NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI: Urbana Corporation – Report of Voting Results Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S./

    TORONTO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Urbana Corporation (the “Corporation”) (TSX & CSE: URB, URB.A) reports the results of the votes conducted at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 11, 2025.

    Election of Directors
    Each of the five director nominees listed in the Corporation’s management proxy circular dated May 8, 2025, was elected as a director. The voting results of the election of the five directors are set forth in the table below:

    Name of Nominee  For Withheld
    Thomas S. Caldwell 5,982,736 (92.63%) 475,974 (7.37%)
    Beth Colle 6,414,874 (99.32%) 43,836 (0.68%)
    George D. Elliott 5,961,180 (92.30%) 497,530 (7.70%)
    Michael B. C. Gundy 5,959,251 (92.27%) 499,459 (7.73%)
    Charles A.V. Pennock 5,957,060 (92.23%) 501,650 (7.77%)
         

    Appointment of Auditor
    Deloitte LLP was reappointed as the auditor of the Corporation to hold office until the close of the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  The voting result of this appointment is set forth in the table below:

     For Withheld
    6,447,665 (99.83%) 11,045 (0.17%)  
       

    On behalf of Urbana’s Board of Directors,
    Thomas S. Caldwell, C.M.

    For further information:

    Elizabeth Naumovski
    Investor Relations 
    (416) 595-9106      enaumovski@urbanacorp.com

    150 KING ST. W., SUITE 1702, TORONTO, ONTARIO M5H 1J9 
    TEL: 416-595-9106  FAX: 416-862-2498  www.urbanacorp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Reports June 2025 Volumes and 2Q25 Statistics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today reported monthly volumes for June 2025, as well as quarterly volumes, estimated revenue capture, number of listings, and index statistics for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, on its Investor Relations website.

    A data sheet showing this information can be found at: http://ir.nasdaq.com/financials/volume-statistics.

    About Nasdaq

    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) projections relating to our future financial results, total shareholder returns, growth, trading volumes, products and services, ability to transition to new business models, taxes and achievement of synergy targets, (ii) statements about the closing or implementation dates and benefits of certain acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic, restructuring, technology, de-leveraging and capital allocation initiatives, (iii) statements about our integrations of our recent acquisitions, (iv) statements relating to any litigation or regulatory or government investigation or action to which we are or could become a party, and (v) other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, Nasdaq’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, and other factors detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Media Relations Contacts:

    Nick Eghtessad
    +1.929.996.8894
    Nick.Eghtessad@Nasdaq.com

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Ato Garrett
    +1.212.401.8737
    Ato.Garrett@Nasdaq.com

    -NDAQF-

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott Accepting Applications for Fall 2025 Internships

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is now accepting applications for internships in his Washington, D.C., North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices for the fall of 2025. Applications will be accepted through the end of the summer. The internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to work with public service professionals and gain practical experience in constituent services, federal policy, and more. Students of all majors, particularly those studying governmental affairs, public policy, or communications, are welcome to apply.  
    Washington, D.C. Office: In Washington, interns will research legislation, attend congressional hearings and briefings, assist with press tasks, and help manage correspondence on various issues. Responsibilities also include answering phones and other administrative tasks. Interns in this office will gain a stronger understanding of the lawmaking process, while also improving their communication and customer service skills.
    South Carolina Offices (North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville): In the state offices, interns will take an active role in the community, working on state-based projects while also answering phones, completing research, and being an integral part of day-to-day office operations. Interns in these offices are able to assist with issues that affect South Carolinians each day.
    Internship hours are flexible to accommodate students’ course schedules but generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may also gain course credit for completing the internship program. Interested students can apply through Senator Scott’s website at https://www.scott.senate.gov/constituent-services/internships. For additional questions, contact the internship coordinator at internships@scott.senate.gov or (202) 224-6121. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Markey on Trump’s Tariff War, Civil Rights, and Climate on Dan Koh’s People’s Cabinet Podcast

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Watch: Senator Markey on “The People’s Cabinet”

    Washington (July 1, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Top Democrat on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and the Primary Health and Retirement Security Subcommittee of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, recently spoke with Dan Koh for his podcast “The People’s Cabinet,” discussing his fight to exempt small businesses from Trump’s tariffs, how what Tufts student Rümeysa Öztürk’s case shown a spotlight on the threats to due process in the Trump era, and Donald Trump’s attacks on the Green New Deal, clean energy, and the environment. Below are excerpts from their conversation.

    Threats to Small Businesses

    “I’m listening to small businesses in Massachusetts and across the country, and uniformly they are terrified by Trump’s tariff regime. A larger business might be able to ride out the uncertainty of the tariffs for a year, but for a small business – they live week to week, or month to month, and they can’t have that kind of cloud over them indefinitely. The most vulnerable businesses in America are small businesses, which is why I have a bill that would exempt small businesses from the tariffs. These tariffs could be an extinction event for small businesses, and they are the ones who are paying the price.”

    Threats to Due Process

    “Rumeysa [Ozturk] was picked up off the streets right just a couple of miles from my house in Malden, in Somerville, and I knew it was part of a much larger story in our country. Rumeysa Ozturk had not been charged with a crime. People realized that what happened to her could happen to them in the Trump era – that there could be a curtailment of their fifth amendment due process rights and first amendment right to free speech. Trump was weaponizing his government to go after people who he considered to be threats to the country without any evidence.”

    Green New Deal

    “To a very large extent, the Green New Deal changed the whole discussion in the Democratic party about the issues we should be focusing upon, and to a certain extent, it’s all going to be on the table in 2026. I’m very confident that our vision of talking about a cleaner environment but also housing, education, breaking up monopolies, and making sure there are opportunities for everyone regardless of income and regardless of race is going to be a very powerful and winning message in 2026.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Castor Urges Justice Department to Reinstate Prosecutor in Major Florida Fraud Case

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) called on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to immediately reinstate Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon following his abrupt removal from the Department of Justice. Gordon had been leading the prosecution of Leo Govoni, a St. Petersburg man accused of stealing over $100 million from medical trust funds meant to help individuals with disabilities, injured workers and retirees across Florida.

    “These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity,” wrote Castor. “The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.”

    Castor closed, “I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.”

    Castor’s letter also raises concerns about Gordon’s dismissal as potential political retaliation for previously prosecuting January 6 insurrection cases. Castor calls the firings of Gordon and other career prosecutors “a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law… These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.”

    The Trump Administration’s action to remove a prosecutor in charge of holding a serial fraudster accountable for preying on vulnerable Floridians runs contrary to his claims of rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in health care and across the federal government.

    Read the full letter here and below:

    Dear Attorney General Bondi:

    I urge you to reconsider the recent dismissal of Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon from the Department of Justice. His removal—documented in your June 27 memo—comes at a pivotal moment in the federal prosecution of St. Petersburg fraudster Leo Govoni, who stands accused of orchestrating one of the largest fraud schemes in Florida’s recent history. The timing and circumstances of Mr. Gordon’s termination raise serious concerns about political retribution and threaten to derail justice for victims who have already suffered for far too long.

    Mr. Govoni is charged with embezzling over $100 million from medical trust funds intended to safeguard the long-term care of vulnerable individuals, including individuals with disabilities, injured workers, and retirees across Florida. These funds—managed by nonprofits Govoni helped found—were systematically siphoned into shell companies and fraudulent investment vehicles, allegedly to support his lavish personal lifestyle. Victims were blindsided when their accounts were drained, leaving them without the resources they relied on for housing, therapy, medication, and basic dignity

    The harm inflicted is especially profound in the Tampa Bay area:

    • In St. Petersburg, Rebekah Bowman trusted Govoni with $800,000 from a settlement meant to care for her disabled son, Kienan Freeman, who requires lifelong support due to a severe seizure disorder. Govoni personally assured her the funds would be protected and grown. Instead, federal investigators found the account partially emptied, and the nonprofit declared bankruptcy. Rebekah shared: “He promised that he would take care of the money and help it grow… and then I shouldn’t have to worry about the money.” After watching Govoni remain free while her son’s care became uncertain, she said: “He gets to walk free and the rest of us still have to struggle.”
    • In Tampa, Melissa Beck witnessed her father, Thomas Hancock, denied chemotherapy despite having over $347,000 in a Medicare Set-Aside account Govoni’s nonprofit claimed to manage. Hancock, permanently disabled after a fall in 2007, died on May 16, 2025, from complications of cancer and COPD. Melissa discovered the alleged theft only after his death and now seeks justice. She said: “My feeling is this man killed my father… My father could’ve gotten treatment. Maybe he could have survived?” And added: “There’s no amount of money that is going to bring my dad back… but my dad deserves justice, and I will fight until my last breath to get it.”
    • The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy.

    Equally alarming is the dismissal of a highly regarded Department of Justice prosecutor for purely politically vindictive reasons. Mr. Gordon previously served as senior trial counsel for the Capitol Siege Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. His team prosecuted individuals involved in the January 6 violent insurrection, during which nearly 140 police officers were injured, suffering broken bones, burns, and blunt trauma. Officer Brian Sicknick died from strokes after being assaulted; four others died by suicide in the aftermath. Rioters committed serious crimes, including:

    • Assaulting law enforcement officers with flagpoles, bear spray, and blunt weapons
    • Seditious conspiracy, as in the case of Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio
    • Obstruction of congressional proceedings
    • Destruction and theft of government property
    • Unlawful entry into restricted federal buildings, often while armed

    As of January 20, 2025, 1,575 individuals were charged in connection with the attack. Yet on his first day back in office, in what is a deep stain of callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law, President Trump pardoned over 1,500 convicted rioters, including violent offenders. He has since fired prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on these cases. Your dismissal of Mr. Gordon—alongside two other career prosecutors—marks the first time that non-probationary federal attorneys were removed for their role in these prosecutions. These actions appear petty and vindictive, aimed at punishing those who upheld the rule of law.

    I respectfully request that you stand up for the victims of the Govoni crimes, reinstate Mr. Gordon immediately and allow the prosecution of Leo Govoni to proceed unimpeded. The victims deserve closure, and the public deserves a justice system free from intimidation and partisan retribution.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supreme Court Intervenes to Allow Trump’s Unlawful Reorganization of the Federal Government to Continue as Case Proceeds

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Court Uses Shadow Docket to Lift Lower Court’s Pause of Unconstitutional Overhaul of Vital Departments and Agencies

    Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court has granted another emergency stay request from the Trump-Vance administration to stay the injunction two lower courts had approved in AFGE v. Trump that halted the unlawful reorganization of the federal government. The court’s decision permits the administration to continue with plans to restructure federal agencies using Agency Reductions in Force and Reorganization Plans, despite the absence of the required congressional authorization. The court specifically did not weigh in on the legality of the agency plans themselves. The case will continue and counsel are considering next steps.

    The coalition bringing the case, which includes labor unions, non-profit organizations, and cities and counties in California, Illinois, Maryland, Texas, and Washington, is represented by lead co-counsel Democracy Forward and Altshuler Berzon LLP, Protect Democracy, Public Rights Project, and Democracy Defenders Fund.

    The coalition released the following statement in response to the court’s decision:

    “Today’s decision has dealt a serious blow to our democracy and puts services that the American people rely on in grave jeopardy. This decision does not change the simple and clear fact that reorganizing government functions and laying off federal workers en masse haphazardly without any congressional approval is not allowed by our Constitution. While we are disappointed in this decision, we will continue to fight on behalf of the communities we represent and argue this case to protect critical public services that we rely on to stay safe and healthy.”

    The coalition includes the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and four AFGE locals; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and three SEIU Locals (521, 1000, 1021); Alliance for Retired Americans; American Geophysical Union; American Public Health Association; Center for Taxpayer Rights; Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks; Common Defense; Main Street Alliance; NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council); Northeast Organic Farming Association Inc.; VoteVets; Western Watersheds Project; City and County of San Francisco, California; County of Santa Clara, California; City of Chicago, Illinois; City of Baltimore, Maryland; Harris County, Texas; and King County, Washington.

    Statements from plaintiffs and counsel in the case are here.

    AFGE v. Trump argues that the Trump administration’s unlawful reorganization of the federal government, which is already underway without legislative authority, violates the Constitution’s fundamental separation of powers principles.

    Read the complaint here and the Supreme Court ruling here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Cassidy Outlines Plan to Save Social Security in Op-Ed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in the Washington Post outlining his “Big Idea” to save Social Security by creating a sovereign wealth fund—separate from the Social Security Trust Fund—dedicated to protecting the program for all current and future Social Security beneficiaries. Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) in penning the op-ed.
    “There is a nationwide appetite to implement a bipartisan, commonsense plan like ours. Waiting until the Social Security Trust Fund is on the eve of crisis would have difficult and preventable consequences. Congress should seize the moment,” wrote the senators.
    Read the full op-ed here or below.
    Our Bipartisan Plan Could Rescue Social Security
    If Congress doesn’t act, the Social Security Trust Fund will be insolvent as soon as 2033, and millions of Americans who have been paying into the program will see a significant portion of their promised benefits cut. That’s why we’re working on a bipartisan proposal for a new investment fund that would infuse much-needed money into Social Security, while ensuring no one on Social Security or nearing retirement sees any change to the benefits whatsoever.
    Social Security is currently funded through payroll taxes, which are not keeping pace with the amount needed to sustain the program. For now, the Social Security Trust Fund — which is invested exclusively in U.S. government bonds yielding low returns — is helping to fill the gap, but it can’t for long. The most recent Social Security Trustees Reportshowed that payroll tax revenue will fall more than $25 trillion short of owed benefits over the next 75 years, in today’s dollars, if the trust fund becomes insolvent. We propose creating an additional investment fund — in parallel to the trust fund, not replacing it — that would be invested in stocks, bonds and other investments that generate a higher rate of return, helping keep the program from running dry.
    We estimate that it would take a $1.5 trillion up-front investment into the fund to get it going, and we propose giving the fund 75 years to grow. The Treasury would temporarily shoulder the burden of providing benefits to Social Security beneficiaries — but when the new fund’s 75 years are up, it would pay the Treasury back and supplement payroll taxes to help fill the future gap.
    The result? The consistent delivery of Social Security benefits for generations of Americans, and a reduction to the United States’ long-term indebtedness by up to 20 percent.A substantial majority of Americans are concerned about the challenges facing Social Security. We understand if they also question whether politicians could use the proceeds of the new fund we propose for other objectives.That risk can be effectively managed by putting in place guardrails modeled after those used by the Thrift Savings Plan, including a fiduciary duty to seek a maximal return on investments and deterrence measures to address concerns that a future Congress might want to raid the fund. As for transparency, the new fund should be subject to annual audits published online.
    We know a program like this could work because it already has. In 2001, Congress created the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust — a diversified investment fund designed to ensure retirement benefit payouts for railroad workers. The trust has remained firmly in the black, with returns even exceeding expectations at some points and with payments consistently remaining reliable and on schedule. Our proposal is also consistent with virtually every other pension plan — state and private — currently operating in our country, and it matches the strategy most nations use to fund their retirement programs.
    There is a nationwide appetite to implement a bipartisan, commonsense plan like ours. Waiting until the Social Security Trust Fund is on the eve of crisis would have difficult and preventable consequences. Congress should seize the moment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Some young people sexually abuse. Here’s how to reduce reoffending by up to 90%

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jesse Cale, Associate Professor of Criminology, Deputy Director Research (Griffith Youth Forensic Service), Griffith University

    When we think about who’s responsible for sexual abuse in Australia, we usually picture adults.

    But young people are responsible for a substantial proportion of sexual offences nationwide. Up to a third of all child sexual abuse is perpetrated by people under 18. So too are a quarter of sexual assaults against both teens and adults.

    New research shows there are effective treatment options for perpetrators under the age of 18 to help prevent them offending again in future.

    Our study found young people who received specialist forensic treatment were up to 90% less likely to sexually reoffend, compared with similar peers who did not receive the service.

    The findings suggest more children can be protected from the harms of sexual abuse by preventing repeat offending. It also shows many young people who commit these crimes can be safely treated in the community.

    Our study

    In our paper, published in the Journal of Criminal Justice, we evaluated administrative data from more than 1,400 young people who were processed for sexual offences, such as indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault, in Queensland between 2010 and 2024.

    We securely accessed more than a decade of anonymised youth justice records and applied advanced statistical techniques across treatment and control groups.

    Across five separate statistical approaches, the findings were consistent. Griffith Youth Forensic Service treatment significantly reduced reoffending across different categories of offending, and most importantly, sexual offences.

    Key findings showed a 78–90% reduction in sexual reoffending, a 34–44% reduction in overall offending, and additional reductions in violent and non-violent offending.

    The treatment group also showed longer follow-up periods without offending. This indicates not just fewer offences, but sustained behavioural change.

    The study is among the most scientifically rigorous to look into this issue, which is often hard to research due to the sensitivity of the subject and lack of high-quality data.

    What did the treatment involve?

    The Griffith Youth Forensic Service has operated in Queensland since 2001. It delivers specialised assessment and treatment for young people aged 10–17 who have been sentenced for sexual offences.

    Supported by a partnership between the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support and Griffith University, the service runs statewide, often in remote or under-resourced communities, and prioritises high-risk cases.

    Clinicians at the service use trauma-informed, evidence-based methods. But what makes the service unique is its individualised approach. Each young person is treated in the context of their family, school, peer group and community.

    The treatment is highly tailored to the circumstances of the young person involved.
    Shutterstock

    Two young people referred to treatment for sexually abusive behaviour may present with very different life histories and contributing factors. They therefore require tailored intervention approaches.

    The goal is to address the underlying drivers of offending, not just to manage behaviour.

    The service also helps produce research aimed at improving policy and frontline responses to youth sexual offending.

    Why it matters

    Sexually harmful and abusive behaviours often occur in the context of trauma, family dysfunction or developmental disruption, and do not always continue into adulthood.

    But without intervention, some young people go on to reoffend. The consequences for victims and communities can be devastating.

    This study offers evidence that specialist, community-based treatment can help break that cycle.

    And because the treatment model also appears to reduce general reoffending, its benefits likely extend beyond preventing sexual harm to preventing other types of harm too.

    It’s a flow-on effect: this treatment is promoting safer outcomes across the board.

    Treatment over jail time

    The study comes at a time of growing public concern about youth crime, and growing interest in solutions that go beyond punishment.

    In Queensland, where this research was done, “adult time for adult crime” laws trying to drive down the rate of youth offending featured prominently in the 2024 election campaign.

    The measures have been roundly criticised, including by the United Nations.

    This research shows properly resourced rehabilitative strategies can be highly effective in reducing youth offending, often more so than punishment.

    Other studies also show community-based ways to deal with the problem, albeit not looking at sexual offending specifically.

    We know mental health support is hugely helpful for reducing recidivism through keeping children out of a cycle of incarceration.

    There have also been studies of preschool programs that suggest specific types of early childhood education can prevent children going on to commit crimes.

    Where to from here?

    The particular focus of our study, the Griffith Youth Forensic Service, is only in Queensland, but the findings are relevant for other jurisdictions.

    In New South Wales, New Street Services provide therapeutic interventions across the state for adolescents aged 10–17 who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour.

    Importantly, specialised services aren’t available in all states, and very few include the same built-in research and evaluation components as the Griffith Youth Forensic Service.

    The results of our study support continued national investment in:

    • specialist, evidence-based programs tailored to young people

    • community-based and trauma-informed approaches

    • improving service accessibility, especially in remote or underserved areas.

    The study also highlights the importance of rigorous evaluation in guiding youth justice and broader government policy and funding decisions.

    This service works, and now we have data to prove it.

    Jesse Cale is the Deputy Director of the Griffith Youth Forensic Service.

    Benoit Leclerc is Director of the Griffith Youth Forensic Service

    Francisco Perales works for the Queensland Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support. The contributions made to this piece and the underlying research are however in his capacity as Adjunct Professor at Griffith University and are independent of his role at the department. The views expressed in this piece are therefore those of the author and may not reflect those of the department.

    Tyson Whitten is a Senior Research Fellow at Childlight, UNSW.

    – ref. Some young people sexually abuse. Here’s how to reduce reoffending by up to 90% – https://theconversation.com/some-young-people-sexually-abuse-heres-how-to-reduce-reoffending-by-up-to-90-260084

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: American science is in crisis. It’s a great opportunity for Australia to snap up top scientists

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Walker, Visiting Fellow, National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University

    Stellalevi / Getty Images

    Science in the United States in in trouble. The National Science Foundation, a key research funding agency, has suffered devastating funding cuts under the current administration. Critics say the cuts risk losing an entire generation of young scientists.

    In addition, about 280,000 scientists and engineers have been affected by US federal workforce cuts. Billions of dollars in further cuts have been proposed to US hospitals, universities and research institutions.

    The US has long been the global destination for science. But perhaps no longer. The rest of the world, including Australia, is looking to lure scientists from the US.

    And many of those scientists are looking to move. In March, a Nature survey suggested more than 75% of US researchers were considering leaving the country.

    What moves are under way to capitalise on this American brain drain? Where does Australia sit – and, importantly, are we doing enough?

    What are other countries doing?

    In May, the European Commission announced a two-year, €500 million package to woo scientists and researchers called Choose Europe. The announcement of the package highlighted how “academic and scientific freedom is increasingly under threat”, and offers researchers higher allowances, longer contracts and reduced regulatory barriers to innovation.

    Canada also has active efforts. The Toronto-based University Hospital Network, for example, aims to raise C$30 million to attract and recruit clinician scientists and medical talent.

    China, too, is actively seeking US scientists with dedicated recruitment programs and large salaries. This is accelerating the existing trend of Chinese-born scientists leaving the US.

    Programs such as the EU’s and Canada’s ostensibly aim to attract and recruit top talent from “around the world”. Given the timing, however, it’s no secret which country’s scientists they have their eyes on.

    What about Australia?

    In Australia, the scientific community is understandably concerned about events in the US and their impact on Australian research. The US is Australia’s largest research partner, with a conservatively estimated A$386 million in funding for Australian research organisations coming from the US government.

    At the same time, the US cuts represent an opportunity for Australia as for other countries. The Australian Academy of Science recently launched its Global Talent Attraction Program to take advantage of “a rare opportunity to strengthen our nation by attracting world-leading researchers to our shores”. The program will offer relocation packages for selected researchers, together with research funding, access to Australian infrastructure and family relocation support.

    As well as attracting US talent, it may also be an opportunity to reverse the brain drain and bring back talented Australians who may have moved to the US for what were once better career prospects.

    The global picture

    Attracting, recruiting and retaining US researchers and innovators at all levels is the right thing for Australia to pursue right now. But broader international relationships are also worth some effort, including with countries in our region such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore, as well as in Europe.

    These can be facilitated through existing initiatives such as the strategic arm of the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund. Backed by the Australian government and delivered by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (where I am the CEO) and the Australian Academy of Science, the fund brings together innovators and research initiatives in priority partner countries and Australia. Areas of interest include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and hydrogen production.

    With the US pulling out of international collaborations, there is a chance for Australia to establish itself as a science and technology hub within our region.

    Australia has much to offer the world. We can provide insights into the behaviour and management of bushfires, floods and droughts. We bring a sophisticated understanding of extreme weather modelling, and are a global gateway to exceptional oceans and atmospheric research.

    We have huge clout in renewable energy and battery technologies. Australian-invented solar panels represent the majority of household solar around the world and Australian batteries technology is among the best.

    Australian researchers, policymakers and citizens are right to be concerned by what’s happening in the US. But we don’t need to wait anxiously. We have an extremely rare opportunity to foster talent in Australia on our terms.

    Kylie Walker is CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and previously worked for the Australian Academy of Science (2011–2016).

    – ref. American science is in crisis. It’s a great opportunity for Australia to snap up top scientists – https://theconversation.com/american-science-is-in-crisis-its-a-great-opportunity-for-australia-to-snap-up-top-scientists-260593

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG’s Office wins $8.2M in penalties and consumer restitution in trial against repeat scammer

    Source: Washington State News

    Michigan defendants mailed nearly 600,000 deceptive solicitations for workplace posters to Washington businesses

    SEATTLE — A Michigan-based scammer that has been deceiving businesses for years was ordered to pay more than $8.2 million in penalties and consumer restitution following a lawsuit brought by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.

    Following trial against Labor Law Poster Service and two of its principals, King County Superior Court Judge Maureen McKee imposed a $7.4 million penalty and awarded $850,000 in consumer restitution, plus interest, to the Attorney General’s Office. The court also ordered the defendants to pay the state’s attorney fees.

    For almost a decade, the company has illegally targeted tens of thousands of Washington small businesses by mass mailing deceptive solicitations. These mailings deceived business owners into purchasing workplace posters they were not obligated to buy. The letters mimicked legitimate government communications. Before trial, the court had already determined that each of the company’s nearly 600,000 solicitations were deceptive, and violated the Consumer Protection Act, and that co-owner Joseph Fata was personally liable for the unlawful conduct.

    The trial before Judge McKee focused on three issues: the personal liability of co-owner Justin Fata, the defendants’ violations of a 2016 injunction prohibiting them from engaging in the same deceptive conduct, and the amount of penalties and consumer restitution defendants would have to pay.

    Focusing primarily on the bad faith of these repeat offenders, Judge McKee imposed a $12 penalty for each of the nearly 600,000 mailers sent to Washington business owners—amounting to $7.1 million. The Court also awarded $850,000 in restitution for those small business owners who responded to the deceptive solicitations and purchased workplace posters—along with 12% in prejudgment interest. 

    The court also found the defendants violated a 2016 court order prohibiting them from sending deceptive solicitations in two ways: First by engaging in the prohibited conduct, and second by failing to distribute the 2016 order to the company’s employees.

    For years, the Fatas have treated adverse legal actions as the cost of doing business. This lawsuit represents the third time the state has taken enforcement action against the Fatas’ operations, first in 2008 and again in 2016. The 2016 action resulted in an order requiring defendants to pay $1.2 million in civil penalties, restitution, and attorneys’ fees.

    Assistant Attorneys General Zorba Leslie, Kelsey Burazin and Michael Bradley, Paralegals Mary Barber, Ashley Totten, KC Winfield, Anne Wallig, and Vick Walker all handled the case for Washington.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Illinois Case Concerning States’ Obligations Under the National Voter Registration Act

    Source: US State of California

    Today, the Justice Department filed a Statement of Interest in Judicial Watch v. Illinois State Board of Elections, regarding the requirements under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) for states to make reasonable efforts to remove the names of ineligible voters and to make their voter registration list available for public inspection.  The requirement for states to make a “reasonable effort” to clean their voter rolls means that the program should be effective in achieving the goals set out by Congress, and nothing less.

    “It is critical to remove ineligible voters from the registration rolls so that elections are conducted fairly, accurately, and without fraud,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under the NVRA, states have the responsibility to conduct a robust program of list maintenance. The Department of Justice will vigorously enforce those requirements to ensure compliance.”

    More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, Sentenced for Federal Wildlife Trafficking and Money Laundering Charges

    Source: US State of California

    Co-Defendants Also Sentenced; Woman Pleads Guilty in Related Case for Unlawfully Selling Chimpanzees to Antle

    Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — who was featured in a popular Netflix documentary — was sentenced today to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and launder more than $500,000 for what he believed to be an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States across the Mexico border. Antle was also ordered to pay a $55,000 fine, serve three years of supervised release, and forfeit three chimpanzees and more than $197,000 to the government.

    Two of Antle’s co-defendants were recently sentenced for their separate involvement in either the Lacey Act or money laundering conspiracy. A defendant in a related case recently pleaded guilty to illegally selling a newborn chimpanzee to Antle.

    “Today’s sentence holds Doc Antle and his co-defendants accountable for activity they knew was unlawful and unethical,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “They illegally purchased and sold newborn endangered wildlife even as they laundered more than $500,000 in smuggling money — all while promoting themselves as conservationists.”

    “Doc Antle portrayed himself as a conservationist. But in reality, he was a key player in the illegal chimpanzee trade, and he laundered more than half a million dollars through a complex web of deceit,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their work in bringing the defendant to justice for both of these federal crimes.”

    “These sentences should send a clear message: the FBI and our partners will not tolerate those who attempt to violate our laws,” said Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “We remain firmly committed to investigating and holding accountable individuals whose illegal actions threaten our financial systems and put protected species at risk.”

    “This case underscores the grave criminal threat posed by wildlife traffickers who not only exploit vulnerable species for profit but also use sophisticated money laundering tactics to conceal their crimes,” said Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “Our special agents uncovered a complex network of illicit activity involving the trafficking of endangered animals — including baby chimpanzees and cheetahs — falsified documentation, and the laundering of hundreds of thousands of dollars through purported nonprofit organizations. These traffickers operated under the false pretense of conservation, betraying both the law and public trust. We remain unwavering in our commitment to dismantling such networks and bringing those responsible to justice.”

    The wildlife conspiracy outlined various schemes Antle used to hide his illegal trafficking in endangered species, including requiring payments to be “donations” funneled through his non-profit, The Rare Species Fund; conducting transactions in bulk cash to hide their true nature; and creating false paperwork to hide the illegality of his wildlife transactions. The animals trafficked included baby chimpanzees, cheetahs, lions, and tigers, all of which are protected under both the Endangered Species Act and international treaties. The Lacey Act prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish or plants, including animals protected under the Endangered Species Act.

    Antle’s co-defendant in the wildlife conspiracy, Jason Clay, was recently sentenced to four months in prison, four months home confinement, and to pay a $4,000 fine into the Lacey Act Reward Fund. In 2019, Clay illegally sold a juvenile chimpanzee to Antle in exchange for $200,000 in cash and a juvenile gibbon. 

    As for the money laundering conspiracy, Antle and a co-defendant laundered more than $500,000 in cash between February and April 2022 that were represented to be proceeds from an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States. Evidence presented to the court showed that Antle planned to conceal the cash he received by writing checks for what appeared to be construction-related services for Myrtle Beach Safari, which he owned and operated, and which was featured in the Netflix documentary. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre for-profit zoo that offers tours and private encounters with exotic wildlife.

    Antle’s co-defendant in the money laundering conspiracy, Andrew Sawyer, was recently sentenced to serve two years of probation including eight months of home detention. He also forfeited nearly $185,000 to the government and a chimpanzee.

    In a different Lacey Act violation case connected to Antle, Shaylynn Kolwyck-Peterson pleaded guilty last month to illegally selling a chimpanzee to Antle in 2022 for $200,000. The Kolwyck family owns and manages the private Sunshine Zoological Preserve LLC in north Florida. The facility is believed to be the only one in the United States breeding chimpanzees for private or non-scientific purposes.

    The FBI and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case.

    Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower for the District of South Carolina prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European Court of Auditors’ Special Report 11/2025: consequences of unduly paying grants to organisations wrongly categorised as NGOs – E-002046/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission refers to its replies to the European Court of Auditor’s (ECA) Special Report 11/2025, relating to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in internal policies[1].

    As acknowledged by the ECA[2], the co-legislators only agreed on the introduction of a definition of an NGO in the Financial Regulation in September 2024[3], while the audit scope covered funding for EU internal policies for the 2021-2023 period.

    In the light of the 2025 recommendations of the ECA, the Commission will explore whether this recent definition of an NGO should and could be further clarified.

    Any clarification should be proportionate, given there is no indication that the NGO status poses a higher risk for the EU budget, compared to other types of entities.

    When it comes to receiving EU funding, NGOs are no different from other applicants. They are subject to fulfilling the necessary eligibility requirements and having an NGO status does not entail any preferential treatment, nor is it an eligibility criterion in itself, aside from a few very specific cases.

    Therefore, having or not the status of an NGO is in principle not relevant for receiving EU funding.

    • [1] https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECAReplies/COM-Replies-SR-2025-11/COM-Replies-SR-2025-11_EN.pdf.
    • [2] https://www.eca.europa.eu/lists/ecadocuments/annualreport-performance-2021/annualreport-performance-2021_en.pdf p. 162, and https://www.eca.europa.eu/ECAPublications/SR-2025-11/SR-2025-11_EN.pdf paragraph 5.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202402509.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European Court of Auditors’ Special Report 11/2025: consequences of unduly paying grants to organisations wrongly categorised as NGOs – E-002046/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission refers to its replies to the European Court of Auditor’s (ECA) Special Report 11/2025, relating to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in internal policies[1].

    As acknowledged by the ECA[2], the co-legislators only agreed on the introduction of a definition of an NGO in the Financial Regulation in September 2024[3], while the audit scope covered funding for EU internal policies for the 2021-2023 period.

    In the light of the 2025 recommendations of the ECA, the Commission will explore whether this recent definition of an NGO should and could be further clarified.

    Any clarification should be proportionate, given there is no indication that the NGO status poses a higher risk for the EU budget, compared to other types of entities.

    When it comes to receiving EU funding, NGOs are no different from other applicants. They are subject to fulfilling the necessary eligibility requirements and having an NGO status does not entail any preferential treatment, nor is it an eligibility criterion in itself, aside from a few very specific cases.

    Therefore, having or not the status of an NGO is in principle not relevant for receiving EU funding.

    • [1] https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECAReplies/COM-Replies-SR-2025-11/COM-Replies-SR-2025-11_EN.pdf.
    • [2] https://www.eca.europa.eu/lists/ecadocuments/annualreport-performance-2021/annualreport-performance-2021_en.pdf p. 162, and https://www.eca.europa.eu/ECAPublications/SR-2025-11/SR-2025-11_EN.pdf paragraph 5.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202402509.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Hungary’s amendment on monitoring, sanctioning and banning civil society actors – E-002627/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002627/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Li Andersson (The Left), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Jussi Saramo (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Per Clausen (The Left)

    On 13 May 2025, an amendment was tabled in the Hungarian Parliament that would grant the authorities extensive powers to monitor, sanction or ban civil society actors, political movements, trade unions and media actors.

    The proposal classifies organisations in receipt of foreign funding as a threat to Hungary’s national security and sovereignty. The amendment’s definition of targeted actors is vague. Once blacklisted, organisations would require authorisation to receive foreign funding, including EU funds, and would lose access to donations via the Hungarian tax system – a vital source of support.

    The bill states that activities influencing public opinion on matters such as national identity or family values, or presenting them in a ‘negative light’, would be punishable. Sanctions include administrative fines of up to 25 times the amount of foreign funding received, with non-payment resulting in a ban.

    Hungarians have protested, highlighting that the amendment poses a threat to democratic rights. The EU should also put forward this message more decisively.

    Therefore, we ask:

    • 1.what measures is the Commission taking in response to Hungary’s systematic violation of EU fundamental values and legislation?
    • 2.if the amendment is adopted, will the Commission propose that the Council initiate proceedings to suspend Hungary’s voting rights under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DCAM Delegation: 8 July 2025 – Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Association Parliamentary Committee

    Source: European Parliament

    The meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Association Parliamentary Committee (DCAM) took place on:

    Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 11.00-11.30 in Strasbourg

    Room: CHURCHILL 200

    The meeting had as main point the election of the first and second Vice-Chairs of the Delegation

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE – KingsRock Advisors Announces Dr. Josef Ackermann as Chairman of New Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – This Strengthens KingsRock’s Business Across Geographies and Industries

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board chaired by Dr. Josef Ackermann, previously the long-term CEO of Deutsche Bank. Furthermore, the firm announced a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome Dr. Josef Ackermann as Chairman and the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker New York, CEO SICM,  former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
       

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus Madrid, former Deutsche Bank 
    Laurent Quelin London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman 
       

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE – KingsRock Advisors Announces Dr. Josef Ackermann as Chairman of New Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – This Strengthens KingsRock’s Business Across Geographies and Industries

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board chaired by Dr. Josef Ackermann, previously the long-term CEO of Deutsche Bank. Furthermore, the firm announced a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome Dr. Josef Ackermann as Chairman and the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker New York, CEO SICM,  former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
       

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus Madrid, former Deutsche Bank 
    Laurent Quelin London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman 
       

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada and Ontario investing to improve energy efficiency in province’s agri-food industry

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 8, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million and launching the third intake of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers implement projects to improve the energy efficiency of their farming operations. To support the province’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help local agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products businesses across the province enhance their competitiveness, put more money back into their pockets and keep workers on the job.

    This initiative is being funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Successful applicants can receive between $10,000 to $90,000 for energy efficiency improvements, including the replacement of inefficient on-farm technologies, installing geothermal heating and adopting high efficiency motor, ventilation, heating, cooling, refrigeration, grain drying and lighting systems. This third intake of the ASI builds on the up to $12.5 million already allocated to support more than 870 projects since 2023.

    The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a 5-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.

    The ASI is being delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). Information on how to apply for funding and project eligibility under the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative can be found on the OSCIA website. Eligible Ontario farmers can submit one application under this third intake, from August 13 to September 3, 2025. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Returns of migrants from detention centres in Albania and breach of Directive 2008/115/EC by the Italian Government – E-002653/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002653/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alessandro Zan (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Lucia Annunziata (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Stefano Bonaccini (S&D), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), Matteo Ricci (S&D), Raffaele Topo (S&D), Dario Nardella (S&D), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Ignazio Roberto Marino (Verts/ALE), Pasquale Tridico (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Mario Furore (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Danilo Della Valle (The Left)

    On 9 May 2025, the Italian Government carried out the first repatriation of five Egyptian nationals directly from Albania, taking them from the Gjadër detention centre for repatriation and putting them onto a flight to Cairo, without any Italian judicial oversight at the transfer stage and in the absence of clear regulatory coverage[1].

    There are serious doubts as to whether these actions are compatible with Directive 2008/115/EC on returns and with the principles enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular with the right to an effective remedy and the protection of fundamental rights.

    The Italian Court of Cassation has questioned the compatibility of the extraterritorial management of detentions and returns at the centres in Albania, indicating that such centres are not considered to be on Italian or EU territory. It has raised the issue with the Court of Justice of the European Union.

    The Commission has already said that the extraterritorial management of returns has no basis in EU law.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of what happened on 9 May 2025?
    • 2.Does it consider this action by the Italian Government to be in line with the EU legislation in force? If not, where is there a conflict?
    • 3.Will it take action to ensure full compliance with EU law on returns and also uniform application of EU migration and asylum rules?

    Supporter[2]

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    • [1] https://altreconomia.it/il-primo-rimpatrio-italiano-di-migranti-irregolari-direttamente-dallalbania/.
    • [2] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Dario Tamburrano (The Left)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Foreign interference in Hungary and recommendations on the transparency of foreign-funded non-governmental organisations – P-002264/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The organisation and conduct of elections are the competence and responsibility of the Member States, in accordance with their national constitutional rules and legislation, as well as their international obligations and applicable EU law. National authorities and courts are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable rules.

    The Commission supports Member States on electoral matters, mainly through the framework of the European Coordination Network on Elections.

    This brings together national authorities with competence in electoral matters and facilitates the exchanges of information and best practices.

    Different EU rules are relevant in national electoral contexts within the EU. In particular, the new Regulation 2024/900 on the transparency and targeting of political advertising[1], which will become fully applicable from October 2025, will increase transparency, address disinformation, and prevent funding of political advertisements from third country sponsors three months preceding elections.

    In addition, in 2023, the Commission published a recommendation on inclusive and resilient electoral processes in the EU[2]. The Commission has also put forward a proposal for a directive on establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries.[3]

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/900/oj/eng.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2023/2829/oj/eng.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52023PC0637.
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Managing illegal migration: controls on NGO funding and action – E-001717/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission and the EU Agencies are providing financial, technical and operational support to Greece to address the challenges it faces in migration and border management[1].

    The Commission conducts audits and on-the-spot checks to ensure that funds from the EU budget are spent in line with the applicable rules[2], and generate Union added value[3]. Member States’ authorities are responsible for selecting the projects to finance in accordance with the relevant EU rules.

    Non-governmental organisations and international organisations are audited as part of the Commission audit procedures[4]. If the Commission discovers deficiencies, it can intervene by interrupting or suspending payments to beneficiaries or Member States.

    If at a later stage the Commission spots any wrongdoing, it can introduce financial corrections and recover the funds already paid. In the event of fraud, the European Anti-Fraud Office steps in to investigate, and, if it confirms that fraud has been committed with EU money, the Commission recovers the funds.

    With regards to regulating EU-funded activities, the current EU framework envisages effective mechanisms to ensure that the implementation of the EU budget is in compliance with the principle of sound financial management.

    • [1] The total amount of financial support under the EU Home Affairs Funds made available to Greece since 2015 is just over EUR 5 billion, while more than 1000 experts and officers are currently deployed in Greece on behalf of the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and Europol, providing Greece with the means for an ambitious, robust and comprehensive migration management policy.
    • [2] Common Provisions Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, Home Affairs Funds Regulations (Regulations (EU) 2021/1147, 2021/1148/2021 and 2021/1149).
    • [3] In the case of the financial support under the Home Affairs Funds implemented in shared management, the Member States’ authorities are responsible for selecting the projects to finance in accordance with the relevant EU rules and assume responsibility for the day-to-day management and for ensuring that the actions supported by the Funds are implemented correctly and effectively.
    • [4] In accordance with Article 127 of the regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast).
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Political pressure put on EMA over vaccine testing – E-001696/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The assessment of a medicinal product is based solely on scientific evidence[1], not political pressure. There is a robust procedure established that must be followed before granting a marketing authorisation[2].

    When an application for a marketing authorisation of a medicinal product is submitted in the EU, the information included in a dossier is carefully assessed by the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use[3].

    This assessment is summarised in a publicly available report (European Public Assessment Report[4]) that also includes the verification of the compliance of good clinical practices.

    The criteria used to consider the need of an inspection are published on the EMA website[5]. In some cases, inspections may not be feasible or necessary.

    Instead, alternative methods that provide the required level of assurance, including inspections conducted by other globally recognised regulatory authorities, may be considered. The decision is based on the triggers identified. During COVID-19, the need for inspections was assessed and decided on a case-by-case basis.

    In the EU, there is a robust safety monitoring and risk management (pharmacovigilance) system to supervise every medicinal product throughout its use in healthcare practice.

    For each medicinal product, safety updates are regularly assessed through the Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs[6]). These assessments are carried out by the EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee[7] and permit to identify any new potential risks.

    The safety and efficacy of all medicinal products, including COVID-19 vaccines, have always been a top priority for the Commission.

    • [1] How EMA evaluates medicines for human use https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/about-us/what-we-do/authorisation-medicines/how-ema-evaluates-medicines-human-use#assessment-process-13164.
    • [2] Authorisation of medicines https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/about-us/what-we-do/authorisation-medicines.
    • [3] Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/committees/committee-medicinal-products-human-use-chmp.
    • [4] European public assessment reports: background and context https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/what-we-publish-medicines-when/european-public-assessment-reports-background-context.
    • [5] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/points-consider-assessors-inspectors-european-medicines-agency-inspection-coordinators-identification-triggers-selection-applications-routine-cause-inspections-their-investigation-scope-such_en.pdf.
    • [6] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/post-authorisation/pharmacovigilance-post-authorisation/periodic-safety-update-reports-psurs.
    • [7] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/committees/pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Zelenskiy says he ordered intensified contacts with US for deliveries of arms

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he ordered an expansion of contacts with the United States to ensure critical deliveries of military supplies, primarily air defence.

    Zelenskiy issued his call a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would send more weapons to Ukraine, mainly defensive ones, to help the country defend itself against intensifying Russian advances.

    “Today, I instructed the minister of defence and the commander in chief to intensify all contacts with the American side,” Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

    “We currently have all the necessary political statements and decisions and we must implement them as quickly as possible to protect our people and positions,” he said.

    Zelenskiy said the current focus for deliveries was on “air defence, as well as other elements of supply from the U.S.”

    “These are critical deliveries that mean saving lives and protecting Ukrainian cities and villages. I expect results from these contacts very soon. And this week, we are preparing formats for meetings of our military and political teams.”

    The U.S. Defense Department said it would send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine at Trump’s direction, to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while efforts continue to secure a lasting peace.

    The U.S. decision to halt some arms shipments to Kyiv prompted Ukraine to warn the move would crimp its ability to fend off Russia’s air strikes and battlefield advances.

    Russia’s military has in recent weeks boosted air attacks on Ukrainian cities by drones and missiles.

    Trump on Tuesday again expressed disappointment at Russian President Vladimir Putin over the failure to introduce a ceasefire as part of moves to secure a peace. He said he was considering additional sanctions on Moscow.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How Philadelphia’s current sanitation strike differs from past labor disputes in the city

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Francis Ryan, Associate Professor of Labor Studies and Employment Relations, Rutgers University

    Curbside trash collection has been on pause in Philadelphia since July 1, 2025. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

    As the Philadelphia municipal worker strike enters its second week, so-called “Parker piles” – large collections of garbage that some residents blame on Mayor Cherelle Parker – continue to build up in neighborhoods across the city.

    The AFSCME District Council 33 union on strike represents about 9,000 blue-collar workers in the city, including sanitation workers, 911 dispatchers, city mechanics and water department staff.

    The Conversation U.S. asked Francis Ryan, a professor of labor studies at Rutgers University and author of “AFSCME’s Philadelphia Story: Municipal Workers and Urban Power in Philadelphia in the Twentieth Century,” about the history of sanitation strikes in Philly and what makes this one unique.

    Has anything surprised you about this strike?

    This strike marks the first time in the history of labor relations between the City of Philadelphia and the AFSCME District Council 33 union where social media is playing a significant role in how the struggle is unfolding.

    The union is getting their side of the story out on Instagram and other social media platforms, and citizens are taking up or expressing sympathy with their cause.

    Some city residents are referring to the garbage build-up sites as ‘Parker piles.’
    AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa

    How successful are trash strikes in Philly or other U.S. cities?

    As I describe in my book, Philadelphia has a long history of sanitation strikes that goes back to March 1937. At that time, a brief work stoppage brought about discussions between the city administration and an early version of the current union.

    When over 200 city workers were laid off in September 1938, city workers called a weeklong sanitation strike. Street battles raged in West Philadelphia when strikers blocked police-escorted trash wagons that were aiming to collect trash with workers hired to replace the strikers.

    Philadelphia residents, many of whom were union members who worked in textile, steel, food and other industries rallied behind the strikers. The strikers’ demands were met, and a new union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME, was formally recognized by the city.

    This strike was a major event because it showed how damaging a garbage strike could be. The fact that strikers were willing to fight in the streets to stop trash services showed that such events had the potential for violence, not to mention the health concerns from having tons of trash on the streets.

    There was another two-week trash strike in Philadelphia in 1944, but there wouldn’t be another for more than 20 years.

    However, a growing number of sanitation strikes popped up around the country in the 1960s, the most infamous being the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike.

    Black sanitation workers peacefully march wearing placards reading ‘I Am A Man’ during the Memphis sanitation strike in 1968.
    Bettmann via Getty Images

    In Memphis, a majority African American sanitation workforce demanded higher wages, basic safety procedures and recognition of their union. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. rallied to support the Memphis workers and their families as part of his Poor Peoples’ Campaign, which sought to organize working people from across the nation into a new coalition to demand full economic and political rights.

    On April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated. His death put pressure on Memphis officials to settle the strike, and on April 16 the the strikers secured their demands.

    Following the Memphis strike, AFSCME began organizing public workers around the country and through the coming years into the 1970s, there were sanitation strikes and slowdowns across the nation including in New York City, Atlanta, Cleveland and Washington, D.C. Often, these workers, who were predominantly African American, gained the support of significant sections of the communities they served and secured modest wage boosts.

    By the 1980s, such labor actions were becoming fewer. In 1986, Philadelphia witnessed a three-week sanitation strike that ended with the union gaining some of its wage demands, but losing on key areas related to health care benefits.

    Workers begin removing mounds of trash after returning to work after the 18-day strike in Philadelphia in July 1986.
    Bettmann via Getty Images

    How do wages and benefits for DC33 workers compare to other U.S. cities?

    DC 33 president Greg Boulware has said that the union’s members make an average salary of $46,000 per year. According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, that is $2,000 less than what a single adult with no kids needs to reasonably support themselves living in Philadelphia.

    Sanitation workers who collect curbside trash earn a salary of $42,500 to $46,200, or $18-$20 an hour. NBC Philadelphia reports that those wages are the lowest of any of the major cities they looked at. Hourly wages in the other cities they looked at ranged from $21 an hour in Dallas to $25-$30 an hour in Chicago.

    Unlike other eras, the fact that social media makes public these personal narratives and perspectives – like from former sanitation worker Terrill Haigler, aka “Ya Fav Trashman” – is shaping the way many citizens respond to these disruptions. I see a level of support for the strikers that I believe is unprecedented going back as far as 1938.

    What do you think is behind this support?

    The pandemic made people more aware of the role of essential workers in society. If the men and women who do these jobs can’t afford their basic needs, something isn’t right. This may explain why so many people are seeing things from the perspective of striking workers.

    At the same time, money is being cut from important services at the federal, state and local levels. The proposed gutting of the city’s mass transit system by state lawmakers is a case in point. Social media allows people to make these broader connections and start conversations.

    If the strike continues much longer, I think it will gain more national and international attention, and bring discussions about how workers should be treated to the forefront.

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

    – ref. How Philadelphia’s current sanitation strike differs from past labor disputes in the city – https://theconversation.com/how-philadelphias-current-sanitation-strike-differs-from-past-labor-disputes-in-the-city-260676

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jacobs, Deluzio Introduces Bill to Limit Presidential Power to Deploy Troops on American Soil under the Insurrection Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53)

    July 08, 2025

    Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) introduced a new bill to check presidential authority under the centuries-old Insurrection Act. The new Insurrection Act of 2025 would reform legislation from 1807 that provides the President broad and vague authority to deploy troops—with or without the request of a state—to suppress “any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy.” Presidents have rarely used the current law, recognizing the long American tradition of keeping the military out of domestic law enforcement.

    Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) said, “The troubling scenes unfolding in Los Angeles give us a glimpse of what could happen nationwide if President Trump tries to invoke the Insurrection Act and turn U.S. troops on civilians. We’ve already seen him twist the law for political gain, so Congress must leave zero ambiguity about when—and for how long—any president can deploy the military for domestic law-enforcement purposes. That’s why I was relieved that last month, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine agreed with me that there’s currently no military invasion on our southern border that would justify invoking this law. Now we must go a step further by passing the Insurrection Act of 2025—modernizing the 1807 statute for the 21st century to narrow this authority and mandate transparency, accountability, and consultation with Congress.” 

    “No President should have such wide-ranging power to deploy American troops against the American people,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This President has threatened to use the United States military to crush dissent among the American people, and Congress should act to reform and update the law that governs deployment of our troops for law enforcement in the United States. We need these urgent reforms to the centuries-old Insurrection Act so that no President has such expansive power to use military force against Americans.”

     

    The new Insurrection Act of 2025 would:  

    • Clarify that the law cannot be used to suspend habeas corpus, impose martial law, or deputize private militias to act as soldiers. 

    • Require a report to Congress providing an explicit justification for the use of the Insurrection Act’s authority, as enumerated in this legislation, and a full description of the scope and duration of its use. 

    • Provide for judicial review to ensure that individuals, or a state or local government, may bring a civil action if the President’s authority under the Insurrection Act is misused or abused. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jacobs, Deluzio Introduces Bill to Limit Presidential Power to Deploy Troops on American Soil under the Insurrection Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53)

    July 08, 2025

    Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) introduced a new bill to check presidential authority under the centuries-old Insurrection Act. The new Insurrection Act of 2025 would reform legislation from 1807 that provides the President broad and vague authority to deploy troops—with or without the request of a state—to suppress “any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy.” Presidents have rarely used the current law, recognizing the long American tradition of keeping the military out of domestic law enforcement.

    Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) said, “The troubling scenes unfolding in Los Angeles give us a glimpse of what could happen nationwide if President Trump tries to invoke the Insurrection Act and turn U.S. troops on civilians. We’ve already seen him twist the law for political gain, so Congress must leave zero ambiguity about when—and for how long—any president can deploy the military for domestic law-enforcement purposes. That’s why I was relieved that last month, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine agreed with me that there’s currently no military invasion on our southern border that would justify invoking this law. Now we must go a step further by passing the Insurrection Act of 2025—modernizing the 1807 statute for the 21st century to narrow this authority and mandate transparency, accountability, and consultation with Congress.” 

    “No President should have such wide-ranging power to deploy American troops against the American people,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This President has threatened to use the United States military to crush dissent among the American people, and Congress should act to reform and update the law that governs deployment of our troops for law enforcement in the United States. We need these urgent reforms to the centuries-old Insurrection Act so that no President has such expansive power to use military force against Americans.”

     

    The new Insurrection Act of 2025 would:  

    • Clarify that the law cannot be used to suspend habeas corpus, impose martial law, or deputize private militias to act as soldiers. 

    • Require a report to Congress providing an explicit justification for the use of the Insurrection Act’s authority, as enumerated in this legislation, and a full description of the scope and duration of its use. 

    • Provide for judicial review to ensure that individuals, or a state or local government, may bring a civil action if the President’s authority under the Insurrection Act is misused or abused. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jacobs, Deluzio Introduces Bill to Limit Presidential Power to Deploy Troops on American Soil under the Insurrection Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53)

    July 08, 2025

    Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) introduced a new bill to check presidential authority under the centuries-old Insurrection Act. The new Insurrection Act of 2025 would reform legislation from 1807 that provides the President broad and vague authority to deploy troops—with or without the request of a state—to suppress “any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy.” Presidents have rarely used the current law, recognizing the long American tradition of keeping the military out of domestic law enforcement.

    Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) said, “The troubling scenes unfolding in Los Angeles give us a glimpse of what could happen nationwide if President Trump tries to invoke the Insurrection Act and turn U.S. troops on civilians. We’ve already seen him twist the law for political gain, so Congress must leave zero ambiguity about when—and for how long—any president can deploy the military for domestic law-enforcement purposes. That’s why I was relieved that last month, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine agreed with me that there’s currently no military invasion on our southern border that would justify invoking this law. Now we must go a step further by passing the Insurrection Act of 2025—modernizing the 1807 statute for the 21st century to narrow this authority and mandate transparency, accountability, and consultation with Congress.” 

    “No President should have such wide-ranging power to deploy American troops against the American people,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This President has threatened to use the United States military to crush dissent among the American people, and Congress should act to reform and update the law that governs deployment of our troops for law enforcement in the United States. We need these urgent reforms to the centuries-old Insurrection Act so that no President has such expansive power to use military force against Americans.”

     

    The new Insurrection Act of 2025 would:  

    • Clarify that the law cannot be used to suspend habeas corpus, impose martial law, or deputize private militias to act as soldiers. 

    • Require a report to Congress providing an explicit justification for the use of the Insurrection Act’s authority, as enumerated in this legislation, and a full description of the scope and duration of its use. 

    • Provide for judicial review to ensure that individuals, or a state or local government, may bring a civil action if the President’s authority under the Insurrection Act is misused or abused. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Padilla Unveil New Bill to Require Immigration Officers to Display Clear Identification

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, introduced new legislation to require immigration enforcement officers to display clearly visible identification during public-facing enforcement actions. The Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement (VISIBLE) Act of 2025 would strengthen oversight, transparency, and accountability for the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and alarming immigration enforcement tactics that have terrorized communities across California and the nation.

    Under the Trump Administration’s mass deportation agenda, civil immigration enforcement operations have increasingly involved Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers engaging with the public while wearing unmarked tactical gear, concealing clothing, and face coverings that obscure both agency affiliation and personal identity. Without visible badges, names, or insignia, members of the public often have no way to confirm whether they are interacting with legitimate government officials.

    This lack of transparency endangers public safety by causing widespread confusion and fear, especially in communities already subject to heightened immigration scrutiny. It also increases operational and safety risks for law enforcement personnel by creating an opportunity for immigration enforcement impersonators and compounding uncertainty in high-stress situations. Clear, consistent, visible identification helps reduce miscommunication during enforcement encounters, strengthens officer credibility, and improves public cooperation, all of which are vital to mission success. The VISIBLE Actwould place a critical check on the government’s power, ensuring basic transparency safeguards that protect public trust and legitimacy in immigration enforcement operations.

    “For weeks, Americans have watched federal agents with no visible identification detain people off the streets and instill fear in communities across the country. Reports of individuals impersonating ICE officers have only increased the risk to public and officer safety. The lack of visible identification and uniform standards for immigration enforcement officers has created confusion, stoked fear, and undermined public trust in law enforcement,” said Senator Booker. “The VISIBLE Act is a necessary response grounded in law enforcement best practices that will prohibit immigration enforcement officers from wearing face coverings and require them to display their name or badge number and the agency they represent. We must act to maintain trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and this legislation is a necessary step toward a more transparent, accountable, and safe immigration enforcement system.”

    “When federal immigration agents show up and pull someone off the street in plainclothes with their face obscured and no visible identification, it only escalates tensions and spreads fear while shielding federal agents from basic accountability,” said Senator Padilla. “Immigration agents should be required to display their agency and name or badge number — just like police and other local law enforcement agencies. The VISIBLE Act’s commonsense requirements will restore transparency and ensure impersonators can’t exploit the panic and confusion caused by unidentifiable federal immigration enforcement agents.”

    “This bill is an important step toward keeping immigration enforcement officers and all the people in America safe. Masked, plainclothes officers create an unreasonable risk of escalating violence and unnerve everyone who sees them,” said Scott Shuchart, Former ICE and DHS (Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties) Official. “As much as the cop in blues is a staple of American life, the masked bandit is a symbol of fear, and having government agents dressed like paramilitaries is un-American. Based on my experience in government, the VISIBLE Act makes good sense and would be straightforward for DHS officials to implement.”

    Specifically, the VISIBLE Act:

    • Requires immigration enforcement officers — including DHS personnel such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), federal agents detailed to immigration operations, and deputized state or local officers — to display clearly legible identification, including their agency name or initials and either their name or badge number, in a manner that remains visible and unobscured by tactical gear or clothing;
    • Prohibits non-medical face coverings (such as masks or balaclavas) that obscure identity or facial visibility, with exceptions for environmental hazards or covert operations; and
    • Requires DHS to establish disciplinary procedures for violations, report annually to Congress on compliance, and investigate complaints through its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

    The bill does not apply to covert or non-public facing operations, nor does it prohibit face coverings when necessary for officer safety. It also does not apply to enforcement actions conducted solely under criminal authority.

    The VISIBLE Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    The bill is endorsed by the ACLU and Public Counsel.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Announces New Communications Director, Staff Promotions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced a new hire and staff promotions on his communications team.  

    • David Bergstein has joined Booker’s office as Communications Director. Most recently, Bergstein served four years as Communications Director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC). During the 2020 presidential cycle, Bergstein served as Director of Battleground State Communications for the Democratic National Committee. His additional experience includes working as the National Press Secretary for the DSCC, Southern Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and holding senior communications roles on campaigns for Senate, Governor, U.S. House and Mayor. 
    • Jeff Giertz has been promoted to Staff Director of Senate Democrats’ Strategic Communications Committee, which is chaired by Senator Booker. Giertz most recently served as Senator Booker’s Senior Advisor and Communications Director. Giertz first joined Booker’s office in 2015, and also worked as National Communications Director on Booker’s presidential campaign in 2019. 
    • Maya Krishna-Rogers has been promoted to Senior Advisor. Krishna-Rogers most recently served as Senator Booker’s Deputy Communications Director. She first joined Booker’s office in 2022 as National Press Secretary.

    “David’s knowledge and skills will strengthen our tremendously talented communications team in the fights ahead – and I look forward to working with David, Jeff, and Maya to stand up for New Jerseyans and all Americans in this moment when the need for clear voices, a strong message and new tactics has never been more important,” said Senator Booker.

    “Senator Booker is a leader who stands up no matter how tough or how long the fight, and his voice rallies Americans of every background and political persuasion to do what is right. I look forward to joining his team and I’m excited to get to work,” said Senator Booker Communications Director David Bergstein. 

    MIL OSI USA News –