 days of the original issue date under the trading symbol “OXSQH”.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay indebtedness, acquire investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and for general corporate purposes.

    Lucid Capital Markets, LLC and Piper Sandler & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Clear Street LLC, InspereX LLC, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and William Blair & Company, L.L.C. are acting as lead managers for the offering.

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

    A shelf registration statement relating to these securities is on file with and has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus and a related prospectus supplement, copies of which may be obtained, when available, from the following investment banks: Lucid Capital Markets, LLC at 570 Lexington Ave, 40th Floor, New York, NY 10022, at telephone number (646) 362-0256, or via email at: Prospectus@lucidcm.com; and Piper Sandler & Co., 350 North 5th Street, Suite 1300, Minneapolis, MN 55402, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by telephone at (800) 747-3924, or by email at prospectus@psc.com. The preliminary prospectus supplement, dated July 31, 2025, and accompanying prospectus, dated September 26, 2022, each of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, contain a description of these matters and other important information about the Company and should be read carefully before investing. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objectives, risks and charges and expenses of the Company before investing.

    About Oxford Square Capital Corp.
    Oxford Square Capital Corp. is a publicly-traded business development company principally investing in syndicated bank loans and, to a lesser extent, debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. CLO investments may also include warehouse facilities, which are financing structures intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates” and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. These factors are identified from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect subsequent events, except as may be required by law.

    Contact:
    Bruce Rubin
    203-983-5280

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxford Square Capital Corp. Prices Public Offering of $65 Million 7.75% Notes Due 2030

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxford Square Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: OXSQ) (NasdaqGS: OXSQG) (NasdaqGS: OXSQZ) (the “Company”) today announced that it has priced an underwritten public offering of $65 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% unsecured notes due 2030. The notes will mature on July 31, 2030, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after July 31, 2027. The notes will bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per year payable quarterly on January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31 of each year, commencing October 31, 2025.

    The offering is expected to close on August 7, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company has granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional $9.75 million in aggregate principal amount of notes. The notes are expected to be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and to trade thereon within 30 days of the original issue date under the trading symbol “OXSQH”.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay indebtedness, acquire investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and for general corporate purposes.

    Lucid Capital Markets, LLC and Piper Sandler & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Clear Street LLC, InspereX LLC, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and William Blair & Company, L.L.C. are acting as lead managers for the offering.

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

    A shelf registration statement relating to these securities is on file with and has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus and a related prospectus supplement, copies of which may be obtained, when available, from the following investment banks: Lucid Capital Markets, LLC at 570 Lexington Ave, 40th Floor, New York, NY 10022, at telephone number (646) 362-0256, or via email at: Prospectus@lucidcm.com; and Piper Sandler & Co., 350 North 5th Street, Suite 1300, Minneapolis, MN 55402, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by telephone at (800) 747-3924, or by email at prospectus@psc.com. The preliminary prospectus supplement, dated July 31, 2025, and accompanying prospectus, dated September 26, 2022, each of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, contain a description of these matters and other important information about the Company and should be read carefully before investing. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objectives, risks and charges and expenses of the Company before investing.

    About Oxford Square Capital Corp.
    Oxford Square Capital Corp. is a publicly-traded business development company principally investing in syndicated bank loans and, to a lesser extent, debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. CLO investments may also include warehouse facilities, which are financing structures intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates” and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. These factors are identified from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect subsequent events, except as may be required by law.

    Contact:
    Bruce Rubin
    203-983-5280

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Flawed notions of objectivity are hampering Canadian newsrooms when it comes to Gaza

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Gabriela Perdomo, Assistant Professor, Mount Royal University

    The response of Canada’s legacy news media to the Israeli government’s military action in Gaza for more than 640 days points to a problem within major Canadian news organizations, according to a new Canadian book, When Genocide Wasn’t News.

    In the book, journalists — some writing under pseudonyms — say their newsrooms have been severely hampered by a culture of fear and an adherence to a notion of objectivity that no longer serves the public.

    Israel’s relentless military actions in the Gaza Strip following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and taking of 251 hostages by Hamas should be prominently featured news. The Israeli Defence Forces’ illegal attacks on children, hospitals and aid workers should also be making constant headlines. But news coverage on these attacks is scarce or misleading.

    I research and teach media, monitor the news and edit an online publication about journalism in Canada. My PhD thesis focused on Latin America and examined how the mandate to be objective can be confusing in times of war. I also explored questions about how journalists understand and apply objectivity in different contexts.

    I found journalists who support peace efforts can easily be accused of being “biased” in favour of those promoting peace.

    Not all wars covered equally

    Not all wars are covered the same. Noureddine Miladi, a media and communications professor at Qatar University, found Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 received far greater coverage in mainstream media than the war in Gaza. Part of this difference in coverage lies in the ability to send reporters to cover events first hand, which is impossible in the Gaza Strip, where outside journalists are banned from entry.



    Read more:
    The chilling effects of trying to report on the Israel-Gaza war

    Another major factor affecting coverage is how newsrooms understand and apply their norms, including objectivity. Journalism production is influenced and impacted by the dynamics of place and power that surround it.

    As Carleton University journalism professor Duncan McCue argues, an unexamined adherence to objectivity can perpetuate colonial points of view. University of British Columbia journalism professors Candis Callison and Mary Lynn Young, authors of a book about journalism’s racial reckoning in Canada, also make this argument.

    Accusations of antisemitism

    Accusations of bias can have an outsized impact on reporting and be used to silence journalists.

    According to some journalists, there is an atmosphere of fear when it comes to reporting on the Middle East in mainstream newsrooms in Canada. Some have self-censored in response to threats.

    Not only do journalists say they are facing threats, they also face a context in which governments, such as the province of Ontario, are adhering to definitions of antisemitism that equate it to criticism of Israel.

    In Canada, news organizations and individual journalists attempting to report on the violence in the Gaza Strip are being accused of antisemitism by groups such as Honest Reporting, according to the Canadian Press Freedom Project. This means almost anyone reporting on the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza will receive hundreds of messages claiming the report is antisemitic.

    Since many scholars and the United Nations Special Committee to investigate Israeli practices have called the Israeli government’s methods “consistent with genocide, including use of starvation as weapon of war,” urgent reporting is needed — and it’s not antisemitism to call out what experts have labelled global injustices.

    Left-wing bias?

    The culmination of decades of this type of criticism of news media has included a right-wing narrative that accuses media of a liberal bias. The trope of the liberal media as a threat has had a steady hold of the public imagination across North America since the Cold War.

    Reporters who focused on stories about human rights, questioned the tactics and budgets of the military industrial complex or challenged the mistreatment of socialist activists as being unpatriotic were accused of having a liberal, left-wing, even communist, slant.

    This isn’t a phemomenon limited to North America. Latin American politicians have a long history of using “left-wing bias” labels as a powerful tool to intimidate journalists.



    Read more:
    How news coverage influences countries’ emergency aid budgets – new research

    What do journalists owe peace?

    Research shows that audiences value objective journalism, or reporting that they deem non-partisan and keeps opinions at bay. But consumers also increasingly value journalism that is empathetic and emotionally resonant.

    After United States President Donald Trump was first elected in 2016, journalism scholars recognized that a major failure of news coverage during the presidential campaign was not calling things what they were. For example, journalists used euphemisms such as “he misspoke” instead of reporting that Trump was lying, contributing to a crisis of relevance in journalism.

    According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Israel-Gaza war has killed more journalistsr than in any other conflict it’s documented. But the allegedly deliberate targeting of journalists in Gaza, of whom at least 225 have been killed, has garnered little attention in newsrooms, despite calls by dozens of independent journalists to make the issue more visible.

    This is another unprecedented set of events that should be reported on for Canadian audiences.

    How will Canadian newsrooms do better? One idea could be that newsrooms join forces to fend off accusations of bias and antisemitism. They could start with reclaiming objectivity as a practice of information-gathering and moving away from objectivity as an ideal of dispassionate reporting.

    They could also embrace, instead of fear, journalism’s liberal roots and reclaim journalism from a standpoint of clarity where actions against the rule of law, abuses of power, war profiteering, crimes against humanity — any illiberal acts — clearly fall on the wrong side of the liberal-democratic balance and therefore demand to be denounced. As veteran CBC journalist Carol Off has said, we need to denounce illiberal acts as anti-democratic ideology.

    Every inhabitant of Gaza remains in imminent peril today, and the media have a responsibility to inform us about it.

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

    – ref. Flawed notions of objectivity are hampering Canadian newsrooms when it comes to Gaza – https://theconversation.com/flawed-notions-of-objectivity-are-hampering-canadian-newsrooms-when-it-comes-to-gaza-260552

    MIL OSI Analysis –