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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kickstarting economic transformation

    Source: Scottish Government

    £24 million to realise Kishorn Port potential.

    A multi-million pound investment is being made in one of Scotland’s most strategically important ports.

    Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will invest up to £24 million at Kishorn Port in the west Highlands to enhance its capacity and capabilities, with an expanded dry dock and land reclamation enabling the manufacture of floating offshore wind foundations.

    The expanded facilities are forecast to attract projects with the potential to support up to 1,500 jobs once the port is fully developed.

    The investment forms part a Scottish Government commitment of up to £500 million over five years to develop the country’s ports and offshore wind supply chain. The funding will help ensure businesses and communities secure maximum benefit from the country’s growing renewables capabilities.

    As a strategic location for offshore wind components marshalling and manufacturing, Kishorn Port will play a crucial role in supporting current offshore wind developments and is well positioned to capitalise on future opportunities extending beyond Scotland.

    The port houses one of the largest openings of any dry dock facility in Europe, making it a unique and valuable asset.

    Announcing the award ahead of making an investment-focused speech today at Panmure House in Edinburgh, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

    “This is one of the most significant public investments in our port infrastructure in decades. It is crucial to ensuring Kishorn Port and the communities it supports can reap the benefits of the global renewables market.

    “It is a clear signal from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise that will give investors the confidence to invest millions more in the area’s wider infrastructure, economy and people.”

    HIE chief executive Stuart Black said:

    “Offshore wind presents a massive opportunity for the Highlands and Islands and Kishorn is one of several ports that are at the heart of this. The facility has provided skilled jobs in a rural area for many decades and this is likely to grow significantly, which is vital to community resilience in a priority west coast location.

    “The proposed dry dock expansion and land reclamation will greatly enhance the port’s capacity to support offshore wind and the contribution it makes to Scotland’s economy. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure this significant additional funding for the region and look forward to continuing to work with Kishorn Port Ltd as the project develops.”

    Kishorn Port Limited (KPL) Directors Alasdair Ferguson said:

    “This is a significant milestone in the continuing development of Kishorn Port. The port expansion will provide the catalyst for the support and creation of jobs within Wester Ross and the wider Highlands, benefiting communities across the area. We’re grateful to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Government for their support. 

    “With the quarry on site, Kishorn Port is ideally suited to concrete manufacturing of floating offshore wind sub-structures, with local content, laydown, marshalling, and long-term integration and assembly possible at the port as part of the wider project in the long-term.”

    Background

    Other investments made as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment of up to £500 million include:

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Inaugural edition of Kung Fu Film Festival successfully concluded in Toronto (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) supported the inaugural edition of the Kung Fu Film Festival (Festival), which has presented six screenings of martial arts movies across the Greater Toronto Area from May 31 to June 1 (Toronto time) to celebrate the 50 years of Hong Kong’s kung fu cinema heritage and its influence on global film culture.

    To mark the festival’s debut, Toronto ETO hosted an opening ceremony in Markham on May 31 with the presence of Canada Hong Kong Intercultural Association President and the Festival Chair, Ms Connie Yu, Secretary Manager of Southern Film Culture Foundation and the Festival Curator, Ms Catherine Lam, along with the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto, Mr Luo Weidong, Senator Mr Woo Yuen-pau, Member of Parliament of Canada Mr Michael Ma and about 50 guests from the local film, cultural and business communities. Some of them also graced the closing ceremony before the screening of the Hong Kong production “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” directed by Soi Cheang and starring Louis Koo, Raymond Lam and Philip Ng in Toronto on June 1.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Acting Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Gavin Yeung, highlighted Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for the arts, cultural and creative industries.

         “Each film featured in this festival is a gem of Hong Kong’s film industry,” Mr Yeung shared. “Over the decades, Hong Kong movies and film talents have won numerous international awards. Many Hong Kong actors, directors, cinematographers and producers have become household names at global level.”

    Mr Yeung also reaffirmed the commitment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to supporting the cultural and creative industries, noting that significant funding has been approved through the Film Development Fund for film projects. He added that the Toronto ETO would continue to bring more Hong Kong films to participate in various international film festivals across Canada.

    The two-day festival curated a selection of six Hong Kong martial arts films produced between 1974 and 2024, including “The Shaolin Temple” (including a special AI anime version), “Martial Club”, “Ip Man 3”, “Kids from Shaolin”, “Hapkido”, and “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, offering Canadian audience a dynamic view into the evolution of Hong Kong-produced kung fu cinema.

    In addition, a student seminar with Q&A session was held during the festival at Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough on June 1. The audience actively engaged in the discussion and shared their views on Hong Kong’s martial arts movies.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian airfields could derail Russia’s war efforts

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University

    The drone attacks by Ukrainian Operation Spider’s Web forces on Russian airfields have called into question Russia’s supposed military strength.

    Russian authorities have acknowledged damage from the June 1 attacks — an unusual admission that suggests the strikes were probably effective, given Russia’s usual pattern of downplaying or denying the success of Ukrainian operations.

    The operation’s most significant target was the Belaya air base, north of Mongolia. Belaya, like the other bases targeted, is a critical component in the Russian Air Force’s strategic strike capabilities because it houses planes capable of long-range nuclear and conventional strikes.

    It’s also in Irkutsk, approximately 4,500 kilometres from the front lines in Ukraine.




    Read more:
    Ukraine drone strikes on Russian airbase reveal any country is vulnerable to the same kind of attack


    Ukraine’s ability to successfully strike Belaya — an attempted strike at the even more distant Ukrainka air base failed — probably won’t have much of a military impact on the war. But along with successful attacks on other Russian airfields and the strike at the Kerch Bridge in Crimea, Operation Spider Web’s successes could play a strategic role in the conflict.

    These attacks could shift what has become increasingly negative media coverage and public perception about Ukraine’s chances in the war over the last year. In a war of attrition, which the conflict in Ukraine has become, establishing a belief in victory is a pre-condition for success.

    Explosions hit the Kerch Bridge in Russia on June 3, 2025. (The Independent)

    Increased pessimism

    Policymakers and pundits, instead of recognizing their expectations of a Ukrainian victory in 2023 were unrealistic, have often declared that the war is unwinnable for Ukraine.

    This perspective was even more prevalent following United States President Donald Trump’s resumption of power in January 2025. In the Oval Office spat Trump had with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in late February, he declared Ukraine did not “have the cards” to defeat Russia.

    This turned out to be false. Ukraine’s army may possess significantly less military hardware and fewer soldiers than Russia’s, but war is often a continuation of politics. Politically, Russia faces several issues that could derail its war efforts.

    Russian vulnerabilities

    Russia’s military capabilities are important to Russian nationalists, who make up Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s core constituency. Russian military forces have advanced along nearly all fronts in Ukraine over the last year.

    These advances, however, have largely been insignificant. Furthermore, they have emphasized Russia’s military weakness, which is an ongoing affront to Russian nationalists.

    Not only have Russian military advances over the last year not changed the war in a strictly military sense, but the pace of advance has been incredibly slow. Over the last year, Russian forces have captured 5,107 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory. This territory represents less than one per cent of Ukraine’s pre-war territory.

    In exchange for what amounts to negligible gains, Russian armed forces have suffered significant casualties.

    Both Russia and Ukraine carefully guard the number of casualties their forces have suffered in the war. The British Ministry of Defence, however, estimates that Russia will have suffered more than a million casualties in the war by the end of this month. The Russian casualty rate is also accelerating, with an estimated 160,000 casualties in the first four months of 2025.

    Russia attempts to compensate for this battlefield devastation in two ways.

    First, it’s isolated Ukraine by manipulating Trump’s desire for political wins and business deals. Russia, in appearing to seek an end to the conflict while offering no concessions, has stoked tensions between Zelenskyy and Trump, where there was little love lost between the two to begin with.

    Second, Russia has increased its attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Large-scale bombing does little to help Russia on the battlefield. The attacks, in fact, put its forces at a disadvantage by redirecting munitions from military targets.

    Attacks on civilians

    The attacks on civilian infrastructure, however, are more about instilling fear in the Ukrainian population and demonstrating American impotence to a Russian audience.

    Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities also highlight Russia’s trump card: nuclear weapons. Russia, and specifically former Russian president Dimitry Medvedev, has repeatedly threatened nuclear war in an attempt to dissuade Ukraine’s supporters.

    By bombing Ukrainian cities, albeit with conventional munitions, Russia seeks to demonstrate its ability to deploy even more destructive weapons should the situation call for it.

    These Russian military missteps, combined with a Russian economy that is structurally unsound, means that Russia’s war effort is increasingly fragile.

    Weakening Asian alliances

    Ukraine’s attack on Belaya also signals Russian weakness to its nominal allies in Asia.

    Since the start of hostilities, Russia has relied on the tacit consent of China. This support has taken the form of China purchasing Russian crude oil to maintain the Russian economy and Chinese citizens unofficially fighting for Russia.

    Belaya has been a vital element of Russia’s deterrence strategy in Asia, which has come to rely more heavily on the Russian strategic nuclear threat. The inability of Russia to protect one of its key strategic assets from a Ukrainian drone attack, combined with the weakness of Russian conventional forces in Ukraine, erodes its ability to position itself as a key ally to China.

    In fact, some Russian authorities continue to view China as a major threat.

    At the same time, Operation Spider’s Web gives hope to the Ukrainian people. It may also cause Trump — who prefers to back winners — to ponder whether it’s Putin, not Zelenskyy, who lacks the cards to win the war.

    James Horncastle 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. Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian airfields could derail Russia’s war efforts – https://theconversation.com/ukraines-drone-attacks-on-russian-airfields-could-derail-russias-war-efforts-258049

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: Meet the Next Chapter of Ultra

    Source: Samsung

    For years, Samsung has listened to users asking for bigger screens, better cameras and new ways to connect and create. The demand is clear — an Ultra-experience that goes beyond a simple list of upgraded features in a smaller and more portable form factor.
    That’s why Galaxy’s next chapter is to provide an experience that seamlessly blends artistry and engineering to elevate everyday interactions.

    Squeeze onto a crowded subway train for your evening commute with the device folded in hand and use voice controls to have AI find you the perfect restaurant and text your dining companion. Finish off that unsent work email during the ride, then use the powerful camera to commemorate your night out. AI-powered tools enable all-day messaging, browsing and gaming on the go, so you can focus on your life—all without weighing you down.
    With industry-leading hardware, cutting-edge performance and seamless AI integration optimized for the foldable format, it’s what users have come to expect from Galaxy Ultra.
    And when it unfolds, it transforms– into a more immersive entertainment hub, a spacious workspace, or a multitasking powerhouse, now enhanced by powerful Galaxy AI features designed specifically for the foldable form.
    The Ultra experience is ready to unfold.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ruakura four-lane road to boost Hamilton’s economic growth

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The NZ Transport Agency’s Board has endorsed the detailed business case for a new four-lane road in Hamilton which will deliver economic growth for the region, and approved $4.1 million for the next stage of design work, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

    The project, which is cost-shared between Hamilton City Council (HCC) and NZTA, will enable the completion of the Ruakura Inland Port while also unlocking residential and commercial land for the Ruakura Superhub.

    “It’s welcome news that the NZTA Board has endorsed the detailed business case for the Ruakura Eastern Transport Corridor, which means the project now has $4.1 million funding approved to complete consenting and detailed design,” says Mr Bishop. 

    “The Ruakura Eastern Transport Corridor project will complete a strategic four-lane corridor for freight and regional traffic with some walking and cycling elements to connect into the existing network. It also includes a grade separated link over the East Coast Main Line railway line, connecting housing with employment. The Ruakura Eastern Transport Corridor currently has a Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 6.7. 

    “A 2024 Future Proof study found that parts of the Hamilton roading network will soon be unable to accommodate the expected increases in traffic. This will cause extended periods of peak hour congestion, resulting in disruptions to 42 per cent of national freight volumes and jeopardising the generation of over 50 per cent of New Zealand’s GDP. 

    “The study concluded that the Ruakura Eastern Transport Corridor will enable ‘the golden triangle’ – Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton – to continue to provide freight corridors for the most economically significant part of New Zealand, putting the right traffic on the right roads to reduce congestion and improve freight reliability.

    “On land owned by Tainui Group Holdings, the Ruakura Superhub is a nationally significant development which services around 45 per cent of New Zealand’s population, 42 per cent of the nation’s freight and 55 per cent of the country’s GDP with a 30ha inland port connected via rail to Auckland’s port and the Port of Tauranga.

    “Recently the Prime Minister, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka and I attended a ceremony at Ruakura where Tainui Group Holdings announced a long-term joint venture with global investment firm Brookfield. This exciting joint venture will see the development of a further 70 hectares of facilities for storing goods and moving them through different modes of transport including road and rail freight, making the transport corridor project even more important.”

    Hamilton East MP Ryan Hamilton welcomes the news as this not only supports commercial activity at Ruakura but unlocks housing and development to support New Zealand’s fastest growing city.

    Implementation of the Eastern Transport Corridor project is currently timed for 2027-30 National Land Transport Programme and is subject to further funding being approved.

    Notes to Editor: 

    • Total cost of the pre-implementation phase is $4.1 million
    • NZTA’s contribution is $2,091,000 (a FAR rate of 51%)
    • A Multi-Party Funding Agreement is required between the various parties prior to seeking implementation funding.
    • The cost to complete the full project is estimated at $300 million.
    • On The BCR of 6.7 has been calculated based on P50 costs.
    • The implementation phase is currently timed for the 2027-30 NLTP, with any decision on implementation made within overall prioritisation of the 2027-30 NLTP.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Public Servants Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    Click Here to View the Original U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Press Release


    Angelo Stephen, 33, a former Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer, and George Arestuche, 47, a former Miami-Dade County Aviation Department employee, were sentenced in separate cases after pleading guilty to defrauding COVID-19 relief programs.

    Angelo Stephen

    On May 22, Stephen was sentenced to four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $75,513 in restitution by Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga. Chief Judge Altonaga also entered a forfeiture money judgment against Stephen in the additional amount of $71,166. The sentence follows Stephen’s conviction for wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent applications for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and one Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), as well as his participation in two bank account takeover schemes.

    During his change of plea hearing, Stephen admitted that on August 4, 2020, he submitted a false and fraudulent EIDL application in his own name to the Small Business Administration (SBA), claiming to be an independent contractor and the sole owner of a business that provided event planning and entertainment services with 10 employees.  The EIDL application falsely certified that for the applicable 12-month period, the business had approximately $62,018 in gross revenue and a cost of goods sold of $0. Based on his false and fraudulent application, Stephen received $20,000 in EIDL proceeds from the SBA.

    Stephen additionally admitted to fraudulently obtaining two PPP loans. On April 24, 2021, Stephen submitted a first-draw PPP loan application, claiming to be the sole proprietor of a non-existent business with $106,554 in gross income in 2020. In support of the application, Stephen submitted a fraudulent IRS Form 1040 Schedule C. Based on his false and fraudulent application, Stephen received $20,833 in PPP loan proceeds from an SBA-approved lender.  On May 11, 2021, Stephen submitted a second-draw PPP loan application, making the same false claims about his nonexistent business that was supported by submission of the identical false Schedule C. Based on his false and fraudulent application, Stephen obtained $20,833 in PPP loan proceeds from a different SBA-approved lender.

    Stephen also admitted to taking part in two bank account takeover schemes. On March 30, 2023, Stephen received a $20,000 wire transfer from the account of an unsuspecting victim in Virginia. Stephen quickly withdrew all illegally obtained money through a series of cash withdrawals and Zelle transfers to others. In the second takeover scheme, Stephen and his accomplices obtained new checks from the credit union account of a different unsuspecting victim. Stephen subsequently used one of those checks to obtain $8,500 in cash that he was not entitled to.

    George Arestuche

    On May 28, Arestuche was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Paul C. Huck to five years of probation to include 210 days in home detention and ordered to pay $114,679 in restitution, plus community service. The sentence follows Arestuche’s conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent application for an EIDL.

    According to the facts admitted at the change of plea hearing, Arestuche and a co-conspirator devised a scheme to defraud the SBA by submitting a false and fraudulent application for Arestuche to obtain an EIDL and EIDL advance. As part of the conspiracy, Arestuche agreed to pay the co-conspirator a large fee.

    On July 9, 2020, Arestuche’s co-conspirator submitted a false and fraudulent EIDL application to the SBA on behalf of Arestuche, claiming that Arestuche was an independent contractor and the sole owner of an automotive repair business with 10 employees. The EIDL application falsely certified that for the applicable 12-month period, the business had $600,000 in gross revenue and a cost of goods sold of $184,000. In reality, Arestuche was not an independent contractor and did not own any type of business.  The EIDL application was supported by a fraudulent IRS Form 1040 Schedule C. As a result of this false and fraudulent EIDL application, Arestuche obtained $149,900 in EIDL proceeds and a $10,000 EIDL advance from the SBA. Arestuche subsequently paid his co-conspirator $17,275 for helping him fraudulently obtain the money from the SBA. Since pleading guilty, Arestuche has paid $50,000 in advance restitution payments.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; acting Special Agent in Charge Amber Howell of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General’s Fraud Detection Office (DOJ-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), Eastern Region; acting Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami; and Inspector General Felix Jimenez of the Miami-Dade County Office of Inspector General (MDC-OIG) made the announcement.

    DOJ-OIG and SBA-OIG investigated the Stephen case. SBA-OIG and the FBI’s Miami Area Corruption Task Force, which includes task force officers from the MDC-OIG, investigated the Arestuche case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward N. Stamm prosecuted both cases.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Annika Miranda is handling forfeiture matters in the Stephen case.

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide EIDLs to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred.  EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 25-cr-20014 (Stephen) and 25-cr-20001 (Arestuche).

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: Mt. Etna Eruption, Smart Traveller Enrollment Program

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    “We are closely monitoring Mount Etna’s eruption yesterday… This is also an important reminder for all Americans traveling to enroll in the Smart traveler enrollment program at STEP.state.gov.” — Spokesperson Tammy Bruce

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/StateDept
    Substack: https://statedept.substack.com

    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSTATEBPA/signup/32562

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_haDfisPlHw

    MIL OSI Video –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tenfold increase in UK drone deliveries for Ukraine at 50-nation Ukraine summit

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Tenfold increase in UK drone deliveries for Ukraine at 50-nation Ukraine summit

    The UK is investing a record £350m this year to increase the supply of drones to Ukraine from a target of 10,000 in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025

    The UK is ramping up its support for Ukraine with a target to achieve a tenfold increase in production and procurement of drones to deliver to Ukraine this year.

    With more than 10,000 drones delivered to Ukraine last year by the UK, tens of thousands more have already been delivered towards an ambitious new target of 100,000 drones for the current financial year. The record £350m investment in drones for Ukraine is part of the UK’s £4.5bn military support this year.

    As Ukraine’s Armed Forces have demonstrated the effectiveness of drone warfare in defending against Putin’s illegal invasion, the UK has been doubling down on investment in drones with British defence companies, including small to medium sized enterprises, supporting the UK economy and jobs, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Convening a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) with his German counterpart, the Defence Secretary will also announce that the UK will spend a further £247m this year on training the Armed Forces of Ukraine, supporting its highly successful programme of training for Ukrainian recruits on British soil, Operation Interflex, which has provided more than 55,000 Ukrainian recruits with basic combat training since 2022 – with contributions from 13 partner nations.

    Ukrainian units have confirmed that UK-provided drones have helped stabilise parts of the frontline by driving back Russian attacks and protecting Ukrainian lives, and Defence Intelligence has confirmed that drones currently kill more people than artillery on the frontline in Ukraine.

    As well as this, the Defence Secretary will confirm the completed delivery of 140,000 artillery munitions by the UK for Ukraine since the start of 2025, in a vital boost for Ukraine’s frontline troops.

    As part of the Strategic Defence Review – published on Monday – the government announced more than £4bn for autonomous systems and drones for the UK Armed Forces, to help learn the lessons from Ukraine. This follows the government’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of UK GDP by April 2027.

    The Defence Secretary is set to join the German Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, to host Ukrainian Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, at the latest meeting of the 50-nation strong UDCG at NATO headquarters today (Wednesday).

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    The UK is stepping up its support for Ukraine by delivering hundreds of thousands more drones this year and completing a major milestone in the delivery of critical artillery ammunition.

    We are learning lessons every day from the battlefield in Ukraine, which British companies are using to develop advanced new drones to help protect Ukraine’s civilians and also strengthen our own national security.

    Defence is an engine for growth, delivering on this government’s Plan for Change, and this investment will help keep us secure at home and strong abroad, while ensuring the UK is a world leader in rapidly developing drone technology.

    To provide further training and equipment supplies for Ukraine’s forces, the UK will also invest £40m in the trust fund for NATO’s NSATU mission for Ukraine, for which the UK is the framework nation, which is prioritising rapid procurement of spare parts and fuel for vehicles, training, and consumables to support troops in combat.

    Artillery is critical to Ukraine’s war effort, holding back Putin’s forces from making significant gains on the frontline. With supply chains around the world under unprecedented strain, securing reliable sources for artillery ammunition is vital for Ukraine’s defence.

    Many of the drones built in the UK harness new cutting-edge technology, from highly manoeuvrable first-person view (FPV) drones to precisely attack Russian targets, to interceptor drones designed to boost Ukraine’s air defence by destroying Russian missiles and drones, to new fibre-optic drones which are tethered via a cable which safeguards against jamming from Russian electronic warfare systems.

    The UK has also been providing low-cost drones which can drop explosives on Russian positions. Between this type of drone and FPV systems, these two types of drone are reported to be responsible for 60-70% of damage currently caused to Russian equipment.

    The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine remains in the strongest possible position, which is why £4.5 billion of military support will be provided this year – more than ever before.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 4 June 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    • UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
    • Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine
    • Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
    • Find out about the UK’s response

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal-Backed Bipartisan Bill to Expand Aerial Firefighting Fleet Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following House passage of the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act. Earlier this year, Carbajal joined Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) in introducing this legislation to improve our nation’s aerial firefighting capabilities through expanded use of excess military aircrafts and parts. The legislation will now go to the President’s desk to be signed into law. 

    “As wildfires continue to threaten communities across the Western U.S., we must expand the resources available to fire departments,” said Rep. Carbajal. “This bipartisan legislation will boost our firefighting aircraft fleet and ensure first responders have the air support they need to combat severe fires.”

    “This legislation is a huge step in mitigating the impacts of wildfires and gives our firefighters the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Utilizing the Department of Defense’s excess aircraft gives aerial firefighters an upper hand while leveraging the assets we already have at our disposal. I thank Senator Sheehy from Montana for his leadership as we send this legislation to the president’s desk.”

    “This year is the most dangerous and expensive wildfire year in history, and the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act will give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect communities and save lives. Eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to fight wildfires more quickly and aggressively is America First common sense, and I appreciate my colleagues in the House and Senate for their support. I look forward to seeing this bipartisan bill cross the finish line so we can better support the brave first responders on the front lines fighting wildfires across the country,” said Sen. Sheehy (R-MT).

    “10 Tanker Air Carrier supports and thanks the bipartisan efforts of Congress to help the many operators involved with aerial firefighting to purchase at fair market value excess, retired military spare parts, particularly desperately needed engines and brakes. This commonsense approach will ensure that our aging fleet will remain available to the United States to battle the devastating wildland fires of today and well into the future.  We are pleased that the Department of Defense and the Air Force also support the national security mission of companies like ours,” said Joel Kerley, President and CEO of 10 Tanker Air Carrier.

    “Billings Flying Service is grateful to Rep. Carbajal and Rep. Newhouse for their leadership in introducing the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025. As an operator providing aerial wildfire suppression services across the United States, maintaining BFS fleet readiness is ever so critical to our mission. This Act opens up direct access to U.S. Armed Forces surplus parts, allowing operators to keep their aircraft in the air and deployed on life-saving missions. We are proud of the advancements Congress has made in protecting the sustainment of aerial wildfire resources, and we look forward to the Aerial Firefighter Enhancement Act becoming law,” said Bridger Blain, President of Billings Flying Service.

    “Firehawk Helicopters is encouraged by the passing of the Aerial Firefighting and Enhancement Act and would like to thank Rep. Newhouse, Rep. Carbajal, Sen. Tim Sheehy and Sen. Martin Heinrich for leading the efforts in seeing this bill passed. Since 20017 the aerial firefighting community has lost access to a critical aircraft and parts supply source. Taxpayers have lost hundreds of millions of dollars as valuable aircraft and aircraft parts were no longer made available for commercial sale.  The law will save these critical aircraft and parts from being scrapped. By making these aircraft and parts available for commercial sale again, the taxpayers will reap the maximum return on their original investment, but more importantly, see these aircraft and parts utilized in a second life that prioritizes the protection of the public from the growing threat of devastating wildfires,” said Bart Brainerd, CEO Firehawk Helicopters.

    This bipartisan bill aims to improve our country’s ability to combat wildfires year-round by enabling the use of military surplus aircrafts, sold at fair market value, for the aerial firefighting fleet. Additionally, the sale of aircraft parts will help maintain the current fleet of firefighting aircrafts.

    The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense to sell excess Department of Defense aircrafts and parts, which are deemed suitable for commercial sale, to individuals or entities contracted by the government for the aerial delivery of fire retardants or water to fight wildfires, provided the aircraft and parts are used solely for wildfire suppression. The original authority expired in 2005, was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017, and has since lapsed again.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland man sentenced for fraudulent WoF inspections

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is welcoming the recent conviction and sentencing of an unapproved vehicle inspector for fraudulently issuing warrants of fitness (WoFs), noting the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others.

    On 26 May, Aucklander Imroz Taki, owner of Newmarket Automotive Repairs, was sentenced to 10 months and 2 weeks’ home detention in the Auckland District Court, after earlier pleading guilty to charges relating to fraudulently issuing WoFs.    

    NZTA investigators found that from 9 December 2022 to 6 June 2023, Mr Taki issued 677 WoFs despite not being appointed as an authorised vehicle inspector. He used the vehicle inspector appointment belonging to a previous employee and had not completed any of the inspections. 

    NZTA immediately revoked (cancelled) Newmarket Automotive’s inspecting organisation authority and all WoFs issued by Mr Taki during that time. Affected vehicle owners were contacted and asked to get their vehicles rechecked. A significant percentage of those cars were found to have faults when rechecked at other inspecting organisations. 

    “Warrant of fitness checks ensure that cars have undergone a general safety check to help keep drivers, passengers and road users safe. It’s very disappointing when fraud happens in the vehicle inspecting system, as the customer pays the price – having to pay for another WoF and potentially being at put at risk in the interim period, if vehicle faults exist and have gone unchecked.  

    “Through his actions, Mr Taki has risked the safety of the vehicle owners, plus their passengers and other road users.

    “People should be reassured that NZTA has the access to data and intelligence to investigate when we have concerns about fraud. We take swift action and hold vehicle inspectors to account when vehicle safety is compromised,” says Senior Manager Safer Vehicles Nicole Botherway.  

    From a starting point of two years and six months’ imprisonment, District Court Judge JM Jelas considered mitigating factors, such as Mr Taki’s guilty plea and prior good character to arrive at the sentencing.  

    As the inspecting organisation representative for Newmarket Auto Repairs, Mr Taki had the obligation to ensure that only NZTA-appointed vehicle inspectors undertook inspection activities, made decisions on vehicle and component conditions and approved the issue of a WoF certification.  

    Instead, Mr Taki issued WoFs without the vehicles being inspected by NZTA-appointed inspectors. Customers were charged $60 for each WOF, earning him more than $40,000 in undue revenue.  

    The NZTA Safer Vehicles team regularly reviews inspecting organisations and vehicle inspectors to check compliance. If serious non-compliance is found, the team ensures that the right regulatory response is applied, including enforcement action.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Pushes to Improve Homebuying Process for Veterans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), and Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Veterans Affairs Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2025 (VALID Act).  

    Despite potentially offering thousands of dollars in savings over the life of a loan, VA loans are underused – with only 10% to 15% of eligible veterans using the benefit, and some states as low as 6%. The bill introduced today provides a simple fix, ensuring veterans see VA loan options clearly laid out alongside conventional and FHA loans when applying for an FHA mortgage — making it easier to choose the best option for their needs. 

    Specifically, this bipartisan legislation would update Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage disclosures to include VA Home Loans alongside FHA and conventional loan options. The bill would also ensure lenders are provided with important information regarding applicant’s military service so they can provide information about VA loans early in the homebuying process. 

    “Veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and, at the very least, deserve to know the benefits available to them. Anything less is unacceptable,” said Kim. “The VALID Act fully discloses the VA loan options available for veterans to use when buying a home. I’m proud to help lead this commonsense, bipartisan bill that ensures we have the backs of our brave men and women who had ours against global threats.” 

    “Our veterans put everything on the line to defend us, but far too often come home without the support they need,” said Pettersen. “No veteran should miss out on a benefit they’ve earned simply because they didn’t know it was an option. At a time when finding an affordable home is harder than ever, ensuring veterans have clear access to every funding resource available is critical. This legislation helps make homeownership possible and builds long-term stability for the brave men and women who’ve served our country.” 

    “We enjoy freedom in America due to the incredible sacrifices of our servicemen and women,” said Hageman. “Guaranteeing that our veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve is the least we can do. The VALID Act provides for this assurance by ensuring our veterans are informed of the advantageous home loan programs available to them as they chart their future.” 

    “Our veterans have earned every benefit available to them — including the opportunity for affordable homeownership. Unfortunately, too many miss out on VA loan options because they are unaware of them. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the VALID Act that will ensure veterans can make fully informed decisions during the homebuying process. This legislation honors those who served and helps secure a better future for them and their families,” said Williams. 

    “We should make certain veterans are aware they qualify for help with purchasing a home or realizing more savings over the life of a mortgage,” said Boozman. “Since we know VA home loans are underutilized, there is a clear need to better identify this assistance earlier in the process. I am proud to join my colleagues in enhancing this earned benefit for our former servicemembers.” 

    “While we can never fully repay the debt we owe to our veterans, we have a duty to support them when they return home,” said Van Hollen. “The VA Home Loan has been helping servicemembers buy homes for over 80 years, but this funding resource remains severely underutilized by far too many of our veterans. This bipartisan legislation will help change that, ensuring more veterans and their families take advantage of the benefits they have earned.” 

    “VAREP wholeheartedly endorses the VA Loan Information Disclosure Act of 2025. This legislation will help correct an injustice of non-disclosure of all viable mortgage loan options to all home loan applicants who are eligible to take advantage of their earned VA Home Loan Guarantee Benefits,” said VAREP in a statement. “VAREP applauds Rep. Pettersen for taking action to require the original lender to include a third financial comparator, to the current disclosure law that requires only disclosure of the difference between an FHA and a Conventional loan. Adding the third comparison of the VA Home Loan, to the FHA Home Loan and the Conventional Home Loan is an essential missing loan disclosure element.” 

    Research has shown that 1 in 10 veterans have experienced homelessness, often years after completing service and returning home. At the same time, rising housing costs are making homeownership increasingly out of reach. Programs like the VA Home Loan are more important than ever, offering a path to homeownership that can save veterans thousands of dollars and help them build lasting financial security. 

    The legislation is endorsed by the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), the Broker Action Coalition, and the National Association of REALTORS®. 

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “ELON MUSK AND I AGREE WITH EACH OTHER, THE GOP TAX SCAM IS A DISGUSTING ABOMINATION”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he emphasized that Congressional Democrats remain united in protecting the American people from Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill, while Rubber Stamp Republicans remain united in doing the bidding of the out-of-control Trump White House.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Breaking news. Elon Musk and I agree with each other. The GOP tax scam is a disgusting abomination. Every single Republican who voted for the One Big Ugly Bill should be ashamed of themselves. They aren’t helping their constituents. They are hurting their constituents. That’s an objectively verifiable fact.

    The GOP Tax Scam is a disgusting abomination. It rips healthcare away from up to 14 million people, everyday Americans across the country. Hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down, and yes, people will die if the GOP Tax Scam ever became law. It’s a disgusting abomination. The One Big Ugly Bill would enact the largest cuts in nutritional assistance in American history. That’s also disgusting. Republicans literally want to rip food out of the mouths of children, veterans and seniors. Every single Republican who voted for this bill should be ashamed of themselves. This bill that Republicans narrowly passed, it limped out of the House of Representatives. And we’re going to work hard to make sure it dies in the Senate.

    This One Big Ugly bill, the GOP Tax Scam hurts everyday Americans and rewards their billionaire donors with a massive tax break for the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. And to make matters worse, they will saddle our children and grandchildren with more than $5 trillion in additional debt in order to subsidize the lifestyles of the rich and shameless. Elon Musk and I agree with each other on this particular issue. The GOP Tax Scam is a disgusting abomination.

    Full remarks can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S RECKLESS RESCISSIONS PACKAGE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Know Your Immigration Rights

    If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

    Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

    Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

    Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

    The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

    Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Texas Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Texas small businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from the severe storm and straight‑line winds occurring May 8. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Greg Abbott on May 29.

    The disaster declaration covers the Texas counties of Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces and San Patricio.

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

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

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

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

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

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”

    Beginning Wednesday, June 4, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    The DLOC hours of operations are as follows:

    JIM WELLS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Jim Wells County Tax Office – Former Wells Fargo Bank
    First Floor
    601 E. Main St.
    Alice, TX  78332

    Opens at 12 p.m., Wednesday, June 4
    Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    Closes at 5 p.m., Thursday, June 26

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

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 1, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 2, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: Cuban Labor Export Program

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Spokesperson Tammy Bruce discusses new visa restrictions on several Central American government officials who are responsible for deals with the corrupt Cuban regime to import medical personnel in their forced labor scheme.
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
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    Substack: https://statedept.substack.com

    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSTATEBPA/signup/32562

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    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIuxI6q4H8Y

    MIL OSI Video –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Consumer NZ – The sale of a top-rated power company signals a shrinking market

    Source: Consumer NZ

    Flick Electric has been rated New Zealand’s top power company in Consumer NZ’s latest energy retailer survey — coinciding with its sale to gentailer, Meridian.

    Flick Electric has been named New Zealand’s top-rated power company in Consumer NZ’s latest energy retailer survey – but the win comes with an unexpected twist.  

    Flick achieved a standout satisfaction score of 71% (very satisfied), earning a People’s Choice award. Flick was recently sold to Meridian Energy – the parent company of Powershop, which failed to meet the People’s Choice standard in 2025.

    In contrast to Flick, Powershop, a seven-time People’s Choice winner since 2015, has seen a notable drop in satisfaction – from 67% in 2024 to just 60% this year, pushing it out of the top tier for the first time in years.

    “Flick has consistently rated well in our surveys, so it’s disappointing to see it absorbed by a larger player,” says Jessica Walker, Consumer NZ acting head of research and advocacy.

    “Flick customers have been typically among the most satisfied. We don’t know what the future holds for Flick customers, but there is a risk it will be consumers who will bear the brunt of reduced competition.”  

    The poorest performers this year are Pulse Energy (41%), Contact Energy (44%) and Mercury (47%). Contact Energy and Mercury are two of the largest energy providers in the country and are known as ‘gentailers’, electricity companies that both generate and retail electricity directly to households.  

    Meridian Energy was the third-best performing power provider in the survey results and notably the highest-ranking of this country’s four gentailers.  

    Frank also earns People’s Choice, but sector-wide ambivalence is up  

    Frank Energy joins Flick in receiving a People’s Choice award, with 65% of its customers reporting high satisfaction. However, broader tr

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Banking – ASB Business Survey: The impact of Trump’s tariffs, according to Kiwi businesses

    Source: ASB

    Research released today by ASB, supported by Talbot Mills Research, shows Kiwi businesses see US tariffs as more impactful than Covid-19 or the Global Financial Crisis.  More than 300 business leaders, including CEOs and founders, contributed to the study, giving their insights on President Trump’s recently announced trade policies.

     

    • Two-thirds (67%) of businesses are concerned about the impact of proposed US tariffs in the next 12 months, with nearly 80% of exporters concerned
    • Kiwi business leaders believe Trump’s tariffs will have a more severe global impact than Covid-19 and the GFC
    • Meat, dairy and wine are seen as the most vulnerable within Food and Fibre sector, while businesses predict wool and seafood would fare better
    • Nearly one-quarter (24%) of Kiwi businesses see at least some opportunity in the tariffs
    • More than one-third (39%) of respondents listed support of banks as critical to navigating the current environment

     

    Tariffs: a threat and an opportunity for Kiwi businesses

    ASB’s Executive General Manager Business Banking Rebecca James says: “We’re seeing sustained market volatility with the ever-changing political decisions around tariffs, which naturally creates a heightened sense of uncertainty for businesses. It’s clear businesses view any proposed US tariffs as troubling, but it’s pleasing that nearly a quarter of respondents see opportunity in tariffs too. New Zealand has a reputation on the world stage for ingenuity and a can-do attitude, and we want businesses to know there are things they can do to future-proof and manage risks in turbulent times.”

    President Trump first announced tariffs in April as part of the ‘America First’ trade policy, aimed at protecting US industries and addressing the trade deficit. The tariffs are set at 10% for most countries, including New Zealand, with China a notable outlier where a larger tariff has been applied to Chinese origin goods. Additional proposed tariffs higher than the 10% baseline were paused for a 90-day period and will be reviewed in July.  Businesses are split on how long potential disruption could last.  A slight majority (51%) of Kiwi businesses are optimistic that the economy will recover quickly, while 38% predict a prolonged economic downturn for the country and the remainder were unsure.

    Taking action key to growth

    14% of those surveyed view US tariffs purely as an opportunity, while 10% see them as both a potential risk and an opportunity. Ten percent of businesses and 14% of exporters have already taken action to reduce the negative impacts of tariffs including raising prices, shifting markets or cutting costs. Just under one-third (30%) believe they can make up losses through new customers or cost savings; 25% from operational efficiencies, and 22% from other revenue streams. 22% are unsure, with uncertainty highest among small businesses.

    “The current market volatility and geopolitical tension may be our ‘new normal’, but we’ve been in positions of global uncertainty before and the research shows Kiwi businesses are already thinking about actions they can take to make their business more resilient and generate returns.”

    Ms James encourages businesses to stay connected to industry partners, trade advocacy groups and their banks to share knowledge and ideas when it comes to growth and scale.

    “Business customers are relying on us more than ever to navigate the current environment, and we’re seeing this through an increase in trade finance and a rise in currency hedging enquiries. Our advice is to start exploring options now. We’re seeing customers adapting their business strategy in all sorts of ways, so solutions for your business might look like assessing AI to improve workflow, adjusting your supply chain, selling down stock before new inventory orders, building new trade relationships or exploring untapped markets.”

    Businesses shifting their focus to closer to home

    More than three-quarters of Kiwi exporters expect the cost of doing business with the US to increase by 10% or more in the next year. Concern is higher among exporters (78%) and increases with business size, with worry growing to 88% among 100+ staff businesses). The potential impacts of tariffs which were of the most concern to businesses include slowing economic growth (39%), increased operating costs (32%) and supply chain disruptions (28%).  Nearly one-quarter of businesses are worried about consumer backlash due to price inflation (24%), along with 23% who see a China-US Trade war as unsettling for business. Some of the most explored markets by businesses are China (51%), Australia (37%), European Union (28%) and Southeast Asia (25%).  

    “The research shows a pendulum swing when it comes to trading partners, with businesses redirecting their attention to our close neighbours. Location seems to be king, with our customers prioritising relationships much closer to home,” says Ms James.

    “We’re also seeing exporters maintaining high standards and doubling down on premium products to give us an edge on the global stage, even where it costs more for consumers.”

    The role of banks as a critical support function

    Businesses see Government lobbying as the most critical tool in helping to reduce the impact of tariffs, with banks the next most important. More than one-third (39%) of respondents listed support of banks as critical, specifically working capital support (31%), risk advice (26%) and trade finance (24%).

    “ASB has provided $4.6 billion dollars to Kiwi businesses over the past five years including considerable support to companies looking to expand and navigate opportunities abroad. We have seen increased use of trade finance products, aided by trade credit insurance, enabling businesses to sustainably leverage balance sheets while derisking payment default. We encourage companies doing business overseas to speak with their banker and engage with a trade specialist to ensure your business is in the strongest position,” says Ms James.

    Notes: Results in this report are based upon questions asked in a Talbot Mills Research online survey. The basis of the sample is 344 New Zealand business leaders (business owners, C-suite, senior management), with the survey in field between 24 April and 5 May 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Banking – ASB drops mortgage rates for the seventh time this year

    Source: ASB

    ASB has today reduced several of its fixed home lending rates by up to 20 basis points, marking the bank’s seventh fixed rate mortgage drop in 2025. ASB has also lowered some of its term deposit rates by between 5 and 20 basis points.

    ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says “Interest rates remain a hot topic of conversation, with homeowners and first home buyers watching the market closely.  Whether you’re looking to fix or float, today’s drops to our fixed lending rates across short and medium terms, along with our lower variable rates announced last week, give New Zealanders a range of appealing options to consider.”  

    All rate decreases are effective immediately.

     

      Fixed home lending term

    Previous rate

    New rate

    Rate decrease

    6-month

    5.59%

    5.45%

    – 14 bps

    1-year

    4.99%

    4.95%

    – 4 bps

    18-month

    4.99%

    4.89%

    – 10 bps

    2-year

    4.99%

    4.95%

    – 4 bps

    3-year

    5.35%

    5.15%

    – 20 bps

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Construction Sector – Construction cost growth flatlines as industry slowdown persists

    Source: Quotable Value

    The latest figures from QV CostBuilder show construction costs overall have barely risen in the second quarter of 2025, amidst an ongoing downturn for the industry. 
    The average cost of building a standard one- or two-storey 150/230m² home in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin or Palmerston North has rose just 0.1% in the past three months- down again from the 0.4% increase recorded in the first quarter of this year.
    Annually, the cost of building a home in one of those six centres has increased by an average of 1.3%, which is in stark contrast to the double-figure growth experienced throughout 2021, 2022, and 2023.
    “This ongoing deceleration in construction cost inflation signals a broader industry slowdown,” said QV CostBuilder quantity surveyor Martin Bisset.
    “With subdued demand and tighter economic conditions, we’re now seeing many building material prices either holding steady or trending downward.”
    “Where we previously saw surging labour costs due to shortages, particularly in skilled trades, we’re now seeing a plateau,” Mr. Bisset noted.
    “This is a positive for developers managing tighter margins in a cooling market.”
    In the meantime, the cost of building non-residential buildings (excluding educational buildings) has also increased slightly by 0.1% this quarter, with an annual cost increase of less than one percent at just 0.9%. In our Q1 update, costs remained steady, up just 0.1% for the quarter and 1.2% for the year – also reflecting the downward trend in building costs in New Zealand.
    “These figures tell a story of stability rather than volatility,” Mr. Bisset added.
    “Construction costs are plateauing, but that doesn’t mean predictability for every project. The complexity, level of finish, and design elements will always have a major influence on overall cost.”
    However, he warned that geopolitical instability had the potential to impact prices in the future. “New tariffs have exacerbated the high levels of tension and uncertainty in international relations, along with recent escalation of armed conflicts means a general sense of political volatility continues to pose risks, not only to construction costs but also to the economy as a whole,” Mr. Bisset said. “Anything that impedes the flow of goods across the world has the potential for increasing the difficulty and therefore the cost of acquiring building materials here in Aotearoa.”
    Steel framing was among the biggest movers this quarter, down 5.7%; structural steel fell 2.1%; leading to a (1.4%) drop in the prices for Stairs and Balustrades; and Frames (0.7%). Site preparation costs dropped (1.0%) due to a reduction in sheet piling and diesel rates. Suspended ceilings fell 4.6%; and fire proofing costs decreased 3.2%. Bucking the trend, Formwork costs rose slightly by 0.3%; as did exterior walls and exterior finish costs.
    Labour rates have remained relatively stable, to March 2025; in the past three months, rising just 0.14% and they are up 1.8% over the past year. The downturn in overall construction activity – particularly in residential housing – has eased pressure on the labour market. Fewer projects mean there’s less competition for workers, which is helping to stabilise hourly rates and control one of the biggest contributors to project budgets.
    QV CostBuilder is New Zealand’s most comprehensive subscription-based building cost platform.
    In this update, more than 12,400 current material prices were applied to its database of more than 60,000 rates, generating about 6,300 changes to the data across six centres.
    Powered by state-owned enterprise Quotable Value, QV CostBuilder’s comprehensive database covers everything from the building costs per square metre for banks, schools, and office buildings, to the approximate cost per sheet of GIB and more than 8,000 other items. It also includes labour rates, labour constants, and much more.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: The government has taken special control of key projects to replace foreign software

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The government has defined a list of key projects to replace foreign software with domestic analogues. These projects will be under special control. This was discussed at a meeting of Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko with heads of industrial competence centers within the framework of the conference “CIPR-2025”.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that these projects have been given flagship status – they are of strategic importance for the country’s technological independence, especially in industry and the military-industrial complex.

    The criteria for selecting flagship projects include the criticality of the development for the industry, the possibility of using the software in the critical information infrastructure (CII), the implementation of the project in the interests of the military-industrial complex, as well as the implementation of PLM systems, i.e. integrated solutions for the design and production of complex equipment.

    It was noted that the flagship projects include a unified information environment for managing the product life cycle commissioned by the Roscosmos state corporation. The development will integrate all stages of product creation into a single system and optimize the processes of developing and manufacturing rocket and space technology. Another initiative is an information system for manufacturing aircraft technology commissioned by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). It will replace foreign software, will allow for the transfer of control over all stages of the product life cycle to digital technology, and will improve the efficiency of R&D work.

    “Within the framework of the ICC, advanced technological solutions are being created to strengthen Russia’s sovereignty. Today, our main focus is on the development of heavy software. First of all, we are talking about the implementation of product lifecycle management systems. These comprehensive solutions allow for the effective management of all stages – from design to serial production – in key industries: aircraft and shipbuilding, automobile and rocket and space industries. It is fundamentally important that all projects – both those financed by grants and corporate initiatives – are implemented within the established deadlines and successfully implemented in production processes. In this case, the priority is not the source of funding, but the achievement of measurable practical results,” said Dmitry Grigorenko.

    He also recalled that the ICCs have already demonstrated efficiency and high results. During the meeting, the most widely replicated ICC projects were highlighted – such initiatives demonstrated the highest sales revenue. Among them are the field design platforms commissioned by JSC Rosgeo. The revenue of its developer amounted to about 340% of the grant. Over 150% of the grant was returned in the form of tax deductions. Another successfully replicated development is the Ujin platform for the development of smart homes and digitalization of housing and communal services. The revenue from its sale amounted to about 60% of the grant, over 42% of the grant was returned in the form of taxes.

    In total, there are currently about 200 projects in progress to replace foreign software with Russian developments. They are being implemented both with government grant support and through the developer companies’ own investments.

    The initiatives are divided into two stages of implementation. The first wave, which started in 2022, includes about 150 projects, of which over 40% have been fully completed to date: these are 59 projects implemented using the participants’ own funds, as well as 7 grant projects.

    In May of this year, the second wave was launched, which included another 49 projects: 17 with state funding and 32 with company funds.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Protecting Families by Protecting Pets – a national call to action

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour is advocating for increased protections for family pets in family violence incidents. 
    “I want to talk about some hidden victims of domestic abuse – our pets,” says Mrs Chhour.
    “New Zealand unfortunately has unacceptably high rates of family violence in the developed world, and at the same time one of the highest rates of pet ownership.
    “Pets are part of the family. They are our companions, our comfort, often a source of unconditional love. Tragically, this means that when family violence happens, our animals are often caught in the crossfire. 
    “Abusers know how much their victims love their pets, and they use that love as a weapon. 
    “Many people are shocked to learn how deeply linked pet abuse is with domestic violence.
    According to the latest research from Women’s Refuge: 
    •         53% of women in abusive relationships delayed leaving their violent partner out of fear for their pet’s safety.  Over half of victims hesitate to escape because they cannot ensure their pet will be safe without them.
    •         About 24% of women (nearly 1 in 4) had a pet killed by their abuser.  This horrifying statistic shows that for a significant number of survivors, their worst fears were realised – their beloved companion was brutally taken from them.
    •         Frontline agencies are reporting a rise in sadistic violence toward animals in domestic abuse cases. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a pattern of extreme cruelty designed to instil terror.
    “These numbers and examples are shocking and painful to hear, but sadly they reflect the reality for families across the country and in every community. 
    “Talking about this issue is important, but taking action is even more important. 
    “Today, I’m both asking for your help and making a commitment as Minister. 
    “Please spread the word that if you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, remember that you can include pets on Protection Orders. 
    “Under New Zealand’s Family Violence Act, when you apply for a Protection Order, you can ask the Family Court to add a special condition to protect your animals. This means the abuser can be legally forbidden from hurting or taking the pets.
    “Too few people know about this so I would encourage everyone to tell your friends, family, and colleagues. 
    “My commitment is to strengthen these protections. 
    “I will be advocating to colleagues that we urgently need to update the Protection Order application and affidavit forms. We need these forms to explicitly cover pets and animal safety. 
    “I am also pushing for improved training and guidance so that lawyers, judges, and support workers routinely consider pets in every family violence case. 
    “Our courts and our system must recognise that pets are family, and that protecting them is part of protecting victims. 
    “This will be a team effort by all of us, we all have a role to play in stopping this cycle of abuse. 
    “It can be as simple as checking in on a friend if you suspect they’re afraid to leave an abusive home because of a pet. 
    “It can be educating our children that kindness to animals and people is non-negotiable.
    “No one should have to live in fear, and no animal should suffer as a pawn in domestic violence. 
    “Together, we can shine a light on this issue and bring about change. Let’s make sure no family member – two-legged or four-legged – is left behind in the journey to safety,” says Mrs Chhour. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: VETERANS, EXPERTS SHARE HOW HARMFUL REPUBLICAN POLICIES ARE TO VETERANS CARE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    “As Ranking Member on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I hear heartbreaking stories of our veterans being fired or denied and delayed from receiving their hard-earned benefits and services,” said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). “Trump and Republicans are breaking our promise to America’s veterans, letting Elon Musk’s DOGE cut benefits and healthcare our veterans earned while carrying out the largest firing of veterans in American history.”

    Norfolk, VA – Today, the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee held a hearing on the impacts of the Trump Administration proposed policies and DOGE cuts for veterans, led by Co-Chairs Congresswomen Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Nanette Díaz Barragán (D-CA). The committee heard from policy experts, healthcare providers, and veterans on how Republican schemes makes it more difficult to plan, access care, and utilize the programs across the federal government. 

    “Today, I heard a clear message from veterans, healthcare leaders and VA workers: President Trump’s agenda is making it harder for veterans and their families to receive the care they need,” said Rep. Kelly. “The Trump administration has fired over 6,000 veterans who are federal workers, implemented hiring freezes in the VA hospital system and cut mental healthcare for veterans. These attacks against the brave men and women who served our country in uniform are undignified and disrespectful.”

    “Our veterans served our country and have earned the care and benefits they were promised,” said Rep. Barragán. “Yet, Donald Trump and House Republicans have fired thousands of veterans, canceled contracts for programs to end veteran homelessness and prevent veteran suicide, frozen hiring new staff at the VA, and cut programs that provide health care and education — all so that they can line the pockets of their billionaire donors. House Democrats will continue to put our veterans over billionaires, fight back against Trump and House Republicans, and work to keep America’s commitment to our veterans.” 

    Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), who hosted the field hearing in his district said, “Today’s hearing highlighted the ways President Trump, Secretary Collins and Congressional Republicans have harmed our nation’s veterans by firing veterans, weakening the VA, and slashing Medicaid. I was proud to host my colleagues in Hampton Roads, home to one of the largest veterans’ populations in the country. I look forward to continuing to work together to protect America’s veterans from these attacks and ensure they receive the quality health care they earned.” 

    “Since his first day back in office, the President has gone after our nation’s veterans. The President has fired thousands of veterans and VA staff, taken a sledgehammer to the PACT Act serving veterans exposed to toxic substances, and canceled hundreds of contracts for programs supporting veterans’ mental health and addressing veteran homelessness. Make no mistake: This administration is making our veterans, their families, and the American people worse off,” said Rep. Mike Thompson, a veteran. 

    “As Ranking Member on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I hear heartbreaking stories of our veterans being fired or denied and delayed from receiving their hard-earned benefits and services,” said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). “Trump and Republicans are breaking our promise to America’s veterans, letting Elon Musk’s DOGE cut benefits and healthcare our veterans earned while carrying out the largest firing of veterans in American history.” 

    This year, the Steering & Policy Committee has held hearings on Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security Small Business, and Veterans. Each one shared personal stories of how everyday Americans are being harmed by this administration. The Steering & Policy Committee will continue to hear, collect, and share more stories from across the nation in the months ahead. 

    The full video of today’s hearing can be found here.  

    #### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 1: Alberta wildfire update (June 3, 3 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio delivers remarks at the American Compass Fifth Anniversary Gala – 8:00 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio delivers remarks at the American Compass Fifth Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C., on June 3, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCwq4Pa0G3M

    MIL OSI Video –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA News: Adjusting Imports of Aluminum and Steel into the United States

    Source: US Whitehouse

    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
     
    A PROCLAMATION

    1.  On January 11, 2018, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) transmitted to me a report on the Secretary’s investigation into the effect of imports of steel mill articles (steel articles) on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862) (section 232).  The Secretary found and advised me of his opinion that steel articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States.

    2.  In Proclamation 9705 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), and Proclamation 9980 of January 24, 2020 (Adjusting Imports of Derivative Aluminum Articles and Derivative Steel Articles Into the United States), I concurred with the Secretary’s findings that steel articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9705, and derivative steel articles, as described in clause 3 of Proclamation 9980, are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and I decided to adjust the imports of those steel articles and derivative steel articles by imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from most countries.  In Proclamation 10896 of February 10, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), I decided to adjust the imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles by imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from all countries. 

    3.  On January 19, 2018, the Secretary transmitted to me a report on the Secretary’s investigation into the effect of imports of aluminum articles on the national security of the United States under section 232.  The Secretary found and advised me of his opinion that aluminum articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States.

    4.  In Proclamation 9704 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), and Proclamation 9980, I concurred with the Secretary’s findings that aluminum articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9704, and derivative aluminum articles, as described in clause 3 of Proclamation 9980, are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and decided to adjust the imports of aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles by imposing a 10 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from most countries.  In Proclamation 10895 of February 10, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), I decided to adjust the imports of aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles by imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from all countries.

    5.  In Proclamation 10896 and Proclamation 10895, I instructed the Secretary to continue to monitor imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles, and aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles, respectively, and to review the status of such imports with respect to the national security of the United States.  The Secretary has done so and has advised me accordingly.

    6.  After considering current information newly provided by the Secretary, among other things, I have determined that it is necessary to increase the previously described steel and aluminum tariffs to adjust the imports of steel and aluminum articles and their derivative articles so that such imports will not threaten to impair the national security.  In my judgment, the increased tariffs will more effectively counter foreign countries that continue to offload low-priced, excess steel and aluminum in the United States market and thereby undercut the competitiveness of the United States steel and aluminum industries.  Although the previously imposed steel and aluminum tariffs have helped provide critical price support in the United States market, they have not yet enabled these industries to develop and maintain the rates of capacity production utilization that are necessary for the industries’ sustained health and for projected national defense needs.  I have determined that increasing the previously imposed tariffs will provide greater support to these industries and reduce or eliminate the national security threat posed by imports of steel and aluminum articles and their derivative articles.  

    7.  Accordingly, I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to increase the tariff rate for imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles, and aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles, from 25 percent ad valorem to 50 percent ad valorem effective as of 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025.  I have also determined that it is necessary and appropriate to modify the way in which the tariff measures described in Executive Order 14289 of April 29, 2025 (Addressing Certain Tariffs on Imported Articles), apply to steel articles and derivative steel articles, and aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles, to ensure the effectiveness of the tariff changes described in this proclamation and the alignment of policy priorities between this proclamation and Executive Order 14289.  I have further determined that it is necessary and appropriate to allow for the implementation of the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal of May 8, 2025 (EPD), and to accordingly provide different treatment, as described below, for imports of steel and aluminum articles, and their derivatives, from the United Kingdom.  

    8.  Section 232 authorizes the President to adjust the imports of an article and its derivatives that are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.

    9.  Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) the substance of statutes affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.

    Now, Therefore, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 232; the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); section 301 of title 3, United States Code; and section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, do hereby proclaim as follows:
    (1)  As set forth in Annexes I and II to this proclamation, as of 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, the tariffs proclaimed by Proclamation 9704, as amended; Proclamation 9705, as amended; Proclamation 9980, as amended; Proclamation 10895; and Proclamation 10896 are modified to increase the respective tariff rates from an additional 25 percent ad valorem to an additional 50 percent ad valorem. 
    (2)  The modifications to the HTSUS made by clause 1 of this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, and shall continue in effect, unless such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.
    (3)  Any imports of articles set forth in Annex II to this proclamation that were admitted into a United States foreign trade zone under “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41 before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, shall be subject upon entry for consumption made on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, to the provisions of the tariff in effect at the time of the entry for consumption.
    (4)  Any article set forth in Annex I to this proclamation, except those eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, that is subject to a duty imposed by this proclamation and that is admitted into a United States foreign trade zone on or after June 4, 2025, may be admitted only under “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41, and will be subject upon entry for consumption to any ad valorem rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading.
    (5)  Effective as of 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, Executive Order 14289 is amended by revising section 3(a)(ii) to read as follows:  “(ii) An article subject to tariffs pursuant to the actions listed in section 2(d) or 2(e) of this order shall not be subject to additional tariffs on that article pursuant to the actions listed in section 2(b) or 2(c) of this order.”  As set forth in Annex III of this proclamation, this amendment shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, and shall continue in effect, unless such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.
    (6)  Notwithstanding any prior proclamation or Executive Order, the non-aluminum, non-steel content of all aluminum and steel articles and derivative articles shall be subject to tariffs pursuant to Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025 (Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff To Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits), as amended, and any other applicable tariffs.  The additional ad valorem duties described in clause 1 and clause 7 of this proclamation shall apply only to the steel content of articles in Chapter 73 of the HTSUS and only to the aluminum content of articles in Chapter 76 of the HTSUS.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shall issue authoritative guidance mandating strict compliance with declaration requirements for steel and aluminum content in imported articles and outlining maximum penalties for noncompliance, including that importers who submit underreported declarations may be subject to severe consequences, including but not limited to significant monetary penalties, loss of import privileges, and criminal liability, consistent with United States law.
    (7) Notwithstanding clause 1 of this proclamation, the applicable rates of duty for articles of the United Kingdom that would otherwise be applicable pursuant to Proclamation 9704, as amended; Proclamation 9705, as amended; Proclamation 9980, as amended; Proclamation 10895; and Proclamation 10896 shall remain at 25 percent ad valorem.  On or after July 9, 2025, the Secretary may adjust the applicable rates of duty and construct import quotas for steel and aluminum consistent with the terms of the EPD, or he may increase the applicable rates of duty to 50 percent if he determines that the United Kingdom has not complied with relevant aspects of the EPD. 
    (8)  The Secretary shall continue to monitor imports of the articles and derivative articles described in Annexes I and II to this proclamation, and shall, from time to time, in consultation with any senior executive branch officials the Secretary deems appropriate, review the status of such imports with respect to the national security of the United States.  The Secretary shall inform the President of any circumstances that, in the Secretary’s opinion, might indicate the need for further action by the President under section 232.  The Secretary shall also inform the President of any circumstances that, in the Secretary’s opinion, might indicate that the duty rate provided for in this proclamation, or any proclamation issued pursuant thereto, is no longer necessary.
    (9)  No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed pursuant to this proclamation.
    (10)  The Secretary may issue regulations and guidance consistent with this proclamation, including to address operational necessity.
    (11)  The Secretary, in consultation with the United States International Trade Commission and CBP, shall determine whether any modifications to the HTSUS are necessary to effectuate this proclamation and may make such modifications through notice in the Federal Register if needed.
    (12)  CBP may take any necessary or appropriate measures to administer the tariffs imposed by this proclamation.
    (13)  Any provision of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that is inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation is superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
    third day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Increases Section 232 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

    Source: US Whitehouse

    COUNTERING TRADE PRACTICES THAT UNDERMINE NATIONAL SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation to increase the tariff to 50% on steel and aluminum.

    • President Trump is taking action to protect America’s critical steel and aluminum industries, which have been harmed by unfair trade practices and global excess capacity.
    • President Trump is raising the tariff on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, with the higher tariff set to go into effect on June 4, 2025.
      • Tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the United Kingdom will remain at 25%, with possible changes or quotas starting July 9, 2025, depending on the status of the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal.
      • The steel and aluminum tariffs will apply only to the steel and aluminum contents of imported products, whereas the non-steel and non-aluminum contents of imported products will be subject to other applicable tariffs.
    • President Trump is cracking down on false import declarations by requiring strict reporting of steel and aluminum content, with tough penalties like fines or loss of import rights for violators.
    • President Trump is exercising his authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to adjust imports of steel and aluminum to protect our national security.
      • This statute provides the President with authority to adjust imports being brought into the United States in quantities or under circumstances that threaten to impair national security.

    RESTORING FAIRNESS TO STEEL AND ALUMINUM MARKETS: President Trump is taking action to end unfair trade practices and the global dumping of steel and aluminum.

    • Foreign nations have been flooding the United States market with cheap steel and aluminum, often subsidized by their governments.
    • A report from the first Trump Administration found that steel import levels and global excess were weakening our domestic economy and threatening to impair national security.
      • The report found that excess production and capacity has been a major factor in the decline of domestic aluminum production.
    • While the domestic steel industry briefly achieved 80% capacity utilization in 2021, subsequent trade pressure has depressed domestic production.  In 2022 and 2023, capacity utilization fell to 77.3% and 75.3%, respectively.  High import volumes from sources exempt from Section 232 tariffs were a major factor in depressing domestic production volumes. 
    • For aluminum, there was an increase in the capacity utilization rate between 2017 and 2019, from 40% to 61% during that period. But since 2019, the aluminum capacity utilization has once again seen a steady decline, falling from 61% to 55% between 2019 and 2023.  
    • The United States does not want to be in a position where it would be unable to meet demand for national defense and critical infrastructure in a national emergency.

    STRENGTHENING AMERICA’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: President Trump’s decision to close existing loopholes and exemptions will strengthen United States’ steel and aluminum industries.

    • In his first term, President Trump imposed Section 232 tariffs to protect the American steel and aluminum industries from unfair foreign competition.
    • The steel tariffs that President Trump implemented led to thousands of jobs gained and higher wages in the metals industry.
      • These tariffs were hailed as a “boon” for Minnesota’s iron ore industry, with state officials crediting tariffs for bolstering the local economy. 
      • Steel and aluminum imports drastically decreased under President Trump, falling by nearly a third from 2016 to 2020.
      • The tariffs led to a wave in investment across the United States, with more than $10 billion committed to build new mills.
    • Earlier this year, President Trump restored and strengthened Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, widely celebrated by the American steel and aluminum industries.
    • Now, President Trump is once again being praised by our steel and Aluminum industries for his decision to raise tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum even higher and protect American workers.

    TARIFFS WORK: Studies have repeatedly shown that contrary to public rhetoric, tariffs can be an effective tool for achieving economic and strategic objectives.

    • A 2024 study on the effects of President Trump’s tariffs in his first Administration found that they “strengthened the U.S. economy,” and “led to significant reshoring” in industries like manufacturing and steel production.
    • A 2023 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission that analyzed the effects of Section 232 and 301 tariffs on more than $300 billion of U.S. imports found that the tariffs reduced imports from China, effectively stimulated more U.S. production of the tariffed goods, with very minor effects on prices.
    • According to the Economic Policy Institute, the tariffs implemented by President Trump during his first Administration “clearly show[ed] no correlation with inflation” and only had a temporary effect on overall price levels.
    • An analysis from the Atlantic Council found that “tariffs would create new incentives for US consumers to buy US-made products.”
    • Former Biden Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen affirmed last year that tariffs do not raise prices: “I don’t believe that American consumers will see any meaningful increase in the prices that they face.”
    • A 2024 economic analysis found that a global tariff of 10% would grow the economy by $728 billion, create 2.8 million jobs, and increase real household incomes by 5.7%.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Arkansas Ranks #1 for Election Integrity 

    Source: US State of Arkansas

     Up from #8 in the Heritage Foundation’s nationwide ranking

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas now ranks #1 in the nation for election integrity according to the Heritage Foundation’s Election Integrity Scorecard. The State ranked #8 at the beginning of the year and rose in the ranks after a successful session in which Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders prioritized safe and secure elections for Arkansas voters.
     
    “My goal this session was simple: make it easy to vote and hard to cheat,” said Governor Sanders. “I was proud to work with my friend, Secretary of State Cole Jester, to make Arkansas ballot boxes the safest and most secure in America and end petition fraud to protect our Constitution. Today’s announcement shows that all our hard work paid off.” 
     
    “As Secretary of State, I have said from day one we would have the most secure elections in the country. I’m proud of the work my team has completed implementing new procedures and technology. None of this would be possible without the great work of Governor Sanders and the men and women of the Arkansas legislature,” said Secretary of State Cole Jester.
     
    “Heritage has long been the gold standard for ranking states for election integrity and security,” said Senator Kim Hammer (District 16). “Legislators, Governor Sanders, and Secretary of State Cole Jester have worked together as a team, on behalf of Arkansans, to help achieve the number one ranking in election integrity and security in the nation! We must continue our work to protect our number one ranking from those who want to take us backwards. Arkansans can feel confident that our elections are secure. Let’s work together to maintain this ranking.”
     
    “Arkansas should never sacrifice election integrity for convenience,” said Senator John Payton (District 22). “We must fulfill our responsibility to get it right. I believe the commonsense changes made this year are true to these principles.”
     
    “Arkansas’ rise to #1 in the nation for election security is a significant achievement and a clear reflection of the strong conservative leadership and very intentional work done by the legislature,” said Senator Matt McKee (District 6). “The foundation of America’s constitutional republic relies on our ability to hold free and fair elections. While others work to undermine our republic, Arkansas has fought back to set a national example for how states can secure the electoral process and hold elections the people can trust.” 
     
    “There can be no doubt — we take election integrity seriously in Arkansas,” said Rep. David Ray (District 69). “It should be easy to vote and hard to cheat, and this new ranking is a testament to the hard work that we’ve done the past few years to fortify our election laws.” 
      
    “The Presidential elections of 2016 and 2020 showed both parties can challenge results,” said Rep. Carlton Wing (District 38). “The Legislature and Secretary of State’s office worked hard to pass laws to restore confidence in the electoral process. Arkansas now leads the nation in assuring our citizens that all legal votes must be counted and only legal votes should count. Today’s announcement demonstrates our efforts are setting a national standard in election integrity.”
     
    “In recognizing the dedication of the Republican-led legislature, the Heritage Foundation has propelled Arkansas to the pinnacle of election security rankings, from #8 to #1 in the nation,” said Rep. Howard Beaty (District 95). “As Arkansas House Majority Leader, I take pride in these outstanding results, reflecting our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the democratic process.”
     
    “Protecting the integrity of our elections starts long before ballots are cast,” said Rep. Kendon Underwood (District 16). “By strengthening safeguards in the petition process and cracking down on fraud and abuse, we’ve sent a clear message: every step in our democratic process must be uncompromised and trustworthy. Arkansas now stands as the national leader in election integrity because the security of our elections is a responsibility we take seriously every day.”
     
    Governor Sanders’ accomplishments in this legislative session include Act 240, Act 241, and Act 218, which strengthened protections on Arkansas’ ballot amendment process so that bad actors cannot influence and change the Natural State’s Constitution. The Governor also signed Act 998 and Act 999 to protect Arkansas elections from hostile foreign adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea and ban foreign entities from funding state and local ballot measures.
     
    Additionally, Governor Sanders is fully in support of the Citizens Only Voting Amendment, which will appear in front of voters next election and mandate that only U.S. citizens can vote in Arkansas elections.
     
    The Natural State received perfect scores on Voter ID Implementation, Access of Election Observers, Verification of Citizenship, Identification for Voter Assistance, Vote County Practices, Restrictions on Same-day Registration, Restrictions on Automatic Registration, Restrictions on Private Funding of Election Officials or Government Agencies, and Restrictions on Ranked Choice Voting.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Visits Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center and Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Visits Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center and Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center

    NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Visits Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center and Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center
    jawerner
    Tue, 06/03/2025 – 16:30

    North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai today visited two state operated healthcare facilities, Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center (NTC) and Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center (ADATC), dedicated to providing critical specialized care to people in eastern North Carolina.  

    Secretary Sangvai’s first stop was Longleaf NTC in Wilson, one of three state operated healthcare facilities which serves adults with chronic and complex medical conditions that co-exist with neurodevelopmental, and/or neurocognitive disorders and/or a diagnosis of severe and persistent mental illness. He was joined by State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt; Deputy Secretary for Licensing and Facilities Karen Burkes; Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Chief Psychiatrist Dr. Carrie Brown; and Longleaf NTC leadership. During the visit, they toured a resident hall and two recently completed renovation projects in the kitchen and outdoor verandah.  

    The facility faces several challenges including staffing shortages and retention, particularly with nursing positions. Currently, the overall staffing vacancy rate is more than 43% with over 200 open positions. Longleaf NTC relies heavily on contract staffing to support staff shortages, and long-term investments are needed to help further support the workforce.

    “The health care workforce in North Carolina is vital to the health of our communities,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Together we will work toward solutions, like increased pay and retention efforts, to fill these critical positions and ensure people continue to receive the care they need.”

    Leadership also highlighted successes including the facility’s return to normal operations after taking in residents of Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center who were displaced during Hurricane Helene. 

    Secretary Sangvai then toured and met with staff at Walter B. Jones ADATC in Greenville, one of two substance use disorder treatment centers operated by the NCDHHS Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities (DSOHF). They visited a newly opened residential unit, cafeteria and Opioid Treatment Center at the facility.

    Walter B. Jones ADATC leaders cited hiring and recruitment challenges among their top concerns, including the inability to offer competitive wages. Currently, the staffing vacancy rate is more than 38% with over 55 open positions. These workforce challenges limit the facility’s operating capacity which is currently at 35 beds out of 42 total.  

    “State operated healthcare facilities are the backbone to providing critical and complex services to some of the most vulnerable people in North Carolina,” said Secretary Sangvai. “If we want to create a healthier North Carolina, we must retain positions to attract and maintain staff and providers in these vital facilities.”

    Current North Carolina House and Senate budget proposals eliminate hundreds of NCDHHS positions. Any reductions in the workforce at NCDHHS DSOHF facilities would limit the ability to staff and operate more beds and could permanently reduce the number of patients able to be served if it becomes law.  

    Jun 3, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Says Senate Should Dump House Proposal to Force Millions Off Health Coverage & Endanger Struggling Rural Hospitals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    06.03.25
    Cantwell Says Senate Should Dump House Proposal to Force Millions Off Health Coverage & Endanger Struggling Rural Hospitals
    In WA, Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” would compromise health coverage for over 270k people
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) for a press conference at the Capitol calling on their Republican colleagues to reject the devastating cuts to Medicaid included in the budget bill that barely passed the House of Representatives last month.
    “If this bill is enacted — reversing the gains of the Affordable Care Act — it will increase our uncompensated care cost. One estimate: $42 billion alone in 2026 of uncompensated care, and $278 billion in uncompensated care increases over a 10-year window,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    “The result in declining revenue would have adverse consequences for at-risk hospitals and rural communities. We have all heard from our rural hospitals warning us about this. How is it that our Republican Senate colleagues are not listening to those rural hospitals?”
    She continued: “Do our Republican colleagues not care about delivery of health care in our rural community and the spillover effect it has to their economies? This is not scare tactics. This is a bill, if enacted, [that] will not result in savings. It will result in an increase in the uninsured. It will result in financial stresses on our system, and it will increase costs on all of us. And yes, it will cost lives.”
    Video of today’s press conference is HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE.
    Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a reconciliation bill containing over $700 billion in cuts and significant changes to Medicaid, the federal program that insures many low-income adults and children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. 
    Medicaid, known as Apple Health in Washington state, covers over 1.9 million Washingtonians. On May 2, Sen. Cantwell released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that Medicaid cuts would have on Washington state’s highly-ranked long-term care system for seniors and people with disabilities. In February, she released a snapshot report that demonstrated how cuts would harm health care access in Washington state, and she followed up with a report in March that dove into impacts on the Puget Sound region.
    Highlights of those snapshot reports include:
    In Washington state, WA-04 (Central Washington) and WA-05 (Eastern Washington) have the highest proportions of adults and total population on Medicaid (Apple Health). In District 4, 70% of children are on Medicaid.
    In the Puget Sound, children in Seattle’s blue-collar strongholds would feel the deepest pain from Medicaid cuts. More than half of children in Burien, SeaTac, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Renton, and Rainier Valley depend on Medicaid.
    In an exclusive new survey of 68 WA nursing homes, 67 of 68 would cut services if Medicaid were cut by 5% or more, and 65% would consider closing.
    Over the past three months, Sen. Cantwell also took a tour around the state to hear from folks who would be directly impacted by cuts to Medicare. Doctors, patients, and health care providers in Seattle, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and Wenatchee warned that such cuts would devastate Washington state’s health care system and limit access to lifesaving care.
    On May 21, Sen. Cantwell joined Washington state health care professionals for a virtual press conference to highlight statewide alarm and opposition to proposed Medicaid cuts. That same day, 23 Republican members of the Washington state legislature sent a letter to the entire Washington state federal Congressional delegation, urging the delegation to “protect Medicaid funding for Washington State.”
    A full timeline of Sen. Cantwell’s actions to defend Medicaid from cuts is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Diversified Royalty Corp. Announces June 2025 Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Royalty Corp. (TSX: DIV and DIV.DB.A) (the “Corporation” or “DIV”) is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved a cash dividend of $0.02083 per common share for the period of June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025, which is equal to $0.25 per common share on an annualized basis. The dividend will be paid on June 30, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 13, 2025.

    About Diversified Royalty Corp.

    DIV is a multi-royalty corporation, engaged in the business of acquiring top-line royalties from well-managed multi-location businesses and franchisors in North America. DIV’s objective is to acquire predictable, growing royalty streams from a diverse group of multi-location businesses and franchisors.

    DIV currently owns the Mr. Lube + Tires, AIR MILES®, Sutton, Mr. Mikes, Nurse Next Door, Oxford Learning Centres, Stratus Building Solutions and BarBurrito trademarks. Mr. Lube + Tires is the leading quick lube service business in Canada, with locations across Canada. AIR MILES® is Canada’s largest coalition loyalty program. Sutton is among the leading residential real estate brokerage franchisor businesses in Canada. Mr. Mikes operates casual steakhouse restaurants primarily in western Canadian communities. Nurse Next Door is a home care provider with locations across Canada and the United States as well as in Australia. Oxford Learning Centres is one of Canada’s leading franchisee supplemental education services. Stratus Building Solutions is a leading commercial cleaning service franchise company providing comprehensive janitorial, building cleaning, and office cleaning services primarily in the United States. BarBurrito is the largest quick service Mexican restaurant food chain in Canada.

    DIV’s objective is to increase cash flow per share by making accretive royalty purchases and through the growth of purchased royalties. DIV intends to continue to pay a predictable and stable monthly dividend to shareholders and increase the dividend over time, in each case as cash flow per share allows.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, ”project”, “should”, “believe”, “confident”, “plan” and “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements made in relation to: the amount and timing of the June 2025 dividend to be paid to DIV’s shareholders; DIV’s objective to continue to pay predictable and stable monthly dividends to shareholders; and DIV’s corporate objectives. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events, performance, or achievements of DIV to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by such forward-looking information. DIV believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this news release are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In particular there can be no assurance that: DIV will be able to make monthly dividend payments to the holders of its common shares; or DIV will achieve any of its corporate objectives. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking information included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance, and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. More information about the risks and uncertainties affecting DIV’s business and the businesses of its royalty partners can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of its Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2025 and in its most recent Management’s Discussion and Analysis, copies of each of which are available under DIV’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    In formulating the forward-looking information contained herein, management has assumed that, among other things, DIV will generate sufficient cash flows from its royalties to service its debt and pay dividends to shareholders; the business and economic conditions affecting DIV and its royalty partners will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect to general industry conditions, general levels of economic activity and regulations. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect.

    All of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, DIV. The forward-looking information included in this news release is presented as of the date of this news release and DIV assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

    THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR THE ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    Additional Information

    Additional information relating to the Corporation and other public filings, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    Contact:
    Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Diversified Royalty Corp.
    (236) 521-8470

    Greg Gutmanis, Chief Financial Officer and VP Acquisitions
    Diversified Royalty Corp.
    (236) 521-8471

    The MIL Network –

    June 4, 2025
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