Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Announces Arrest of Serial Criminal Behind Molotov Cocktail Attack on ICE and CBP Officers in Los Angeles

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    “If you threaten or attempt to harm a law enforcement officer, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” – Secretary Noem 

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement on the arrest of Eric Anthony Rodriguez for attempting to attack Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers with a Molotov cocktail.

    On June 21, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported Rodriguez threw a Molotov cocktail at a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport where 15 ICE and 12 CBP law enforcement officers were staying.

    Rodriguez has a lengthy criminal history including convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, second degree robbery, falsifying checks, theft and vandalism. He also had an outstanding felony warrant for violating parole.

    On June 23, 2025, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles presented the investigation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    “Anthony Rodriguez is a serial criminal who will face justice for threatening the lives of federal law enforcement. On June 21, this coward threw a Molotov cocktail at a hotel in Los Angeles where 27 DHS law enforcement officers were staying. Thankfully, the attack was unsuccessful, and no one was injured,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Dangerous rhetoric by sanctuary politicians has fanned the flames of violence against federal law enforcement—and it has led to a 500% increase in assaults against ICE. Secretary Noem has been perfectly clear: Anyone who threatens the lives of federal officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law—and that is exactly what will happen to Rodriguez.”

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Delivers Remarks at Senator Feinstein Tree Dedication Ceremony

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) hosted a tree dedication ceremony in Washington, D.C. in honor of former California Senator Dianne Feinstein that was attended by members of the Feinstein family, Feinstein’s Senate and House colleagues, and former members of Feinstein’s staff. In addition to Padilla, other speakers included Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11), Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Thomas Austin, the Architect of the Capitol.
    Padilla’s remarks as prepared for delivery are available here:
    Once again, it is my honor to lead this effort to celebrate a towering figure not just in modern California political history, but in the history of our nation.
    As so many of you can attest to, there was a time when it was impossible to imagine a United States Senate without Dianne Feinstein.
    I say that not just as her former staffer, and not just as someone who served alongside her, but as a lifelong Californian.
    I first entered public office in the summer of 1999, when I was elected to serve on the Los Angeles City Council.
    By that time, she had already been in the Senate for over six years — and that was after her historic and barrier breaking time in San Francisco city politics.
    So for me and for so many Californians, when we thought of the model for what it meant to be a leader, we thought of Dianne Feinstein.
    She was relentless about the issues she cared about, from:
    Environmental conservation
    To gun safety laws
    To health care reform
    To national security
    From her days in San Francisco City Hall to the halls of the U.S. Senate, she set the standard for leading with grace and strength in the face of adversity.
    And she committed herself to bipartisan collaboration to get things done for California and for our country.
    I don’t think many of my colleagues in Washington fully appreciate just how much Dianne Feinstein singlehandedly shaped the State of California. And I mean that literally, when you look at her legacy on natural resources: from water, to Lake Tahoe and the Redwoods, to the preservation of millions of acres of the California desert.
    Now, back home in California, we’ve already begun working to enshrine Senator Feinstein’s legacy for generations to come, from renaming a federal building to a post office to a visitor center in Joshua Tree National Park.
    But it’s only right that we also honor her here in Washington — the place where she dedicated so much of her time and effort for her beloved California.
    As I mentioned earlier, today’s dedication is fitting for a number of reasons — from her birthday to this location on the Senate side of the Capitol.
    But it’s also fitting because of the tree we’ve come to dedicate in her name: the willow oak.
    For those who never had the chance to visit during her lifetime, Senator Feinstein’s home away from home here in Washington, D.C. was nicknamed “Willow Oaks.”
    As we memorialize her today with her own permanent willow oak on the Capitol grounds, we take comfort in knowing that the life and legacy of Dianne Feinstein will always be remembered at the United States Capitol.
    Once again, I want to thank you all for being here, and with that, I’d like to hand it back over to Thomas who will conclude this dedication ceremony.
    Following Senator Feinstein’s passing, Senator Padilla and his colleagues unanimously passed a resolution to honor her life and legacy, adjourning the Senate to allow members to travel to her funeral services out of respect. The resolution recognized Senator Feinstein as the longest serving Senator to represent California and the longest serving female Senator in the history of the United States. Padilla’s legislation to name a federal building for Senator Feinstein and dedicate a San Francisco post office in Senator Feinstein’s name became law last year. Padilla also introduced a bill to rename a Joshua Tree Visitor Center after the late Senator, which advanced out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Broadband target exceeded

    Source: Scottish Government

    R100 delivers more than 27,000 faster, ultra-reliable connections in a year. 

    The Scottish Government has surpassed it’s commitment to deliver gigabit-capable broadband connections to 20,000 homes and businesses last year.

    A record 27,000 premises were equipped with faster broadband in 2024-25 through the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme, exceeding a Programme for Government commitment by more than a third.  

     Connections have been made right across the country, from the Killantringan Lighthouse in Dumfries and Galloway to Stornoway in the Western Isles and Baltasound on Shetland.  

     The R100 contracts, being delivered by Openreach, have now enabled more than 80,000 faster broadband connections across the country, with 80% of all R100 contract build to take place in rural areas.  

    Business Minister Richard Lochhead visited Loch Katrine in the Trossachs to hear how access to faster broadband speeds is helping transform opportunities for local businesses.  

    He said:  

    “Fast, reliable broadband is a fundamental building block for economic growth. The Scottish Government’s R100 programme is one of the most ambitious and complex digital infrastructure programmes in Europe, rolling out connections in some of the most challenging locations in the country to help businesses and communities prosper.

    “Despite telecommunications being reserved to the UK Government, our commitment to the R100 programme illustrates this government’s commitment to delivering the digital connectivity people and businesses need to succeed.

     “Exceeding our 2024-25 delivery target was helped by record Scottish Government funding and an ongoing partnership with Openreach maximising the opportunities to deliver fast broadband to even more homes and businesses.”  

    CEO and Lead Trustee of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust, James Fraser said:   

    ”The impact of the introduction of fibre cable connections at Loch Katrine has been transformative for many aspects of our core business and our tenants. With an increasing trend to digital bookings for cruises, eco lodges, cycle hire and meals out, having high speed digital connections is critical to the success of our business and other businesses on the lochside.  

    “Previously our digital speeds were very poor leading to customer dissatisfaction, loss of bookings and customer complaints, particularly from guests staying overnight in our eco lodges or in campervans in our car parks. With the higher speeds now available there has been a marked improvement in digital services with increased customer satisfaction levels.”  

    Openreach Partnership Director for Scotland, Robert Thorburn, said:   

    “It’s brilliant to see businesses like the Steamship Sir Walter Scott benefitting from full fibre. We’re committed to making sure that the hardest-to-reach homes and businesses in Scotland are connected to the latest generation of broadband technology, giving them access to the same fast, reliable services available in our cities.

    “While building new full fibre networks in rural areas throws up many challenges, our engineers have the skills and experience to overcome these and deserve an enormous amount of credit for their work. We’re proud of the role we’ve played, working alongside the Scottish Government, in hitting this significant milestone – but we know that our work isn’t done yet, and we’ll continue to connect communities across the country.”  

    Background  

    The commitment to connect over 20,000 premises to gigabit capable broadband in areas of market failure by March 2025, through delivery of three regional, multi-year contracts with Openreach is set out in the Programme for Government 2024-25: Serving Scotland  

    Originally conceived as a superfast broadband programme, R100 is now providing a gigabit-capable connection – a speed more than 30 times faster than superfast broadband – in around 99% of cases. Building to some of the hardest-to-reach parts of Scotland, a total of 78,000 connections have enabled access to faster broadband as a result of the R100 contracts.      

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement for the Special Rapporteur on Burundi

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement for the Special Rapporteur on Burundi

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr. President.

    We thank the Special Rapporteur for his timely update and again recognise the ongoing importance of his mandate. We reiterate our call on Burundi to grant him full access to the country.

    Mr President, the UK welcomes the peaceful conduct of Burundi’s recent legislative elections, as reported by the African Union observer mission.

    However, we are concerned by reports of serious irregularities, including voter intimidation, duplicate and fraudulent registrations and the early opening of polling stations without the presence of officials. Opposition parties must be allowed to engage meaningfully in democratic processes.

    We call on the government of Burundi to address these issues transparently, to enable the people of Burundi to fully exercise their civil and political rights.

    We also remain deeply concerned by ongoing restrictions on human rights defenders and journalists. We urge Burundi to take further steps to protect civic space, and to ensure inclusive governance and political pluralism.

    Special Rapporteur,

    How can the international community best support Burundi in strengthening its existing democratic processes?

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement on the Situation of Human Rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement on the Situation of Human Rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Report on the Situation of Human Rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President.

    Nearly a year has passed since the July 2024 presidential elections, yet instead of transparency, Venezuelan authorities have deepened repression. An alarming cycle of human rights violations continues to take place.

    Over 900 Venezuelans remain arbitrarily detained, with reports of enforced disappearances targeting opposition members, human rights defenders and the independent media. Many detainees are held incommunicado, denied access to legal counsel and subjected to due process violations. The justice system, far from protecting victims, has become a tool of repression. Civil society has been stifled, worsened by the so-called ‘anti-NGO’ law, which undermines the ability of organisations to operate freely. 

    The UK strongly condemns the continued erosion of human rights and calls for an immediate end to the repression. 

    We commend the OHCHR’s vital work. We remain deeply concerned by the limited return of its office in Venezuela. Now more than ever, its presence in Caracas is essential: to monitor the worsening human rights situation, ensure accountability, and uphold fundamental freedoms.

    We are keen to hear any assessment the OHCHR has made of the impact of arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances on families in Venezuela, especially on women and girls.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Cardano News, Updated Dogecoin Price Prediction & Hype Grows For Remittix, which offers something rare: A real-world solution for Cross-border Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The crypto market never sleeps—just ask anyone who’s watched Cardano slide while Dogecoin wobbles under bearish pressure. Fresh Cardano news shows ADA leading the downturn alongside XRP, and if current Dogecoin price prediction models hold, DOGE might be in for rougher seas. But here’s the twist: Amid the chaos, Remittix is quietly stealing the spotlight. With global remittances poised to hit $250 trillion by 2027, this project could rewrite the rules for cross-border payments.

    Remittix – The sleeper hit of 2025?

    Let’s be honest—when Cardano stumbles and Dogecoin feels the squeeze, investors start hunting for real utility. Enter Remittix, a PayFi platform that’s not just another crypto project but a potential game-changer for the $183 trillion banking industry. Its presale is buzzing, and for good reason: Imagine converting 100+ cryptos into fiat, then zapping it directly to any bank account. No wonder the crypto-to-fiat market (worth $1.5 billion and climbing at 16-20% yearly) is taking notice.

    What sets Remittix apart? Try flat fees with no surprises, near-instant transfers, and support for 30+ fiat currencies. Add a flawless audit (no red flags here), and suddenly traditional players like Stripe and Wise look sluggish.

    Remittix unpacked: More than hype

    So, what exactly is Remittix? Think of it as the missing link between crypto and your grandma’s bank account. Built on Ethereum, it taps into local payment networks to bridge the gap—fast crypto speed meets everyday fiat convenience. With 100+ cryptos and 30 fiats supported, it’s arguably the most versatile payment tool out there.

    Tokenomics matter, too: only 1.5 billion RTX tokens exist, half up for grabs in the presale. Scarcity + real-world use = a recipe even skeptics might find tempting.

    How Remittix Works (Without the Jargon)

    Here’s the magic: Connect your wallet via Remittix’s dApp, pick your crypto, punch in the recipient’s bank details—done. No waiting days for wires or deciphering fee structures. Traditional transfers? They’re riddled with middlemen; Remittix cuts them out, slashing costs and delays.

    Businesses win big, too. The Pay API lets merchants accept crypto but get paid in fiat. For global commerce, that’s not just convenient—it’s revolutionary.

    Cardano: The Rocky Road Ahead

    Cardano isn’t having its best month. Recent Cardano news highlights ADA’s slump, mirroring XRP’s struggles. Technical charts hint at more pain unless key supports hold. Regulatory clouds and rivals like Ethereum aren’t helping.

    Source: CoinMarketCap

    But there’s a silver lining: Ukraine’s push to add Bitcoin to reserves could lift the entire market, ADA included. Long-term? It hinges on Cardano delivering its roadmap—no small feat.

    Dogecoin: When Memes Meet Reality

    Born as a joke, Dogecoin outgrew its meme roots thanks to Elon Musk and a diehard community. But now? DOGE is down 7%, flirting with a make-or-break $0.175 support. Geopolitics and risk-off moods are hitting meme coins hard, and Dogecoin price prediction models aren’t optimistic.

    Source: CoinCodex

    Sure, bulls dream of $2 DOGE, but today’s charts scream caution. Volatility isn’t going anywhere.

    The Bottom Line

    While Cardano news spells turbulence and Dogecoin wobbles, Remittix offers something rare: A real-world solution with staggering potential. Its presale is a golden ticket to the PayFi revolution—before exchanges send prices soaring. More than $15.7 million raised so far. 420% gains for initial-price investors. Another price rise imminent. Get a 50% token bonus for a limited time! Use promo code SPRINT50 now.

    The takeaway? In a market obsessed with hype, Remittix delivers substance. And that might just be the smartest bet of 2025. Ready to dive in at $0.0781?

    Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their presale here:

    Website: https://remittix.io/

    Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Cardano News, Updated Dogecoin Price Prediction & Hype Grows For Remittix, which offers something rare: A real-world solution for Cross-border Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The crypto market never sleeps—just ask anyone who’s watched Cardano slide while Dogecoin wobbles under bearish pressure. Fresh Cardano news shows ADA leading the downturn alongside XRP, and if current Dogecoin price prediction models hold, DOGE might be in for rougher seas. But here’s the twist: Amid the chaos, Remittix is quietly stealing the spotlight. With global remittances poised to hit $250 trillion by 2027, this project could rewrite the rules for cross-border payments.

    Remittix – The sleeper hit of 2025?

    Let’s be honest—when Cardano stumbles and Dogecoin feels the squeeze, investors start hunting for real utility. Enter Remittix, a PayFi platform that’s not just another crypto project but a potential game-changer for the $183 trillion banking industry. Its presale is buzzing, and for good reason: Imagine converting 100+ cryptos into fiat, then zapping it directly to any bank account. No wonder the crypto-to-fiat market (worth $1.5 billion and climbing at 16-20% yearly) is taking notice.

    What sets Remittix apart? Try flat fees with no surprises, near-instant transfers, and support for 30+ fiat currencies. Add a flawless audit (no red flags here), and suddenly traditional players like Stripe and Wise look sluggish.

    Remittix unpacked: More than hype

    So, what exactly is Remittix? Think of it as the missing link between crypto and your grandma’s bank account. Built on Ethereum, it taps into local payment networks to bridge the gap—fast crypto speed meets everyday fiat convenience. With 100+ cryptos and 30 fiats supported, it’s arguably the most versatile payment tool out there.

    Tokenomics matter, too: only 1.5 billion RTX tokens exist, half up for grabs in the presale. Scarcity + real-world use = a recipe even skeptics might find tempting.

    How Remittix Works (Without the Jargon)

    Here’s the magic: Connect your wallet via Remittix’s dApp, pick your crypto, punch in the recipient’s bank details—done. No waiting days for wires or deciphering fee structures. Traditional transfers? They’re riddled with middlemen; Remittix cuts them out, slashing costs and delays.

    Businesses win big, too. The Pay API lets merchants accept crypto but get paid in fiat. For global commerce, that’s not just convenient—it’s revolutionary.

    Cardano: The Rocky Road Ahead

    Cardano isn’t having its best month. Recent Cardano news highlights ADA’s slump, mirroring XRP’s struggles. Technical charts hint at more pain unless key supports hold. Regulatory clouds and rivals like Ethereum aren’t helping.

    Source: CoinMarketCap

    But there’s a silver lining: Ukraine’s push to add Bitcoin to reserves could lift the entire market, ADA included. Long-term? It hinges on Cardano delivering its roadmap—no small feat.

    Dogecoin: When Memes Meet Reality

    Born as a joke, Dogecoin outgrew its meme roots thanks to Elon Musk and a diehard community. But now? DOGE is down 7%, flirting with a make-or-break $0.175 support. Geopolitics and risk-off moods are hitting meme coins hard, and Dogecoin price prediction models aren’t optimistic.

    Source: CoinCodex

    Sure, bulls dream of $2 DOGE, but today’s charts scream caution. Volatility isn’t going anywhere.

    The Bottom Line

    While Cardano news spells turbulence and Dogecoin wobbles, Remittix offers something rare: A real-world solution with staggering potential. Its presale is a golden ticket to the PayFi revolution—before exchanges send prices soaring. More than $15.7 million raised so far. 420% gains for initial-price investors. Another price rise imminent. Get a 50% token bonus for a limited time! Use promo code SPRINT50 now.

    The takeaway? In a market obsessed with hype, Remittix delivers substance. And that might just be the smartest bet of 2025. Ready to dive in at $0.0781?

    Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their presale here:

    Website: https://remittix.io/

    Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Cardano News, Updated Dogecoin Price Prediction & Hype Grows For Remittix, which offers something rare: A real-world solution for Cross-border Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The crypto market never sleeps—just ask anyone who’s watched Cardano slide while Dogecoin wobbles under bearish pressure. Fresh Cardano news shows ADA leading the downturn alongside XRP, and if current Dogecoin price prediction models hold, DOGE might be in for rougher seas. But here’s the twist: Amid the chaos, Remittix is quietly stealing the spotlight. With global remittances poised to hit $250 trillion by 2027, this project could rewrite the rules for cross-border payments.

    Remittix – The sleeper hit of 2025?

    Let’s be honest—when Cardano stumbles and Dogecoin feels the squeeze, investors start hunting for real utility. Enter Remittix, a PayFi platform that’s not just another crypto project but a potential game-changer for the $183 trillion banking industry. Its presale is buzzing, and for good reason: Imagine converting 100+ cryptos into fiat, then zapping it directly to any bank account. No wonder the crypto-to-fiat market (worth $1.5 billion and climbing at 16-20% yearly) is taking notice.

    What sets Remittix apart? Try flat fees with no surprises, near-instant transfers, and support for 30+ fiat currencies. Add a flawless audit (no red flags here), and suddenly traditional players like Stripe and Wise look sluggish.

    Remittix unpacked: More than hype

    So, what exactly is Remittix? Think of it as the missing link between crypto and your grandma’s bank account. Built on Ethereum, it taps into local payment networks to bridge the gap—fast crypto speed meets everyday fiat convenience. With 100+ cryptos and 30 fiats supported, it’s arguably the most versatile payment tool out there.

    Tokenomics matter, too: only 1.5 billion RTX tokens exist, half up for grabs in the presale. Scarcity + real-world use = a recipe even skeptics might find tempting.

    How Remittix Works (Without the Jargon)

    Here’s the magic: Connect your wallet via Remittix’s dApp, pick your crypto, punch in the recipient’s bank details—done. No waiting days for wires or deciphering fee structures. Traditional transfers? They’re riddled with middlemen; Remittix cuts them out, slashing costs and delays.

    Businesses win big, too. The Pay API lets merchants accept crypto but get paid in fiat. For global commerce, that’s not just convenient—it’s revolutionary.

    Cardano: The Rocky Road Ahead

    Cardano isn’t having its best month. Recent Cardano news highlights ADA’s slump, mirroring XRP’s struggles. Technical charts hint at more pain unless key supports hold. Regulatory clouds and rivals like Ethereum aren’t helping.

    Source: CoinMarketCap

    But there’s a silver lining: Ukraine’s push to add Bitcoin to reserves could lift the entire market, ADA included. Long-term? It hinges on Cardano delivering its roadmap—no small feat.

    Dogecoin: When Memes Meet Reality

    Born as a joke, Dogecoin outgrew its meme roots thanks to Elon Musk and a diehard community. But now? DOGE is down 7%, flirting with a make-or-break $0.175 support. Geopolitics and risk-off moods are hitting meme coins hard, and Dogecoin price prediction models aren’t optimistic.

    Source: CoinCodex

    Sure, bulls dream of $2 DOGE, but today’s charts scream caution. Volatility isn’t going anywhere.

    The Bottom Line

    While Cardano news spells turbulence and Dogecoin wobbles, Remittix offers something rare: A real-world solution with staggering potential. Its presale is a golden ticket to the PayFi revolution—before exchanges send prices soaring. More than $15.7 million raised so far. 420% gains for initial-price investors. Another price rise imminent. Get a 50% token bonus for a limited time! Use promo code SPRINT50 now.

    The takeaway? In a market obsessed with hype, Remittix delivers substance. And that might just be the smartest bet of 2025. Ready to dive in at $0.0781?

    Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their presale here:

    Website: https://remittix.io/

    Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: DFFE allocates R9 billion amid budget constraints

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has been allocated R9.08 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, accounting for 0.35% of the national appropriation.

    “When adjusted for inflation, this reflects a real decrease of R121.5 million, or 1.4%, compared to last year. In short; the department is being asked to do more, with less,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said during his Budget Vote speech in Parliament on Friday.

    The Minister said the Budget Vote is being tabled against the backdrop of a constrained fiscal environment. 

    “Following the reversal of the proposed VAT increase in May 2025, the national budget framework was revised, with consolidated government spending projected to grow from R2.4 trillion in 2024/25 to R2.81 trillion in 2027/28.

    “Nearly half the Department’s medium-term budget – R14.5 billion – will go directly to goods and services, including the Expanded Public Works Programme, implementation of the Forestry Master Plan, and rollout of the Waste Management Strategy,” the Minister said.

    Transfers and subsidies to public entities, such as the South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), South African National Parks (SANParks), iSimangaliso, and South African Weather Service, will account for over R5.5 billion.

    “This department is using every rand to protect ecosystems, grow green jobs, and meet the urgent demands of climate adaptation, regulation, and environmental justice.

    “To achieve these imperatives, the department is focusing on six flagship priorities in the 2025/26 financial year. These “Big 6” priorities shape our work, guide our partnerships, and define the strategic investments proposed in this Budget Vote,” the Minister said.

    He emphasised that climate change is not a distant threat.

    “…It is here, disrupting our communities, economies, and ecosystems. We see it in rising temperatures, intensifying floods, droughts, and fires that affect lives and livelihoods. Through the Climate Change Act, now in force, we have established a unified, whole- of-government response to this urgent crisis.

    “This year, we will deliver new Nationally Determined Contributions, a revised Low Emissions Development Strategy, final Sectoral Emission Targets, and implement the Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan for vulnerable coastal regions,” the Minister said.

    The department has also completed the Highveld Air Quality Management Plan to ensure Eskom complies with air pollution laws — because the constitutional right to clean air cannot be compromised.

    “South Africa’s biodiversity is a powerful engine for development. The revised National Biodiversity Economy Strategy will unlock 397,000 jobs and inject R127 billion annually into the economy by 2036 through eco-tourism, bioprospecting, and sustainable game meat production.

    “South Africa’s fisheries are lifelines for coastal and rural communities. Through Fishing for Freedom, we are securing sustainable access, supporting small-scale fishers, and combating illegal harvesting that threatens biodiversity and food security.

    “We are fast-tracking signage, wreck removal, security and road markings at the 12 proclaimed fishing harbours, implementing co-management systems for nearshore fisheries, and expanding Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) training in the small-scale fisheries sector,” the Minister said.

    This is part of the department’s revitalisation of harbours — unlocking jobs and dignity for coastal communities. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA’s G20 Presidency making progress finalising Leaders’ Declaration

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency is making significant progress toward a comprehensive Leaders’ Declaration that emphasises sustainable development and addresses pressing global issues. 

    This statement was made by South Africa’s G20 Sherpa and Chair, Zane Dangor, who spoke to the media on Friday as the three-day Sherpa meeting concluded.

    During a briefing with local and international media, Dangor said the gathering highlighted key developments through a collaborative approach that seeks input from all delegates.

    “The past two and a half days have gone really well. Delegates are happy with the progress we’ve made in our working groups and our task forces, but also in the way we are conducting our Presidency.

    “We’re putting forward our priorities in a very consultative manner, and this will help us to shape our Leaders’ Declaration, which was what we discussed in the last session,” the Sherpa said. 

    However, he noted that the draft declaration remains fluid to accommodate ongoing global dynamics.

    “We gave them a framework of what we think should be in the declaration based on our priorities. They’ve agreed with that, and they’ve also asked for certain other things to be included. So, we’re quite confident that we are on track.” 

    However, Dangor announced that the final declaration is expected to emerge after ongoing working group discussions and will be circulated for further input in the coming weeks.

    “We can’t draft something that changes within three or four months, even two weeks…”

    Meanwhile, Dangor stated that the delegates are satisfied with the consultative process and the inclusion of various priorities, including climate change and artificial intelligence.

    The G20 Leaders’ Declaration captures the shared perspectives, commitments, and agreements made by the leaders of the intergovernmental forum, typically outlining the framework for future international collaboration.

    This week, South Africa hosted the world’s largest economies and organisations, which convened at Sun City Resort in the North West for the third G20 Sherpa meeting. 

    In the G20, the Sherpas are the leaders of each country, who take the discussions and agreements to the final summit with Heads of State and Government.

    African agenda

    On advancing the continent’s agenda, Dangor said the African Union’s permanent membership brings “a perspective of 54 countries to the table”, providing a more robust African representation in global discussions.

    “We can see that they’re getting better prepared at making those inputs. The AU and the EU [European Union] bring a grouping of countries to the table… it does bring the African flavour to the G20 in a way that is much appreciated by others.”

    Dangor, who serves as the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, told journalists that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is particularly focused on continuity, addressing a longstanding challenge, where each G20 Presidency traditionally defines its own themes. 

    “We’ve been keen to focus on the sustainable development agenda,” he explained, highlighting a consistent approach across recent Presidencies.

    Geopolitical tensions

    He stressed that geopolitical tensions remain a critical challenge, with discussions centering on principles of international law and territorial integrity. 

    According to Dangor, South Africa’s G20 Presidency is working to draft language that ensures “no exceptions” to holding nations accountable under international frameworks.

    “We’re hoping to get ceasefires to stay in place. We’re hoping for justice to prevail, and we’re hoping for humanitarian access in Sudan, Gaza, and other places to be championed by the international community. These were the issues that we were discussing.”

    While challenges persist, including the absence of United States representatives, Dangor said the G20 leadership remains optimistic about crafting a meaningful declaration that addresses global South priorities and sustainable development goals.

    He mentioned that a Troika meeting has been organised between Brazil, the United States, and South Africa to update America on the current discussions and plans for the upcoming months.

    “The G20 is continuing. The work continues in the working groups, the Sherpa work continues, and we will then have to factor in, based on levels of participation going forward, what we do with the views of the US, if they may, bring it at a later stage.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grothman Reintroduces Enforce the Caps Act to Rein in Reckless Spending

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

    Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) has reintroduced the Enforce the Caps Act, which extends critical federal spending caps through Fiscal Year (FY) 2029. The legislation builds on the bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act, which currently enforces spending caps only through FY 2025. 

    “Americans are fed up with the reckless spending in Washington that continues to fuel our growing debt crisis,” said Grothman. “Congress already reached a bipartisan agreement on commonsense spending caps through FY25, and this legislation simply extends those enforcement tools through FY29, adding essential guardrails to protect taxpayers from runaway deficits. 

    “While the Fiscal Responsibility Act was a step forward, more action is needed to get Washington’s fiscal house in order. The Enforce the Caps Act strengthens our commitment to reducing the deficit and curbing inflation. This is about securing our nation’s economic future for future generations.” 

    “Congress needs automatic enforcement to make spending limits real. Rep. Grothman’s proposal to add sequester backing to appropriations caps for four more years makes good sense. As Congress continues with the unfinished business of ending excessive spending and debt, this legislation deserves members’ support,” said Kurt Couchman, Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy with Americans for Prosperity.  

    “While the Fiscal Responsibility Act accomplished a $1.5 trillion reduction (CBO) in spending through, primarily, its FY2024 and FY2025 spending caps, President Biden and Senate Democrats would not allow enforceable spending limits in Fiscal Years 2026 through 2029. This leaves the nation’s fiscal stability vulnerable to whoever holds power during these years. Thankfully, Representative Glenn Grothman has introduced the Enforce the Caps Act, which would make these spending caps enforceable through sequestration. This law would decrease planned spending by an additional $553 billion. Rep. Grothman’s bill is a crucial next step towards fiscal sanity, providing a more stable economy for Americans and protecting future taxpayers. ATR urges all lawmakers to support this important legislation,” said Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform. 

    “The Enforce the Caps Act is a vital step toward restoring fiscal discipline in Washington. This commonsense legislation would finally hold Congress accountable to the discretionary spending limits it has repeatedly agreed to but consistently ignored. JCN polling finds balancing the budget is one of the biggest priorities of American small businesses, and the Enforce the Caps Act would help rein in the reckless spending that is 100% responsible for America’s deficit crisis. It’s about time that Washington played by the same rules every Main Street entrepreneur does—living within a budget,” said Alfredo Ortiz, CEO of Job Creators Network. 

    “National Taxpayers Union is pleased to once again support the Enforce the Caps Act, which would make discretionary spending limits established in the Fiscal Responsibility Act enforceable through sequestration in future years. Enforcing these limits would promote greater budget discipline and help reduce annual deficit spending,” said Brandon Arnold, Executive Vice President of the National Taxpayers Union. 

    “The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is proud to endorse the Enforce the Caps Act, reintroduced by Rep. Grothman. Following the enactment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which set discretionary spending caps for FY24–FY29, this legislation would reduce federal outlays by $553 billion from FY26 to FY33 by ensuring those caps are enforced through sequestration. TPA strongly supports this measure, which reins in Washington’s reckless spending and safeguards taxpayers’ hard earned dollars,” said David Williams, President of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. 

    “Rep. Glenn Grothman’s Enforce the Caps Act takes a much-needed step toward restoring fiscal discipline. With binding spending caps set to expire after FY 2025, Congress should prevent a surge in discretionary spending that could fuel inflation and deepen the U.S. debt crisis. Locking in previously agreed upon spending caps—with a real enforcement mechanism—will help focus taxpayer dollars on core government priorities by forcing tradeoff considerations, and helping Congress do what every family must do: budget within limited means,” said Romina Boccia and Dominik Lett from Cato Institute

    “R Street Institute is pleased to support the ‘Enforce the Caps Act.’ Too often, when Congress sets fiscal targets as part of a negotiated deal, critical spending restrictions are postponed for future years and rarely achieved in full. This shortchanges taxpayers and legislators who were promised savings as part of a comprehensive agreement. It also devalues the legislative process by signaling that lawmakers never intended to follow the law, making it harder for legislators to work together in the future and undermining trust in the institution. By enforcing the spending limits in the ‘Fiscal Responsibility Act,’ Congress can at once secure urgently needed savings and boost congressional integrity,” said Nan Swift, Resident Fellow, Governance Project, R Street Institute. 

    “The Enforce the Caps Act would add real teeth to the Fiscal Responsibility Act beyond 2025, codifying significant deficit reduction in the process. We applaud Representative Grothman for his initiative in introducing this important bill. Although the Fiscal Responsibility Act was the largest and most important deficit reduction bill in over a decade, it does not include a mechanism to truly enforce its savings or discretionary targets beyond 2025. The ECA would extend the statutory caps in place for 2024 and 2025, limiting appropriations growth to 1 percent per year through 2029. Members have already voted for these spending levels as targets under the FRA, so it only makes sense to make them real. In doing so, the Enforce the Caps Act would play a significant role in improving America’s fiscal future,” said Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. 

    “The Enforce the Caps Act is a step in the right direction. It strengthens the FRA by making the budget caps from FY 26′ to FY 29′ fully enforceable through sequestration. We applaud Congressman Grothman for reintroducing this commonsense measure to rein in out-of-control spending,” said Jill Homan, Deputy Director for Trade and Economic Policy for the America First Policy Institute 

    Background Information 

    The bipartisan Fiscal Responsibly Act of 2023 placed two years of enforceable discretionary spending caps for FY24 and FY25 and four years of non-enforceable caps for FY26 through FY29. The Enforce the Caps Act protects taxpayers by simply extending the enforcement period to apply to FY26 through FY29. 

    The Enforce the Caps Act would simply make the FY 26 through FY 29 caps enacted by the Fiscal Responsibility Act enforceable through sequestration. 

    According to the CBO, full enforcement of these caps would decrease outlays by $553 billion between 2026 and 2033. 

    This bill is endorsed by Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, Job Creators Network, National Taxpayers Union, R Street Institute, America First Policy Institute, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, and Taxpayers Protection Alliance. 

    This bill has three original cosponsors, including Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and David Rouzer (R-NC). 

    U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Scandinavia has its own dark history of assimilating Indigenous people, and churches played a role – but are apologizing

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Thomas A. DuBois, Professor of Scandinavian Studies, Folklore, and Religious Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison

    A church in Kiruna, Sweden, designed by architect Gustaf Wickman to resemble a Sami hut. Apolline Guillerot-Malick/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    In May 2025, Tapio Luoma, archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, delivered an apology to the Sámi, the only recognized Indigenous people in the European Union.

    Speaking on behalf of the church to which more than 6 in 10 of the Finnish populace belong, including most Sámi, Luoma acknowledged its role in past activities that stigmatized Sámi language and culture.

    The church “has not respected the rights to self-determination of the Sámi people,” his address began. “Before God and all of you here assembled, we express our regret and ask forgiveness of the Sámi people.”

    Luoma’s words were the latest in a series of apologies through which the former state churches in Scandinavia have sought to reset their relations with the Indigenous population of Sápmi, the natural and cultural area of Sámi people. Today, the region is divided between Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia.

    As a scholar of Sámi culture, and as a researcher of Nordic folklore and religion, I have studied the difficult, often painful, relations between Sámi and the various Nordic state churches.

    Church’s power

    For thousands of years, the Sámi population lived by hunting, fishing and reindeer husbandry along the northern edges of Scandinavia. The Sámi possessed their own languages and maintained distinctive spiritual traditions and healing practices, drawing on traditional ecological knowledge that they had accrued over countless generations. In times of crisis or uncertainty, for example, communities used ceremonial drums to communicate with the spirit world and divine the future.

    Conflicts emerged by the 13th century, however, as Christian realms expanded north. Christian clerics condemned Sámi spiritual traditions as “heathen devilry.”

    An 18th-century carving of a Sámi shaman with his drum.
    Beskrivelse over Finnmarkens Lapper, deres Tungemaal, Levemaade og forrige Afgudsdyrkelse/O. H. von Lode/Wikimedia Commons

    During the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, Scandinavian rulers shifted from Catholicism to Lutheranism. In addition to tending to the souls of their flocks, ministers were tasked with keeping track of the comings and goings of congregation members, collecting taxes, and administering justice for lesser crimes.

    They aimed to stamp out the spiritual practices that many Sámi continued to practice alongside Christianity. Church authorities arrested, fined and sometimes even executed practitioners, while confiscating sacred drums to be destroyed or sent to distant museums.

    The church’s ritual of confirmation, which marks the passage from adolescence into adulthood, also acquired legal status. Being confirmed required the ability to read and interpret the Bible and Martin Luther’s Catechism, a summary of the Lutheran Church’s beliefs. As the church became part of the state, people who had not received confirmation could not represent themselves in court, own land or even marry.

    Lake Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, the oldest Sami church still in use, in Inari Municipality, Lapland, Finland.
    VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    And where Luther had called for religious instruction to occur in one’s native language, most Nordic clergy provided catechesis only in the majority language, considering Sámi language and traditions impediments to true conversion.

    Assimilation efforts

    During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the new “nation states” of Finland, Norway and Sweden emerged on the world stage. In each country, political leaders conflated what the ancient Greeks called the “demos” – members of a political nation – with an “ethnos,” a cultural group. In order to belong to the Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish political nations, political and cultural leaders of these new states asserted that it was necessary to belong to the majority linguistic and cultural community.

    Finland’s 1919 constitution made provision for Swedish, which is still used by about 5% of the population, as a national language alongside Finnish. However, the government accorded no such status to Sámi.

    Both state-run residential boarding schools and schools run by churches included Lutheranism as a subject and strove relentlessly to assimilate Sámi into the majority culture, language and worldview, teaching children to see their culture as backward and shameful. Some church and school authorities cooperated with pseudoscientific racial researchers measuring students’ heads and excavating Sámi graves.

    A ‘nomad school’ for Sami children in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle, in 1956.
    John Firth/BIPs/Getty Images

    As a result, many students ceased to identify as Sámi and adopted the majority language as their primary mode of communication. Today, only about half the people who identify as Sámi have any facility in Sámi languages, which are considered endangered.

    After World War II, church attendance in all the Nordic countries began to plummet. Where 98% of the Finnish population belonged to the state church in 1900, by 2024 that percentage had dropped to 62%. The bulk of defections consisted of people who registered as having no religious affiliation. Membership in the national church shifted from compulsory to voluntary.

    Yet as anthropologist David Koester shows, some elements of Lutheran tradition remain extremely popular in all the Nordic countries, particularly Confirmation. The ritual remains a key rite of passage for most Sámi today, yet many of them wrestle with whether they should remain faithful to a church that had worked to suppress their community’s language and culture.

    Reconciliation today

    Searching for a path forward, contemporary Sámi artist and Lutheran catechist Lars Levi Sunna began to produce church art that incorporated and celebrated pre-Christian Sámi symbols – some of the very traditions that had been demonized by clergy of the past.

    For example, in a church in the northern Swedish town of Jukkasjärvi, an image of the sun as it appeared on Sámi ceremonial drums now faces the altar, providing a vivid reminder of the spiritual history and past worldview of the church’s Sámi congregation. The symbol now encloses an image of a communion wafer carved of reindeer antler.

    In 2005, Sunna created a traveling art exhibit that portrayed Sámi Christianization as an act of cultural violence. The exhibit, designed for temporary installation in church sanctuaries, aimed to provoke discussion and encourage open dialogue about the past.

    Similarly, in 2008, Norwegian Sámi filmmaker Nils Gaup produced “Kautokeino Rebellion,” a film recounting clergy’s role in suppressing religious activism among followers of a Swedish Sámi minister, Lars Levi Laestadius. The so-called uprising in 1852 led to the imprisonment of several dozen Sámi and the execution of two men – whose skulls were deposited in a research institute and did not receive proper burial until 1997.

    Descended from one of the punished families, Gaup reminded his audience of past injustice shrouded in shame and silence.

    Since church attendance is infrequent in Nordic countries, art and film serve as important vehicles for raising awareness of the church’s past. In November 2021, the archbishop of Sweden, Antje Jackelén, issued a formal apology to the Sámi. Sámi artist and activist Anders Sunna was invited to temporarily redecorate the sanctuary of the Cathedral of Uppsala for the occasion. His decorations included reminders of past Sámi sacrificial traditions that took place both outdoors and around hearth fires. In place of a grand altar, Sunna erected a simple table, surrounded by an octagon of benches where the bishop and members of the Sámi community would sit face to face with a sense of equality and respect.

    As Sámi theologian Tore Johnsen notes, formal apologies are necessary first steps in a process of reconciliation. But only once they are followed by concrete acts of “restoration” can real reconciliation occur.

    When the Finnish archbishop apologized in May 2025, Sámi in attendance at the Turku Cathedral were appreciative, but they were eager to see what actions might follow, according to reporters at the ceremony. The same wait-and-see attitude characterizes Sámi responses to state-run Truth and Reconciliation processes, which occurred in Norway in 2023 and are currently ongoing in Sweden and Finland.

    The process of healing a society injured by colonialism is difficult and slow, requiring extensive discussion – much of it uncomfortable. With Luoma’s words of apology and the arrival of Sámi to listen and witness, an important step in that process occurred.

    Thomas A. DuBois 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. Scandinavia has its own dark history of assimilating Indigenous people, and churches played a role – but are apologizing – https://theconversation.com/scandinavia-has-its-own-dark-history-of-assimilating-indigenous-people-and-churches-played-a-role-but-are-apologizing-255827

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • India to host 2029 World Police and Fire Games in Ahmedabad, says Union Home Minister Amit Shah

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah on Friday expressed immense pride and joy as India has been selected to host the prestigious 2029 World Police and Fire Games. In a post on X , Shah highlighted that this achievement is a matter of great pride for every Indian citizen and a testament to the country’s growing stature in the global sporting arena.

    The minister attributed India’s successful bid to host the event to the robust sports infrastructure developed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The World Police and Fire Games, a biennial event that brings together police, fire, and disaster services personnel to compete in over 50 sports, will be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

    Shah emphasized that the selection of Ahmedabad as the venue underscores the city’s rising prominence as a key sporting destination in India.

  • India to host 2029 World Police and Fire Games in Ahmedabad, says Union Home Minister Amit Shah

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah on Friday expressed immense pride and joy as India has been selected to host the prestigious 2029 World Police and Fire Games. In a post on X , Shah highlighted that this achievement is a matter of great pride for every Indian citizen and a testament to the country’s growing stature in the global sporting arena.

    The minister attributed India’s successful bid to host the event to the robust sports infrastructure developed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The World Police and Fire Games, a biennial event that brings together police, fire, and disaster services personnel to compete in over 50 sports, will be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

    Shah emphasized that the selection of Ahmedabad as the venue underscores the city’s rising prominence as a key sporting destination in India.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Further update: Genta-Equine 100 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses – Adverse events

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Further update: Genta-Equine 100 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses – Adverse events

    Actions following the identification of the cause of an increase of adverse event reports following the use of Genta-Equine 100 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses.

    As a result of the identification of elevated concentrations of histamine as the likely cause of adverse event reports relating to the use of Genta-Equine 100 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses, as detailed within our initial notification on 18 December 2024 and update notification on 14 March 2025, it has been agreed that the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) will implement a maximum limit for histamine in the active substance used within the product. 

    Due to the critical nature of Genta-Equine to equine veterinary surgeons in the UK, a recall has not been initiated in the UK and the MAH will be allowed to release one or more new batches of finished product which have been shown to contain levels of histamine below the maximum permissible limit. These will be released via the national Specific Batch Control scheme.

    We would like to remind veterinary professionals that Dechra (UK distributor) has advised that where there are concerns around using the affected batches of Genta-Equine, treatment with an alternative appropriate antibiotic should be considered. They have also advised that a refund can be received for any unopened bottles.   

    We will continue working with the MAH to monitor reports and ensure appropriate actions are carried out as required. 

    Symptoms included in adverse event reports 

    Reports received include signs of abdominal pain/colic, pawing, restlessness/agitation, groaning, shaking/shivering/fasciculation, Flehmen response, lying down or attempting to lie down, staggering, increased sweating and increased respiratory rate. 

    Adverse event reports received may include reports where more than one product was used, the product was used off-label and/or where, on further evaluation, it is considered that there is no causal association between the product and event. 

    Reporting of adverse events 

    We strongly encourage anyone who is aware of an adverse event to report directly to the MAH. Please provide all relevant information, including the batch number. 

    Contact details for the MAH or their local representative can found be on the product leaflet or on the Product Information Database.

    The reporting of adverse events is critical to our ongoing monitoring activities in order to protect animal health, public health, and the environment. Find out more about pharmacovigilance at VMD Connect – Adverse Events and Pharmacovigilance.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: $200M Boost for Critical Water Infrastructure

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved nearly $200 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. The Board’s approval authorizes municipal access to low-cost financing and grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, from treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water, to replacing lead service lines and modernizing aging systems. These investments protect public health and make projects more affordable, reducing the need for higher rate increases to fund improvements, while also creating good-paying jobs.

    “Clean water is a fundamental right, and New York is leading the way in making sure communities have the resources they need to protect it,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will help New York City and communities across the state make critical upgrades to aging infrastructure, reduce pollution, and deliver safe, reliable water, while protecting the pockets of New Yorkers.”

    The Board approved a major $50 million investment in New York City, including a $25 million grant from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding. The grant will be used by New York City exclusively for affordability programs that provide financial assistance to low-income water and sewer customers. The $25 million in interest-free financing will support a stormwater and resiliency project that is a key component of the larger Gowanus Canal Superfund Site cleanup. Construction of underground tanks and a network of improvements will fortify the City’s sewers and reduce combined sewage and stormwater overflows that have polluted the canal for a century.

    Today’s announcement builds on a longstanding State-City partnership that has advanced transformative water and sewer improvements. EFC’s financial assistance over the past 15 years has saved City ratepayers more than $2.7 billion on water infrastructure projects, including more than $400 million in direct grants. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the State continues to deliver critical financial resources to complete essential projects, ease the burden on local ratepayers, and build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods for generations to come.

    EFC’s Board approved grants and financings to local governments from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds – a mix of federal and state dollars dedicated to financing community water infrastructure projects. State Revolving Fund interest rates are below market rate, and with long repayment periods, communities may save significantly on debt service compared to traditional financing. IIJA funding bolstered the State Revolving Funds and accelerated progress on essential clean water and drinking water projects.

    The Board also approved executing previously awarded State grants from the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation programs. EFC Board approval is a critical step in the funding process and will allow communities to access these funds for project implementation. Leveraging federal funding with state investments maximizes the impact of each dollar spent, empowering local communities to make critical system improvements they need to keep their residents safe and ensuring cost is not a barrier for project implementation.

    Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are making historic investments that help communities take on complex, long-needed infrastructure projects without overburdening local ratepayers. Today’s announcement underscores the State’s unwavering commitment to affordable drinking water and wastewater service in New York City and communities statewide. We’re not just financing construction—we’re helping to deliver a cleaner, greener, more resilient future that New Yorkers deserve.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Investing in local water infrastructure and ensuring all communities have access to clean water is a top priority for New York. Across the state, municipalities large and small are challenged by aging water mains, crumbling wastewater treatment facilities, and outdated sewer systems. Governor Hochul continues to make generational investments that will help communities address critical infrastructure needs and protect water quality, water quantity, and our environment while keeping costs down for cash-strapped municipalities and New Yorkers.”

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Governor Hochul has made it clear that access to safe, clean drinking water is a top priority. This latest round of funding helps ensure those critical projects—like removing emerging contaminants—are both an affordable and achievable reality for communities across New York State. The State Health Department will continue to work with local municipalities and our state partners to make sure the water coming from the tap is safe and healthy for all New Yorkers.”

    New York State Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Governor Hochul recognizes that clean water infrastructure is vital to public health, economic development and community quality of life. The Governor’s visionary commitment of $200 million in low-cost financing and grants provides local governments with the support they need to become more resilient, sustainable and prosperous well into the future.”

    Senator Charles Schumer said, “Everyone deserves access to clean drinking water. These major federal investments will ensure families from Chautauqua to Port Washington have safe drinking water and our beautiful waterways stay clean, all while creating new good-paying jobs, jobs, jobs. I am proud to deliver millions in federal funding and will fight to preserve funding to modernize drinking water and water-sewer systems in the upcoming budget. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership in the fight to turn the tide on our state’s aging water infrastructure to keep our communities safe and healthy.”

    Representative Grace Meng said, “From combating flooding to ensuring clean drinking water, upgrading our water infrastructure is a crucial investment in our state’s future, and I’m always proud to fight for funding that makes these types of projects possible. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and helping to make needed improvements happen across New York.”

    Representative Joe Morelle said, “Everyone deserves to have confidence that the water from their kitchen faucet is clean and safe to use. In Washington, I’m always fighting for projects that support our community’s health and wellbeing. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and partnership in building a healthier New York for all.”

    Representative Tom Suozzi said, “The Governor and the state are effectively delivering essential funds to New York’s local water providers from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I helped negotiate as a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The Port Washington project is a crucial investment that will enhance and protect our water infrastructure for future generations while reducing the financial burden on our local taxpayers. I will continue to work with the state to try and bring vital federal resources back to New York.”

    Representative Pat Ryan said, “The freedom to drink clean water is fundamentally American. Our community has been pushing hard to ensure that every Hudson Valley family – especially our kids – has access to clean, safe drinking water. We’ve made real progress, including in Poughkeepsie. Last year, I was proud to work with the Governor to secure critical funds for lead pipe removal in Poughkeepsie. This funding is another step towards ensuring clean water for all, and I thank the Governor and all our partners for their advocacy and commitment to Hudson Valley public health.”

    State Senator Pete Harckham said, “This major investment from the state ensures public health standards while supporting local municipalities. Maintaining safe, accessible drinking water sources and supply systems is integral to future growth and prosperity, and I thank Governor Hochul, my colleagues in the State Legislature and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation for making the financial commitment to see this through.”

    Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick said, “Communities across New York are facing mounting challenges when it comes to water infrastructure—whether it’s combating contaminants like PFAS, repairing aging water and sewer systems, or replacing lead service lines. This critical funding provides much-needed support to local governments working to protect public health and ensure clean, safe water. I’m especially grateful that $50 million has been directed to support infrastructure improvements in New York City, and I thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership in prioritizing these essential investments.”

    New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said, “New York City is home to nearly half of the State’s population and will make full and beneficial use of this grant and financing, which will help the people of Gowanus as well as low-income water customers across the five boroughs. This commitment from the State represents a new and positive development in the collaboration between EFC and DEP and I’m grateful for this partnership.”

    Funding was approved for projects in the following regions:

    Finger Lakes

    • Town of Leroy – $5 million grant for the formation of Water District No. 12, including installation of approximately 173,000 linear feet of water mains and appurtenances including hydrants, valves, and service meters.
    • Town of Milo – $366,000 grant for the installation of 4,600 linear feet of water main, gate valves, hydrants, meters, and additional appurtenances along NYS Route 54 to form Water District No. 4.
    • City of Rochester – $24 million for the replacement of 3,269 lead service lines, approximately 14% of the total lead and galvanized services lines in the water system. Rochester is one of 12 municipalities to receive a State grant as well as federal IIJA grants and interest-free financing for lead service line replacement. The State grant will reimburse costs that were not fully covered by IIJA grants, so upon completion of this project, the City won’t have to pay back the financing.

    Long Island

    • Village of Farmingdale – $4.6 million grant for the installation of an advanced oxidation process treatment system for the removal of 1,4-dioxane and a granular activated carbon treatment system for removal of PFOA and PFOS at the Ridge Road Well Site Plant No. 2.
    • Port Washington Water District – $5 million in grants for the construction of a granular activated carbon treatment system for the removal of PFOA and PFOS from Hewlett Well No. 4.
    • Suffolk County Water Authority – $1.5 million grant for the installation of approximately 7,500 linear feet of water main, gate valves, hydrants, meters, and additional appurtenances to provide public water to homes with contaminated private wells along Old Country Road.

    Mid-Hudson

    • City of Poughkeepsie – $6.7 million grant and low-cost financing package for the rehabilitation of the Fallkill Trunk portion of the sanitary sewer collection system.

    North Country

    • Village of Port Leyden – $8 million grant and interest-free financing package for the replacement of approximately 18,000 linear feet of water main and associated appurtenances, replacement of water meters, and water treatment plant upgrades.

    New York City

    • New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority – $50 million grant and interest-free financing package for the planning, design, and construction of the Gowanus Canal combined sewer overflow abatement facilities.

    Western New York

    • Village of Andover – $1.4 million grant for the development of a new groundwater well to provide needed source redundancy and replace an existing noncompliant spring source. The Board previously approved an interest-free financing in addition to the grant to support this project.
    • Town of Chautauqua – $7.7 million grant and interest-free financing package for the development of two new groundwater wells and a new treatment plant to replace the existing water source and treatment plant, and installation of approximately 14,000 linear feet of transmission and distribution water mains to extend the water district and serve 345 new residences that are currently dependent on private wells.
    • Town of Clymer – $10.5 million grant and interest-free financing package for the development and installation of a new ground water well to provide additional source capacity, replacement of approximately 26,000 linear feet of watermains, valves, hydrants, and appurtenances and a new 200,000-gallon water storage tank to replace a deteriorated tank.
    • Town of Ellicott – $6.4 million in grants for the design and construction of a sewer district extension.
    • Town of Randolph – $4.5 million grant and low-cost financing package for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant improvements.
    • Town of Westfield – $9.5 million grant and interest-free financing for the design and construction of wastewater treatment plant and collection system improvements.

    Refinancing Completed Projects Will Achieve Long-Term Debt Service Savings
    The Board also took action to help ensure continued, long-term affordability of existing projects. EFC provides short-term financing for design and construction of projects. Once project construction is completed, the short-term financing is typically refinanced to long-term financing for up to 30 years. Based on current market conditions, these long-term interest-free financings are projected to save local ratepayers an estimated $51 million in interest payments over the life of the financings.

    The Board approved long-term financing for projects undertaken by communities in the following regions:

    Mohawk Valley

    • Village of Middleburgh – $2.5 million long-term interest-free financing for the planning, design, and construction of upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant.

    New York City

    • New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority – $42 million long-term interest-free financing for the design and construction of new engine generators to utilize digester gas and natural gas to cogenerate power and heat for on-site use at the North River Water Resource Recovery Facility.

    North Country

    • Village of Lowville – $9.3 million long-term interest-free financing for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant improvements.

    New York’s Commitment to Water Quality
    New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. The next round of EFC’s Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants is now open at www.efc.ny.gov. Governor Hochul has announced $325 million for this round.

    With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY26 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure between 2017 and this year. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC’s investments using the interactive project impact dashboard.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Honoring Former Representative Carolyn McCarthy

    Source: US State of New York

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    June 26, 2025

    Albany, NY

    Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State on Friday, June 27

    Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags on all State government buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of former Representative Carolyn McCarthy, who passed away on June 26. Representative McCarthy was a leading gun control advocate during her time in Congress. Flags will be at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, June 27.

    “Representative Carolyn McCarthy was a strong advocate for gun control and an even more fierce leader,” Governor Hochul said. “From her days as a Congresswoman to advocacy, Carolyn McCarthy touched the lives of many through her work in public service, and I join her family, loved ones and Long Islanders in mourning this loss.”

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA – Central Asian countries seek to preserve water resources

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    unece.org

    by Cosimo GrazianiTashkent (Agenzia Fides) – At the end of May, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan signed a trilateral agreement regarding the allocation of water from the Bahri Tochik reservoir in Tajikistan during the harvest season from June to August. In the allocation of the reservoir’s resources, located on the course of the Syr Darya, one of the region’s two most important rivers, Kazakhstan was allocated 499 million cubic meters of water for agricultural irrigation, reports the Kazinform newspaper. The agreement demonstrates that the countries of the region – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – have begun to address the issue of water management, often through bilateral agreements. Water in Central Asia is becoming increasingly scarce. As a result of climate change and reckless management during the Soviet period, when canals were built to irrigate cotton fields dozens of kilometers from the riverbeds, the region’s two most important rivers, the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya, have dried up in their final stretches, ultimately leading to the drying up of the Aral Sea. The summer months are the most difficult to manage: the drought is becoming increasingly severe. The agreement between the three countries has positive effects not only on agriculture, but also on the energy policies of the participating countries and, more generally, on the joint management of water resources. In the past, there have been episodes of tensions leading to real conflicts over control of waterways and lakes. Kyrgyzstan has been the most frequently involved in this type of conflict. In 2014, clashes occurred on the border with Tajikistan; a brief armed conflict erupted in 2021, and the crisis continued the following year, resulting in one hundred deaths. The water supply situation calmed down when an agreement was reached in December of last year on border demarcation and, consequently, access to water resources. This was followed by another agreement involving Uzbekistan, which also covered energy supply issues related to water use. The Amu Darya was also at the center of the agreements signed between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in 2021 and 2022. According to the 2022 agreement, any decision that could affect the river’s course, including hydropower infrastructure, must first be independently assessed by the two states. Uzbekistan signed a similar agreement with Kazakhstan the same year, likely also due to political changes, on the management of the Pretashkent groundwater, which stretches between the two countries. Although these agreements demonstrate a certain willingness to jointly address the problem of water resources, two problems hamper these attempts. First, there is a lack of consensus in the region that encompasses all states. One attempt has been made in the past with the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC), established in 1992 to protect and use the waters of the Aral Sea, and the Chu Talas Water Management Commission, which includes Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. These two initiatives, which have remained isolated, require further support to adequately address the problem. Another problem is the intention of other countries to exploit the region’s water resources. While it is relatively easy to reach an agreement for the Syr Darya, the waters of the Amu Darya form the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, and Afghanistan also wishes to use them. The Taliban government plans to build the Qosh Tepa Canal, which will flow south from the river for 285 kilometers and facilitate the resumption of agriculture in the country. Construction was 80% complete in March, and the completion of the canal is causing concern for Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: the canal is expected to divert up to 20% of the river’s current water flow, reducing their water supplies by 80% and 15%, respectively. Concerns include the impact on agriculture in both countries and the maintenance of the canal, which is feared to be built using poor technology and will lead to further water problems in the region in the future. (Agenzia Fides, 27/6/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo sign a peace agreement in Washington

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 27 June 2025 peace  

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – A peace agreement to end the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is scheduled to be signed today, June 27, between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The agreement is based on a Declaration of Principles adopted between the two countries in April and includes provisions for “respect for territorial integrity and a cessation of hostilities” in the east of the DRC.The agreement will be signed at a ministerial meeting in Washington, which will also include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his counterparts from the DRC and Rwanda, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Olivier Nduhungirehe.Both will also be received by Donald Trump at the White House. A complex negotiating strategy was put in place to achieve today’s signing, involving not only the two countries concerned, but also the United States, Qatar, and the African Union. In parallel with the negotiations in Washington between Kigali and Kinshasa, negotiations have been taking place in recent months in Doha (capital of Qatar) between the Congolese authorities and the rebels of the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23).The latter are supported by Rwanda and control most of the provinces of North and South Kivu in eastern DRC. The United States has an interest in achieving peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda so that its companies can exploit the immense Congolese mineral resources. In parallel with the peace agreements, the Trump administration intends to sign a mining agreement with the Congolese government. The problem is that several of the most important Congolese mines are located in North and South Kivu, provinces no longer controlled by the government in Kinshasa, but by the AFC/M23. “Furthermore, almost all Congolese mines are controlled by Chinese companies,” states the latest report by the Peace Network for Congo.”The Congolese government therefore has little to offer the United States, which will be forced to negotiate behind the scenes with the Chinese authorities and bypass Kinshasa,” emphasizes the network of missionaries working in the region. According to the missionary network, caution must be exercised regarding the validity of the newly signed agreements.”In the Great Lakes region in general, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo in particular, the numerous conflicts have regularly led to the signing of ceasefires and peace agreements that have never definitively silenced the guns. In the last four years, about a dozen such texts have been signed, which have then been systematically violated and never respected,” the network points out. “The rumors of large-scale arms purchases by the Congolese government and the arrival of former Congolese President Joseph Kabila in Goma, the stronghold of the AFC/M23, are not a sign of a de-escalation of the Congolese crisis, which in many respects is completely beyond the control of the negotiators from Qatar and the United States,” the network’s report continues. Finally,The Peace Network for Congo emphasizes that true peace requires “restorative justice” that takes into account the rights of those affected by the violence perpetrated by all actors in the conflict. Starting with the hundreds of thousands of people (women, girls, children, but also men and boys) who have been victims of rape during the conflict. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 27/6/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/TURKEY – The Archbishop of Smyrna: “We are awaiting Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Nicaea

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Opera Roma Pellegrinaggi

    Smyrna (Agenzia Fides) – “Pilgrimages to Nicaea are being organized from Smyrna, Istanbul, and other Turkish dioceses. And from abroad, representatives of parishes from all over the world are coming to what is now Iznik, which was once Nicaea. We eagerly await the official confirmation from the Holy See regarding Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Nicaea: his presence in Turkey will be a source of great joy and grace for us believers and for the entire nation,” said Martin Kmetec, President of the Turkish Bishops’ Conference and Archbishop of Smyrna, in an interview with Fides. He commemorated the 1700th anniversary of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD, an event that draws the attention of Christian churches around the world to the city south of Istanbul on Lake Bursa. Monsignor Kmetec explains: “The anniversary aroused great interest among the Christian community in Turkey and prompted us to explore the history of the Church in our region. Today we reflect on the treasure of faith we received from Nicaea: we are called to embrace it, preserve it, and apply it in our daily lives.”The Archbishop also recalls that the anniversary is also being celebrated by the Orthodox Church “and is therefore an opportunity for ecumenical dialogue and unity.” Referring to a recent ecumenical symposium held in Antalya, in which he personally participated, the Archbishop of Smyrna states: “I found the perspective very significant because it helped us focus on the content of the faith we proclaim and live, that is, to reflect on the Incarnation of Christ, which expresses the gift of his divine and human nature. The gift given to us is salvation: today we are called to safeguard this gift and proclaim it to the world as Christians, Catholics and Orthodox together,” he states. The then also emphasizes a second aspect: “Nicaea is not only a place for theological reflection: This Council was also the fruit of the profound witness of faith by so many people who gave their lives for the faith in the first three centuries of Christianity. This witness, in a sense, prepared the outcome of the Council. For us today, the memory of this witness of faith is the most important thing, because it inspires and strengthens us in the challenges we live in the present.” A moment of faith and witness for the small Catholic community in Turkey (in a country with a large Muslim majority, there are approximately 60,000 Catholics, representing 0.07% of the population) will also be the visit of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for the Feast of Saint Andrew (November 30), although the official announcement has yet to be made. Bishop Kmetec notes: “We are awaiting him in Turkey; all the details and agreements between the Holy See and the Turkish government are currently being finalized. A Vatican delegation already came here in February to prepare for the visit of Pope Francis, whom we remember in prayer, with affection and gratitude. Now we hope with all our hearts that Pope Leo can come: We are confident, there are positive signs, and everything is developing for the best.” If the Pope were to come to Turkey for his first apostolic visit abroad, “it would be a privilege for us,” he notes, but “it would be a great event for the entire nation, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.” “We were struck by the Pope’s first greeting: Peace be with you, the Archbishop concluded. “He proclaimed and will bring us the peace that is the gift of the Risen Christ. We believe that he has an open ear to the realities of the world and will bring a word of peace to a torn world. Let us pray for him that the Holy Spirit may comfort and enlighten him as father, head, and support for us, a small community in Turkey, and for the universal Church.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 27/6/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Eurogroup presidency: three ministers put forward their candidacies

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Three ministers have put forward their candidacy to become president of the Eurogroup:Carlos Cuerpo, Paschal Donohoe and Rimantas Šadžius. The election of the new president will take place at the next meeting of the Eurogroup on 7 July. The president is elected by a simple majority of the Eurogroup ministers, in line with the Treaty’s Protocol 14 on the Eurogroup.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Toyota Begins Construction of Electric Vehicle Plant in Shanghai

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    SHANGHAI, June 27 (Xinhua) — Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation on Friday began construction of a plant to produce Lexus brand electric vehicles in Shanghai, east China.

    The new plant, located in Shanghai’s Jinshan District and also including a battery development and production base, will roll out its first vehicles as early as 2027, with an initial production capacity of 100,000 units per year.

    Jiang Juwang, director of the Jinshan District Investment Promotion Office, said that although Jinshan is not an auto hub, the fact that it is located in the geometric center of the Yangtze River Delta allows it to bring together component suppliers, research and development centers and auto companies based in Shanghai.

    This “one-hour supply chain radius” enables Toyota to make local purchases for key production processes, Jiang Juwang said.

    Remarkably, the entire process from the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement between the Shanghai government and Toyota on April 22 to the start of construction of the plant took just over two months. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: WISeSat.Space on Track to Deploy 100-Satellite Constellation by 2027 in Cooperation with WISekey and SEALSQ

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeSat.Space on Track to Deploy 100-Satellite Constellation by 2027 in Cooperation with WISekey and SEALSQ

    Pioneering One of the World’s Largest Low Earth Orbit Secure Satellite Infrastructures

    Geneva, Switzerland – June 27, 2025- WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that its subsidiary WISeSat.Space, is on target to deploy a 100-satellite constellation by 2027, establishing one of the largest secure low Earth orbit (LEO) infrastructures designed to deliver resilient, sovereign, and encrypted satellite connectivity globally.

    Currently, over 25 WISeSat.Space constellation satellites can be tracked in real time at: https://wisesat.wisekey.com/?tags=WISeSat.

    This expanding constellation provides secure, cost-effective, and real-time IoT connectivity for critical applications across industries, including smart agriculture, energy, logistics, defense, and national security. The architecture is designed with post-quantum encryption and digital identity technologies, ensuring robust cybersecurity in orbit.

    “The future of strategic autonomy starts in space,” said Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey. “In today’s volatile geopolitical and technological climate, having a sovereign satellite infrastructure is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Our 100-satellite goal will make WISeSat.Space a global leader in space-based secure communications.”

    A Strategic Asset for Digital Sovereignty

    The WISeSat.Space initiative aligns with the growing global demand for sovereign space infrastructure as nations and corporations seek to reduce dependency on foreign technologies and protect sensitive data. The constellation provides an independent layer of digital trust to support secure communications, navigation, broadcasting, and data sovereignty.

    A Modular and Scalable Model

    WISeSat.Space satellites are deployed in collaboration with trusted launch partners and manufactured with a “Space-for-Good” philosophy, combining environmental awareness with advanced security protocols. The modular architecture enables rapid scalability to meet evolving global needs.

    About WISeSat.Space

    WISeSat.Space is a joint venture powered by WISeKey and SEALSQ, focused on deploying the world’s first truly secure IoT satellite constellation. Leveraging WISeKey’s trusted root of digital identity and SEALSQ’s post-quantum secure semiconductors, WISeSat.Space is paving the way for a trusted space-based ecosystem for governments, enterprises, and critical infrastructure providers.

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com 

    Media Contact:
    press@wisekey.com
    +41 22 594 30 00
    www.wisesat.space

    WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@theequitygroup.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why energy markets fluctuate during an international crisis

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Skip York, Nonresident Fellow in Energy and Global Oil, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University

    Stock and commodities traders found themselves dealing with various price swings as energy markets responded to Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran. Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Imagesf

    Global energy markets, such as those for oil, gas and coal, tend to be sensitive to a wide range of world events – especially when there is some sort of crisis. Having worked in the energy industry for over 30 years, I’ve seen how war, political instability, pandemics and economic sanctions can significantly disrupt energy markets and impede them from functioning efficiently.

    A look at the basics

    First, consider the economic fundamentals of supply and demand. The risk most people imagine in the current crisis between Israel, the U.S. and Iran is that Iran, which is itself a major oil-producing country, might suddenly expand the conflict by threatening the ability of neighboring countries to supply oil to the world.

    Oil wells, refineries, pipelines and shipping lanes are the backbone of energy markets. They can be vulnerable during a crisis: Whether there is deliberate sabotage or collateral damage from military action, energy infrastructure often takes a hit.

    For instance, after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in August 1990, Iraqi forces placed explosive charges on Kuwaiti oil wells and began detonating them in January 1991. It took months for all the resulting fires to be put out, and millions of barrels of oil and hundreds of millions of cubic meters of natural gas were released into the environment – rather than being sold and used productively somewhere around the world.

    Scenes of Kuwaiti life during and after the Gulf War of 1990 and 1991 include images of oil wells burning as a result of Iraqi sabotage.

    Logistics can mess markets up too. For instance, closing critical maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz or the Suez Canal can cause transportation delays.

    Whether supply is lost from decreased production or blocked transportation routes, the effect is less oil available to the market, which not only causes prices to rise in general, but it also makes them more volatile – tending to change more frequently and by larger amounts.

    On the flip side, demand can also shift radically. During the 1990-1991 Gulf War, demand rose: U.S. forces alone used more than 2 billion gallons of fuel, according to an Army analysis. By contrast, during the COVID-19 pandemic, industries shut down, travel came to a halt and energy demand plummeted.

    When crisis looms, countries and companies often start stockpiling oil and other raw materials rather than buying only what they need right now. That creates even more imbalance, resulting in price volatility that leaves everyone, both consumers and producers, with a headache.

    Regional considerations

    In addition to uncertainties around market fundamentals, it’s important to note that many of the world’s energy reserves are located in regions that have not been models of stability. In the Middle East, wars, revolutions and diplomatic disputes there can raise concerns about supply, demand or both.

    Those worries send shock waves through the world’s energy markets. It’s like walking on a tightrope: One wrong move – or even the perception of a misstep – can make the market wobble.

    Governments’ economic sanctions, such as those restricting trade with Iran, Russia or Venezuela, can distort production and investment decisions and disrupt trade flows. Sometimes markets react even before sanctions are officially in place: Just the rumor of a possible embargo can cause prices to spike as buyers scramble to secure resources.

    In 2008, for example, India and Vietnam imposed rice export bans, and rumors of additional restrictions fueled panic buying and nearly doubled prices in months.

    In those scrambles, the role of investor speculation enters the picture. Energy commodities, such as oil and gas, aren’t just physical resources; they’re also traded as financial assets like stocks and bonds. During uncertain times, traders don’t wait around for actual changes in supply and demand. They react to news and forecasts, sometimes in large groups, which can shift the market just with the actions that result from their fears or hopes.

    The events on June 22, 2025, are a good example of how this dynamic works. The Iranian parliament passed a resolution authorizing the country’s Supreme Council to close the Strait of Hormuz. Immediately, oil prices started rising, even though the strait was still open, with oil tankers steaming through unimpeded.

    The next day, Iran launched a missile strike on Qatar, but coordinated in advance with Qatari officials to minimize damage and casualties. Traders and analysts perceived the action as a de-escalatory signal and anticipated that the Supreme Council was not going to close the strait. So prices started to fall.

    It was a price roller coaster, fueled by speculation rather than reality. And computer algorithms and artificial intelligence, which assist in making automated trades, only add to the chaos of price changes.

    Shipping activity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz decreased after Israel’s attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

    A broader look

    International crises can also cause wider changes in countries’ economies – or the global economy as a whole – which in turn affect the energy market.

    If a crisis sparks a recession, rising inflation or high unemployment, those tend to cause people and businesses to use less energy. When the underlying situation stabilizes, recovery efforts can mean energy consumption resumes. But it’s like a pendulum swinging back and forth, with energy markets caught in the middle.

    Renewable energy is not immune to international crisis and chaos. The supply is less affected by market forces: The amount of available sunlight and wind isn’t tied to geopolitical relations. But overall economic conditions still affect demand, and a crisis can disrupt the supply chains for the equipment needed to harness renewable energy, like solar panels and wind turbines.

    It’s no wonder energy markets are so jittery during international crises. A mix of imbalances between supply and demand, vulnerable infrastructure, political tensions, corporate worries and speculative trading all weave together into a complex web of volatility.

    For policymakers, investors and consumers, understanding these dynamics is key to navigating the ups and downs of energy markets in a crisis-prone world. The solutions aren’t simple, but being informed is the first step toward stability.

    Skip York is a nonresident fellow for Global Oil and Energy with the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. He also is the Chief Energy Strategist at Turner Mason & Company, an energy consulting firm.

    ref. Why energy markets fluctuate during an international crisis – https://theconversation.com/why-energy-markets-fluctuate-during-an-international-crisis-259839

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: What Trump’s budget proposal says about his environmental values

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Stan Meiburg, Executive Director, Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability, Wake Forest University

    The president’s spending proposal doesn’t leave much behind. Alexey Kravchuk/iStock / Getty Images Plus

    To understand the federal government’s true priorities, follow the money.

    After months of saying his administration is committed to clean air and water for Americans, President Donald Trump has proposed a detailed budget for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for fiscal year 2026. The proposal is more consistent with his administration’s numerous recent actions and announcements that reduce protection for public health and the environment.

    To us, former EPA leaders – one a longtime career employee and the other a political appointee – the budget proposal reveals a lot about what Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin want to accomplish.

    According to the administration’s Budget in Brief document, total EPA funding for the fiscal year beginning October 2025 would drop from US$9.14 billion to $4.16 billion – a 54% decrease from the budget enacted by Congress for fiscal 2025 and less than half of EPA’s budget in any year of the first Trump administration.

    Without taking inflation into account, this would be the smallest EPA budget since 1986. Adjusted for inflation, it would be the smallest budget since the Ford administration, even though Congress has for decades given EPA more responsibility to clean up and protect the nation’s air and water; handle hazardous chemicals and waste; protect drinking water; clean up environmental contamination; and evaluate the safety of a wide range of chemicals used in commerce and industry. These expansions reflected a bipartisan consensus that protecting public health and the environment is a national priority.

    The budget process in brief

    Federal budgeting is complicated, and EPA’s budget is particularly so. Here are some basics:

    Each year, the president and Congress determine how much money will be spent on what things, and by which agencies. The familiar aphorism that “the president proposes, Congress disposes” captures the Constitution’s process for the federal budget, with Congress firmly holding the “power of the purse.”

    EPA’s budget can be difficult to understand because individual programs may be funded from different sources. It is useful to consider it as a pie sliced into five main pieces:

    • Environmental programs and management: the day-to-day work of protecting air, water and land.
    • Science and technology: research on pollution, health effects and new environmental tools.
    • Superfund and trust funds: cleaning up contaminated sites and responding to emergency releases of pollution.
    • State and Tribal operating grants: supporting local implementation of environmental laws.
    • State capitalization grants: revolving loans for water infrastructure.

    The Trump administration’s budget proposals for EPA represent a striking retreat from the national goals of clean air and clean water enacted in federal laws over the past 55 years. In the budget document, the administration argues that the federal government has done enough and that the protection of gains already achieved, as well as any further progress, should not be paid for with federal money.

    This budget would reduce EPA’s ability to protect public health and the environment to a bare minimum at best. Most dramatic and, in our view, most significant are the elimination of operating grants to state governments, drastic reductions in funding for science of all kinds, and elimination of EPA programs relating to climate change and environmental justice, which addresses situations of disproportionate environmental harm to vulnerable populations. It would cut regulatory and enforcement activities that the administration sees as inconsistent with fossil energy development. Other proposed changes, notably for Superfund and capitalization grants, are more nuanced.

    These changes to EPA’s regular budget allocation are separate from changes to supplementary EPA funding that have also been in the news, including for projects specified in the Inflation Reduction Act and other specific laws.

    Environmental programs and management

    Funding for basic work to protect the environment and prevent pollution would be cut by 22%. The reductions are not spread equally, however. All activities related to climate change would be eliminated, including the Energy Star program and greenhouse gas reporting and tracking. Funding for civil and criminal enforcement of environmental laws and regulations would be cut by 69% and 50%, respectively.

    The popular Brownfields program would be cut by 50%. Since 1995, $2.9 billion in federal funds have produced public and private investments totaling $42 billion for cleaning and redeveloping contaminated sites, and created more than 200,000 jobs.

    A program to set standards and conduct training for safe removal of lead paint and other lead-containing materials from homes and businesses would be eliminated.

    The administration has been clear that EPA will no longer do environmental justice work, such as funding to monitor toxic air emissions in low-income neighborhoods adjacent to industrial areas. This budget is consistent with that.

    Science and technology

    Scientific support functions would be cut by 34%. The Office of Research and Development would go from about 1,500 staff to about 500 and would be redistributed throughout the agency. This would diminish science that supports not just EPA’s work but that of organizations, industries, health care professionals and public and private researchers who benefit from EPA’s research.

    A former uranium mill in Colorado is just one of the nation’s extremely contaminated Superfund sites awaiting federal money for cleanup.
    RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

    Superfund and other trust funds

    Superfund is by far the largest of EPA’s cleanup trust funds. It allows EPA to clean up contaminated sites. It also forces the parties responsible for the contamination to either perform cleanups or reimburse the government for EPA-led cleanup work. When there is no viable responsible party, Superfund gives EPA the funds and authority to clean up contaminated sites.

    Prior to 2021, Superfund was funded through EPA’s annual budget. In 2021 and 2022, Congress restored taxes on selected chemicals and petroleum products to help pay for Superfund. During the Biden administration, EPA reduced the Superfund’s line in the general budget, with the expectation that the Superfund tax revenues would more than make up for the reduction. Administrator Zeldin, who has said that site cleanup is a priority, is proposing to shift virtually all funding for cleanups to these new tax revenues.

    There is risk in this approach, however. The Superfund tax expires in 2031 and has raised less than Treasury Department predictions in both 2023 and 2024. In fiscal year 2024, available tax receipts were predicted to be $2.5 billion, but only $1.4 billion was collected. Future funding is uncertain because it depends on the amounts of various chemicals that companies actually use. Experts disagree on whether this is significant for the Superfund program. The petrochemical industry, on whom this tax largely falls, is lobbying for its repeal.

    Funds to address leaks at gas station tanks would be cut nearly in half. Funds to clean up oil and petroleum spills would be cut by 24%.

    State operating grants

    The budget proposal seeks to reset the EPA’s relationship with state agencies, which implement the vast majority of environmental regulations.

    EPA has long delegated some of its powers to state environmental agencies, including permitting, inspections and enforcement of regulations that govern air, water and soil pollution. Since the 1970s, EPA has helped fund those activities through basic operating grants that require minimum state contributions and reward larger state investments with additional federal dollars.

    The proposed budget would eliminate all of those grants to states – totaling $1 billion. The document itself explains that federal funding over decades has totaled “hundreds of billions of dollars” and has resulted in programs that “are mature or have accomplished their purpose.”

    States disagree. They note that EPA has delegated 90% of the nation’s environmental protection work to state authorities, and states have accepted that workload based on the expectation of federal funding. The states say reduced funding would greatly diminish the actual work of environmental protection – site inspections, air and water monitoring, and enforcement – across the country.

    State capitalization grants

    Since 1987, EPA has given states money for revolving loan programs that provide low-interest loans to state and local governments to clean up waterways and provide safe drinking water. The proposed budget would cut that funding by 89%, from $2.8 billion to $305 million.

    These capitalization grants were originally envisioned as seed money, with future loans available as the initial and subsequent loans were repaid. But the need for water infrastructure continues to grow, and Congress has for many years allocated additional money to the program.

    In protecting the environment, you get what you pay for. In past years, Congress has refused to accept proposed drastic cuts to EPA’s budget. It remains to be seen whether this Congress will go along with these proposed rollbacks.

    Stan Meiburg is a volunteer with the Environmental Protection Network. He was an employee of the Environmental Protection Agency from 1977 to 2017.

    i have worked at the US EPA twice. During the Obama Administration, i was first principal deputy to the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Air and Radiation and then Acting Assistant Administrator. During the Biden Administration, I was Deputy Administrator. I am also a volunteer with the Environmental Protection Network.

    ref. What Trump’s budget proposal says about his environmental values – https://theconversation.com/what-trumps-budget-proposal-says-about-his-environmental-values-258962

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Cyberattacks shake voters’ trust in elections, regardless of party

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ryan Shandler, Professor of Cybersecurity and International Relations, Georgia Institute of Technology

    An election worker installs a touchscreen voting machine. Ethan Miller/Getty Images

    American democracy runs on trust, and that trust is cracking.

    Nearly half of Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, question whether elections are conducted fairly. Some voters accept election results only when their side wins. The problem isn’t just political polarization – it’s a creeping erosion of trust in the machinery of democracy itself.

    Commentators blame ideological tribalism, misinformation campaigns and partisan echo chambers for this crisis of trust. But these explanations miss a critical piece of the puzzle: a growing unease with the digital infrastructure that now underpins nearly every aspect of how Americans vote.

    The digital transformation of American elections has been swift and sweeping. Just two decades ago, most people voted using mechanical levers or punch cards. Today, over 95% of ballots are counted electronically. Digital systems have replaced poll books, taken over voter identity verification processes and are integrated into registration, counting, auditing and voting systems.

    This technological leap has made voting more accessible and efficient, and sometimes more secure. But these new systems are also more complex. And that complexity plays into the hands of those looking to undermine democracy.

    In recent years, authoritarian regimes have refined a chillingly effective strategy to chip away at Americans’ faith in democracy by relentlessly sowing doubt about the tools U.S. states use to conduct elections. It’s a sustained campaign to fracture civic faith and make Americans believe that democracy is rigged, especially when their side loses.

    This is not cyberwar in the traditional sense. There’s no evidence that anyone has managed to break into voting machines and alter votes. But cyberattacks on election systems don’t need to succeed to have an effect. Even a single failed intrusion, magnified by sensational headlines and political echo chambers, is enough to shake public trust. By feeding into existing anxiety about the complexity and opacity of digital systems, adversaries create fertile ground for disinformation and conspiracy theories.

    Just before the 2024 presidential election, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Jen Easterly explains how foreign influence campaigns erode trust in U.S. elections.

    Testing cyber fears

    To test this dynamic, we launched a study to uncover precisely how cyberattacks corroded trust in the vote during the 2024 U.S. presidential race. We surveyed more than 3,000 voters before and after election day, testing them using a series of fictional but highly realistic breaking news reports depicting cyberattacks against critical infrastructure. We randomly assigned participants to watch different types of news reports: some depicting cyberattacks on election systems, others on unrelated infrastructure such as the power grid, and a third, neutral control group.

    The results, which are under peer review, were both striking and sobering. Mere exposure to reports of cyberattacks undermined trust in the electoral process – regardless of partisanship. Voters who supported the losing candidate experienced the greatest drop in trust, with two-thirds of Democratic voters showing heightened skepticism toward the election results.

    But winners too showed diminished confidence. Even though most Republican voters, buoyed by their victory, accepted the overall security of the election, the majority of those who viewed news reports about cyberattacks remained suspicious.

    The attacks didn’t even have to be related to the election. Even cyberattacks against critical infrastructure such as utilities had spillover effects. Voters seemed to extrapolate: “If the power grid can be hacked, why should I believe that voting machines are secure?”

    Strikingly, voters who used digital machines to cast their ballots were the most rattled. For this group of people, belief in the accuracy of the vote count fell by nearly twice as much as that of voters who cast their ballots by mail and who didn’t use any technology. Their firsthand experience with the sorts of systems being portrayed as vulnerable personalized the threat.

    It’s not hard to see why. When you’ve just used a touchscreen to vote, and then you see a news report about a digital system being breached, the leap in logic isn’t far.

    Our data suggests that in a digital society, perceptions of trust – and distrust – are fluid, contagious and easily activated. The cyber domain isn’t just about networks and code. It’s also about emotions: fear, vulnerability and uncertainty.

    Firewall of trust

    Does this mean we should scrap electronic voting machines? Not necessarily.

    Every election system, digital or analog, has flaws. And in many respects, today’s high-tech systems have solved the problems of the past with voter-verifiable paper ballots. Modern voting machines reduce human error, increase accessibility and speed up the vote count. No one misses the hanging chads of 2000.

    But technology, no matter how advanced, cannot instill legitimacy on its own. It must be paired with something harder to code: public trust. In an environment where foreign adversaries amplify every flaw, cyberattacks can trigger spirals of suspicion. It is no longer enough for elections to be secure − voters must also perceive them to be secure.

    That’s why public education surrounding elections is now as vital to election security as firewalls and encrypted networks. It’s vital that voters understand how elections are run, how they’re protected and how failures are caught and corrected. Election officials, civil society groups and researchers can teach how audits work, host open-source verification demonstrations and ensure that high-tech electoral processes are comprehensible to voters.

    We believe this is an essential investment in democratic resilience. But it needs to be proactive, not reactive. By the time the doubt takes hold, it’s already too late.

    Just as crucially, we are convinced that it’s time to rethink the very nature of cyber threats. People often imagine them in military terms. But that framework misses the true power of these threats. The danger of cyberattacks is not only that they can destroy infrastructure or steal classified secrets, but that they chip away at societal cohesion, sow anxiety and fray citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions. These attacks erode the very idea of truth itself by making people doubt that anything can be trusted.

    If trust is the target, then we believe that elected officials should start to treat trust as a national asset: something to be built, renewed and defended. Because in the end, elections aren’t just about votes being counted – they’re about people believing that those votes count.

    And in that belief lies the true firewall of democracy.

    Anthony DeMattee receives funding from National Science Foundation and various academic institutions. He is the Data Scientist in the Democracy Program at The Carter Center.

    Bruce Schneier and Ryan Shandler do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Cyberattacks shake voters’ trust in elections, regardless of party – https://theconversation.com/cyberattacks-shake-voters-trust-in-elections-regardless-of-party-259368

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York City mayoral primary could ripple across the country

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lincoln Mitchell, Lecturer, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

    New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks to supporters in Brooklyn on May 4, 2025. Madison Swart/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

    Top Republicans and Democrats alike are talking about the sudden rise of 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani, a state representative who won the Democratic mayoral primary in New York on June 24, 2025, in a surprising victory over more established politicians.

    While President Donald Trump quickly came out swinging with personal attacks against Mamdani, some establishment Democratic politicians say they are concerned about how the democratic socialist’s progressive politics could harm the broader Democratic Party and cause it to lose more centrist voters.

    New York is a unique American city, with a diverse population and historically liberal politics. So, does a primary mayoral election in New York serve as any kind of harbinger of what could come in the rest of the country?

    Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with Lincoln Mitchell, a political strategy and campaign specialist who lectures at Columbia University, to understand what Mamdani’s primary win might indicate about the direction of national politics.

    New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, center, greets voters with New York Comptroller Brad Lander, right, on the Upper West Side on June 24, 2025.
    Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

    Does Mamdani’s primary win offer any indication of how the Democratic Party might be transforming on a national level?

    Mamdani’s win is clearly a rebuke of the more corporate wing of the Democratic Party. I know there are people who say that New York is different from the rest of the country. But from a political perspective, Democrats in New York are less different from Democrats in the rest of country than they used to be.

    That’s because the rest of America is so much more diverse than it used to be. But if you look at progressive politicians now in the House of Representatives and state legislatures, they are being elected from all over – not just in big cities like New York anymore.

    Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, ran an absolutely terrible mayoral campaign. He tried to build a political coalition that is no longer a winning one, which was made up of majorities of African Americans, outer-borough white New Yorkers and orthodox and conservative Jews. Thirty or 40 years ago, that was a powerful coalition. Today, it could not make up a majority.

    Mamdani visualized and created what a 2025 progressive coalition looks like in New York and recognized that it is going to look different than the past. Mamdani’s coalition was based around young, white people – many of them with college degrees who are worried about affordability – ideological lefties and immigrants from parts of the Global South, including the Caribbean and parts of Africa, South Asia and South America.

    When you say a new kind of political coalition, what policy priorities bring Mamdani’s supporters together?

    Mamdani reframed what I would call redistributive economic policies that have long been central to the progressive agenda. A pillar of his campaign is affordability – a brilliant piece of political marketing because who is against affordability? He came up with some affordability-related policies that got enough buzz, like promising free buses. Free buses are great, but it won’t help most working and poor New Yorkers get to work – they take the subway.

    He has been very critical of Israel and has weathered charges of antisemitism.

    In the older New York, progressive politicians such as the late Congressman Charlie Rangel were very hawkish on Israel.

    What Mamdani understood is that in today’s America, the progressive wing of the Democratic Party does not care if somebody is, sounds like or comes close to being antisemitic. For those people, calling someone antisemitic sounds Trumpy, and they understand it as a right-wing hit, rather than the legitimate expression of concerns from Jewish people. Some liberals think that claims of antisemitism are simply something done just by those on the right to damage or discredit progressive politicians, but antisemitism is real.

    Therefore, Mamdani’s record on the Jewish issue did not hurt him in the campaign, but he needs to build bridges to Jewish voters, or he will not be able to govern New York City.

    How else did Mamdani appeal to a base of supporters?

    He got the support of “limousine liberals” – including rich, high-profile, progressive people. His supporters include Ella Emhoff, a model and the stepdaughter of Kamala Harris, and the actress Cynthia Nixon, but there were many others. Supporting Mamdani became stylish – almost de rigueur – among certain segments of affluent New York.

    Mamdani is also a true New Yorker and the voice of a new kind of immigrant. His parents are from Uganda and India. But he is also the child of extreme privilege – his mother, Mira Nair, is a well-known filmmaker, and his father is an accomplished professor. Mamdani went to top schools in New York and knows how to play in elite circles, and with white people. He is a Muslim man whose roots are in the Global South, not threatening because he knows how to speak their language.

    But to people of color and immigrants, Mamdani is also one of them. Because of Mamdani’s interesting background, he brought the limousine liberals together with the aunties from Bangladesh.

    Finally, on the charisma scale, Mamdani was so far ahead of other Democratic candidates. Who is going to make better TikTok videos – the good-looking, young man whose mother is a world-famous movie producer, or the older guy who is a loving father and husband but gives off dependable dad, rather than hip young guy, vibes?

    People arrive to vote in the New York mayoral primary in Brooklyn on June 24, 2025.
    Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    Is New York City so distinct that you cannot compare politics there to what happens nationwide?

    I think that nationwide or at the state level there is a potential for something similar to a Mamdani coalition, but not a Mamdani coalition exactly. But in a place like Oklahoma, there are people who are in bad economic shape and who will also respond positively to an affordability-focused, Democratic political campaign. Mamdani remade a progressive New York coalition for this moment. Other progressives politicians should copy the spirit of that and reimagine a winning coalition in their city, state or district.

    When Trump was campaigning, he focused at least on making groceries cheaper. Mamdani is one of the few Democrats who took the affordability issue back from Trump and addressed it head on and in a much more honest and relevant way. Trump has the phrase, “Make America Great Again!” That’s a popular slogan on baseball caps for Trump supporters.

    If Mamdani wanted to make a baseball cap, he could just print “Affordability” on it. Boom.

    Other Democratic politicians can take that approach of affordability and reframe it in a way that works in Kansas City or elsewhere.

    Lincoln Mitchell supported Brad Lander in the primary election.

    ref. How Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York City mayoral primary could ripple across the country – https://theconversation.com/how-zohran-mamdanis-win-in-the-new-york-city-mayoral-primary-could-ripple-across-the-country-259951

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI: Aemetis Biogas Receives CARB Approval for Seven RNG Pathways

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CUPERTINO, Calif., June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas (RNG) and renewable fuels company, announced today that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved provisional pathways under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) for seven dairy digesters built and operated by Aemetis Biogas, a subsidiary of the Company. The pathway approvals are effective as of January 1, 2025. The average carbon intensity for the seven approved pathways is -384, with carbon intensities ranging from -327 to -419.

    “The approval of seven LCFS pathways increases the number of LCFS credits generated by these digesters by approximately 100%,” stated Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “With eleven operating digesters and a four-dairy cluster digester currently being completed, we have additional pathway filings in process that we expect will be approved more quickly than these initial pathways once the LCFS regulatory amendments are adopted this year.”

    With the LCFS first quarter reporting deadline of June 30, 2025, the January 1, 2025, effective date of the new pathways enables Aemetis to immediately obtain the increased LCFS credit quantity for its RNG produced in the first quarter of 2025.

    Aemetis renewable energy and energy efficiency projects include the construction of new dairy digesters expected to generate more than 1 million MMBtu per year of renewable natural gas; the Keyes ethanol plant mechanical vapor recompression system that is expected to generate $32 million of increased annual cash flow starting in 2026; the Riverbank carbon sequestration project to inject 1.4 million tons per year of CO2 per year underground; and the 78 million gallon per year sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel plant that has already received Authority To Construct air permits and other key approvals.

    About Aemetis

    Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Aemetis is a renewable natural gas and renewable fuel company focused on the operation, acquisition, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that replace petroleum products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Founded in 2006, Aemetis is operating and actively expanding a California biogas digester network and pipeline system to convert dairy waste gas into Renewable Natural Gas. Aemetis owns and operates a 65 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in California’s Central Valley near Modesto that supplies about 80 dairies with animal feed. Aemetis owns and operates an 80 million gallon per year production facility on the East Coast of India producing high quality distilled biodiesel and refined glycerin. Aemetis is developing a sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel fuel biorefinery in California that will use renewable hydrogen and hydroelectric power to produce low carbon intensity renewable jet and diesel fuel. For additional information about Aemetis, please visit www.aemetis.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events or other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections of financial results in 2025 and future years; statements relating to the development, engineering, financing, construction and operation of the Aemetis ethanol, biogas, SAF and renewable diesel, and carbon sequestration facilities; our ability to promote, develop, finance, and construct facilities to produce biogas, renewable fuels, and biochemicals; and statements about future market prices and results of government actions. Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “showing signs,” “targets,” “view,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and predictions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth or implied by such forward-looking statements and related assumptions due to certain factors, including, without limitation, competition in the ethanol, biodiesel and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks including those that may result from current weather conditions, financial market risks, customer adoption, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and in our other filings with the SEC. We are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of these forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws.

    Company Investor Relations
    Media Contact:
    Todd Waltz
    (408) 213-0940
    investors@aemetis.com

    External Investor Relations
    Contact:
    Kirin Smith
    PCG Advisory Group
    (646) 863-6519
    ksmith@pcgadvisory.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: 180 Degree Capital Corp. Amends Election of Director Special Meeting Date Pursuant to Shareholder Demand Under New York Business Law

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTCLAIR, N.J., June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 180 Degree Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:TURN) (“180 Degree Capital”) today provides notice to its shareholders that the date of the previously announced special meeting of shareholders for the sole purpose of electing directors (“Director Election Special Meeting”) has been moved to September 15, 2025.

    This change of date resulted from constructive conversations with the shareholders who submitted a demand request on June 17, 2025 (the “Demand Letter”), who acknowledged and understood the concerns of 180 Degree Capital with regard to its goal of minimizing expenses and maximizing net asset value heading into our proposed merger with Mount Logan Capital Inc. (“Mount Logan”) in an all-stock transaction (the “Business Combination”). 180 Degree Capital currently believes that it will secure the required regulatory approvals to be able to hold a special meeting for shareholders to seek approval for the Business Combination, and should such approval be secured, to close the Business Combination prior to the new date of the Director Election Special Meeting.

    In conjunction with the change of the date of the Director Election Special Meeting, 180 Degree Capital has agreed to seek consent from the shareholders who issued the Demand Letter prior to any further changing in the date of the Director Election Special Meeting and to provide at least five (5) days’ notice prior to filing preliminary proxy materials with the SEC on Schedule 14A with respect to the Director Election Special Meeting to Marlton Partners, LP (“Marlton”). Marlton has agreed not to file preliminary proxy materials with respect to the Director Election Special Meeting prior to the filing of 180 Degree Capital’s preliminary proxy materials pertaining to the Director Election Special Meeting.

    About 180 Degree Capital Corp.

    180 Degree Capital Corp. is a publicly traded registered closed-end fund focused on investing in and providing value-added assistance through constructive activism to what we believe are substantially undervalued small, publicly traded companies that have potential for significant turnarounds. Our goal is that the result of our constructive activism leads to a reversal in direction for the share price of these investee companies, i.e., a 180-degree turn. Detailed information about 180 Degree Capital and its holdings can be found on its website at www.180degreecapital.com.

    Press Contact:
    Daniel B. Wolfe
    Robert E. Bigelow
    180 Degree Capital Corp.
    973-746-4500
    ir@180degreecapital.com

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Director Election Special Meeting, 180 Degree Capital intends to file with the SEC a proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Director Election Proxy Statement”), containing a form of WHITE proxy card, with respect to its solicitation of proxies for the Director Election Special Meeting. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DIRECTOR ELECTION PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) FILED BY THE COMPANY AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ANY SOLICITATION. Investors and security holders may obtain copies of these documents and other documents filed with the SEC by the Company free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by the Company are also available free of charge by accessing the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.180degreecapital.com.

    In connection with the agreement and plan of merger among 180 Degree Capital, Mount Logan Capital Inc. (“Mount Logan”), Yukon New Parent, Inc. (“New Mount Logan”), Polar Merger Sub, Inc., and Moose Merger Sub, LLC, dated January 16, 2025, as it may from time to time be amended, modified or supplemented (the “Merger Agreement”) that details the proposed combination of the businesses of 180 Degree Capital and Mount Logan and any other transactions contemplated by and pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement (the “Business Combination”), 180 Degree Capital intends to file with the SEC and mail to its shareholders a proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Business Combination Proxy Statement”), containing a form of WHITE proxy card. In addition, the surviving Delaware corporation, New Mount Logan plans to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that will register the exchange of New Mount Logan shares in the Business Combination and include the Proxy Statement and a prospectus of New Mount Logan (the “Prospectus”). The Business Combination Proxy Statement and the Registration Statement (including the Prospectus) will each contain important information about 180 Degree Capital, Mount Logan, New Mount Logan, the Business Combination and related matters. SHAREHOLDERS OF 180 DEGREE CAPITAL AND MOUNT LOGAN ARE URGED TO READ THE BUSINESS COMBINATION PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS CONTAINED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE APPLICABLE SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT 180 DEGREE CAPITAL, MOUNT LOGAN, NEW MOUNT LOGAN, THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain copies of these documents and other documents filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at https://www.sec.gov and the website maintained by the Canadian securities regulators at www.sedarplus.ca. Copies of the documents filed by 180 Degree Capital are also available free of charge by accessing 180 Degree Capital’s investor relations website at https://ir.180degreecapital.com.

    Certain Information Concerning the Participants

    180 Degree Capital, its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Business Combination and the Director Election Special Meeting. Information about 180 Degree Capital’s executive officers and directors is available in 180 Degree Capital’s Annual Report filed on Form N-CSR for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 13, 2025, and in its proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“2024 Annual Meeting”), which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2024. To the extent holdings by the directors and executive officers of 180 Degree Capital securities reported in the proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting have changed, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Forms 3, 4 or 5 filed with the SEC. These documents are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the 180 Degree Capital shareholders in connection with the Business Combination and the Director Election Special Meeting will be contained in the Business Combination Proxy Statement and the Director Election Proxy Statement, respectively, when each such document becomes available.

    Mount Logan, its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Mount Logan in favor of the approval of the Business Combination. Information about Mount Logan’s executive officers and directors is available in Mount Logan’s annual information form dated March 13, 2025, available on its website at https://mountlogancapital.ca/investor-relations and on SEDAR+ at https://www.sedarplus.com. To the extent holdings by the directors and executive officers of Mount Logan securities reported in Mount Logan’s annual information form have changed, such changes have been or will be reflected on insider reports filed on SEDI at https://www.sedi.com/sedi/. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the Mount Logan shareholders in connection with the Business Combination will be contained in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement when such document becomes available.

    Non-Solicitation

    This letter and the materials accompanying it are not intended to be, and shall not constitute, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of 180 Degree Capital and Mount Logan, may contain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “would,” “forecasts,” “seeks,” “future,” “proposes,” “target,” “goal,” “objective,” “outlook” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and reflect Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s current views about future events. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the benefits of the Business Combination involving Mount Logan and 180 Degree Capital, including future financial and operating results, Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the Business Combination, and other statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to future results of operations, projected cash flow and liquidity, business strategy, payment of dividends to shareholders of New Mount Logan, and other plans and objectives for future operations. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will occur as projected, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the ability to obtain the requisite Mount Logan and 180 Degree Capital shareholder approvals; the risk that Mount Logan or 180 Degree Capital may be unable to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals required for the Business Combination (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect New Mount Logan or the expected benefits of the Business Combination); the risk that an event, change or other circumstance could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination; the risk that a condition to closing of the Business Combination may not be satisfied; the risk of delays in completing the Business Combination; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that synergies from the Business Combination may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the risk that any announcement relating to the Business Combination could have adverse effects on the market price of Mount Logan’s common shares or 180 Degree Capital’s common shares; unexpected costs resulting from the Business Combination; the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; the risk of litigation related to the Business Combination; the risk that the credit ratings of New Mount Logan or its subsidiaries may be different from what the companies expect; the diversion of management time from ongoing business operations and opportunities as a result of the Business Combination; the risk of adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Business Combination; competition, government regulation or other actions; the ability of management to execute its plans to meet its goals; risks associated with the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; changes in economic, financial, political and regulatory conditions; natural and man-made disasters; civil unrest, pandemics, and conditions that may result from legislative, regulatory, trade and policy changes; and other risks inherent in Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s businesses. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports, which 180 Degree Capital has filed or will file from time to time with the SEC and Mount Logan has filed or will file from time to time on SEDAR+.

    Neither Mount Logan nor 180 Degree Capital undertakes any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Any discussion of past performance is not an indication of future results. Investing in financial markets involves a substantial degree of risk. Investors must be able to withstand a total loss of their investment. The information herein is believed to be reliable and has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty is made, expressed or implied, with respect to the fairness, correctness, accuracy, reasonableness or completeness of the information and opinions. The references and link to the website www.180degreecapital.com and mountlogancapital.ca have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release. Neither 180 Degree Capital nor Mount Logan is responsible for the contents of third-party websites.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Personal Income and Outlays, May 2025

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    Personal income decreased $109.6 billion (0.4 percent at a monthly rate) in May, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Disposable personal income (DPI)—personal income less personal current taxes—decreased $125.0 billion (0.6 percent) and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) decreased $29.3 billion (0.1 percent).

    Personal outlays—the sum of PCE, personal interest payments, and personal current transfer payments—decreased $27.6 billion in May. Personal saving was $1.01 trillion in May and the personal saving rate—personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income—was 4.5 percent.

    The decrease in current-dollar personal income in May primarily reflected decreases in government social benefits to persons and in farm proprietors’ income that were partly offset by an increase in compensation.

    The $29.3 billion decrease in current-dollar PCE in May reflected a decrease of $49.2 billion in spending on goods that was partly offset by an increase of $19.9 billion in spending for services.

    From the preceding month, the PCE price index for May increased 0.1 percent. Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index increased 0.2 percent.

    From the same month one year ago, the PCE price index for May increased 2.3 percent. Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index increased 2.7 percent from one year ago.

    Personal Income and Related Measures
    [Percent change from Apr. to May]
    Current-dollar personal income -0.4
    Current-dollar disposable personal income -0.6
    Real disposable personal income -0.7
    Current-dollar personal consumption expenditures (PCE) -0.1
    Real PCE -0.3
    PCE price index 0.1
    PCE price index, excluding food and energy 0.2
    For definitions, statistical conventions, updates to PIO, and more, visit “Additional Information.”

    Next release: July 31, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT
    Personal Income and Outlays, June 2025


    Technical Notes

    Changes in Personal Income and Outlays for May

    The decrease in personal income in May reflected decreases in government social benefits to persons and farm proprietors’ income that were partly offset by an increase in compensation.

    • The decrease in government social benefits to persons was led by Social Security payments, reflecting a decrease in payments associated with the Social Security Fairness Act.
    • The decrease in farm proprietors’ income primarily reflected the pattern of payments from the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program as part of the American Relief Act.
    • The increase in compensation was led by private wages and salaries, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Current Employment Statistics (CES). Wages and salaries in services-producing industries increased $35.9 billion. Wages and salaries in goods‑producing industries increased $7.5 billion.

    Revisions to Personal Income

    Estimates have been updated for January through April, reflecting updated BLS CES data. The revision to Medicaid benefits for April reflects revised information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and new Monthly Treasury Statement data.

    MIL OSI USA News